Sports' Forgotten Heroes

Warren Rogan
  • 5.0 (28)
  • Baseball
  • Updated Semimonthly

Sports' Forgotten Heroes is a tribute to the stars who shaped the games we love to watch and the games we love to play. Sports' Forgotten Heroes is not about reliving the careers of superstars we talk about every day like Muhammed Ali, Jim Brown, Babe Ruth or Michael Jordan. Rather, Sports' Forgotten Heroes is about the stars who have faded away with time. Some were elected to their respective Hall of Fame, others might have had one great season, or just one great game that will live in infamy. Guys like Billy Cannon, Ed Delahanty and Bill Barilko - stars whom time has forgotten.

  1. 5d ago

    172: Charlie Conerly - NFL

    Links referenced in this episode: sportshistorynetwork.comx@SportsFheroesfacebook.cominstagram.com Takeaways: This podcast episode delves into the remarkable career of quarterback Charlie Connerly, who was drafted in the 13th round of the 1945 NFL Draft.Connerly played a pivotal role in leading the New York Giants to four championship games during his illustrious 14-season career from 1948 to 1961.The episode emphasizes the often-overlooked achievements of Connerly, including his unique approach to observing defenses before entering games.Listeners gain insight into the dynamics of the Giants' team during the 1950s, highlighting how Connerly's leadership and character contributed to their success.Connerly's legacy is discussed, particularly his inclusion in a conversation about the most underrated quarterbacks of his era.The podcast concludes with reflections on how history has neglected Connerly's contributions to the NFL, despite his impressive statistics and accolades. Companies mentioned in this episode: Washington RedskinsNew York GiantsBaltimore ColtsChicago BearsOle MissNFL

  2. Aug 25

    171: Preacher Roe - MLB

    Preacher Roe had a cup of coffee with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1938, appearing in just one game. He lasted just 2 2/3 innings and didn't see another #MLB game until 1944 after being traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates. But once he got to Pittsburgh, he became one of the National League's most reliable pitchers. He played with Pittsburgh for four years before being traded to the Brooklyn Dodgers, where he became one of the best pitchers in baseball - period. His 1951 season, when he went 22-3 with a 3.04 ERA, is considered to be one of the best in history. Overall, Roe won 127 games. A four-time All-Star, Roe helped the Dodgers to three National League pennants and went 2-1 with an ERA of just 2.54 over the course of three World Series against the New York Yankees. Yet, as good as Roe was, his career is largely overlooked. On this episode of Sports' Forgotten Heroes, I take a look back at Roe's journey to the Majors, the obstacles he had to overcome, and his near brush with death with my guest, David Jerome, whose new book, "The Life of A Professional Baseball Great From the Ozarks: Preacher Roe." Jerome, who went deep in his research about Roe tells us how Preacher got his nickname, how the family baseball team helped launch his career, and how his other profession, a grade-school teacher, helped shape the man he became. Takeaways: Preacher Rowe's career is a testament to perseverance and overcoming adversity in sports.Rowe's remarkable achievements include leading the Dodgers to three National League pennants in the 1950s.Despite his success, Rowe remains one of the most overlooked pitchers in baseball history.The podcast highlights Rowe's colorful personality and his contributions to the Dodgers' legacy.Listeners learn about the influence of Rowe's early life and upbringing on his baseball career.The episode emphasizes the importance of recognizing lesser-known sports heroes who shaped their games. Links referenced in this episode: sportshistorynetwork.comsportsfh.infomail.commcfarlandbooks.com Companies mentioned in this episode: Sports History NetworkPittsburgh PiratesBrooklyn DodgersNew York YankeesHarding CollegeMcFarland

  3. Aug 11

    170: 1917 All-Star Game/Tim Murnane - MLB

    Yes, there was an All-Star game in Major League Baseball in 1917. In fact, before the All-Star Game became a regular fixture on the baseball calendar in 1933, it wasn't unusual to see some sort of All-Star game, or an exhibition game featuring stars from around baseball. But this game, in 1917, was different. It was staged to honor a baseball giant, Tim Murnane, who not only played the game, but was a manager, an umpire, an executive and a baseball journalist. After he left the diamond behind, Murnane created his own newsletter, "The Boston Referee." It became a must-read for baseball fans and it wasn't too long before the "Boston Globe," scooped up Murnane and he became a sports editor for the legendary newspaper. Years later, Murnane died suddenly at a theatre. Everyone around the sport (and elsewhere) was saddened and wanted to help his family. The Red Sox and many from the baseball world arranged a game to help raise money for Murnane's family. Murnane meant so much to so many that they played the game during the season. Stars left their teams to play in the middle of a pennant race. Tris Speaker, Shoeless Joe Jackson, Ty Cobb, and several others made their way to Fenway Park to take part. On this episode of Sports' Forgotten Heroes, Scott D. Reich, author of the new book, "One Day in September," joins the show for a look back at a very special edition of a baseball All-Star game.

