Sports History Network

Sports History Network

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 providing a “home field advantage” for our partners by helping them “fill their stadiums” with fans of their work.

  1. 7h ago

    Official PFRA Podcast welcomes Paul Maguire

    The Official PFRA Podcast is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear. LINKS The Official PFRA Podcast Website The Professional Football Researchers Association Website EPISODE SUMMARY Former Broadcaster & Charger/Bill Paul Maguire joins the Pod! THE OFFICIAL PFRA PODCAST BACKGROUND The Professional Football Researchers Association (PFRA) was founded in Canton, Ohio in 1979 to foster the study of professional football as a significant and athletic institution; to establish an accurate historical account of professional football; and to disseminate research information. In each episode of The Official PFRA Podcast, co-hosts George Bozeka and Jon Bozeka will discuss the storied history of pro football, including interviews with prominent pro football historians and authors, and former players. Born in Canton within walking distance of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, George is the current President of the PFRA. He has had a number of articles published in the PFRA’s official magazine The Coffin Corner and he is the lead editor for the PFRA’s Great Teams in Pro Football History book series. Jon has been a radio broadcaster in the Canton area since 2014. He has been involved in every facet of radio sports coverage including play-by-play and color commentary for local high school and college football broadcasts. He is also a stringer for CBS Radio’s Eye on Sports show covering all Cleveland Browns Sunday home games.

  2. 17h ago

    Revealing the Forgotten Origins of the Cal–Stanford "Big Game"

    I spoke with Timothy Brown of FootballArchaeology.com and we trace the Cal–Stanford rivalry to 1892, which produced the first intercollegiate game west of the Rockies. I explain that Cal played clubs and schools in winter and spring until Stanford’s arrival shifted the season, and that early contests sometimes used rugby rules. I recount striking details, including a game at the Haight Street Grounds that was delayed 75 minutes because no one brought a ball and the existence of a “Little Big Game” for freshmen. I note that safety and rule controversies in 1906 led many institutions to suspend football, and that Cal and Stanford resumed varsity play in 1915 and 1919 respectively. I invite listeners to consult footballarchaeology.com for additional research and archival material. 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. Do you want more football history? Test your Gridiron Knowledge, we feed you Daily with our new FREE activity, The Pigskin Trivia Drive. Grab a copy of our latest book, "Marooned," on the 1925 Pottsville Maroons NFL franchise saga. *OR* Grab a copy of our book on Western Pennsylvania football history, "World's Greatest Gridiron Team" on the 1903 Franklin All-Stars Drop us a line at PigskinDispatch@gmail .com and check out and subscribe to the Pigskin Dispatch YouTube channel. Contact us directly at PigskinDispatch@Gmail.com Miss our football by the day of the year podcasts, well, don't because they can still be found at the Pigskin Dispatch website.

    Revealing the Forgotten Origins of the Cal–Stanford "Big Game"
  3. 22h ago

    Gridiron Greats Magazine The Podcast #180

    Gridiron Greats Magazine podcast is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear. EPISODE SUMMARY With Special Guest University of Tennessee Football Historian and Collector Bill Harb GRIDIRON GREATS MAGAZINE BACKGROUND Gridiron Greats covers 150+ years of North American football history and memorabilia. It was founded in 2002 and published by Franklin Rose who then turned over to Bob Swick and Swick Enterprises starting with Issue 23. Editor and publisher, Bob Swick has been collecting football cards since 1965. He has written about football cards and memorabilia since 1990 for several major sports collecting publications including Sports Collectors Digest and had his own column, Turning The Pages. He self-published Bob Swick’s Football Times in the 1990s; he has been interviewed in Tuff Stuff, the Giants Report, the Packers Report, and the Beckett Football Monthly magazine. He has also been a contributor to the Beckett Annual Football Price Guide. Bob also collects programs, yearbooks, media guides, ticket stubs, pocket schedules, and team photos of the Green Bay Packers, of which he is a shareholder. He is also a member of The Professional Football Researchers Association. Bob brings his expertise to the magazine in the form of his love of all things football-related. His BA in journalism and MS in Economics brings a unique focus to the niche of football memorabilia and history. We want to thank everyone who takes the time to subscribe to and support Gridiron Greats Magazine. Besides our knowledgeable, generous contributors and most talented illustrator, Jared Kraus, all administrative activities are performed by Bob Swick and his wife, Brenda. Thank you all for your support. We are ever so grateful. See our Contributors page for a bio on some of our fantastic writers. Without them, this magazine would not exist. We are grateful for their continuing support. If you would like to be a contributing writer, or subscriber or want to advertise in Gridiron Greats, please contact the Publisher via the information above. Portions of the material presented are the opinion of the contributing writers and not necessarily those of Swick Enterprises, LLC. CONTACT US If you are interested in any particular football topic that you would like to either see featured in Gridiron Greats or would like to write about, and if you have a Super Collection you want to be considered for an upcoming publication please feel free to contact Bob via email.

