
10 episodes

Only A Game NPR
-
- Sports
-
-
4.6 • 828 Ratings
-
An award-winning weekly sports magazine for the serious sports fan and the steadfast sports avoider
-
OAG Staff Picks: Peter Sagal, Tup Holmes, Leo Ferris And More
For the very last week of Only A Game, we're bringing back some of our favorites. NPR host Peter Sagal drops by with a story about running and male body image. Also, we revisit the stories of Alfred "Tup" Holmes, who fought to desegregate golf in Atlanta in the 1950s, and Leo Ferris, a basketball pioneer who continues to be snubbed by the Naismith Hall of Fame. Plus, Bill Littlefield returns for one last rhyme, and the OAG staff imagines a World Series apocalypse. Join us!
-
OAG's Most Memorable: Barkley's Friendship, Syracuse 8, The Carewlands And More
This week we're bringing back some of our most memorable, most requested stories. Reporter Shirley Wang tells the story of her father, Lin Wang, and his friendship with NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley. Also, the Syracuse 8 — a group of nine Syracuse football players who boycotted the 1970 season to protest racial discrimination. Plus, the story behind a heart transplant between pro athletes. And who could forget Zippy Chippy, the racehorse who never won a race.
-
Universal Pictures Basketball, Diving Inside An Iceberg And Running With Sherman
It's Only A Game book club day, as we bring back three listener favorites from three great books. First up, the story of how the Universal Pictures basketball team went to the Olympics — with a little help from Frankenstein. Then, cave diver and underwater filmmaker Jill Heinerth describes her brushes with death as she and her crew became the first-ever to cave dive inside an iceberg. And finally, the story of a donkey and a college student who helped each other heal through running.
-
Bob Cousy's Regrets, Devo And Chi Chi, Tacko Fall Learns To Swim And More
Bob Cousy and Bill Russell won six NBA championships together on the Boston Celtics. This week on Only A Game, Cousy says he regrets not doing more for his teammate off the court. Also, why the rock band Devo wanted to put golfer Chi Chi Rodriguez on the cover of their first full-length album. Plus, a baseball card collector helps honor a former Major Leaguer and the NBA's Tacko Fall learns to swim.
-
The Farewell Show: Revisiting Our First Episode, Bill Littlefield Returns, And More
On the last new episode of Only A Game, producer Martin Kessler revisits a childhood meeting with Mia Hamm and Nomar Garciaparra. Also, Doris Kearns Goodwin explains how baseball made her a better historian. And, producer Gary Waleik revisits the very first episode of Only A Game — and the precedent it set for the next 27 years. And Cari Champion and Jemele Hill discuss their time at ESPN and their new show, "Stick to Sports." Plus, Bill Littlefield returns for a conversation with Charlie Pierce. Join us!
-
'Torch' George, Running With Diabetes, Story Update
All her life, basketball player Cherelle George was told to tone down her game. This week on Only A Game, how Cherelle found a team that embraced her style, the Harlem Globetrotters. Also, audio producer Nick Andersen started running around the same time he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. He shares his story. And we get an update from Jared Wells, a bodybuilder with cystic fibrosis. Join us!
Customer Reviews
Heartbroken
I am so sad to see this come to an end. Please revive this jewel that inspires so many of us. Thank you to all who have produced such amazing content over the years. My early Saturday morning drives and binge listening on road trips will never be the same
Thank you, team
The last episode just played. The heartbreak I felt when I first learned it was being cancelled has only increased. It seemed certain that WBUR would come to its senses. But no. May you, Karen, and everyone else on the team, find all the success and happiness you can imagine. You have made a difference in the world. And may Bill L. find a publisher. I’ll miss you so much and can not wait to see where you land. MU
Will miss this podcast immensely!
This has been my favorite podcast for many, many years! Thank you for such good storytelling.