  4. Jul 28

    169: The Sports Tavern - MLB/NFL/NHL/NBA, All Sports

    Links referenced in this episode: sportshistorynetwork.commcfarlandbooks.comsportsfh.infomail.com Takeaways: The inaugural episode of Sports Tavern introduces a new format for discussing sports history topics.In this episode, we explore players deserving of Hall of Fame induction, highlighting their contributions.We reflect on the careers of forgotten sports heroes and their lasting impact on their respective sports.Discussion includes the significance of sports history in understanding contemporary sports culture and fandom.Participants share their unique insights and personal connections to sports history through various narratives.The episode emphasizes the importance of memory and recognition in preserving the legacies of undervalued athletes.

  5. Jul 14

    168 - Bert Sproston - Premier League

    The name Bert Sproston might not ring a bell to many. But his heroics off the pitch are extraordinary. As we celebrate the 2026 World Cup, there isn't a better time to bring Bert's story to the fore than now. Sproston was a star defender for the English National Team when it paid Berlin a visit in 1938 for an exhibition game against the Germans. As expected, England won the game. But that's not what this story is about. While Sproston made his mark with teams such as Leeds United, Manchester City, and Totenham Hotspur (and a few other clubs as well), perhaps his biggest contribution in life is what he did for a Jewish teenager who approached him in Germany after the English had defeated the host team. Rolf Friedland asked Sproston for help ... to help him escape Berlin and Germany during this turbulent time when Hitler was in the process of building his concentration camps and carrying out atrocities beyond imagination. World War II was beckoning, and Friedland needed a way out. He approached Sproston and the English star obliged and helped Friedland escape Nazi Germany just a few months later. In this very unique episode of Sports' Forgotten Heroes, I discuss all of this with three very special guests, beginning with Jenny Leonard and Fiona Thomas, the sisters of John Leonard who recently had a new book published, "Escape From Berlin, England's Bert Sproston and The Football Refugee." Sadly, Leonard passed away prior to the book being published, but his two sisters carry on his legacy and know the story well. Also joining for this special podcast is Alan Freeman, Rolf's son (Rolf later changed his name to Ralph Freeman, and we discuss why during the podcast). Not only is this story about soccer and heroism, we touch upon the political firestorm surrounding this particular timeframe that included England's goal of not being pulled into the War, and their gesture of offering a salute to Hitler not going over as well as they had hoped.

  6. Jun 30

    167: Chuck Klein - MLB

    When Chuck Klein broke into Major League Baseball with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1928, few knew about the power he possessed. In just 64 games, he connected for 11 home runs and hit .360. A great debut. What followed was six of the most prolific seasons in not just Phillies history, but MLB history, too! From 1929 through 1933, he averaged 36 home runs a season, averaged .359 a season, and averaged 138 RBI a season. He won an MVP, won a triple crown, four times he led the National League in total bases, twice in hits, twice in doubles, and he even led the National League in stolen bases one season. As if all that isn't enough, he set the record for most assists as an outfielder with 44 in 1930. Back to total bases, his 445 in 1930 rank fourth all-time, and his 420 in 1932 ranks ninth all-time. Lou Gehrig is the only other player to appear in the top 10 twice. Yet, for all Klein accomplished, his career is largely overlooked. When he played, the Phillies' home field was the Baker Bowl, and it was only 280 feet down the right field line. But the right field wall was 60-feet-tall. Many experts hold the 280-feet against Klein despite the height of the wall. Yet, those same experts don't hold the dimensions of 314 feet down the right field line against left-handed hitters in the Yankees lineup, or the 258 feet down the right field line against Mel Ott of the New York Giants, or the 310 feet in left field with the 37-foot wall in Fenway Park against right-handed batters. Klein's numbers were phenomenal. Klein retired, for good, after the 1944 season with 300 homeruns and a career batting average of .320. Yet, it took until 1980, 36 years after he retired, before he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY, by the Veterans Committee. On this episode of Sports' Forgotten Heroes, the host of Midnight Library of Baseball podcast, Ben Orlando, joins for a terrific discussion about a forgotten baseball great - Chuck Klein.

