LAST NIGHT'S GAME 3/13/24 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 3/13/24

Celebrating 400 Podcast Episodes: A Journey Through Our Favorite Moments

Come along for a trip down memory lane.

From our Haunted Sports Stadiums Episode

Join Amy and Scott in their milestone 400th podcast episode as they reminisce over some of the most memorable moments from the show. From Scott's journey joining the podcast to format changes and favorite episodes, including insightful discussions on NFL play calling, women's impact in sports, the Golden Knights' triumph, eerie tales of haunted stadiums and honoring athletes gone too soon.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

00:48 Adding Scott to the Podcast

03:04 Favorite Episode: Women Changing the World of Sports

06:07 Favorite Episode: Golden Knights Stanley Cup Win

08:11 Favorite Episode: Haunted Stadiums and Sports Venues

12:02 Favorite Episode: Athletes Gone Too Soon

16:15 Conclusion and Thanks

Sports Curious, presented by Last Night's Game, is here to take the awkwardness out of the conversation and help you join the sports conversation, even if you don't know the first thing about sports. We break down what's happening in sports in an easy-to-understand, fun way without all of the statistics and jargon, so you never have to exit stage left when the chatter at the office, dinner table or networking event switches to sports.

You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. And if you have feedback or questions, you can email Amy at amy@lastnightsgame.com.

Unwrapping The Presents Athletes Give Each Other

Way better than coal in your stocking

(Podcast length - 24:01 mins)

It’s true; a perfect gift doesn’t have to cost a lot. But when it comes to athletes, some are creative, and others make bold (read: expensive) moves.

The Most Influential Women In Sports

The sports world will never be the same again.

(Podcast length - 22:09 mins)

From challenging the status quo to pushing for equal pay and shining a spotlight on mental health, the women we discuss on this week's podcast are redefining what it means to be a game-changer.

In this week's podcast, "The Most Influential Women In Sports" we showcase how these women put it all on the line. The sports world will never be the same again.

The Most Powerful Women in Sports

Ain’t no stopping us now.

Wrapping up women’s history month.

We can't be what we can't see, and these women are showing the next generation of female leaders that being a powerhouse in the sports world is attainable.

Transcript

(Podcast length - 5:13)

Dany Garcia

Dany Garcia has been making things happen behind the scenes for years, and now she's in the spotlight as the Chairwoman and Owner of the XFL. Garcia works alongside her ex-husband Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, on everything from the XFL to "Jumanji." Garcia's acquisition of the XFL made her the first woman to own an equal or majority ownership stake in a major professional sports league in the United States.

Garcia is the co-founder of Seven Bucks Productions, a production company for TV, film and digital networks and founder, CEO, and chairwoman of The Garcia Companies, where she oversees a portfolio of brands within the business, entertainment, sports, entrepreneurial and food spaces. As balancing 50+ projects isn't enough, she's passionate about the sport of bodybuilding. She first competed in 2011 and was the first-ever Women's Physique Division athlete to be signed to the Weider roster. UNSTOPPABLE

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Simone Biles

Simone Biles is this generation's "it" girl. With 32 Olympic and World Championship medals, she's the GOAT in the gym. Still, she singlehandedly changed the way we think about the impact of pressure on an athlete's mental health after she withdrew from the Tokyo Olympics. (She later earned a bronze medal on the beam). Biles reminded everyone that it's okay not to be okay. With she has the hardware to back it up.

If that wasn't brave enough, she spoke out against a system of injustice, testifying before Congress about how the US justice system failed to stop former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar from sexually abusing her and others. BOLD

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Jeanie Buss

Jeanie Buss made a name for herself as the president and controlling owner of the Los Angeles Lakers. The daughter of Jerry Buss, the former Lakers owner, became the first female owner to lead a team to an NBA championship title.

But running the Lakers didn't come without hard work. At only 19, she served as the general manager of the Strings, a tennis team owned by her father. She bought the Los Angeles Blades, a roller hockey team, and was named Executive of the Year by the league. She isn't afraid to make bold moves. She fired the Lakers general manager in 2017 and pushed for her brother's resignation as VP of operations. She hired Magic Johnson as the team president and Rob Pelinka as the new GM. She's also the owner of WOW, Women Of Wrestling. THIS IS HOW WE DO

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Becky Hammon, Katie Sowers and Jennifer Welter

Becky Hammon, Katie Sowers and Jennifer Welter have made a career of paving their path as coaches. In 2014, Hammon became the first full-time female assistant coach in the NBA, following a 16-year WNBA (Women's National Basketball Association) career. She joined the San Antonio Spurs (NBA – National Basketball Association) as an assistant coach. Last year the Las Vegas Aces signed Hammon to a $1M/year contract, the largest in WNBA history. Hammon went on to win Coach of the Year and became the first coach to win a title in her first year.

