Sports' Forgotten Heroes

1938 marks the 80th anniversary of the improbable … the year in which Don Budge, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, became the first (and just one of two) players to win the Grand Slam of tennis (Australian, French, Wimbledon, U.S.). Budge actually won six straight Grand Slam events to go along with a number of doubles, mixed-doubles, and Davis Cup Championships as well. Budge, who took up the game after a challenge from his brother, possessed a heavy ball, one of the greatest backhands of all time and used one of the heaviest racquets of his time to become the No. 1 player in the world. But, with the drop in popularity of the game, Budge’s career and incredible accomplishments continue t fade away. Marshall Jon Fisher, author of “A Terrible Splendor” a terrific book about one of the greatest tennis matches ever played, is the guest on this edition of SFH to talk about the terrific career of this forgotten hero. Links: Sports' Forgotten Heroes website Sports' Forgotten Heroes Patreon Page Sports

Frank Ryan, the last man to lead the Cleveland Browns to an NFL Championship, joins the podcast to talk about his career and the magical year of 1964 when the Browns beat the heavily-favored Baltimore Colts 27-0 to win the title. Ryan was the Browns starter for most of the mid-1960s and Bleacher Report named Ryan as the most underrated player in the history of the NFL. As terrific as he was on the field, his life off is also quite remarkable, especially when you consider what he did for the U.S. House of Representatives. Also joining the podcast to talk about Ryan and the 1964 season is Roger Gordon who has written several books on the Browns.  Links: Sports' Forgotten Heroes website Sports' Forgotten Heroes Patreon Page Sports' Forgotten Heroes twitter ©2018 Sports' Forgotten Heroes

Every December college football heroes gather in New York City and are on hand for the announcement of the winner of one of the most, if not the most, iconic trophies in all of sport – The Heisman Trophy. Who was the man for whom the trophy is named, and what made him so special? John M. Heisman, the great-nephew of the man for whom the trophy is named – John W. Heisman, joins the podcast. John M. Heisman, along with Mark Schlabach, co-wrote a book, “Heisman, The Man Behind The Trophy”, and he shares many stories about John W. with me on this edition of Sports’ Forgotten Heroes, including his on-the-field innovations, and some incredible stories from off-the-field too! Links: Sports' Forgotten Heroes website Sports' Forgotten Heroes Patreon Page Sports' Forgotten Heroes twitter ©2017 Sports' Forgotten Heroes

Ernie DiGregorio was the NBA Rookie of the Year for the 1973-74 season. The No. 3 pick out of Providence after leading the Friars to 27-4 mark during his All-America senior season, Ernie was as exciting as they come. Standing just 6-feet tall and weighing all of 180-pounds, he was a magician on the court. If you were open, Ernie would find a way to get the ball to you. In fact, he set the rookie record for most assists in a game (25) and led the NBA during his rookie campaign in assists with an average of 8.2 per game to go along with 15.2 points-per-game. And, in his rookie year he led the Buffalo Braves to their first-ever playoff appearance. But, a knee injury cut Ernie’s career short. Tim Wendel, author of “Buffalo, Home of The Braves”, makes his second visit to the podcast as we take a look back at the career of Ernie DiGregorio. Links: Sports' Forgotten Heroes website Sports' Forgotten Heroes Patreon Page Sports' Forgotten Heroes twitter ©2017 Sports' Forgotten Heroes  

There was a time when scoring 60 goals in a season in the NHL was rare. Dennis Maruk was one of the first to do it when scored 60 for the Washington Capitals in the 1981-82 season. And that came after scoring 50 the previous year! Yet, Dennis played in relative obscurity as he was a center for the California Golden Seals, the Cleveland Barons and the Minnesota North Stars – all teams that no longer exist! But his trade to a then awful Washington Capitals team was a blessing and helped turn Dennis Maruk from a good player into one the league’s most feared snipers. His just released book, “Dennis Maruk, The Unforgettable Story of Hockey’s Forgotten 60-Goal Man,” is a terrific book, very fun to read. And on this episode of Sports’ Forgotten Heroes, Dennis Maruk joins the podcast to take a look back on his career and talk about his book. Links: Sports' Forgotten Heroes website Sports' Forgotten Heroes Patreon Page Sports' Forgotten Heroes twitter ©2017 Sports' Forgotten Heroes

