Sports History Network

Sports History Network

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Sports History Network episodes

  • Greatest MNF Game, the Toilet Bowl, and the Million Dollar Goal - This DiSH for Nov. 19

    In 2018, the LA Rams and Kansas City Chiefs combined for 105 points and 1001 total yards in the Greatest Monday Night Football game.

    In 1983, the Oregon State Beavers and the Oregon Ducks played in monsoon like conditions and finished in a 0-0 tie.

    In 1978, Philadelphia Eagle Herm Edwards picked up a New York Giants fumble and ran it in for the score in the original 'Miracle at the Meadowlands.'

    In 1989, the US Men's National Team beat Trinidad-Tobago 1-0 to advance to the 1990 World Cup. Paul Caligiuri scored the lone goal. That goal turned out to be extremely important for several reasons.

    In 1969, Pelé scored career goal number 1000.

    In 1995, the Baltimore Stallions became the only US based team to win the CFL's Grey Cup.

    22 min
  • Inside the NFL: Analyzing Week 12 Matchups and Outcomes
    Chiefs in Trouble? Week 11 Reflections & Week 12 Bold Predictions

    The 2025 NFL season is flying by! Week 11 is wrapped, leaving the AFC playoff picture in chaos, and Week 12 is upon us. Darin Hayes of Pigskin Dispatch and analyst Ed Kleese returned to the Pig Pen to discuss the Chiefs’ unexpected struggles and lay down their biggest Bold Predictions for the coming slate of games.


    📉 Ed's Take: The Chiefs’ Nine-Year Dynasty is Ending

    The most significant takeaway from Week 11, according to Ed Kleese, was the Denver Broncos’ win over the Kansas City Chiefs.

    Ed asserts that this loss is bigger than just one game; it signals a major shift in the AFC. The Chiefs are now 5-5 and have suffered losses to all the teams they're competing with for a Wild Card spot (Broncos, Chargers, Bills, and Jaguars).

    "They will not be playing any home games at Arrowhead in the playoffs this year for the first time in a decade. That is a huge change."

    Ed now believes the Chiefs will not win the AFC and are no longer a sure bet for the playoffs, meaning the AFC is now "open season" for other contenders. Darin agreed, noting that Denver head coach Sean Payton exposed a successful blueprint for beating the Chiefs: running the ball, eating the clock, and keeping Patrick Mahomes off the field.

    📊 Week 11 Results: Darin Takes the Lead

    While the Chiefs stumbled, Darin Hayes delivered his best week of predictions yet, flipping the script and snatching the overall lead.

    Darin Hayes' Week 11 Results: 8 PointsPick Details Outcome Points
    1. Lions at Eagles-Lions win Incorrect 0
    2. Bears at Vikings-Bears win & DeAndre Swift over 100 yards. Correct (Nailed both)2
    3. Bills at Buccaneers-Bills win & Josh Allen 4+ TDs. Correct (Nailed both)2
    4. Rams at Seahawks-Rams win & force 4 turnovers. Correct (Nailed both)2
    5. Panthers at Falcons-Panthers win by 10+Bonus (Panthers won)2

    Total Week 11 Score 8 - Overall Total 53

    Ed Kleese's Week 11 Results: 6 Points

    Pick Details Outcome Points

    1. Bears at Vikings.Vikings win Incorrect 0
    2. Rams at Seahawks.Seahawks win Incorrect 0
    3. Chargers at Jaguars.Jaguars win.Correct2
    4. Giants at Packers.Jameis fun/Packers win late.Correct (Giants had ball in the red zone late)2
    5. Raiders at Cowboys.Cowboys win easily.Correct2

    Total Week 11 Score 6 - Overall Total 52

    Darin now leads Ed by a single point, 53-52, as the season heads into its final third.
    🔮 Week 12 Bold Predictions

    The analysts now turn their attention to a critical Week 12 slate.

