LAST NIGHT'S GAME 4/3/24 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 4/3/24

The High Stakes: Athletes, Gambling And Broken Dreams

Careers ruined? You can bet on it.

This could go down as one of the most interesting episodes we've done, in our humble opinion. This week, we discuss athletes and the evolution of sports betting. From Shohei Ohtani's interpreter scandal to historic tales like Pete Rose's ban from baseball, we dive into the highs and lows of sports betting, including the NCAA's efforts to curb harassment of college players due to sports betting.

Learn about the regulatory landscape, recent scandals and the impact of legalized gambling on athletes. Join the conversation and gain insights into the evolving relationship between sports and betting. Don't miss out on this captivating discussion!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Shohei Ohtani Gambling Scandal

02:05 Investigation by FBI and MLB

03:22 NCAA's Efforts to Curb Harassment of College Players

06:07 NCAA Lobbying to Ban Player Proposition Bets

09:12 NBA Player Prop Bets Scandal

14:26 Pete Rose and the MLB Betting Scandal

15:28 1994 Arizona State Basketball Point Shaving Scandal

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.

Pitch Perfect: What You Need To Know About The 2024 MLB Season

Play Ball!

The boys of summer are back (ie, Major League Baseball)! Step up to the plate with your favorite sibling co-hosts as they dive into the depths of Major League Baseball's 2024 season. From quirky anecdotes like the bathtub-bound president who sparked the 7th inning stretch to unraveling the mysteries behind "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" and uncovering why pots and pans are a no-go at Miami Marlins games, this podcast promises to keep you entertained and informed all season long.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
00:49 Opening Day and Traditions
04:19 Teams with Notable Traditions
06:21 Seventh-Inning Stretch and Other Traditions
09:08 Recap of Last Season
11:30 Baseball's Challenges and Innovations
15:28 Regional Sports Networks and Broadcasting
23:10 Payroll and Attendance
24:26 The Seventh-Inning Stretch
26:23 Miami Marlins' Efforts to Increase Attendance
27:35 Conclusion

From Beckham to Biles: Power Couples Navigating Fame and Love in Sports

Just like us, but with gold medals.

(Podcast length - 24:07)

Dive into the fascinating world of sports power couples with our latest podcast episode. From the iconic Beckham duo to the dynamic Biles-Owens partnership, we explore the challenges and triumphs of high-profile relationships in the sporting realm. Join us as we discuss the support, dedication, and love that fuel these extraordinary pairs and indulge in some fun speculation about hypothetical superpower couples. Get ready for an insightful journey into the lives of those who dominate both on and off the field.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Power Couples
02:15 The Beckhams: A Royal Power Couple
09:06 Soccer Power Couples: Rapinoe & Bird, Hamm & Garciaparra, Swanson & Swanson
14:21 Simone Biles & Jonathan Owens: The Hardworking Power Couple
18:24 Tom Brady & Gisele, Lindsey Vonn & PK Subban: Couples in the Headlines
19:53 Ciara & Russell Wilson: Building a Football Team
21:36 Hypothetical Superpower Couples
23:45 Conclusion and Valentine's Day Wishes

When Worlds Collide: The Fascinating Connection Between Sports and Music

So much talent

(Podcast length - 24:59 mins)

Discover the captivating collision of sports and music as athletes showcase hidden musical talents and musicians immerse themselves in the world of sports. From NFL sensation Christian McCaffrey's classical piano skills to iconic musicians like Prince, who dominated on the basketball court, this blog post explores the unexpected talents that blur the lines between two distinct worlds. Dive into the fascinating stories of athletes turned musicians, musicians with sporting affiliations, and eccentric team owners who merge their passions for music and sports in an unforgettable way. Explore the boundless potential of human talent at the intersection of sports and music.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
02:21 Christian McCaffrey: Pianist and NFL Player
03:17 Athletes with Rap Albums: Kobe, Shaq, Deion Sanders
05:46 Deion Sanders on Saturday Night Live
07:37 Manny Pacquiao: Boxer and Vocalist
09:12 Oscar De La Hoya: Grammy-Nominated Singer
10:11 Justin Tucker: Opera Singer and NFL Kicker
11:37 Musicians Who Want to be Athletes: Garth Brooks, Justin Bieber
14:26 Justin Timberlake: Golfer and NBA Team Owner
15:46 Prince: Basketball Player and Musician
17:13 Rod Stewart: Soccer Player and Musician
19:46 James Dolan: Kazoo Player and NBA Team Owner
22:44 Jim Irsay: Singer and NFL Team Owner
23:57 Conclusion

The Legacy Lives On: Athletes Who Left a Lasting Impact

Inspiring generations.