Sowers made NFL (National Football League) history in 2020 by becoming the first female coach to coach at the Superbowl and the first openly gay coach in the NFL. Welter broke barriers in 2015 by becoming the first female NFL coach in a coaching position with the Arizona Cardinals. WHO RUN THE WORLD?

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Julie Urhman

Julie Uhrman is the co-founder and president of her hometown NWSL (National Women's Soccer League) team, Angel City. The Los Angeles-based team is one of the world's only majority female-founded and -run pro sports teams. It's an expansion team that began play in 2022, with owners including Natalie Portman, Serena and Olympia Williams, Eva Longoria and other high-profile celebrities.

Working alongside her is another powerhouse, Angela Hucles, the vice president of player development and operations at Angel City FC. WHAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF

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Dwayne Johnson's XFL Is Taking The Field

The season starts on February 18.

Just in time to fill the void after the Super Bowl, the XFL is back, but this time it’s under the watch of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. If you’re wondering what XFL stands for, it doesn’t stand for anything, so feel free to use your imagination.

Transcript

1. It seems like everything Johnson touches turns to gold, and he’s hoping that’s the case for the defunct football league. He and his business partner (and ex-wife) Dany Garcia and RedBird Capital Partners purchased the XFL for $15M five months after the league folded in August 2020. Vince McMahon, former chairman of the WWE (Worldwide Wrestling Entertainment), owned the league in its (failed) 2001 and 2020 iterations. TEAMWORK

2. The new (and improved?) league, which starts February 18, will have eight teams- the D.C. Defenders, Houston Roughnecks, Arlington Renegades, Orlando Guardians, Las Vegas Vipers, Seattle Sea Dragons, San Antonio Brahmas and St. Louis Battlehawks. The teams will play a 10-week season followed by the semifinals and the championship game on May 13. LET’S DO THIS

3. Johnson has had a longstanding relationship with Under Armour through Project Rock, which continues with the XFL team uniforms, sponsored by none other than Under Armour. Each jersey features a “Blood, Sweat, Respect” mantra – a personal message from ownership to players. WEARING YOUR HEART ON YOUR SLEEVE

4. What’s different about The Rock’s XFL compared to previous ownership? He has already established a five-year TV deal with major networks, and he’s partnering with the NFL (National Football League). BETTER TOGETHER

5. Leading the teams in a head coaching capacity are a group of high-profile collegiate coaches like Bob Stoops (Arlington) and former NFL players Hines Ward (San Antonio) and Hall of Famer Rod Woodson (Vegas). LEADING THE PACK

There are some untraditional rules compared to an NFL or college football game. Here they are if you’re into that kind of stuff.

Sporting Events We're Looking Forward To In 2023

Football with The Rock, Rihanna and the Women’s World Cup means great times are ahead.

(Podcast length - 4:42 mins)

The best part about January is looking ahead at the year and all the possibilities to be entertained.

Phoenix Open/Super Bowl

February 9 - 12

Phoenix will be the home to two of the rowdiest events of the year – the Super Bowl and The Waste Management Phoenix Open. Leading up to the Super Bowl (with the final round on Super Bowl Sunday) is the Waste Management Phoenix Open, which is hands down the biggest party of the golf season. The 16th hole is surrounded by stadium seating and is known for its’ wild and tipsy crowd.

We all love the Super Bowl (February 12), the commercials, the music and the food. Rihanna is this year’s halftime entertainment. LIFT ME UP

The Launch of the XFL

The XFL is back, but this time it’s under the watch of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. It seems like everything Johnson touches turns to gold, and he’s hoping that’s the case for the defunct football league he purchased for $15M. The new league, which starts February 18, will have eight teams. What’s different about The Rock’s XFL? He has already established a five-year TV deal with major networks, and he’s partnering with the NFL (National Football League). If you’re wondering what XFL stands for, it doesn’t stand for anything, so feel free to use your imagination. NEW AND IMPROVED?

