“The Fastest Cyclist In The World,” Major Taylor, Was A Black Sports Pioneer

There's a new exhibit at the Indiana State Museum about Marshall "Major" Taylor, a Black cycling star who became famous before Jack Johnson, Joe Louis or Jackie Robinson. Here's some of his story.

Wilt Chamberlain’s 100 Point Game Was Truly One Of A Kind

Today in 1962 one of the most stunning performances in the history of basketball, or really in all of pro sports: Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points in a game.

By |2024-12-02T10:55:30-05:00March 2, 2022|Categories: Cool Weird Awesome, Podcasts|Tags: , , , , , , |

In One Game, Jason McElwain Became A High School Basketball Legend

Today in 2006, a high school basketball team put its manager into the game. Jason McElwain not only played, he stole the show.

By |2024-12-13T06:35:55-05:00February 15, 2022|Categories: Cool Weird Awesome, Podcasts|Tags: , , , , , |

Basketball Great Lisa Leslie Scored 101 Points In A High School Game

Today in 1990, a high school basketball player scored 101 points in just 16 minutes. That was Lisa Leslie, who would become one of the biggest names in the WNBA.

Bruce Kennedy Qualified For The Olympics Three Times, And Missed Out Three Times

For the next two weeks, Winter Olympians will be going for the gold. That's what javelin thrower Bruce Kennedy tried to do in 1972, 1976 and 1980, but that's not quite how things played out.

By |2024-12-02T10:29:04-05:00February 4, 2022|Categories: Cool Weird Awesome, Podcasts|Tags: , , |

The Chicago Cubs Once Had A “College of Coaches” Instead of a Manager

Today in 1961, the Chicago Cubs announced they wouldn't hire a manager for the new season, and would instead use a rotating "College" of coaches. You can probably guess how well that worked out.

By |2024-12-02T10:42:28-05:00January 12, 2022|Categories: Cool Weird Awesome, Podcasts|Tags: , , , , , , |

Table Tennis Is Also Called Ping Pong, And Was Almost Called “Whiff-Whaff”

Today in 1901, the first table tennis tournament concluded in London. It's also known as ping pong, and there were plenty of other proposed names back in the early days.

By |2024-12-05T08:03:09-05:00December 14, 2021|Categories: Cool Weird Awesome, Podcasts|Tags: , , , , , |

Three Pro Basketball Players Once Played For Both Teams In A Single Game

Today in 1978, the New Jersey Nets lost to the Philadelphia 76ers. But part of the game would be replayed the following March, and when it was, several of the players on each team had been traded to the other, and ended up playing in the game!

By |2024-12-02T09:24:36-05:00November 8, 2021|Categories: Cool Weird Awesome, Podcasts|Tags: , , , , |

Carlton Fisk’s Home Run Wave Changed TV Sports, But It Almost Didn’t Get Filmed At All

Today in 1975, game 6 of the World Series between the Cincinnati Reds and the Boston Red Sox. The iconic clip of Carlton Fisk waving his game-winning home run fair was caught by the camera kind of by accident.

High Jumper Dick Fosbury’s Biggest Win Was Also A Flop

Today in 1968, a high jumper from Oregon, Dick Fosbury, changed his sport forever by winning gold with an unusual jumping motion now known as the Fosbury Flop.

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