On January 1, 1902 The Tournament of Roses committee for the City of Pasadena, California staged the very first college football bowl game. The game was not called the Rose Bowl game, it was called The East-West Tournament Game. Because the first game was such a mismatch, Michigan over Stanford by a score of 49-0, it was not played again until 1916. In 1923 the game was moved from Tournament Park to the brand new Rose Bowl and officially branded The Rose Bowl Game. The 1923 game marked the first of 33 appearances by the USC Trojans, who have won 24 times.
It was not until January 1, 1935, the Rose Bowl remained the only bowl game to be played. On that date the Sugar Bowl and the Orange Bowl joined the New Years Day lineup. The first Sugar Bowl Game was played between Tulane and Temple with Tulane winning the game by a score of 20-14. The first Orange Bowl Game was played between Bucknell and Miami of Florida. Bucknell won the game by a score of 26-0.
In 1935 the first Sun Bowl Game was played. In that game New Mexico State scored a 14-14 tie against Hardin-Simmons. In 1937 a record six bowl games were played. Joining in were the Cotton Bowl and the Bacardi Bowl. The Cotton Bowl Game saw Rice beat Colorado by a score of 28-14. The Bacardi Bowl was played as a part of the Cuban National Sports Festival in Havana. The game saw Auburn and Villanova play to a 7-7 tie. No school was ever crowned Bacardi Bowl champion as the game was discontinued after the one game.
It was not until after World War II that the bowl games were started to multiply. On January 1, 1946 the first Gator Bowl, Oil Bowl and Raisin Bowl Games were played. In the first Gator Bowl Game, Wake Forest beat South Carolina by a score of 26-14. Georgia beat Tulsa 20-6 in the Oil Bowl at Houston, TX. Drake edged out Fresno State by a score 13-12 at the Raisin Bowl in Fresno, California. In 1947 Nevada beat North Texas by a score of 13-6 in the first Salad Bowl Game played at Phoenix, Arizona. It was after the 1947 season that any bowl games were scheduled for any day other then New Years Day.
In 1957 the Tangerine Bowl joined the New Years Day lineup as West Texas A & M beat Southern Mississippi by a score of 20-14.
Today yet another bowl game will play its first game when Texas Tech will meet Northwestern at the Ticket City Bowl at Dallas, Texas.
As for tomorrow we will take a look at the beginning of an early hockey league. Have a great New Years Day everyone!!!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
The Ice Bowl
Many Football fans across the Northern tier States enjoy a cold day at the stadium for a football game that separtes the men from the boys. The legendary fans of the Green Bay Packers are so dedicated that even when they game time temperature dropped to -14 degrees they still showed their loyalty and dedication to their beloved Packers on December 31, 1967 and attended the NFL championship game against the Dallas Cowboys. When the Pack jumped out to an early 14-0, the fans thought that they would be rwarded for their loyalty with a rout. The Cowboys fought back, a touchdown and a field goal pulled the Cowboys to within 4 by halftime. The halftime show was cancelled as the marching band was unable toperform in the brutal cold.
The fans started to panic when the Cowboys scored a touchdown on the first play of the fourth quarter to take a 17-14 lead. With 4:50 left in the game, Pack quarterback Bart Starr took over on his own 32 yard line. Some 4:34 later the Pack was facing 3 and goal at the Cowboys one yard line. After "The Block" by linemen Jerry Kramer, Starr scored on a quarterback sneak sealing the game and the championship for the home team. Kramer went on to publish a book about the season. Fourteen people from the game including Bart Starr went on to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Naturally, tomorrow we will look at College Football Bowl Game history. Have I got some work to do. Happy New Year!!! Please help make a great year for me and my family by clicking on the ads, that s how I can make money and a better blog for you.
The fans started to panic when the Cowboys scored a touchdown on the first play of the fourth quarter to take a 17-14 lead. With 4:50 left in the game, Pack quarterback Bart Starr took over on his own 32 yard line. Some 4:34 later the Pack was facing 3 and goal at the Cowboys one yard line. After "The Block" by linemen Jerry Kramer, Starr scored on a quarterback sneak sealing the game and the championship for the home team. Kramer went on to publish a book about the season. Fourteen people from the game including Bart Starr went on to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Naturally, tomorrow we will look at College Football Bowl Game history. Have I got some work to do. Happy New Year!!! Please help make a great year for me and my family by clicking on the ads, that s how I can make money and a better blog for you.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
A Forum First
Between 1968 and 1999 the premier indoor sports facility in the greater Los Angeles area was a building simply known as The Forum. Throughout its years The Forum was also known as the Fabulous Forum. After December 1988 the building became known as the Great Western Forum as a local bank had purchased naming rights to it.