World Baseball Classic

March 8 - March 21

The World Cup (soccer) brought the world together at the end of 2022, and now it’s baseball’s turn. The World Baseball Classic is an international baseball tournament featuring Major League Baseball caliber players representing their countries. The event is traditionally every four years but was canceled in 2021. Taichung, Tokyo, Phoenix and Miami will be the four host cities of the 2023 World Baseball Classic, with Miami hosting the championship game. BATTER UP

FIFA Women’s World Cup

July 20-August 20 in host countries Australia and New Zealand

Will the US Women’s National Team claim the title of best in the world for the third time in a row? 31 other nations will do their best to stop that from happening – the largest field to date. With the expanded field comes newbies to the tournament, including Morocco, the Philippines, the Republic of Ireland, Vietnam and Zambia, which will play in the World Cup for the first time. GLOBAL PHENOMENON

Ryder Cup

September 29 to October 1 in Rome, Italy

A biennial event that we love is the Ryder Cup. The tournament that pits the USA vs. Europe against each other provides global bragging rights, camaraderie, and teamwork in a mostly individual sport. Expect to see your favorites hitting the links as friends become foes. Team Europe hasn’t ruled out inviting LIV golfers to play, but the US has decided against including any players who defected from the PGA for the Saudi-backed golf league. FORE!

Honorable mention

As Las Vegas natives, we must show a little love for our city, which will host its first-ever F1 (Formula One) race in November 2023. The race will take place at night on the iconic Las Vegas Strip. FROM SIN CITY TO SPORTS CITY

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LAST NIGHT'S GAME 12/7/22 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 12/7/22

Athletes Who Give Back To Their Community In A Big Way

Who doesn’t love good news?

(Podcast length - 5:20 mins)

If volunteering reduces depression and early mortality rates, these athletes will be the happiest centenarians.

Transcript

1. John Cena's heart is bigger than his biceps. The WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) wrestler's mantra is "Never Give Up," and that's what he's told the countless Make-A-Wish kids he's met with. There are many moments to make you smile, like when he had a tea party with one Make-A-Wish visitor decked out in his full wrestling regalia. Cena set a new Guinness World Record for granting the most wishes through Make-A-Wish at 650. No one, except for Cena, has ever granted more than 200 wishes in the foundation's history. TINY UNIFORM, BIG HEART

2. NBA Hall of Famer and broadcaster Shaquille O'Neal is known for his random acts of kindness. From buying an engagement ring for a fellow customer at a jewelry store to purchasing shoes for a 13-year-old boy with size 18 feet to a new car and food for a family in need, may Shaq's generosity inspire us all this holiday season to do more good. PAY IT FORWARD

3. International soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo is known for his cover model looks, supreme soccer skills and the big payday those bring in. While he's not afraid to write a significant check, he's also been known to roll up his sleeves, literally, as a frequent blood donor. The father of five has made a considerable impact on his young fans all over the world. In one instance, he invited a Syrian orphan who lost his parents in the war to a game and spent time with him. He has also paid for numerous children's lifesaving medical treatments. His signature move is auctioning off coveted trophies he's been awarded, with the proceeds going to charity. INTERNATIONAL MAN OF GOOD

4. From donating $43,000 prize money to relief funds for raging Australian bushfires after her Australia Open win to serving as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, Serena Williams is the GOAT in giving back. Through UNICEF, Williams has been an outspoken advocate for education worldwide, but she never forgot where she came from. She and her sister Venus have been invested in causes like the Yetunde Price Resource Center, which offers healing-centered and trauma-informed programs to the residents of their hometown of Compton, CA.

5. Love him or hate him, LeBron James (NBA -National Basketball Association) has left the community better than he found it. While he has worked countless hours with organizations that support children, like Boys & Girls Clubs of America, his big project is the I Promise School in Akron, OH. The school serves over 450 at-risk third through sixth graders. In its first year, the year-round school saw growth among 90% of students who started the school year at least one year behind. The school engages the entire family with an on-campus Family Resource Center and regular events requiring parent participation to create a supportive environment both in the classroom and at home. CHANGING THE FUTURE

Sports Curious presented by Last Night's Game, is here to take the awkward out of the conversation and help you join the sports conversation, even if you don't know the first thing about sports. We break down what's happening in sports in an easy-to-understand, fun way without all of the statistics and jargon so you never have to exit stage left when the chatter at the office, dinner table or a networking event switches to sports.

