Digits Dynasty is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.

HIGHLIGHTED SHOW - DIGITS DYNASTY

“Digits Dynasty” is an engaging podcast where we debate the greatest athletes to don each uniform number in sports history.

Each episode focuses on a specific number, featuring passionate discussions, stats, and anecdotes across all of sports history, that highlight the legends who wore it. From iconic moments to personal stories, we break down the impact these athletes had on their teams and the game itself.

Learn more about the show on the Sports History Network.

Going way back in history, sometimes you uncover incredible stories. This is one of them. Long before Louisville Slugger became synonymous with @MLB , baseball players did whatever they could to make their own bats or have someone else make a bat for them. Pete Browning turned to an acquaintance when he failed to get a hit for two straight games. He considered that a slump! So, Browning's acquaintance went to his woodworking shop and crafted Pete a new bat, and it worked. Pete proceeded to end his slump. It was the birth of the Louisville Slugger. Browning was unique. Browning played in the American Association (at the time, the AA was recognized as a pre-eminent professional league), the Players League, and the National League. He believed that a baseball bat had a limited number of hits in it; he gave each bat its own name, and he had many, many quirks. Despite his career batting average of .341, Browning is not in the Baseball Hall of Fame. Of course, an argument can be made either way, but the fact is, he was one of the best - if not the best - hitter of his time. On this episode of SFH, Tim Newby the author of "The Original Louisville Slugger," joins the show for a wonderful discussion on a baseball pioneer, Pete Browning.

In 1924, the Washington Nationals (they were the Nationals, but also referred to as the Senators) won their first-ever World Series. It was a remarkable season for the Nationals. Owner Clark Griffith dismissed manager Donnie Bush just after the 1923 campaign and named Bucky Harris player-manager. It was a huge risk. Harris was only 27 years old and had only played four years in @MLB . How would the veterans on the team respond to taking orders from someone so young? What kind of experience and knowledge did such a young ballplayer possess? To the surprise of many, everyone accepted him, even aging veterans such as Roger Peckinpaugh and Walter Johnson. In fact, Johnson, who was coming off the first arm injury of his career, was hoping to rebound in his age-36 season, in what was supposed to be the final season of his career. Not only did "The Big Train" rebound he went 23-7 and won the MVP. He was sensational. Everything fell into place for Washington in 1924. A perennial second-division team, the Nats/Sens surprised everyone, won the American League, and then defeated the heavily favored New York Giants in the World Series to capture their first and only World Series Championship. On this episode of Sports' Forgotten Heroes, author Gary Sarnoff who wrote the book, "A Team of Destiny," joins the show for a wonderful discussion of a team that time has forgotten, the 1924 Washington Nationals (Senators).

In this enlightening discussion, the focus shifts to the extraordinary 1924 Washington Senators, a team that defied expectations and emerged victorious in the World Series. The podcast intricately details key players such as Bucky Harris, the young player-manager, and Walter Johnson, a legendary pitcher who made a remarkable comeback after an injury. Their contributions are highlighted as the episode explores the dynamics within the team and the strategies employed by management. The narrative encapsulates the essence of teamwork, perseverance, and the spirit of competition that characterized this historic season. Listeners gain insight into the societal and cultural impact of this team's success amidst the backdrop of early 20th-century America, making it a compelling narrative that transcends the realm of sports.

Takeaways:

• The Washington Nationals, originally known as the Senators, have a complex and storied history in Major League Baseball, marked by numerous team changes and relocations.
• The 1924 season was significant for the Washington Nationals, culminating in their first World Series championship, a feat that remains a historic highlight for the franchise.
• Walter Johnson, one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history, finally achieved his lifelong dream of winning a World Series game during the 1924 championship series.
• Bucky Harris, at the age of 27, became the youngest manager to lead a team to a World Series victory, demonstrating exceptional leadership and resilience throughout the season.
• The support of the Washington fans, coupled with the team's unexpected success, created an electrifying atmosphere during the 1924 World Series, showcasing the city's deep connection to baseball.
• The narrative of the 1924 Washington Nationals reflects themes of perseverance and redemption, particularly through the careers of Walter Johnson and Bucky Harris.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Washington Nationals
• Washington Senators
• Montreal Expos
• Texas Rangers
• Minnesota Twins
• American League
• National League

GP Soccer Podcast is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.

HIGHLIGHTED SHOW

Giovanni Pacini is a noted expert in the game with significant expertise in the areas of player and coach development.

He is a United Soccer Coaches Master Coach, member of its National Staff, and National Goalkeeper Staff. He is a USYS East Region Staff Coach and is the GK Coach at Regis College (MA).

Learn more about the show on the Sports History Network.