(Podcast length - 22:20 mins)

This episode of the Sports Curious podcast explores the legacies of athletes who were gone too soon. The conversation covers the impact of athletes like Kobe Bryant, Roberto Clemente, Walter Payton, Jim Valvano, Pat Tillman, Lou Gehrig, Dale Earnhardt, Sr. and Junior Seau. These athletes left lasting legacies through their humanitarian efforts, inspiring speeches, sacrifices, and contributions to raise awareness about important issues. Their stories highlight the power of sports to make a difference beyond the field.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Overview
01:21 Kobe Bryant's Legacy
05:48 Roberto Clemente's Humanitarian Efforts
08:45 Walter Payton's Impact Off the Field
11:03 Jim Valvano's Inspiring Speech
13:47 Pat Tillman's Sacrifice and Foundation
15:48 Lou Gehrig's Battle with ALS
17:04 Dale Earnhardt's Legacy in Racing
19:21 Junior Seau's Impact on CTE Awareness
21:09 Conclusion

The Most Notable Sports Moments In 2023

A roller coaster of sports moments

(Podcast length - 22:07 mins)

Explore the highs and heartwarming tales of 2023's sports journey! From the Golden Knights' historic win to the rise of women's basketball, join us in reliving the unforgettable moments that defined the year.

Beyond the Strip: Las Vegas Lights Up the Sports Scene

It’s more than shows, slots and shopping.

(Podcast length - 21:26 mins)

In this week's podcast episode, we explore the astounding transformation of Las Vegas into a bustling hub of professional sports, defying expectations and redefining its identity beyond dazzling lights and lively entertainment. Join us in uncovering the magic of Vegas and how it challenges stereotypes associated with "Sin City."

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.

Honoring Athlete Veterans: Stories of Service and Sacrifice

Their journeys are nothing short of extraordinary.

(Podcast length - 21:16 mins)

Celebrate Veterans Day with our podcast as we pay tribute to athlete veterans who've excelled both on the field and in the military. Discover the inspiring stories of athletes like Ted Williams, Pat Tillman and more. Join sibling co-hosts Scott and Amy for a heartfelt salute to their service and sacrifice.

Mastering the Basics of Sports Betting: Your Comprehensive Guide

Happy betting, and may the odds be ever in your favor.

(Podcast length - 26:45 mins)

Are you new to sports betting, or are you looking to brush up on your betting skills? Our latest podcast, "Mastering the Basics of Sports Betting: Your Comprehensive Guide," is just what you need. We've dissected the jargon, explained the odds and provided valuable insights to ensure you have a winning edge.

Whether you're intrigued by the spread, curious about money lines, or want to unravel the mysteries of parlays and teasers, our guide has you covered from what to stay at the sportsbook to what to look for online if you live in one of the 30 states that have legalized sports betting.

Happy betting, and may the odds be ever in your favor.

Why You Should Give A Crap About The MLB Playoffs

Batter up! Here’s what you need to know.

(Podcast length - 26:43 mins)

This week, we share captivating MLB (Major League Baseball) playoff storylines like more women in the C-suite, breaking attendance records, and money doesn't buy playoffs. We discuss the underdog teams, what to expect and share our experience working in MLB.

Engage, connect and impress with your sports-savvy colleagues and friends.

Batter Up! Baseball Season Is Back

The 5 things you need to know

The boys of summer are back. Here's what you can expect on the diamond this season.

Transcript

(Podcast length - 4:45 mins)

1. The Houston Astros are this year's defending champions, and teams are spending a pretty penny to rob them of back-to-back titles. The league does not have a salary cap but a luxury tax. The New York Mets owner Steve Cohen isn't worried about the luxury tax. The Mets are projected to pay roughly $111M in luxury tax fees in 2023, per ESPN's Jeff Passan. That figure is higher than what 10 MLB teams will spend their entire 26-man rosters. WINNING ISN'T CHEAP

2. Food is synonymous with baseball, and this year there are some exciting treats to titillate your taste buds at the ballpark. Like the Texas Rangers' Boomburger, a two-foot burger. (It's the big brother to the Boomstick, a two-foot-long hot dog). The Seattle Mariners boast chapulines or toasted grasshoppers on the menu and cult favorite Din Tai Fung in the ballpark. The New York Mets have a fried donut chicken sandwich with glazed donuts for buns. GET IN MY BELLY

3. MLB is looking to ride the momentum of the wave of the World Baseball Classic, which shattered previous American viewership records for the event. Starting the season off, all 30 teams will play on Opening Day, Thursday, March 30. Teams are rolling out their big-named pitchers, with eight Cy Young Award winners, 21 All-Star hurlers and five pitchers making their team debuts. TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME

Want a sweet moment? Check out this one with Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Mitch Keller finding out he'll be the starting pitcher for opening day. Then there's the prank the New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone pulled over on their top prospect Anthony Volpe.