    Ed Kleese's Week 12 Bold PredictionsGame Bold Prediction Rationale
    1. Bills at Texans.Bills win in a close one. The Bills will pull it out late, as missing the injured C.J. Stroud makes it too tough for Houston's offense, despite their good defense. Less than 40 total points will be scored in the game.
    2. Cardinals at Jaguars.The Cardinals upset the Jaguars. This will be a tough, unpredictable loss for the Jags, cementing their "roller coaster" path that will see them miss the playoffs.
    3. Steelers at Bears. The Steelers win in a close one in Chi-Town.
    4. Eagles at Cowboys. The Cowboys beat the Eagles. Ed likes the additions Dallas has made on defense (Easley, Wilson) and how they will neutralize the Eagles’ running attack.
    5. Seahawks vs Titans.Seahawks bounce back from a loss last week to beat Tennessee by 20 plus points

    Darin Hayes' Week 12 Bold Predictions

    Game Bold Prediction Rationale

    1. Bills at Texans.Bills sneak past Texans with a late field goal; total score under 35 points.Similar to Ed's pick, but adds the bold layer of a low-scoring defensive struggle (less than 35 total points).
    2. Cardinals at Jaguars. The Cardinals upset the Jaguars. Arizona, led by Brissett, has been surprisingly competitive and will capitalize on the Jags' erratic form.
    3. Chiefs at Colts. The Colts win by 10 or more points. The Colts are one of the hottest teams in the NFL, and the shaken Chiefs can no longer be trusted to "figure it out" against good opponents.
    4. Eagles at Cowboys. The Cowboys beat the Eagles. The defensive additions Dallas made to shore up their run defense will be the deciding factor in neutralizing Philadelphia's primary strength.
    5. Buccaneers at Rams. Buccaneers win by 10 or more points. The Rams are due for a "hangover" after their emotional win last week, giving the Bucs a significant edge.

    The duo will return next week to break down these predictions and preview the Thanksgiving Day slate of games.

    Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch website to see even more Positive football news!

    Don't forget to check out and subscribe to the Pigskin Dispatch YouTube channel for additional content and the regular Football History Minute Shorts.

    Miss our football by the day of the year podcasts, well don't, because they can still be found at the Pigskin Dispatch website.

    47 min
  • History of the Bayou Classic with Tom Aiello

    There are certain college football rivalries that resonate around the country. 

    There is Michigan vs. Ohio State, Alabama vs. Auburn and Notre Dame vs USC just to name a few. 

    However, there is another football rivalry based in Louisiana that over the years has become more than just a battle for bragging rights between two institutions. It has become the cornerstone event for both a city, and a culture. 

    In this all new edition of the Historically Speaking Sports podcast, the Sports History podcast that gives you the sports for back in the day, we will talk with author Tom Aiello and his book the History of the Bayou Classic. 

    The annual game between the Grambling State Tigers and the Southern University Jaguars evokes memories of great coaching matchups which featured the great Eddie Robinson and incomparable players on both sides with a good number of them reaching the pro football hall of fame. 

    Even though the game known as the Bayou Classic has been around since 1974, the rivalry between Southern and Grambling goes back nearly a century with a very interesting history and back story. 

    Along with the game there is a number of other events connected with the bayou classic that includes the Greek Show, job fair and the famous Battle of the bands. 

    Yet of course, what makes the game are the players. And some of the greatest players in NFL history have played in this game. In our shout out segment, we will highlight some of the players that have stared in this annual game that has become the biggest and most important football rivalry in the state of Louisiana. 

    All that and more in this all new edition of the historically Speaking Sports here on the sports history network.

    To contact the show, please e-mail us at [email protected]

    Here is the link to Tom Aiello's books: https://www.thomasaiellobooks.com/

    1 hr 50 min
  • Episode 275 - Bill Laimbeer

    Bill Laimbeer was one of the biggest villains in NBA history. He was an easy player to hate if you were not a fan of the Detroit Pistons. However, he was a player who grew up with luxury and privilege in Southern California. So where did he develop his attitude on the court? Today we share that story.

    CREDITS

    Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice

    Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher

     

    MUSIC

    "Take Care" by Julian Avila

    "Horizons" by Roa

     

    SPORTS HISTORY NETWORK

    sportshistorynetwork.com

    sportshistorynetwork.com/podcasts/basketball-history-101/

     

    FACEBOOK

    m.facebook.com/Basketball-History-101-103801581493027/

     

    BUSINESS CONTACT

    [email protected]

    15 min
  • 1970 & 1971 Minnesota Vikings

    Yesterday's Sports is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.