You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, make sure to leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. And if you have feedback or questions, you can email Amy at amy@lastnightsgame.com.

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LAST NIGHT'S GAME 11/30/22 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 11/30/22

Athletes And Their Thoughtful Gift Giving

Coworkers, take note.

(Podcast length - 4:38 mins)

These athletes deserve a championship trophy for the well-thought-out gifts to their teammates and loved ones.

Transcript

1. Truly a gift from the heart. For years Peyton Manning wrote handwritten notes to athletes and sports figures he admired. He spent his off-season writing to the people on this list, usually after they reached a milestone or retired. He would note the person's respect for the game along with his notes of best wishes. AN INVALUABLE GIFT

2. Pitcher Max Scherzer (MLB - Major League Baseball) and quarterback Trevor Siemian (NFL - National Football League) know the way to a man's heart through their stomach. The Chicago Bears QB, Siemian loved Skittles, so he purchased custom parkas for his linemen that dispense Skittles. Yes, the fur-trim hooded parkas have a button on the chest that, when pushed, Skittles arrive in a coat pocket.

Scherzer spent time in the minor leagues rehabbing from an injury. He bought his Binghamton Rumble Ponies teammates Apple Air Pods and treated them to a $7,000 lobster and filet mignon dinner to thank them for their hospitality. A DREAM COME TRUE

3. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL) offensive line is a giving group that put a new spin on gift-giving. Instead of exchanging with each other, they pooled their money to give special bonuses to staff members who might get overlooked. These people take care of them daily, like the kitchen staff, trainers and the equipment team. THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS

4. Pavin Smith is still in the minor leagues, but his heart is big league. Pavin used his $5M signing bonus from the Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB) to pay off his parent's mortgage. Smith joins famous athletes like Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Russell Wilson (NFL), who bought their parents a home. GRATITUDE

5. A gift that was designed to be the gift that keeps on giving, New England Patriots (NFL) quarterback Mac Jones gave his linemen bitcoin for Christmas in 2021. Hopefully, they cashed in while it was good. BEST OF INTENTIONS

Bonus: Ever wonder what one might buy a professional athlete who has everything? Well, Roger Federer has been gifted a cow (twice). Other notable gifts professional athletes have received include ice cream, scrapbooks and tribute haircuts and tattoos.

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LAST NIGHT'S GAME 4/22/21 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 4/22/21

How The Sports World Is Saving Mother Earth

From sheep lawnmowers to vegan-only concession stands.

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(Podcast length - 4:15 mins)

How far are you willing to go to save Mother Earth? Well for these teams, the sky’s the limit.

Transcript

1. The Green Rovers, a soccer team from Western England, is leading the charge to go green. They claim the title as the only vegan football (i.e., soccer) club in the world. Since 2015, there have been no animal products for sale in the stadium. Some of the players eat non-vegan outside of the stadium (and there are paparazzi photos to prove it), but some have adopted the vegan lifestyle. The team is also the world’s first U.N. certified carbon-neutral sports club. NO MEAT PIES FOR YOU

2. From medals made of recycled consumer electronics to recycled cardboard beds, expect the Tokyo Summer Olympics to set the bar high when it comes to a sustainable Games. Anyone can reduce their carbon footprint by using fuel-efficient vehicles and existing venues, but Japan is taking it one step further using post-consumer plastic packaging collected throughout Japan to create the medal podiums. Not to be outdone, organizers are aiming to achieve 100 percent renewable energy for the electricity used to power the Games. DOING THEIR PART

3. Pocono Motor Speedway’s (NASCAR - National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) green efforts not only benefit the earth but you. The raceway runs completely on solar power and has sheep for lawn mowers. But they have an industry-specific problem – what to do with as many as 600 used tires after a race? Answer – recycle. The recycled residue from old tires is used in everyday items such as portable speed bumps, the anti-fatigue mat in your kitchen or playgrounds. WHERE THE RUBBER HITS THE ROAD

4. Home field advantage for some sports teams is an urban farm. Fenway Park, one of the oldest stadiums in baseball, was granted its LEED certification. The home of the Boston Red Sox (MLB) also has a rooftop farm that generates 5,900 pounds of produce annually to be used in the stadium. The home of the San Francisco 49ers boasts a 27,000-square foot rooftop farm that generates 500 pounds of produce monthly. BATTING FOR BROCCOLI

5. The Cleveland Indians were the first MLB (Major League Baseball) team to install a wind turbine to power their stadium. Others have since followed. Although the Indians can boast that their stadium is 100 percent powered by renewable energy from wind power. BLOWN AWAY

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LAST NIGHT'S GAME 4/14/21 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 4/14/21

You Can Thank These Athletes For Your Next Hangover

Cocktails and sports? We’re here for it.