Bob Waterfield holds a very unique distinction. He is the only quarterback in the history of the NFL to lead the Rams franchise to two NFL Championships. First, Waterfield did it as the quarterback of the Cleveland Rams in 1945, and then he followed that by leading the Los Angeles Rams to the NFL Championship in 1951. Waterfield elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1965 also was a star on defense and was one of the best kickers and punters in the NFL as well. Jim Sulecki, author of, The Cleveland Rams, The NFL Champs Who Left Too Soon, joins the podcast to talk about the career of Bob Waterfield.   Sports' Forgotten Heroes website Sports' Forgotten Heroes Patreon Page Sports' Forgotten Heroes twitter ©2017 Sports' Forgotten Heroes

The Los Angeles Clippers are celebrating their 40th Anniversary on the west coast. But, long before they were the Clippers, they were the Buffalo Braves. And what a legacy they left! In just eight years in Buffalo, three players won Rookie of the Year honors (Bob McAdoo, Ernie DiGregorio, Adrian Dantley), Randy Smith became a fan favorite, coaches like Dr. Jack Ramsay and Cotton Fitzsimmons led the team, and the Braves were a thrilling run-and-gun team to watch. They were showtime before the Lakers were. But, the Braves played at a time when Buffalo adored three college basketball teams and the NHL’s Sabres grabbed the headlines and prime dates at the Aud too. This left the Braves with very few marquee dates to play their home games, and Buffalo sports’ fans just didn’t fill the seats when the Braves played. With an owner who wanted a team in his home state of California a most interesting swap of franchises took place, and the city of Buffalo came out on the short end. Tim Wendel, author of “Buffalo, Home of

Justin Fashanu was a star on the rise. Young. Strong. Fast. His goal against Liverpool for little regarded Norwich City was so unexpected, and so spectacular it was named goal of the year. It also catapulted young Justin into another stratosphere and into the world of big-time soccer. His transfer fee of $1-million-pounds was the largest sum ever. However, playing for his new club, Nottingham Forest, at such a young age and with so much expected of him was an incredible pressure cooker. Justin’s off-the-field lifestyle didn’t help, and his clashes with his club manager didn’t help. Kartik Krishnaiyer from World Soccer Talk joins the podcast as we take a look back at the career of a man who played the role of hero for Norwich City, but never reached the heights so many thought to which he would ascend.   Links: Sports' Forgotten Heroes website Sports' Forgotten Heroes Patreon Page Sports' Forgotten Heroes twitter ©2017 Sports' Forgotten Heroes

2017 is the 80th anniversary of the Rams joining the NFL. Most know the Rams are calling Los Angeles home for the second time in their history. However, what few know is that the Rams debuted in 1936 as the Cleveland Rams in the AFL. Yes, Cleveland was the original home for the Rams, but the team always struggled to attract fans; and after winning the NFL Championship in 1945 and with a new league – the AAFC, and a new team, the Cleveland Browns – about to debut, Rams owner Dan Reeves moved the team to Los Angeles just 27 days after winning the championship. Join Warren Rogan and the author of “The Cleveland Rams, The NFL Champs Who Left Too Soon”, James C. Sulecki for a fascinating look back at the history of the Cleveland Rams. Links: Sports' Forgotten Heroes website Sports' Forgotten Heroes Patreon Page Sports' Forgotten Heroes twitter ©2017 Sports' Forgotten Heroes

In 1986, Amos Otis was inducted into the Kansas City Royals Hall of Fame. A three-time Gold Glove winner and five-time all-star, Amos Otis played for the Royals from 1970 through the 1983 season and is still top-3 in several all-time offensive categories for the Royals including: hits (3rd, 1977), HR (3rd, 193), runs (2nd, 1074), triples (3rd, 65) and RBI (3rd, 992). Acquired from the Mets for Joe Foy, Otis helped the Royals become one of the most consistent winners in the mid and late 1970s and led the Royals to their first World Series appearance in 1980. Bill Lamberty of the Society for American Baseball Research joins the podcast to talk more about this forgotten hero.   Links: Sports' Forgotten Heroes website Sports' Forgotten Heroes Patreon Page Sports' Forgotten Heroes twitter ©2017 Sports' Forgotten Heroes  