    EPISODE SUMMARY

    Here’s a question I often hear, especially from Minnesota Vikings fans: Would the 1970 and/or 1971 Vikings have won the Super Bowl if they had Joe Kapp or Fran Tarkenton at quarterback? Here’s my answer: First, I should point out that the Vikings lost one Super Bowl with Joe Kapp and three with Fran Tarkenton. So, maybe a better question is, would they have reached the Super Bowl with a better quarterback?

    You can read the full blog post here.

    YESTERDAY'S SPORTS BACKGROUND

    Host Mark Morthier grew up in New Jersey just across the river from New York City during the 1970s, a great time for sports in the area. He relives great moments from this time and beyond, focusing on football, baseball, basketball, and boxing. You may even see a little Olympic Weightlifting in the mix, as Mark competed for eight years. See Mark's book below.

    No Nonsense, Old School Weight Training: A Guide For People With Limited Time

    Running Wild: (Growing Up In The 1970s)

    13 min
  • Two Games of the Century, Joe Theisman's career-ending injury, and the Shortest Title Fight - This DiSH for Nov. 18

    In 2006, #1 Ohio State vs. #2 Michigan in the 'Game of the Century.' There were 81 combined points and 900 combined total yards.

    In 1967, #1 UCLA vs. #2 USC in the 'Game of the Century.' OJ Simpson had the game winning score on one of the greatest runs in college football.

    In 1985, New York LB Lawrence Taylor sacked Washington QB Joe Theisman. The result was a comminuted compound fracture of the tibia and the fibula. Theisman never played again.

    In 2017, South Africa’s Zolani Tete won his WBO bantamweight title fight over fellow countryman Siboniso Gonya in 11-seconds.

    In 1966, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Sandy Koufax retired a few weeks after the Dodgers won the World Series and he'd won the Cy Young.

    In 1962, former Major League Baseball player Ed Moyer died. On the same day, future Major League player Jamie Moyer was born. Those are the only two players named Moyer to ever play in the MLB.

    16 min
  • Tim Brown on the Art of Ball Recovery in Football

    The episode presents a thorough examination of the evolution of defensive strategies in American football, with a particular focus on the tactics employed for fumble recovery. Speaker A, in conversation with Timothy P. Brown, articulates the fundamental premise of modern defensive play: to neutralize offensive threats by regaining possession of the football. The dialogue illuminates the historical context of fumble recoveries, tracing back to the early days of football when defenses had the opportunity to advance recoveries, a practice rooted in the sport's rugby ancestry.

    A salient point of discussion is the pivotal rule instituted in 1929 that restricted defenses from advancing fumbles, thereby altering the tactical considerations for both offenses and defenses. This modification not only impacted gameplay but also instigated a cultural perception shift regarding the act of 'stealing' the ball. The episode explores the implications of this rule change, highlighting how it led to the development of a new vocabulary surrounding defensive actions and how certain maneuvers were judged in terms of sportsmanship. Anecdotes regarding players like Chuck Taylor serve to exemplify the evolution of athleticism and the admiration for players who showcased remarkable skill in recovering fumbles and scoring.

    Furthermore, the conversation delves into the historical significance of various plays, notably the hook and lateral, and discusses how its recognition has evolved over time. The narrative elaborates on the return to allowing defenses to advance fumbles in college football, marking a significant shift that resonates with earlier practices and embodies a return to a more fluid and dynamic style of play. This exploration of both historical and contemporary football dynamics invites listeners to engage with the sport on a deeper level, fostering a greater appreciation for the intricate relationship between rules, strategies, and the ethos of American football. Through this discourse, the episode not only informs but also enriches the listener's understanding of the game as a historical and cultural phenomenon.

    Takeaways:

    • Modern football defenses aim to thwart offensive plays primarily by reclaiming possession of the ball.
    • Tim Brown elucidates historical strategies employed by defenses to recover fumbles effectively.
    • The podcast explores the evolution of football rules regarding the advancement of fumbles by defenses over the years.
    • A significant rule change in 1929 prohibited defenses from advancing fumbles, altering game dynamics substantially.
    • Historically, the act of 'stealing the ball' from an opponent was considered unsportsmanlike conduct during early football.
    • The term 'scoop and score' emerged in the 1990s, marking a shift in defensive strategies in college football.