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(Podcast length - 5:54 mins)

Whether you’re ready to hit the town or looking to stay in, these athletes will have you saying, pass the Advil.

Transcript

1. There’s nothing Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson can’t do. From college football to wrestling to acting he’s now added the founder of Teremana tequila to his list of accomplishments. His tequila is one of the fastest-growing celebrity spirits in history. While The Rock seems to have the corner on the celebrity tequila market, look out for LeBron James (Lobos 1707) and Michael Jordan (Cincoro), both investors in the tequila market. GUAC IT TO ME

2. Former NBA (National Basketball Association) player Amare Stoudemire was known for bathing in red wine to help his post-game recovery. Hence, it’s no surprise that the former member of the Phoenix Suns and Israeli citizen created his own kosher wine. MAZEL TOV

3. Like a fine wine, Danica Patrick only gets better. The retired racecar driver has gone from breaking the glass ceiling in racing to wine. One might say her career drove her to drink, but she’s accomplishing a dream in retirement. No, really. Her Napa Valley vineyard Somnium means “dream” in Latin. FROM THE FINISH LINE TO THE GRAPEVINE

4. A glass of fine wine and announcer Jim Nantz have something in common. They’re both smooth and are likely to put you to sleep (in a good way in Nantz's case) after consuming for an hour or two. Nantz, the soothing voice of the Masters and NFL on CBS, is behind the Healdsburg, CA winery The Calling. Also known for their time on the golf course and in the wine world are veteran golfers Ernie Els (Ernie Els Wines) and Greg Norman (Greg Norman Estates). CLOSEOUT THE DAY AT THE 19TH HOLE (AKA THE BAR)

5. LeBron James doesn’t shy away from his admiration for wine (or apparently tequila) and neither do retired NBA players Dwyane Wade and Yao Ming. Ming is one of the tallest ever to play the game and the Shanghai native is fully invested in his St. Helena, CA vineyard. However, Yao Family Wines aren’t your daily drinkers at around $100+ a bottle. Dwyane Wade’s brand, Wade Cellars, resides in Napa Valley. Wade knew he always wanted to be in the wine industry, so here’s the chance to toast him with the fruit of his labor. WE’LL DRINK TO THAT

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LAST NIGHT'S GAME 9/1/20 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 9/1/20

Women Ask All

Talking life, dating and answering your sports questions. Yep, it’s that much fun all in one podcast episode.

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(Podcast length 48 mins)

Try to resist the urge to open a bottle of rosé as we chat with three of the most talented and kick#ss ladies about life, sports, the Bachelor franchise and the all important question of if/when we will ever return to wearing pants with a real waistband. #YogaPantsForever

Special guests:
Kourtney Brooks, Lincee Ray and Lisa Alberti

Sports Curious presented by Last Night's Game, is here to take the awkward out of conversation and help you join the sports conversation, even if you don't know the first thing about sports. We breakdown what's happening in sports in an easy to understand, fun way without all of the statistics and jargon so you never have to exit stage left when the chatter at the office, dinner table or a networking event switches to sports.

You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, make sure to leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.

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LAST NIGHT'S GAME 8/26/20 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 8/26/20

5 Women Changing Sports For The Better

This isn’t your typical list. It’s made up of #GSDers who are taking their seat at the table.

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(Podcast length 3:50 - transcript is below)

We all know about the great work that female athletes like Serena Williams and the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team are doing for women in the sports world, but what about those who are just outside the spotlight? These five women are flying under the radar (sort of) but making things happen on and off the field.

You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, make sure to leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.

