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EPISODE SUMMARY

LISTEN TO THE NY GIANTS: A TEAM WITHOUT A HOME

Relive the "forgotten years" of Big Blue in this deep dive into one of the most tumultuous eras in New York Giants history. Joe Santos, creator of the documentary podcast The NY Giants: A Team Without a Home, joins Mark Morthier and Dave DePaola to recount the bizarre saga of 1973 through 1975.

From being "evicted" by Mayor John Lindsay to playing home games 80 miles away at the Yale Bowl in New Haven, the guys explore how a promising 1972 squad collapsed into a 2-11-1 disaster. You’ll hear about the logistical nightmares of practicing in Jersey City while playing in Connecticut, and the political friction that left the Giants feeling like second-class citizens in their own backyard.

The conversation is packed with "I was there" nostalgia, covering the infamous 1974 regular-season overtime loss to Joe Namath and the Jets, where Broadway Joe famously "walked" into the end zone. The trio reminisces about the rugged conditions of the Yale Bowl—from the splinter-filled wooden benches and the absence of stadium lights to the tiny "snow fence" that served as the only barrier between fans and the gridiron.

They also break down the personnel moves that defined the era, including the ill-fated Fran Tarkenton trade, the decline of workhorse Ron Johnson, and the defensive core of Brad Van Pelt and Jack Gregory that tried to hold it all together during the lean years before the Ray Perkins/George Young revolution.

Beyond the stats, this episode captures the unique fan experience of the 1970s—the all-day bus and train pilgrimages to New Haven, the freezing rain of the 1974 finale against the Vikings, and the eventual move to Shea Stadium in 1975.

Whether you remember shivering in the Yale Bowl stands or watching the highlights on NFL Game of the Week, this trip down memory lane explores the grit, the frustration, and the enduring loyalty of Giants fans during a decade of displacement. Stick around for part two as the guys continue to unravel the history of the team that eventually found its soul (and its trophies) in the Meadowlands.

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

Running Wild: (Growing Up In The 1970s)

Yesterday's Sports is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.

YESTERDAY'S SPORTS HOME PAGE

EPISODE SUMMARY

In the conclusion of our deep dive into the Ali-Norton trilogy, Mark and Dave head to the newly refurbished Yankee Stadium in September 1976. This 15-round championship battle took place against the backdrop of a "burning" Bronx, where the atmosphere outside the ring was as volatile as the action inside.

They discuss the controversial unanimous decision that went Ali’s way—a result that left Norton visibly devastated and many ringside observers, including the hosts, convinced that the challenger had been robbed of the heavyweight crown. They analyze the scoring round-by-round, exploring how Ali’s "mystique" and his ability to dance on his toes might have influenced the judges even when he wasn't landing the more effective punches.

The episode then expands into a broader reflection on the heavyweight division's golden era and the technical mastery of Ken Norton. They compare the Ali-Norton rivalry to the Ali-Frazier wars, noting that while Frazier was a straightforward physical force, Norton’s unorthodox style remained a puzzle Ali never truly solved.

They also touch on the heartbreaking later years of Norton's life, clarifying the misconceptions regarding his health and the 1986 car accident that affected his speech. The discussion honors Norton not just as a "sparring partner," but as a highly intelligent, college-educated athlete who Larry Holmes later cited as the toughest opponent of his own legendary career.

They wrap up this trip down memory lane by wandering into the "yesteryear" of legendary stadiums and the NFL of the late 70s. From the nostalgia of watching Tony Dorsett’s debut in the crisp 1977 footage of Metropolitan Stadium to the "primitive" charm of Baltimore’s Memorial Stadium, we evoke the sights and sounds of a bygone era.

They trade stories about the Giants at Yankee Stadium, the golden voice of John Facenda, and the era of "no fat Dallas Cowboys." It’s a heartfelt tribute to the sports heroes and hallowed grounds that shaped our youth, reminding listeners why these stories still resonate so strongly today.

You can read the full blog post here.

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

Running Wild: (Growing Up In The 1970s)

Yesterday's Sports is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.

YESTERDAY'S SPORTS HOME PAGE

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of Yesterday's Sports, Mark and Dave travel back to the gritty, golden era of 1970s heavyweight boxing to revisit one of the most technical and debated rivalries in the sport: the Ali-Norton trilogy. Mark sits down with fellow sports historian Dave DePaolo to break down how Ken Norton, a former Marine and 5-to-1 underdog, went from a Joe Frazier sparring partner to the "Jaw Breaker" who shocked the world in San Diego.

From the nostalgic intro of Howard Cosell on Wide World of Sports to the shocking visual of Ali fighting through a broken jaw, they explore why this first clash set the stage for a three-year chess match that "The Greatest" never truly mastered.

The conversation shifts to the intense 1973 rematch at the Los Angeles Forum and the final 15-round war at Yankee Stadium in 1976. They dive deep into Norton’s unorthodox "cross-arm" defense and his peculiar habit of dragging his back foot—a style so puzzling that Ali admitted years later he couldn't figure it out.

They analyze the "judge-friendly" tactics Ali used to sway the scorecards, including his late-round flurries and psychological warfare, and debate whether the pro-Ali crowds and his legendary status influenced decisions that many historians still believe belonged to Norton.

Finally, they immerse you in the atmosphere of 1976 New York, a time when "The Bronx was Burning" and Yankee Stadium had just reopened its doors to host this historical rubber match. They discuss the "city issues" that almost halted the fight, the chaos in the aisles, and the legendary figures from Angelo Dundee to Chick Hearn who colored the broadcast.

Whether you remember watching these fights live on a Saturday afternoon or are hearing the legends for the first time, this episode is a nostalgic journey into the heart of boxing's most enduring stylistic quagmire.

You can read the full blog post here.

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

Running Wild: (Growing Up In The 1970s)