When did it all begin, travel now back to December 30, 1967 when the Los Angeles Kings of the National Hockey League opened the building with a hockey game against the Philadelphia Flyers. The first two hockey goals were scored by the Flyers and the Kings had to wait another night to score their first goal in the building. They following night, the Lakers took their turn to play in the new digs, taking on the San Diego Rockets. The Lakers celebrated their opening by romping over their visitors by a score of 147-118.
Although the Kings and Lakers had left the Los Angeles Sports Arena, that building was never allowed to fall into desrepair. It remained a very active participate in the local sports and entertainment scene to this very day. The Forum today was its location in suburban Inglewood has not been so lucky since its replacement by the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles. It does still host some events but, not like it did in its heyday.
Tommorrow we will look at the legendary Ice Bowl game played on the very same day the San Diego Rockets first traveled to the once Fabulous Forum.
When did it all begin, travel now back to December 30, 1967 when the Los Angeles Kings of the National Hockey League opened the building with a hockey game against the Philadelphia Flyers. The first two hockey goals were scored by the Flyers and the Kings had to wait another night to score their first goal in the building. They following night, the Lakers took their turn to play in the new digs, taking on the San Diego Rockets. The Lakers celebrated their opening by romping over their visitors by a score of 147-118.
Although the Kings and Lakers had left the Los Angeles Sports Arena, that building was never allowed to fall into desrepair. It remained a very active participate in the local sports and entertainment scene to this very day. The Forum today was its location in suburban Inglewood has not been so lucky since its replacement by the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles. It does still host some events but, not like it did in its heyday.
Tommorrow we will look at the legendary Ice Bowl game played on the very same day the San Diego Rockets first traveled to the once Fabulous Forum.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Bonus Blog I
I have tried to entertain you my reader with a look back at historical sporting events many of which made national sports headlines. Today I ask you my reader to tell me about a historical sporting event that you attended and what was it like.
Before you get a chance to ask me, I will tell you of my most historical game. I shall take you back to July 11, 1989 and Baseballs' mid summer classic, the All-Star Game. My Dad and one of his friends had purchased season tickets just so they could get good seats to the game. When something else came up out of town, I graciously offered Dad the opportuntiy to pass his ticket to me. He reluctantly took my money and gave me the ticket. I arrived at the stadium just as the pre game entertainment was clearing the field. I quickly noticed the ushers were all dressed in tuxs. As the bottom of the first inning rolled around, I began to remark to my Dads friend "This is great cheering for people we normally would not cheer for". I continued on "Come on Bo hit a....whoa Thats Gone!!" Before I could let out a cheer for Kansas City Royals outfielder and American League leadoff hitter Bo Jackson, he had hit a line drive 440 feet that quickly left the park. The drive, which I think was on the first pitch to him had no hang time, a moment on the bat, the next one on an embankment well over the centerfield fence. Jackson would homer again his second time up and go on to win the games MVP trophy. It was a most enjoyable experience, Thanks Bo, Thanks Dad and Thanks Gene, rest in peace.
It is now your turn, lets hear your story. Come on dont be shy:)
Before you get a chance to ask me, I will tell you of my most historical game. I shall take you back to July 11, 1989 and Baseballs' mid summer classic, the All-Star Game. My Dad and one of his friends had purchased season tickets just so they could get good seats to the game. When something else came up out of town, I graciously offered Dad the opportuntiy to pass his ticket to me. He reluctantly took my money and gave me the ticket. I arrived at the stadium just as the pre game entertainment was clearing the field. I quickly noticed the ushers were all dressed in tuxs. As the bottom of the first inning rolled around, I began to remark to my Dads friend "This is great cheering for people we normally would not cheer for". I continued on "Come on Bo hit a....whoa Thats Gone!!" Before I could let out a cheer for Kansas City Royals outfielder and American League leadoff hitter Bo Jackson, he had hit a line drive 440 feet that quickly left the park. The drive, which I think was on the first pitch to him had no hang time, a moment on the bat, the next one on an embankment well over the centerfield fence. Jackson would homer again his second time up and go on to win the games MVP trophy. It was a most enjoyable experience, Thanks Bo, Thanks Dad and Thanks Gene, rest in peace.
It is now your turn, lets hear your story. Come on dont be shy:)
The Spark that started a Baseball War
The first professional baseball league in the Pacific Northwest played its first season in 1890. Almost immediately talk began regarding the formation of one super league for the West Coast and a merger with the California League. By the end of the 1893 both leagues folded with any kind of a merger as the country was plunged deep into a recession, sound familiar? Although the two leagues came back to the playing field in 1898, the boys in the Northwest were not able to get back to firm footing until 1901.
