Only A Game

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OAG Staff Picks: Peter Sagal, Tup Holmes, Leo Ferris And More Sep 25, 2020

Show notes

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 Sep 18, 2020

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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 Sep 11, 2020

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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 Sep 04, 2020

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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 Aug 28, 2020

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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 Aug 21, 2020

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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!

Bonus: Only A Game Live Event Aug 20, 2020

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An audio recording of our recent virtual event: "Only A Game Presents: Sports, Racism And The Myth Of Meritocracy."

A Track Coach's Legacy, Teenage Referee, 'Paddle To The Amazon' Aug 14, 2020

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As we enter mid-August and as the end of this program draws nearer, we've been thinking a bit about legacies. How do legacies — particularly in sports — get passed on? This week we're starting with a story about a coaching legacy in women's track that spans three generations of runners. Also, a story about the teenage son of a legendary high school basketball coach who has developed a passion for ... refereeing. And we revisit a 12,000-mile "paddle to the Amazon." Join us!

Andrés Cantor, 'Spinner' Spencer's Life, Ultramarathoning Origins Aug 07, 2020

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Announcer Andrés Cantor is famous for his (lengthy) "gol" calls, but there's much more to his life and career. This week on Only A Game, Cantor shares his story of coming to the U.S. as a teenager — and reaching the top of the soccer commentating world. Also, revisiting the deaths of NHL enforcer Brian "Spinner" Spencer and his father. Plus, the story of a man who entered a horse race without a horse ... and invented the sport of trail ultramarathoning. Join us!

Coming Up: Live Virtual Event — Sports, Racism And The Myth Of Meritocracy Aug 05, 2020

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Join us for a live virtual event on August 12 at 6 p.m. ET! We'll delve deeper into our recent special episode on sports and racism.