He was one of the greatest quarterbacks in the history of the NFL, and had it not been for Benny Friedman there might not be an NFL! That’s how key he was to the development of the game. Friedman turned the pro game from a running game to a passing game. In fact, he was throwing for more touchdown passes in a season than the rest of the league combined! Friedman set the record with 20 TD passes in 1929, a mark that wouldn’t be equaled until 1977. As a college QB he led Michigan to back-to-back Big Ten championships and was ultimately elected to the Pro Football hall of Fame in 2005. Join Warren Rogan and Lee Elder of the Professional Football Researcher’s Association for the story of Benny Friedman, one of football’s forgotten heroes. Sports' Forgotten Heroes website Sports' Forgotten Heroes Patreon Page Sports' Forgotten Heroes twitter ©2017 Sports' Forgotten Heroes

During the three-year stretch of 1944, 45 and 46, Hal Newhouser of the Detroit Tigers put together three of the most dominant seasons any pitcher has ever enjoyed. Overall he went 80-27 with a 1.98 ERA. He completed 83 games and tossed 20 shutouts. He won the MVP Award in 1944 and 1945 (the only pitcher to ever win back-to-back MVP Awards) and finished second in 1946. Overall, he was 207-150. Overlooked for Hall of Fame honors, noted author David M. Jordan penned the book, “A Tiger in His Time: Hal Newhouser and the Burden of Wartime Baseball,” and after it was published, the very next year, Hal Newhouser was inducted into baseball’s Hall of Fame. Join Warren Rogan and David M. Jordan as they look back on the career of one of baseball’s best – Hal Newhouser. Sports' Forgotten Heroes website Sports' Forgotten Heroes Patreon Page Sports' Forgotten Heroes twitter ©2017 Sports' Forgotten Heroes

Nate Colbert played first base for the San Diego Padres during the early 1970s. Very few fans turned out to see him play. The Padres weren’t that good. In fact, they were one of the worst teams the game has ever seen. But, the few fans that did go out to see Nate Colbert play saw one of the game’s most feared sluggers. In fact, he is still the team’s all-time leader in home runs. But it was one day, August 1, 1972, that catapulted Colbert into the same conversation as one of baseball’s all-time greats – Stan Musial. Playing a in a doubleheader in Atlanta against the Braves, Colbert hit five home runs, knocked in 13 runs and had 22 total bases. A day for the ages, only Musial, who hit five home runs in a doubleheader back in 1952, had a day to rival that of Colbert. Joining host Warren Rogan on this episode of Sports’ Forgotten Heroes is San Diego baseball historian Bill Swank as they talk about that special day and the career of Nate Colbert.   Links: Sports' Forgotten Heroes website Sports' Forgotten Heroes

Willie Anderson is the only golfer in history to win three straight U.S. Open golf championships. In fact, if not for a fourth place finish in 1902, he would have five in a row. Only Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus and Bobby Jones can match his four victories. Yet, when you mention the name Willie Anderson to most golf fans and most sport’s fans very few, if any, know who he is. How can this be? How can someone win four U.S. Opens and be forgotten? Join host Warren Rogan and special guest Tony Parker from the World Golf Hall of Fame and Museum as they look back at the fascinating career of Willie Anderson.   Links: Sports' Forgotten Heroes website Sports' Forgotten Heroes Patreon Page Sports' Forgotten Heroes twitter ©2017 Sports' Forgotten Heroes

Dean Chance pitched for the then Los Angeles Angels in the early 1960s. The Angels were a so-so team, but in 1964, Dean turned in one of the most dominant seasons in Angels history. He went 20-9 with a 1.65 ERA for a team that went just 82-80. But that was only half the story. Dean won the Cy Young Award that year to interrupt Sandy Koufax’s string of three Cy Young’s in four years. Denny McLain, the last man to win 30 games in a single year and a 2-time Cy Young Award winner joins the podcast to talk about Dean’s career on the diamond … while boxing Hall of Famers Bill Caplan and Don Chargin join the podcast to talk about Dean’s love for boxing and the fact that Dean created the International Boxing Association.   Links: http://www.sportsfh.com http://www.patreon.com/sportsfh http://www.sportsFhereos@twitter.com ©2017 Sports' Forgotten Heroes