4. Remember that starting last season, both leagues adopted the designated hitter, which was previously only an American League thing. The change allowed big named players like Bryce Harper, who could not throw due to injury, to play the whole season by only hitting. BATTER UP

5. Now for our last and most technical point, the new rules. There are new rules this year, a major one being the pitch timer. Baseball has a reputation for being a slow game, and this pitch timer reduced minor league games by 25 minutes. The bases will be larger to encourage more stealing (i.e., more excitement). Lastly, there are shift restrictions on the infielders. When trialed in the minor leagues, these shift restrictions "increased batting average and decreased strikeouts in Minors while giving players more opportunity to show off their athleticism." MORE ON THESE RULES HERE

What's a can of corn, where is the all-star game, and why are they called the boys of summer? We have those answers and more in our Major League Baseball FAQ. READ

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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Women Leading Sports Teams From The C-Suite

Changing the face of sports.

These women aren't the norm to hold positions in the C-Suite, but they are changing the face of sports.

Transcript

Kim Ng

Kim Ng serves as the General Manager of the Miami Marlins (MLB - Major League Baseball) and is the first female to ever serve in the role in American sports history. She served as an assistant GM with the Yankees and the Dodgers and in the executive suite with the White Sox. Hall of Famer and Miami Marlins CEO/owner Derek Jeter led the breakthrough hire. HOME RUN HIRE

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Cynthia Marshall

Cynthia Marshall, CEO of the Dallas Mavericks, became the first Black female CEO in the NBA (National Basketball Association). But being first is nothing new for her. In ninth grade, her mother inspired her to claim her place in school leadership. Later Marshall became the first Black president at her school. "It was historic and the faculty was more emotional than I was. We've been blazing trails ever since then," Marshall said. She became the first Black cheerleader at Berkley and the first Black woman in Delta Gamma at the school. TRAILBLAZER

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Nikki Williams and Nikki Fargas

Las Vegas Raiders (NFL – National Football League) and Las Vegas Aces (WNBA – Women's National Basketball Association) owner Mark Davis knows talent when he sees it, hiring women to lead his professional teams. First, Nikki Williams and Nikki Fargas lead the championship Aces as the general manager of basketball operations and president of business operations, respectively. Last year the Aces signed Becky Hammon to a $1 million per year contract, the largest in WNBA history. She won Coach of the Year and became the first to win a title in her first year. A STEP ABOVE THE REST

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Amy Trask and Sandra Douglass Morgan

Amy Trask became the Oakland Raiders' chief executive and the first woman of that rank in the NFL in 1997. After nearly 30 years with the team, Trask now serves as an analyst for CBS. Sandra Douglass Morgan, who serves as the team's president, is filling the big shoes left by Trask. She is the first Black female president in NFL history. TOUCHDOWN

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Shari Ballard and Carolyn Kindle

The USWNT (US Women's National Soccer Team) aren't the only ladies in soccer making things happen. Shari Ballard was named CEO of Minnesota United FC last August. She is the first female to be CEO of a Major League Soccer (MLS) team. The newest edition to the MLS, the St. Louis City, also boasts Carolyn Kindle as the team's president and CEO. She is part of the nine-strong majority female ownership group that shelled out a reported $200 million in expansion fees to make St. Louis City the 29th MLS team. "I'll be honest, four years ago I knew nothing," Kindle, the team's CEO and President, told USA TODAY Sports. "I've learned a lot about the sport since then. Now, I understand why it's called the beautiful game." HUMILITY

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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 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.

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 11/9/22 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 11/9/22

Celebrating 5 Veterans Who Are Also Professional Athletes

Thank you for your service.

(Podcast length - 3:29 mins)

In honor of Veterans Day, we salute our athlete veterans and say thank you for your service to all our veterans.

