Episode 298 - The Origin of March Madness

Brandi Chastain's World Cup Winner, Abby Wambach's Last Second Header, and Ben Hogan 'One and Done' at the Open - This DiSH for July 10

In 1999, Brandi Chastain hit the deciding shot in the PK Shootout against China to win the World Cup. In 2011, Abby Wambach's goal in the final seconds against Brazil tied the match at 2 and the US went on to win the quarterfinal match on PKs and advanced to the Semis of the World Cup. In 2010, Jack Nicklaus hit a 101-foot putt to prove to Johnny Miller it could be done. In 1953, Ben Hogan won the British Open.

The Pivotal Year of 1969 in American Football History

The 1969 American football season represents a pivotal juncture in the annals of sports history, as it signifies the final year of a bifurcated professional landscape prior to the monumental merger of the AFL and NFL. This episode delves into the season's key events, including the remarkable Super Bowl III, wherein the audacious Joe Namath guaranteed victory for the underdog New York Jets against the formidable Baltimore Colts, ultimately delivering on his promise. We also highlight the historic Rose Bowl game, where the Ohio State Buckeyes triumphed over the USC Trojans, marking a significant moment in college football. Throughout the discussion, we emphasize the implications of the impending merger, which would irrevocably alter the professional football landscape, as well as the emergence of coaching legends such as Chuck Noll and John Madden. Join us as we explore the rich tapestry of this momentous year, celebrating the milestones that shaped the future of American football. 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 [https://pigskindispatch.com/]. Do you want more football history? Test your Gridiron Knowledge, we feed you Daily with our new FREE activity, The Pigskin Trivia Drive [https://pigskindispatch.com/OfficialGame/]. Grab a copy of our latest book, "Marooned," [https://amzn.to/4otmwjH]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" [https://amzn.to/4hMWVQm] 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. [https://www.youtube.com/@pigskindispatch] 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 [https://pigskindispatch.com/]. The 1969 American football season emerges as a pivotal chapter within the annals of sports history, encapsulating a moment of profound significance as it heralded the impending merger of the American Football League (AFL) and the National Football League (NFL). The season unfurled against a backdrop of intense competition, exemplified most notably by the climactic Super Bowl III wherein the audacious Joe Namath, quarterback of the New York Jets, audaciously guaranteed victory over the heavily favored Baltimore Colts, a promise that he famously delivered upon. This singular event not only transformed the perception of the AFL, casting it as a legitimate rival to the established NFL, but also set the stage for a monumental shift in American football, culminating in the formal merger that would reshape the landscape of the sport for decades to come. Moreover, the 1969 season was marked by a rich tapestry of collegiate football achievements, most prominently the centennial celebration of college football. The Rose Bowl featured a compelling clash between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the USC Trojans, culminating in a decisive victory for Ohio State that would resonate throughout the history of college football. The season's narrative is further enriched by the introduction of iconic figures such as Chuck Noll and John Madden, both of whom would go on to leave indelible marks on the game as celebrated coaches. As the year progressed, notable milestones were achieved, including record-setting performances and thrilling rivalries that captivated fans across the nation. The culmination of the season was the historic Super Bowl IV, wherein the Kansas City Chiefs, representing the AFL, triumphed over the Minnesota Vikings, thus solidifying the AFL's place in the pantheon of American football. This episode serves as a profound exploration of a transformative era, encapsulating the essence of a season that would forever alter the trajectory of professional football in America.

Zinedine Zidane's Header Costs France, New England got a Football Team, and 'Drive for Show, Putt for Dough' - This DiSH for July 9

In 2006, Italy beat France 5-3 in PKs to beat France. Zinedine Zidane was given a red card late in extra time for head-butting to Marco Mattarazi. In 1932, New England got its first football team when George Marshall was awarded a franchise to play in Boston. They spent five years there before moving to Washington D.C. In 1978, the Houston Aeros of the WHA folded. In 1949, Bobby Locke won the first of his four Claret Jugs as the winner of the Open Championship.

Germany 7 Brazil 1, the first Penalty Shoot Out at the World Cup, and the Havana Sugar Kings split town - This DiSH for July 8

In 2014, Germany shocked Brazil and the world, winning 7-1. In 1982, West Germany beat France in a World Cup Semifinal match in a penalty shootout, the first ever in a World Cup. In 2010, LeBron James announced live on ESPN that he was taking his talents to South Beach. In 2000, Venus Williams won her first Wimbledon and her first Grand Slam title. In 1960, the Havana Sugar Kings left Cuba and moved their operation to New Jersey.

1972/1973 NBA Champion New York Knicks (A Total Team Effort)

Yesterday's Sports is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear [https://sportshistorynetwork.com/]. YESTERDAY'S SPORTS HOME PAGE [https://sportshistorynetwork.com/podcasts/yesterdays-sports-podcast/] EPISODE SUMMARY After winning the NBA Championship in 1970, the Knicks returned to the playoffs in 1971 but fell one win short of reaching the NBA Finals. In 1972, they returned to the Finals but lost to the Lakers in five games. With many of their players getting older and Captain Willis Reed battling serious injuries, the Knicks knew that the 1972/73 season might be their last chance to win a second NBA Championship. You can read the full blog post here [https://sportshistorynetwork.com/basketball/nba/1972-1973-new-york-knicks]. 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 [https://amzn.to/3kf5MuO] Running Wild: (Growing Up In The 1970s) [https://amzn.to/3snjccy]