Rumors flourished thoughout the next two seasons that a merger was in the works. As the California League season ended in early December, the rumors intensified. On December 29, 1902 the California League announced thats four clubs had admitted teams from Seattle and Portland. They also had changed their name to the Pacific Coast League. What had happened was the Portland Club from the Pacific Northwest League had jumped as a whole to the new league. The Pacific Coast League had hijacked the Seattle ballpark by signing a lease of their own and installing a new owner. A war had begun.
By the time the season opened the following spring, the Pacific Northwest League invaded San Francisco and Los Angeles. They too changed their name to the Pacific National League. In mid August the PNL boys had to to cry uncle and admit the PCL boys were the better of the two leagues.
The Pacific Coast League has played in every season since, almost reaching major league status. Its history has stretched from Indianapolis, Indiana to Honolulu, Hawaii. Today the league rans from the Coast into Tennessee. Today the Northwest League plays a 70 schedule from late June to Labor Day. Many NWL players go on to the play in the PCL as frequently the leagues in the Pacific Northwest were used as farm clubs for the PCL.
Tomorrow we will stay on the West Coast with a look at the Forum in Inglewood, California.
Rumors flourished thoughout the next two seasons that a merger was in the works. As the California League season ended in early December, the rumors intensified. On December 29, 1902 the California League announced thats four clubs had admitted teams from Seattle and Portland. They also had changed their name to the Pacific Coast League. What had happened was the Portland Club from the Pacific Northwest League had jumped as a whole to the new league. The Pacific Coast League had hijacked the Seattle ballpark by signing a lease of their own and installing a new owner. A war had begun.
By the time the season opened the following spring, the Pacific Northwest League invaded San Francisco and Los Angeles. They too changed their name to the Pacific National League. In mid August the PNL boys had to to cry uncle and admit the PCL boys were the better of the two leagues.
The Pacific Coast League has played in every season since, almost reaching major league status. Its history has stretched from Indianapolis, Indiana to Honolulu, Hawaii. Today the league rans from the Coast into Tennessee. Today the Northwest League plays a 70 schedule from late June to Labor Day. Many NWL players go on to the play in the PCL as frequently the leagues in the Pacific Northwest were used as farm clubs for the PCL.
Tomorrow we will stay on the West Coast with a look at the Forum in Inglewood, California.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
The Greatest Game Ever Played
On December 28, 1958 the Baltmore Colts, led by quarterback Johnny Unitas traveled to Yankee Stadium, "The House That Ruth Built" to met the New York Giants for the National Football Leagues championship. What happened that day was what has frequently been called by fans as "The Greatest game ever played". Both teams had 9-3 records in regular season play.
The Giants struck first with a 36 yard field goal late in the first quarter. The Colts however owned the second quarter and took a 14-3 lead into the locker room at the half. In the third quarter the Colts threatened to put the game out of reach driving all the way down to the Giants one yard line before losing the ball on downs at the five yard line. Four plays later the Giants pulled within four points with a touchdown of their own. The Giants scored again early in the fourth quarter to take the led by three. The Colts ended up the ball on their own 14 yard line and two minutes to go. Unitas then showed the world what a 2 minute drill was, driving the ball all the way down to the Giants 13 yard line setting up a 20 yard field goal to tie the game.
The game became the first to require overtime to find a winner. The Colts on their first possession drove the ball 80 yards to set up a one yard touchdown run to win the game and the championship. The two teams would meet again the following year for another championship game. Of those involved with the game 17 went on to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. If the game had been played by the coaching staff the Giants,who had Tom Landry as their defensive coordinator and Vince Lombardi as their offensive coordinator, would have won easily.
As promised tomorrow we will look at a Baseball War.
The Giants struck first with a 36 yard field goal late in the first quarter. The Colts however owned the second quarter and took a 14-3 lead into the locker room at the half. In the third quarter the Colts threatened to put the game out of reach driving all the way down to the Giants one yard line before losing the ball on downs at the five yard line. Four plays later the Giants pulled within four points with a touchdown of their own. The Giants scored again early in the fourth quarter to take the led by three. The Colts ended up the ball on their own 14 yard line and two minutes to go. Unitas then showed the world what a 2 minute drill was, driving the ball all the way down to the Giants 13 yard line setting up a 20 yard field goal to tie the game.