[Transcript]

1. Playing together on the same team for the first time since college are sisters Nneka and Chiney Ogwumike of the Los Angeles Sparks. The two are more than teammates, they’re advocates for the women who make up the WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association). They’re women just like us, students, mothers and businesswomen who happen to dominate on the court. Nneka and Chiney, who are leaders of the league’s players association, led the player negotiations that lead to maternity benefits, higher travel standards and increases to player cash compensation and benefits. RAISING THE BAR

2. Move over Jerry Maguire, Nicole Lynn is here. In this year’s NFL Draft (National Football League), Lynn, 30, became the first black woman to represent a top-five NFL draft pick. Before the draft, she took to the internet to figure out what other women agents have worn and found no inspiration because only two women have ever represented players in the draft previously. The next in line will have Lynn to look up to. TAKE YOUR SEAT AT THE TABLE

3. Becky Hammon is setting the NBA (National Basketball Association) on fire. She’s currently the lead assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs and with Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich out, fans are wondering why Hammon isn’t being allowed to step into the head coaching position. The team instead brought in former player Tim Duncan to replace Popovich even though it seems Hammon is doing the work. They might want to watch out because she’s already the first woman ever to interview for an NBA head coaching job and it’s a matter of time until another team hires her to be the boss. SLAM DUNK

4. The NHL (National Hockey League) is walking the walk, living up to their statement that hockey is for everyone. During the Chicago Blackhawks – St. Louis Blues game last year on International Women’s Day, the broadcast and production crew will be made up entirely of women. They’ve also opened up the All-Star NHL skills competition to female hockey players. NOW WE’RE TALKING

5. Soon baseball will no longer be left to the “boys of summer.” Kudos to Justine Siegal who paved the way for so many women when she became the first woman to coach for a Major League Baseball (MLB) organization (Oakland Athletics Fall League, 2015). This year, the San Francisco Giants hired Alyssa Nakken as an assistant coach on their big league roster. Both the Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees appointed women to their minor league coaching staff. WHO’S ON FIRST

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LAST NIGHT'S GAME 3/11/20 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 3/11/20

5 Times Global Sports Have Come To A Halt

Coronavirus isn’t the first culprit to put a kibosh on athletic competition.

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(Podcast length 4:08 - transcript is below)

The coronavirus is nothing like we’ve ever seen before but it’s not the first-time sporting events have been cancelled on a global scale. Regardless, there have not been many times in history where we’ve hit the brakes on sports.

You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, make sure to leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.

[Transcript]

1. While we’ve never seen cancellations like this from a virus, we’ve seen plenty of examples of entire seasons cancelled due to contract negations between the players and the owners. In 2011, the NBA (National Basketball Association) shorted their season (which the players probably preferred) because they couldn’t come to terms and MLB (Major League Baseball) has missed out on the second half of a season and a World Series in 1994. The NHL (National Hockey League) has done it too in 2004. Keep an eye on the NFL as the hotly contested deal from 2011 expires in 2021. At this point, all signs say we could have another lock out next year. SAY IT ISN’T SO

2. The Olympics have made it through some rough patches in history but World War I led to a cancellation of the 1916 Summer Games in host country Germany. Germany was awarded the game over bids by Alexandria, Amsterdam, Brussels, Budapest and Cleveland. The country ended up hosting the 1936 Summer Olympics while it was under the rule of Adolf Hitler. ON A GLOBAL SCALE

3. The tragic events of 9/11 disrupted the world, including the sports world. The NFL and college football cancelled games. MLB took a week off in the last month of their season, leading to the first ever World Series to be played in November. Many will remember the first game back of the MLB postseason and the iconic moment when President Bush threw out the first pitch or the goosebump evoking home run by New York Mets’ Mike Piazza. A SENSE OF NORMALCY

4. Japan was on board to host the 1940 Summer Olympics but two years before the contest, they excused themselves from their host duties to put all resources toward their military during conflict. The games were then awarded to Finland but the start of World War II in 1939 led to cancellation of the Olympics all together. The 1944 London Summer Olympics were also cancelled because of WWII. Those two Olympics are referred to by historians as the “Lost Olympics.” A PIECE OF HISTORY

5. As of today’s post, we know that March Madness will proceed next week but without fans. The NBA has suspended its season after a player tested positive for the virus. All other major professional sports leagues that are playing right now have closed their locker rooms to media and non-essential personnel. All Italian sporting events are closed to fans, many Olympic qualifying events have been cancelled and the big tennis tournament in Indian Wells is cancelled, leaving $400 million in tourism dollars on the table. BIG DECISIONS ON THE LINE

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LAST NIGHT'S GAME 2/26/20 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 2/26/20

The Most Invasive Job Interview In Sports

They call it the “Underwear Olympics” for a reason.

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Ever had a dream where you end up in public nearly naked, feeling oh so exposed? Welcome to the NFL Combine (National Football League) where that is real life. They call it the Underwear Olympics for a reason.