  7. Jun 16

    166: Baseball & The Korean War - MLB

    Baseball’s golden age collided with one of the most turbulent periods in American history when war broke out on the Korean Peninsula in 1950. In this episode of Sports’ Forgotten Heroes, author Steven P. Gietschier joins the show as we discuss his book, "Warm Summers and Cold Winters," and explore the profound impact the Korean War had on Major League Baseball, its players, and the U.S. Together, we examine how the conflict interrupted careers, sent players from ballparks to battlefields, and forced baseball to navigate the realities of a country once again at war. The discussion highlights the stars who left the game to serve, the opportunities created for younger players, and the ways the Korean War shaped pennant races, team rosters, and baseball’s postwar evolution. Beyond the statistics and standings, this episode explores the personal sacrifices made by players and their families, the relationship between patriotism and professional sports, and why the Korean War’s influence on baseball has often been overshadowed by World War II. Gietschier shares fascinating stories from his research, offering a fresh perspective on a pivotal era when America’s pastime and military service became deeply intertwined. If you enjoy baseball history, military history, and the stories of athletes whose lives extended far beyond the diamond, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Join us as we uncover the little-known connection between Major League Baseball and the Korean War.

  8. Jun 2

    165: Bill Mazeroski - MLB

    The focal point of this podcast episode is a comprehensive examination of the illustrious career of Bill Mazeroski, a Hall of Fame second baseman renowned for his unparalleled defensive prowess and memorable World Series accomplishments. Throughout our discussion, we delve into the profound impact Mazeroski had on the game of baseball, particularly highlighted by his iconic walk-off home run in the 1960 World Series, a moment that remains etched in the annals of sports history. We also explore Mazeroski's exceptional statistics, including his record for the most double plays turned, which showcases his remarkable skill on the field. As we pay tribute to this remarkable athlete, we reflect on his significance not only to the Pittsburgh Pirates but also to the broader landscape of Major League Baseball. Join us as we celebrate the legacy of Bill Mazeroski and the enduring influence of his contributions to the sport. The discussion revolves around the illustrious career of Bill Mazeroski, a revered figure in baseball history, particularly noted for his remarkable defensive prowess and his pivotal role in the 1960 World Series. The podcast begins by paying tribute to Mazeroski, who passed away in February 2026, underscoring his legacy as a second baseman for the Pittsburgh Pirates. The speakers delve into Mazeroski's unique status, not merely as a player celebrated for his batting averages and home runs, but as an exceptional defensive player whose skills transformed the second base position. They highlight his record of double plays and Gold Glove awards, emphasizing that his induction into the Hall of Fame was primarily due to his defensive excellence rather than offensive statistics. The conversation progresses to the iconic moment of his walk-off home run in Game 7 of the 1960 World Series against the New York Yankees, which remains a defining moment in both his career and baseball history. The speakers reflect on the improbability of the Pirates' victory over a formidable Yankees team, establishing Mazeroski's home run as a legendary moment in sports, encapsulating the essence of baseball nostalgia and the significance of individual moments within team sports. Takeaways: Bill Mazeroski, a distinguished second baseman, is renowned for his exceptional defensive skills, earning eight Gold Glove awards throughout his illustrious career.The only walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth inning during World Series Game Seven history was struck by Mazeroski, solidifying his legacy in baseball lore.Mazeroski's remarkable record of 1,706 double plays remains unmatched, highlighting his unparalleled impact on the game defensively.His offensive statistics may not be as impressive, yet Mazeroski's defensive prowess undeniably justifies his induction into the Hall of Fame.Despite his quiet demeanor, Mazeroski's contributions to the Pittsburgh Pirates have cemented him as a beloved figure in the city's sports history.The 1960 World Series, where Mazeroski's dramatic home run secured the championship for the Pirates, stands as a defining moment in baseball history. Links referenced in this episode: sportshistorynetwork.combaseballreference.commcfarlandbooks.comsportsfh.infomail.com Companies mentioned in this episode: Sports History Networkbaseballreference.comAmazonMcFarland Books

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About

Sports' Forgotten Heroes is a tribute to the stars who shaped the games we love to watch and the games we love to play. Sports' Forgotten Heroes is not about reliving the careers of superstars we talk about every day like Muhammed Ali, Jim Brown, Babe Ruth or Michael Jordan. Rather, Sports' Forgotten Heroes is about the stars who have faded away with time. Some were elected to their respective Hall of Fame, others might have had one great season, or just one great game that will live in infamy. Guys like Billy Cannon, Ed Delahanty and Bill Barilko - stars whom time has forgotten.

Information

  • Creator
    Warren Rogan
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    174
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2017 Sports' Forgotten Heroes
  • Show Website
    Sports' Forgotten Heroes

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