    Companies mentioned in this episode:

    • Tim Brown
    • footballarchaeology.com
    • Darrin Hayes
    • pigskindispatch.com
    • University of Pennsylvania
    • Chuck Taylor
    • Web Eubank
    • Boise

    Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch website to see even more Positive football news!

    Don't forget to check out and subscribe to the Pigskin Dispatch YouTube channel for additional content and the regular Football History Minute Shorts.

    Miss our football by the day of the year podcasts, well don't, because they can still be found at the Pigskin Dispatch website.

    16 min
  • The Heidi Game, Detroit Lion Mike Utley paralyzed, and a 144 holes to the Big Check - This DiSH for Nov. 17

    In 1968, the dramatic finish to the New York Jets vs. Oakland Raiders game was not seen on the east coast, replaced by the made for NBC movie "Heidi."

    In 1991, Detroit Lions offensive lineman Mike Utley was paralyzed during a game against the LA Rams.

    In 1973, Miller Barber won the 144-hole World Open Golf Championship.

    In 1990, Houston's David Klingler threw 11 TDs in a game against Eastern Washington.

    In 1959, Syracuse's Jim Brown scored 43 points in his final collegiate game to break the NCAA record. It has since been topped by three others.

    14 min
  • The Baltic League: A Growing Hub for American Football

    This episode features a great chat with James Baxenfield about how American football got started and is growing in the Baltic countries, especially Estonia.

    James explains that football first popped up in Estonia right after the Soviet Union broke up around 1989. It started very small—just informal games with whatever equipment people could find.

    Now, things are much more organized. Over the last couple of decades, American football has become a more structured sport, with a rising number of local amateur teams and leagues. This growth is largely thanks to dedicated people in the communities who have worked hard to build a football culture.

    James also talks about the Baltic League, which includes teams from Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. This league is really important for getting American football noticed in the region. The sport still struggles because other games are much more popular, but teams like the Tartu Titans and the Vilnius Iron Wolves show the competitive and friendly spirit of this developing football scene.

    Finally, the discussion gives a sneak peek at James Baxenfield's new podcast, 'Gridiron Baltic'. His show will dive deep into the history and current status of American football in the Baltics, sharing local stories and helping people understand the sport's unique journey in that part of the world. It's a great chance to learn about a cool, developing corner of football history.

    Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch website to see even more Positive football news!

    Don't forget to check out and subscribe to the Pigskin Dispatch YouTube channel for additional content and the regular Football History Minute Shorts.

    Miss our football by the day of the year podcasts, well don't, because they can still be found at the Pigskin Dispatch website.

    Takeaways:

    • Football's popularity is surging in America and across the globe, including the Baltic region.
    • The upcoming podcast, Gridiron Baltic, will explore American football's history in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
    • Local teams in Estonia are competing in the Baltic League, which showcases regional football talent.
    • Flag football is gaining traction in Estonia, with new teams forming to promote the sport.
    • The first American football games in Estonia occurred in 1989 after the Soviet Union's dissolution.
    • The podcast aims to increase visibility for American football in the Baltic region, reflecting its growing popularity.

    26 min
  • The Miracle at Jordan-Hare, Irish end Sooners' 47-game winning streak, and Mel Gray's Phantom Catch - This DiSH for Nov. 16

    In 2013, two weeks before the 'Kick Six', Auburn had another miracle finish to beat Georgia.

    In 1957, the Oklahoma Sooners lost for the first time in four years.

    In 1975, St. Louis Cardinal receiver Mel Gray caught the game tying touchdown, but it was more a phantom catch than a real catch. The Cardinals won in OT.

    In 2023, the Philadelphia Eagles released a player that hadn’t played for them for 29 years.

    In 2008, the Eagles and Cincinnati Bengals ended a game tied 13-13. Philly QB Donovan McNabb didn't know that ties were still a thing in the NFL and admitted as much in postgame comments. He regretted that.

    16 min

About Sports History Network

From the publisher's feed

The Sports History Network was founded in May of 2020 to bring together podcasters and bloggers covering the history of sports. Our mission is to create the Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear by…