Transcript

1. MLB (Major League Baseball) legend Ted Williams' put his hall of fame career on hold for three years of military service. In the middle of his 19-year baseball career, he opted out of baseball and into the Navy for three years. During his assignment to the Marine Corps, his piloting skills were as revered as his ability to swing a baseball bat. In 1952, he missed part of the season when he was called up to fight in the Korean War. He returned home and finished his historic career in 1960. SOARED TO NEW HEIGHTS

2. Pat Tillman is likely this generation's most notable veteran. He walked away from a successful career with the Arizona Cardinals (NFL – National Football League) to join the Army after the terrorist attacks of 9/11. His brother joined the Army as well. Pat served with the Army Rangers until he tragically lost his life in action in 2004. TRUE LEADER

3. Before offensive lineman Alejandro Villanueva played for the Baltimore Ravens (NFL), he went to West Point and served as an Army Ranger Captain until 2015. He has had quite an impressive football career since then. Villanueva is one of the few active professional athletes that are veterans. BRAVERY ABOUNDS

4. Before Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in baseball with the Brooklyn Dodgers (MLB), he was drafted into the Army during World War II. While he never served overseas, he spent time at Fort Hood and Camp Breckinridge in Kentucky, where he served as an athletic coach. DEDICATED

5. Legendary "Coach K" - Mike Krzyzewski (pronounced Sha-chef-ski) - played basketball at West Point and served as a field artillery liaison to the infantry in the early 1970s at Camp Pelham. After his military career, he began coaching and was the basketball coach at West Point before leaving to coach the Duke basketball team. Krzyzewski, who also coached Team U.S.A., is the most successful coach in men's college basketball history and was inducted into the basketball hall of fame. Coach K will retire after the 2021-22 basketball season. SUCCESS AT ALL LEVELS

Links:

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LAST NIGHT'S GAME 11/2/22 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 11/2/22

5 Athletes Who Turned Their Fame Into A Career In Politics

Exactly what you need to redirect from a dreaded political conversation.

(Podcast length 3:25 mins - the transcript is below)

These athletes quit their day job and big paychecks for a job in civil service which is just the armor you need to redirect the political conversation you'll undoubtedly face.

Transcript

1. Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao went from the boxing ring to the Senate floor in the Philippines. This career move was the logical move for him to start working on his singing career. He has released two music albums in his home country. He ran for president of his native Philippines in 2022 but lost. JOIN THE CELEBRITY TRAIN

2. Jesse "The Body" Ventura dominated the ring during his WWE (Worldwide Wrestling Entertainment) career. But tiny speedos, knee-high boots and baby oil had nothing on politics in the Midwest. Ventura served as the governor of Minnesota, where he won spending $250,000 to his competitor's $4.3M. He raised funds by selling $22 t-shirts and accepting $50 donations from his supporters. IN IT TO WIN IT

3. There are a handful of U.S. Presidents who played college sports. Most notably Gerald Ford. Ford had quite the football career at Michigan. He played on consecutive undefeated national championship teams in 1932 and 1933. His jersey number, No. 48, is retired by the university. Ford turned down offers to play in the NFL. Instead, he went to Yale to become an assistant football and boxing coach, hoping it would help him get accepted into Yale Law School. THE REST IS HISTORY

4. We all love Kate McKinnon as Jeff Sessions on "Saturday Night Live," but did you know that former Auburn football coach Tommy Tuberville defeated Sessions in the Republican primary? Tuberville is now serving in the U.S. Senate. DON'T FORGET TO VOTE

5. Steve Largent went from the University of Tulsa to an NFL (National Football League) Hall of Fame career to Congress. The Seattle Seahawks legend left a lasting impression in the Emerald City; then he won his seat in Congress in his home state of Oklahoma. After running on a conservative agenda as a Republican, he lost his bid for governor in the general election to a Democrat. YOU LIVE, YOU LEARN

HONORABLE MENTION: You can't have this list without the Mr. Universe, the California Governator himself - Arnold Schwarzenegger. But that seemed like a too obvious choice, and we wanted to bring you some outside-the-box thinking, hence the honorable mention.

Sports Curious, presented by Last Night's Game, is here to take the awkwardness out of the conversation and help you join the sports chatter, 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.

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LAST NIGHT'S GAME 10/26/22 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 10/26/22

The 5 Things You Need To Know About The World Series

What do you get when you combine Miles Teller, the invention of the high five and cheating scandals? The 2022 World Series.

(Podcast length 4:17 mins)

What do you get when you combine Miles Teller, the invention of the high five and cheating scandals? The 2022 World Series. The Philadelphia Phillies and the Houston Astros will take to the field for the 118th World Series starting Friday, October 28. Here's what you need to know.