*Note the transcript has been updated with 2023 draft information.

Transcript

1. The NFL Combine (pronounced kɒmbaɪn– like a harvesting tractor) is known as the “Underwear Olympics” because prospects compete in different challenges in small, tight-fitting workout gear, all while being scrutinized. It wasn’t long ago that prospects stripped down to their underwear for the “eyeball test,” where coaches would make notes about their stature, muscle build, etc. The combine is March 2-5, 2023. IT’S LIKE PRIZED CATTLE GOING TO MARKET

2. Unlike in the last presidential election, hand size matters in the combine. Quarterbacks are especially scrutinized for their grip, which is judged by the distance from the thumb to their pinkie. The chatter around likely No. 1 draft pick Bryce Young from Alabama is about his small stature. Young weighs in at 195 pounds and is 5-foot-10 1/2, which is not ideal to be slammed to the ground by a 315-pound defensive end. Other events include intense interviews and the 40-yard dash. OUCH

3. As if being in your undies isn’t bad enough, teams are known for asking really weird and intrusive questions. Over 300 players who have been invited to the tryout will be asked interrogation-style questions in an attempt to evoke the player’s vices (drinking, drugs), ethics, failures, sexual orientation (even though technically this is illegal) or anything to get a rise out of the player. WHERE’S THE HR DEPARTMENT?

4. If you think any dumb jock can make it to the NFL, then you’ve never taken the Wonderlic Test. This challenge tests (that has been discontinued in 2023) players’ problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. Only one player has ever had a perfect score. Think you can beat it? HARDER THAN IT LOOKS

5. The “sexiest” event in the combine is the 40-yard dash. In the past, the fastest runner has won prizes such as a private island or $1 million. Tom Brady was remarkably slow, but he turned out alright. SLOW AND STEADY

The NFL Draft is April 27–29, 2023, in Kansas City.

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LAST NIGHT'S GAME 2/20/20 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 2/20/20

The XFL - The Sports League You Never Knew You Needed

The only five things you need to know about the newest kid on the block and their rebel ways to make the game more entertaining.

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What if we told you there’s a new league out that make games faster, more fun and give you, the fan, a behind the scenes look? Well that’s exactly what the XFL is doing for football.

You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, make sure to leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.

[Transcript]

1. You’re thinking “haven’t I seen this before?” and the answer is yes. Vince McMahon (WWE – World Wrestling Entertainment) founded the XFL in 2001 and the league only played one season. The focus wasn’t football but entertainment, violence and cheerleaders. McMahon is fronting the cash for the league himself and he’s expecting to lose $375 million over the first three seasons to get the league back off the ground. (In case you're wondering, according to Forbes he is worth $2.1 billion). WHAT COULD GO WRONG?

FYI - The ‘X’ in XFL doesn’t actually stand for anything.

2. Now the league, which features former NFL (National Football League) and college football players, is back and the focus is on giving fans unprecedented access to the game during the broadcast. You'll see on the field interviews with players during the game (who are usually out of breath and known to drop f-bombs). On the broadcast you can listen in to the plays being called down to the players on the field. You can also spy on the referees and their communication with their replay team on questioned calls which is interesting and sometimes hilarious. INVESTING FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT

3. They’ve embraced their ability to think outside the box on the field, but also to the benefit of their sponsors. The players celebrate their wins by chugging Bud Light Seltzer. GATORADE SHOWERS ARE FOR BABIES

4. Did you know in the NFL (National Football League) the only offensive player with communication in their helmet is the quarterback? (One defensive player also receives coach communication). In an effort to speed up the game, the majority of the players on the field in the XFL can hear the plays being relayed from their coaches. CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?

5. And if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. That’s what the XFL says about betting on their games. Even though they’ve benefitted from fantasy sports, other professional sports leagues have fought the expansion of betting. The XFL is encouraging it, even asking their broadcasters to bring it up during the game. They consulted bookmakers on the new rules and are “leaning in” to sports betting to give the fans what they want. (For our sports betting 101, click here). GIVE THE PEOPLE WHAT THEY WANT

Note - We’re two weeks into the season and all the signs say the league will be around for a while, unlike the AAF (Alliance of American Football) that folded mid-season. You can see the eight XFL teams battle it out every weekend for the next eight weeks, with two weeks of playoffs after that.

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Honorable mention

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