  4. 1d ago

    The 1990 Oakland A's with Jeff from Two Strike Noise

    On this episode, we welcome Jeff from the popular "Two Strike Noise" podcast to discuss his lifelong A’s devotion and his favorite Oakland team of all time, the 1990 World Series squad. We have a blast taking a look at those eccentric characters that littered the roster including Rickey Henderson, José Canseco, Gene Nelson, Dave Stewart, and Dennis Eckersley. We also answer the question if Tony La Russa was (at times) asleep at the wheel when managing this super squad (especially during Nolan Ryan's 6th no-hitter). The Mixtape: 90s Sports Edition is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear. The Mixtape: 90s Sports Edition Home Page THE MIXTAPE BACKGROUND Step into the time machine with hosts Scott and Derek as they dissect the most electrifying decade in sports history. 90s Sports Mixtape is your weekly deep dive into the era that gave us legendary dynasties, iconic athletes, and unforgettable controversies. Each episode explores the stories behind the headline, from championship runs to shocking scandals, from breakthrough moments to career-defining performances. Each week on 90s Sports Mixtape, this Texas duo will break down the championships, controversies, and cultural moments that made the '90s unforgettable. Whether it's Jordan's Bulls, Aikman’s Cowboys, or the Trial of the Century of OJ Simpson, no topic is off limits. Expect deep dives, hot takes, and the kind of passionate arguments that only two friends who've been rehashing these debates for decades can bring. Subscribe now and relive the decade that changed sports forever. HOSTS - SCOTT & DEREK Scott and Derek first met at Blockbuster Video in college bonding over their shared love of The Big Lebowski. But during those long, minimum-wage shifts stacking copies of Armageddon, they quickly realized they had a deeper love for the sports of their childhood, and the players and teams they idolized. From Pete Rose to Nolan Ryan, and from Larry Bird to Hakeem Olajuwon, these two Texans have spent countless hours debating the top players and thrilling moments of their favorite decade of sports, making them ideal hosts of The Mixtape: 90s Sports Edition.

    The 1990 Oakland A's with Jeff from Two Strike Noise
  5. 1d ago

    We Unpack the True Origins of the Redskins and Commanders

    I welcome author Mike Richman to unpack his Washington Pro Football Encyclopedia, Redskins and Commanders, the definitive history that traces the team name origins, helmet logo evolution, and the recent return of Native American imagery. Mike explains that the Redskins name arose from three factors: a move to Fenway and a link to the Red Sox, the hiring of coach Lone Star Dietz and Native players, and a 1929 silent film titled Redskin. We review the many helmet designs over time, including the spear, the single R, and the composite chief portrait that became the long‑standing logo. He highlights the book’s new material, which adds season summaries through 2025, expanded player biographies, and sidebars on events such as Sean Taylor’s death and Alex Smith’s recovery. I note that the franchise has begun restoring traditional burgundy and gold, that Redskins merchandise recently sold out to retain the trademark, and that further restoration of imagery or the name may occur with the new stadium. 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. Do you want more football history? Test your Gridiron Knowledge, we feed you Daily with our new FREE activity, The Pigskin Trivia Drive. Grab a copy of our latest book, "Marooned," on the 1925 Pottsville Maroons NFL franchise saga. *OR* Grab a copy of our book on Western Pennsylvania football history, "World's Greatest Gridiron Team" on the 1903 Franklin All-Stars Drop us a line at PigskinDispatch@gmail .com and check out and subscribe to the Pigskin Dispatch YouTube channel. Contact us directly at PigskinDispatch@Gmail.com Miss our football by the day of the year podcasts, well, don't because they can still be found at the Pigskin Dispatch website.

    We Unpack the True Origins of the Redskins and Commanders
  6. 2d ago

    This Week in NDN All-Stars History: Johnny Bench, Jim Thorpe, Tom Longboat & More

    NDN All-Stars is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear. EPISODE SUMMARY This week, October 18–24, we're revisiting some remarkable moments in Native American sports history. Tom Longboat announces his arrival on the Canadian distance-running scene. Jim Thorpe powers Carlisle to victories on the football field. Billy Mills returns to Olympic competition just seven days after his historic gold medal. Jim Plunkett leads the Oakland Raiders past the defending Super Bowl champions, and Henry Armstrong continues an extraordinary stretch of world title defenses. We'll also revisit milestones and championships involving Bucky Dent, Rickie Fowler, Reggie Leach, Grant Fuhr, Gabby Lemieux, Cody Jesus, and many more. Seven days. Generations of athletes. Stories worth telling. This Week in NDN All-Stars History — promoting great Native athletes, past and present! SUPPORT NDN ALL-STARS If you enjoy the content here and would like to help support our mission of celebrating great Native athletes of the past and present, please take a look at our NDN All-Stars Shop. Proceeds from every purchase help us continue to retell these stories. Also, if you would like to donate to this effort, please visit our Patreon page. NDN ALL-STARS BACKGROUND Hey there—I'm Bill Black, and welcome to the NDN All-Stars Podcast. If this is your first time hearing about us, let me tell you what we’re all about. This podcast is where Native sports history comes alive. Each episode shines a spotlight on the great Native American athletes you should know—past and present. From Hall of Famers to hometown heroes, we tell the stories of Native athletes who made their mark—on the field, on the court, and in history. We keep it real. No sugar-coating. No museum talk. Just straight-up stories told with pride and purpose—because representation matters, and these All-Stars deserve to be remembered right. Some episodes are deep dives into a single athlete’s life. Others bring on guests—historians, authors, even the athletes themselves—who help us connect the dots between culture, identity, and achievement. Whether you’re Native, a sports fan, a history buff, or just curious—this podcast will give you a new perspective on what greatness really looks like. So if you're ready to learn, laugh, and maybe even get a little fired up—hit that follow button and join the team. You can find more stories, merch, and updates at NDNAllStars.com. And be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube—just search for NDN All-Stars and you’ll find us. NDN All-Stars – Promoting Great Native Athletes – Past & Present! Mentioned in this episode: Sports History Network Theme Song This theme song was produced by Ron "Tyke" Oliver of Music Meets Sportz https://sites.google.com/view/sportsfanztastic/sports-history-network?authuser=0

    This Week in NDN All-Stars History: Johnny Bench, Jim Thorpe, Tom Longboat & More

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About

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 providing a “home field advantage” for our partners by helping them “fill their stadiums” with fans of their work.