The game became the first to require overtime to find a winner. The Colts on their first possession drove the ball 80 yards to set up a one yard touchdown run to win the game and the championship. The two teams would meet again the following year for another championship game. Of those involved with the game 17 went on to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. If the game had been played by the coaching staff the Giants,who had Tom Landry as their defensive coordinator and Vince Lombardi as their offensive coordinator, would have won easily.
As promised tomorrow we will look at a Baseball War.
Monday, December 27, 2010
A Day With the College Bowl Games
Now that College Bowl game season is in full season, it time for us to take a look at one day of its history.
Our December 27th look begins with 1952 when Sam Houston State beat Northeastern State 41-20 in the only Shrimp Bowl game ever played. The game was played at Galveston, Texas.
We jump ahead to 1971 when Arizona State hosted Florida State at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe in the first Fiesta Bowl Game ever played. The Sun Devils won the game by a score of 45-38.
Exactly four years later, on Dececmber 27, 1975 at New Orleans; Louisiana Southern University beat South Carolina State 15-12 in the last Pelican Bowl game ever played.
Finally on December 27, 2002 at Reliant Stadium, Houston, Texas; Oklahoma State beat Southern Mississippi State by a score of 33-23 in the first Houston Bowl game to be played. The Texas Bowl is considered by many to be a name change from this game.
This year 35 bowl games will be played over a 3.5 week period, we will have more days like this one in the next few days as well over a 100 differently named bowl games have been played since the first bowl game was played in 1902. Tomorrow we will however go back to the NFL and take historical look at one of their games. On Tuesday baseball will show us the beginning of one of its famous wars. On Wednesday we will look at the opening of the Forum in Inglewood, California and on Friday a look at the famous Ice Bowl game.
Our December 27th look begins with 1952 when Sam Houston State beat Northeastern State 41-20 in the only Shrimp Bowl game ever played. The game was played at Galveston, Texas.
We jump ahead to 1971 when Arizona State hosted Florida State at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe in the first Fiesta Bowl Game ever played. The Sun Devils won the game by a score of 45-38.
Exactly four years later, on Dececmber 27, 1975 at New Orleans; Louisiana Southern University beat South Carolina State 15-12 in the last Pelican Bowl game ever played.
Finally on December 27, 2002 at Reliant Stadium, Houston, Texas; Oklahoma State beat Southern Mississippi State by a score of 33-23 in the first Houston Bowl game to be played. The Texas Bowl is considered by many to be a name change from this game.
This year 35 bowl games will be played over a 3.5 week period, we will have more days like this one in the next few days as well over a 100 differently named bowl games have been played since the first bowl game was played in 1902. Tomorrow we will however go back to the NFL and take historical look at one of their games. On Tuesday baseball will show us the beginning of one of its famous wars. On Wednesday we will look at the opening of the Forum in Inglewood, California and on Friday a look at the famous Ice Bowl game.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
A Japanese Baseball First
By Christmas of 1934, five countries had a professional baseball history and active leagues playing. Those countries were the United States, Canada, Mexico, Cuba and the Dominican Republic. The small but growing club was about to grow by one. On December 26, 1934 the Toyko Kyogin Professional Baseball Club was formed. Although there were not enough clubs formed in Japan between that time and the following spring, a year later there were and a six club league began play. A rough first decade ensued as World War 2 made growth a very big challedge for the league. The Kyogin Club later changed their name to the Yomiuri Giants and has gone on to great sucess in the league.
In the last thirty years three other Asian countries have joined the group with leagues of their own, those countries being South Korea, the Peoples' Republic of China and Taiwan. Since the founding of the Japanese League, two European and five Latin countries have aalso joined the group as well as one from down under. The other countries being Australia, Columbia, Holland, Italy, Nicaragua, Panama, Puerto Rico and Venezuela. All of the countries have had their struggles through the years, several countries are not fielding leagues at the moment. This collection of countries has done a very good job of promoting the game on a world wide basis allowing the baseballs version of the World Cup to be a great success.
Tomorrow we look at first look at the December 27th history of college bowl games.
In the last thirty years three other Asian countries have joined the group with leagues of their own, those countries being South Korea, the Peoples' Republic of China and Taiwan. Since the founding of the Japanese League, two European and five Latin countries have aalso joined the group as well as one from down under. The other countries being Australia, Columbia, Holland, Italy, Nicaragua, Panama, Puerto Rico and Venezuela. All of the countries have had their struggles through the years, several countries are not fielding leagues at the moment. This collection of countries has done a very good job of promoting the game on a world wide basis allowing the baseballs version of the World Cup to be a great success.
Tomorrow we look at first look at the December 27th history of college bowl games.
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