Connie Hawkins, simply stated, was a phenomenal basketball player. Inducted into the Pro Basketball Hall of Fame in 1992, his career was robbed of five years of his NBA career. And not just any five, the first five. Hawkins was a legend on the playground in New York City. Recruited to play college ball at the University of Iowa, he was wrongfully accused of being involved in a point-shaving scandal that ultimately cost him his college career, which then led to him being banned by the NBA. Instead, Hawkins hooked on with the newly formed ABL (American Basketball League) and the Pittsburgh Rens. However, the ABL didn't make it through its second season. From the ABL, Hawkins wound up playing with the Harlem Globetrotters and then found his way to another startup basketball league, the ABA (American Basketball Association). and the Pittsburgh Pipers. Finally, after two years in the ABA, the NBA lifted the ban on Hawkins after it realized its ban on him wouldn't stand up in court, and Hawkins finally realized his lifelong dream, a career in the NBA. Many say Hawkins was Dr. J. before there was a Dr. J., and that's what the NBA missed, and that's what Hawkins was robbed of. A no-doubt first-round talent, Hawkins made his way to the Phoenix Suns and wound up averaging 24.6 PPG in his first year with the team. But, by then, knee injuries had slowed him down. On this episode of Sports' Forgotten Heroes, author Mark Whited joins the show along with Sean Hawkins, Connie's grandson, as we look back at the legendary career of the "Hawk."

Jim Gilliam was a terrific infielder for the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers for 17 years. After starting his career in the Negro Leagues, he followed in the footsteps of his idol, Jackie Robinson. Signed by the Dodgers, like Robinson, he was sent to Montreal to play for the Royals. After a few seasons, he found his way to Brooklyn and was named Rookie of the Year in 1953. Gilliam, a favorite of Dodger manager Walter Alston, was called the ultimate team player. No matter where Alston needed him to play, Gilliam was up to the task. He was a terrific fielder and a career .266 hitter. Interestingly, though, Gilliam was always on the trading block and rarely got an opening day start because the Dodgers always thought they had someone better. But they didn't, and through it all, Gilliam was one of the most reliable infielders the team ever had. He played in seven World Series for the Dodgers and won four of them. He was so integral to the Dodgers' success that twice he was called out of retirement to help the team. After his playing days were over, Gilliam stayed a part of the organization by serving as a coach and was a member of three other Dodger teams that went to the World Series. In fact, Gilliam was so important to the franchise that his No. 19 was retired by the team. On this episode of Sports' Forgotten Heroes, Steve Dittmore, author of "Jim Gilliam: The Forgotten Dodger," joins for a wonderful discussion about Gilliam, the challenges he faced, his career, and so much more.

Frank Gifford was one of the great football broadcasters. A staple on Monday Night Football with Howard Cosell and Don Meredith, it's fair to say that most people remember Gifford for calling a game. But how many remember him for what he did on the field, or even know that he was one of the best to ever play? As a halfback and flanker, Gifford combined to score 77 touchdowns during his Hall of Fame career with the New York Giants. An all-around star, he also kicked (on occasion), played in the defensive backfield where he also scored a touchdown, and he holds the NFL record for most touchdown passes in a career by a non-quarterback with 14. Yes, Gifford could burn you in so many ways. His career at the University of Southern California was also spectacular. In fact, two years prior to his enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Gifford was enshrined into the College Football Hall of Fame. His No. 16 is retired by the Giants as well. On this episode of SFH, Chris Willis, Head Researcher at NFL Films, returns to the show for a wonderful discussion about on eof the game's all-time greats - Frank Gifford.

Arch Ward was a visionary. Sports editor of the Chicago Tribune during the 30s and 40s, Ward is the founder of several marquee sporting events. He created the MLB (Major League Baseball) All-Star Game, he launched the Chicago Charities College All-Star Game, a series that last 42 years where a team of college all-stars played a "serious" exhibition game against the defending NFL Champion. He also created the AAFC (All-American Football Conference) which challenged the NFL from 1946 to 1949. Three teams from the AAFC still play today: the Cleveland Browns, Indianapolis Colts, and San Francisco 49ers. He also created the Golden Gloves Boxing Tournament. Ward was also a terrific writer and author. He got his start at his alma mater, Notre Dame, where he worked as a publicity man for the legendary Knute Rockne. Ward wielded power unlike many of his contemporaries, and made long-lasting contributions to the world of sports. On this episode of Sports' Forgotten Heroes, I take a look back at his amazing career with author/radio host/sports' historian Gary Webster. Gary has written books on the AAFC, the NHL's Cleveland Barons, the Browns and the Cleveland Indians (Guardians).