Tony Lema was one of the best golfers in professional golf. In 1964 he won the British Open, and was knocking at the door of the Big 3 of Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player. He was as tough as the came, as evidenced by his 8-1-2 record in Ryder Cup play. But he was also one of the most fun-loving guys on the PGA TOUR, and the media loved him too! They loved the fact that they were treated to a round of champagne after every one of his victories. Injuries affected his play in 1965 and early on in 1966. But as the 1966 season progressed, Lema got his game back on track and then tragedy struck. He was killed, along with his wife, on a chartered flight from Akron, OH to just outside Chicago. Bill Roland a close friend of the Lema family, and the author of “Champagne Tony Lema; Triumph to Tragedy” joins the podcast for a look back at the terrific life and career of Tony Lema.   Links: Sports' Forgotten Heroes website Sports' Forgotten Heroes Patreon Page Sports' Forgotten Heroes twitter ©2017 Sports' For

Teofilo Stevenson was one of the most powerful heavyweights of all time. Although he never fought professionally, he is still regarded as one of the best ever. He is the only boxer to ever win three-straight Gold Medals in the Olympics. He did it in 1972, 1976 and 1980. Some think he would have won a fourth straight Gold in 1984, however, this Cuban superstar didn't fight in 1984 because Cuba boycotted the L.A. Games in support of Russia. Tom Clark, a noted author, joins Warren Rogan to take a look back at the career of Stevenson and what might have been had he turned professional.   Links: http://sportsfh.com http://patreon.com/sportsfh https://twitter.com/SportsFHeroes ©2017 Sports' Forgotten Heroes    

In the early 1900s, Ed Delahanty was the biggest star in baseball. Regarded, by some, as baseball’s first 5-tool player, he hit over .400 three times, and was the game’s most powerful hitter. But he was struggling financially and, essentially, had to pay his team to continue playing. Big Ed was caught up in a battle between the well-established National League and the upstart American League. He was so distraught over his situation that he left his team in the middle of a road trip and was never to be seen again. John Saccoman, a member of the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) joins me on Sports’ Forgotten Heroes for a conversation about Ed Delahanty – his hall of fame career, and the tragedy that followed. Links: http://www.sportsfh.com http://www.patreon.com/sportsfh http://twitter@sportsfheroes.com ©2017 Sports' Forgotten Heroes    

In overtime of game 5 of the 1951 Stanley Cup Finals, Bill Barilko scored to give the Toronto Maple Leafs their 4th Stanley Cup Championship in 5 years. Barilko was the toast of the town. Unfortunately, however, it would be the last goal Barilko would ever score. Shortly afterwards, Barilko went on a fishing trip with his good friend, and dentist, Dr. Henry Hudson. Neither of them would ever be seen alive again. The small plane Hudson flew disappeared. The Leafs fell on hard times, and it took them 11 years to win their next Stanley Cup - 1962. Incredibly, shortly after they hoisted the Cup, the plane was accidentally discovered with the skeletal remains of Barilko and Hudson still strapped into their seats. Hockey historian and author Kevin Shea closes out this two-part podcast of Bill Barilko.   Links: http://www.sportsfh.com http://www.patreon.com/sportsfh https://twitter.com/SportsFHeroes ©2017 Sports' Forgotten Heroes  

Bill Barilko was a young hard-hitting defenseman for the Toronto Maple Leafs. He was called up to the Leafs towards the end of the 1946-47 season and helped Toronto win the Stanley Cup. He helped the Maple Leafs win the Cup again in 1948 and 1949. Toronto became the first team to win the Cup three straight years. After failing to make it to the finals in 1950, the Leafs returned in 1951 and Barilko scored the Cup-clinching goal in overtime of Game 5. The Leafs had won 4 Stanley Cups in 5 years. But tragedy struck shortly thereafter and Barilko disappeared on a fishing trip never to be seen alive again! In the first of this two-part series join me along with hockey historian and author Kevin Shea for a look back at the incredible story of Bill Barilko.   Links: http://www.sportsfh.com http://www.patreon.com/sportsfh http://www.twitter@sportsfheroes ©2017 Sports' Forgotten Heroes