1. Fans in Philly are amped for their team's first World Series appearance in 13 years. They set a 24-hour record for merchandise sales. Why the extra excitement? Well, the Phillies season looked like it was over in June when the team fired manager Joe Girardi, but first-time manager Rob Thomson took over and look where they are now. NEVER SAY NEVER

2. The Astros are undefeated throughout the playoffs, which landed them their fourth World Series appearance in the past six years. Leading the Astros is veteran manager Dusty Baker. Baker is not only a World Series-winning player but also half of the duo credited with inventing the high five in 1977 alongside his Dodgers teammate Glenn Burke. THE MORE YOU KNOW

3. It turns out famous people like sports too. Cheering on the Phillies is their biggest fan, actor Miles Teller, who has been front and center in all of the celebrations. Then there's singer Calum Scott who is ready to perform the Phillies’ rally song "Dancing On My Own" live. Not to be outdone, there's a campaign from fans for Taylor Swift to relieve her 2008 World Series appearance and sing the national anthem before a game. Don't forget about swimsuit model Kate Upton, who will cheer on her husband, Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander. MUSIC TO MY EARS

4. Due to their past cheating scandal, the Astros roll into the series as a foe to many. Here to help guard against cheating is PitchCom, a small device used by the catchers. The device helps to stop pitch stealing. It is an electronic device that allows catchers to press buttons to signal the pitch to a pitcher and select defenders through a headset (typically shortstop/centerfield). This device also speeds up the game as you don't have to wait for pitches to be called. FULL SPEED AHEAD

5. Throwing some facts out there. With the Astros’ 106 regular season wins taking on the 87-win Phillies, this World Series will have the second-largest win disparity of all time between Fall Classic opponents. The Yankees have the most World Series wins, and the Seattle Mariners are the only MLB team to never appear in the Fall Classic. PLACE YOUR BETS

PS: Steal a base, get a taco is back. When a player on either team records the first stolen base during the World Series, Taco Bell will give away a free Nacho Cheese Doritos Locos Taco. Unlike previous years, you don't have to wait and can get your taco the same night, but you have to join the rewards program.

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 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 4/20/22 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 4/20/22

The Sports World Is Upping Its Game When It Comes To Mother Earth

The sports world is doing more than ditching the hot dogs for kale to save the planet.

(Podcast length 4:49 mins)

Kermit the Frog said, "it isn’t easy being green," but in the world of sports, lofty goals come true, and rivals unite all in the name of Mother Earth. And not just on Earth Day.

Transcript

1. The Forest Green Rovers, a soccer team from Western England, is the “greenest football club” (or soccer to Americans) in the world. They claim the title of the world's only vegan football club. Since 2015, there have been no animal products for sale in the stadium. Some players eat non-vegan outside of the stadium (and there are paparazzi photos to prove it), but some have adopted the vegan lifestyle. Other ways they're helping to save the planet include a field free of chemical fertilizers, using reusable energy and a "mow-bot," a GPS-directed solar-powered lawnmower. NO MEAT PIES FOR YOU

2. The name says it all - Climate Pledge Arena. The home to the Seattle Kraken (NHL – National Hockey League) and the Seattle Storm (WNBA – Women's National Basketball Association) uses no fossil fuel consumption for daily use. It also has a "rain to rink" system utilizing rainwater to resurface the ice along with waterless urinals and ultra-efficient showers. By 2024, they plan to have no single-use plastics in the arena. The price of being named the first International Living Future Institute certified zero carbon arena in the world? $1.5 billion, all from private funding. MAMA EARTH IS SO PROUD

3. There's a new league in town – the National Recycling League. Anheuser-Busch is pulling together its sports team partners in the NFL (National Football League) and MLB (Major League Baseball) to combat the lack of recycling, including the estimated 51 million plastic cups used every year at sporting events. Recycling Hawkers, or volunteers from Keep America Beautiful, will be deployed in stadiums to collect cups, cans and bottles to ensure they're recycled properly. Ten MLB teams have already signed on to be inaugural members of the "league." WHEN IN ROME

4. Pocono Motor Speedway's (NASCAR - National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) green efforts benefit the earth and you. The raceway runs entirely on solar power and has sheep for lawn mowers but has 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 and the anti-fatigue mat in your kitchen or playgrounds. WHERE THE RUBBER HITS THE ROAD

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 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.

LIKE US? SHARE US WITH YOUR FRIENDS.

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