Yesterday's Sports

Sports History Network

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. Yesterday's Sports is part of the Sports History Network.

  1. 1972 Los Angeles Lakers

    May 26

    1972 Los Angeles Lakers

    Yesterday's Sports is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear. YESTERDAY'S SPORTS HOME PAGE EPISODE SUMMARY From 1949 to 1954, the Minneapolis Lakers won five NBA titles. They reached the Finals again in 1959 but lost to the Celtics. The Lakers moved to LA before the start of the 1960-1961 season. They reached the NBA Finals again in 1962 and 1963, but lost to the Celtics both times. They also lost to Boston in 1965, 66, 68, and 69. In 1970, they lost to the New York Knicks. From 1955 to 1971, the Lakers made the postseason every year except in 1958, but they did not win an NBA title. Would 1972 finally be the year? Many doubted it. For starters, forward Elgin Baylor, widely regarded as one of the NBA's best players, retired nine games into the season. Center Wilt Chamberlain was 35 and, while still dominant, was showing signs of slowing down. Guard Jerry West was 33 and returning from a torn knee ligament. Before the start of the season, Bill Sharman, a former Celtics player, was named head coach. The starting lineup featured Chamberlain at center, West and Gale Goodrich at guard, and Jim McMillian and Happy Hairston at forward..... 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)

    10 min
  2. 1940s Chicago Bears: A Decade of Dominance (Part 3)

    Apr 28

    1940s Chicago Bears: A Decade of Dominance (Part 3)

    Yesterday's Sports is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear. YESTERDAY'S SPORTS HOME PAGE EPISODE SUMMARY Step back in time to an era of leather helmets and legendary grit as Mark chronicles the 1940s Chicago Bears, the original "Monsters of the Midway." This decade marked a period of unparalleled dominance where George Halas built a juggernaut that defined professional football. From the historic 73-0 dismantling of the Washington Redskins in the 1940 Championship to the innovative T-formation that revolutionized the game, Mark explores how the Bears captured four NFL titles and appeared in five championship games, cementing their status as the league's premier dynasty. We dive deep into the storied careers of Hall of Famers like Sid Luckman, the quarterback who transformed the passing game, and the versatile George McAfee, whose explosive speed made him a threat every time he touched the ball. Listen as Mark recounts the "Golden Era" stars—from the bruising Bronko Nagurski to the ball-hawking Bulldog Turner—and examine how the team navigated the challenges of World War II, including the emotional backdrop of the Pearl Harbor attack and the player shortages that forced legends out of retirement. This 3-part series is a nostalgic journey through a decade where the Bears averaged nearly nine wins a season and turned Wrigley Field into a fortress of football excellence. Whether it’s the fierce rivalry with the Green Bay Packers or the heartbreaking season finales against the cross-town Cardinals, we bring the 1940s back to life with vivid detail. Relive the stats, the stories, and the sheer dominance of a team that ended the decade with a staggering 86-23-3 record, proving they were truly the kings of the gridiron. 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)

    30 min
  3. 1940s Chicago Bears: A Decade of Dominance (Part 2)

    Apr 21

    1940s Chicago Bears: A Decade of Dominance (Part 2)

    Yesterday's Sports is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear. YESTERDAY'S SPORTS HOME PAGE EPISODE SUMMARY Step back in time to an era of leather helmets and legendary grit as Mark chronicles the 1940s Chicago Bears, the original "Monsters of the Midway." This decade marked a period of unparalleled dominance where George Halas built a juggernaut that defined professional football. From the historic 73-0 dismantling of the Washington Redskins in the 1940 Championship to the innovative T-formation that revolutionized the game, Mark explores how the Bears captured four NFL titles and appeared in five championship games, cementing their status as the league's premier dynasty. We dive deep into the storied careers of Hall of Famers like Sid Luckman, the quarterback who transformed the passing game, and the versatile George McAfee, whose explosive speed made him a threat every time he touched the ball. Listen as Mark recounts the "Golden Era" stars—from the bruising Bronko Nagurski to the ball-hawking Bulldog Turner—and examine how the team navigated the challenges of World War II, including the emotional backdrop of the Pearl Harbor attack and the player shortages that forced legends out of retirement. This 3-part series is a nostalgic journey through a decade where the Bears averaged nearly nine wins a season and turned Wrigley Field into a fortress of football excellence. Whether it’s the fierce rivalry with the Green Bay Packers or the heartbreaking season finales against the cross-town Cardinals, we bring the 1940s back to life with vivid detail. Relive the stats, the stories, and the sheer dominance of a team that ended the decade with a staggering 86-23-3 record, proving they were truly the kings of the gridiron. 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)

    15 min
  4. 1940s Chicago Bears: A Decade of Dominance (Part 1)

    Apr 14

    1940s Chicago Bears: A Decade of Dominance (Part 1)

    Yesterday's Sports is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear. YESTERDAY'S SPORTS HOME PAGE EPISODE SUMMARY Step back in time to an era of leather helmets and legendary grit as Mark chronicles the 1940s Chicago Bears, the original "Monsters of the Midway." This decade marked a period of unparalleled dominance where George Halas built a juggernaut that defined professional football. From the historic 73-0 dismantling of the Washington Redskins in the 1940 Championship to the innovative T-formation that revolutionized the game, Mark explores how the Bears captured four NFL titles and appeared in five championship games, cementing their status as the league's premier dynasty. We dive deep into the storied careers of Hall of Famers like Sid Luckman, the quarterback who transformed the passing game, and the versatile George McAfee, whose explosive speed made him a threat every time he touched the ball. Listen as Mark recounts the "Golden Era" stars—from the bruising Bronko Nagurski to the ball-hawking Bulldog Turner—and examine how the team navigated the challenges of World War II, including the emotional backdrop of the Pearl Harbor attack and the player shortages that forced legends out of retirement. This 3-part series is a nostalgic journey through a decade where the Bears averaged nearly nine wins a season and turned Wrigley Field into a fortress of football excellence. Whether it’s the fierce rivalry with the Green Bay Packers or the heartbreaking season finales against the cross-town Cardinals, we bring the 1940s back to life with vivid detail. Relive the stats, the stories, and the sheer dominance of a team that ended the decade with a staggering 86-23-3 record, proving they were truly the kings of the gridiron. 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)

    16 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

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. Yesterday's Sports is part of the Sports History Network.