Why Everyone Loves The Masters (And You Will Too)

(Podcast length - 5:22 mins)

In some ways, 2021 might have felt a bit like a reboot of 2020, but there were so many moments to be excited about. Let's look back before diving headfirst into 2022.

1. The college sports landscape changed forever with the July ruling that allowed athletes to be paid for their name, image and likeness (NIL). Athletes like the Cavinder twins who play women's basketball at Fresno State were the first to take advantage of the ruling. Some athletes like Michigan running back Blake Corum and Iowa lineman Tyler Linderbaum used their NIL money to benefit a good cause, not just their wallets. GOOD THINGS COME TO THOSE WHO WAIT?

2. Mental health became a dinner table topic thanks to athletes like Simone Biles (gymnastics), Naomi Osaka (tennis) and Lane Johnson (NFL). Johnson took a leave from the Philadelphia Eagles to face his battle with depression head-on. Osaka withdrew from the French Open and Wimbledon to focus on her well-being. But the world saw just how the pressure impacted an athlete when Simone Biles battled the "twisties" in the Summer Olympics. She put her safety and her team first, withdrawing from the women's gymnastics all-around competition. BRAINS > BRAWN

3. Sports fans continued to realize what so many already knew, women's sports are the place to be. Not only did viewer ratings soar for the WNBA (Women's National Basketball Association), women's college basketball championship game and the NWSL (National Women's Soccer League), but we saw the first college softball game on a major national network. The NFL and MLB (Major League Baseball) added more female coaches and front-office executives. In 2022, look for the women's college basketball tournament to use the coveted "March Madness" title for the first time. HEADED IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

4. The year brought us athletes who seem to get better with age. Tom Brady won the Super Bowl with his new team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL – National Football League), in February at age 43. (And then celebrated with maybe one too many shots at the championship boat parade). At 46, Helio Castroneves won the Indy 500, and Phil Mickelson showed off his impressive 50-year-old calves on his way to a PGA (Professional Golfers Association) Championship win. AGE-DEFYING

5. The delayed 2020 Summer Olympics gave the world the positivity and excitement we'd all been missing. COVID precautions meant athletes' families had to watch from the comfort of their couches, too, but the stories of athletes like Caeleb Dressel, Suni Lee and Katie Ledecky all brought us to our feet. The US topped the medal count with 113 total medals, 39 gold, including one from the US Men's Basketball Team, who continued their medal streak. WORLD’S GREATEST

Bonus:

If you’re a fan of F1 (Formula One) Racing, then you likely caught the race of the century when Max Verstappen beat out seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton for the 2021 championship. But did you know that Hamilton, the only Black F1 driver, is also a fan of fashion? He purchased a table at the Met Gala, which runs around $275,000, and filled it with three emerging Black designers to grow their reach. SMOOTH MOVE

Links:

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 9/22/21 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 9/22/21

Why The Ryder Cup Is The Greatest Rivalry In Sports

No golf nap here.

LISTEN ON Apple Podcasts

(Podcast length - 5:30 mins)

With the Olympics over, you thought you could retire your American flag attire, but not so fast. The ultimate golf rivalry, the Ryder Cup, is upon us. You might think there's nothing angsty about watching golf, but you'd be wrong again. At the Ryder Cup, you can cut the tension, drama and disdain with a knife.

Transcript

1. The Ryder Cup, played every other year, pits the 12 best US golfers against the 12 best golfers in Europe. The contest alternates between both sides of the pond, with this year's tourney taking place in Wisconsin on the shores of Lake Michigan at Whistling Straits. The course design replicates courses in Ireland. WHO HAS THE HOMEFIELD ADVANTAGE THEN?

2. Team Europe beat the US three years ago when the teams last played. (They skipped a year thanks to COVID). The US holds the overall advantage, though, with 26 wins to Europe's 14. The US Team has a significant advantage this year in Wisconsin - the fans. Over 45,000 fans are expected each day, and they're likely to be rowdy and possibly a game changer. SWEET AND INNOCENT

3. Unlike the Olympics, the golfers will not receive any compensation if they win. The teams are playing for the bragging rights and the exposure to a much larger audience. If the US. wins, the team will receive $200,000. The players then decide on the charities that will receive half of the money. The PGA (Professional Golfers Association) of America decides where the other half goes. And what happens if there's a tie when it's all said and done? The team holding the Ryder Cup retains it (Europe). PLAYING FOR PRIDE (AND NOT A TIE)

4. Keep an eye on Americans Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka. The two have had a long-standing beef with each other, done in the most golf etiquette way possible. The two rivals haven't come to blows, but there has been plenty of public eye-rolling, mean tweeting and overall complaining about each other. Either way, the two will have to keep it together as they play for the same team in this tournament. (The PGA's $40M social media incentive that was implemented last season could have something to do with the feud as well). FOR A GREATER CAUSE

5. Picking the teams is a mix between your grade school gym class and actual rankings. The U.S. team, led by Steve Stricker, will be made up of the top six players in the points rankings and six players of the captain's choosing. The European captain, Padraig Harrington, doesn't get as much flexibility. His team will consist of the first four players from the European Points List, the leading five players from the World Points List, and three captain's choices. PICK ME!

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LAST NIGHT'S GAME 7/7/21 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 7/7/21

What You Need To Know About Sports Most Fashionable Night - The ESPYs

Athletes ditch their jerseys for couture this Saturday, July 10.

LISTEN ON Apple Podcasts

(Podcast length - 5:10 mins)

The ESPYs are like the Golden Globes – you get the best of both worlds. It’s the one night of the year where athletes and celebrities gather to celebrate the achievements in the world of sports while giving us the summer red carpet we’ve all been missing.

Transcript

1. Typically, the awards show takes place on a Wednesday in July after the MLB (Major League Baseball) All-Star Game, referred to as “Black Wednesday,” the one day a year where there are no live sports. This year, with leagues playing COVID adjusted schedules, there is no dark day to hold the event. So that means there will likely be no Olympians, MLB (Major League Baseball) or WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) players or members of the Phoenix Suns or Milwaukee Bucks who are playing in the NBA (National Basketball Association) Finals in attendance. There’s a chance the Stanley Cup Finals (NHL - National Hockey League) will be over by then, but it’s not a sure bet. ZOOM CALL

2. Just because there will be no Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird sighting on the red carpet, it doesn’t mean you’ll be disappointed. The fashion game will undoubtedly be impressive when Lindsey Vonn, Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union, Russell Wilson and Ciara and LeBron James (likely promoting Space Jam 2) step into the spotlight. BEST ESPY LOOKS

3. Unlike the Oscars, where you’ve never heard of most of the movies, the fans get a say who receives some of the awards like the best athlete in women’s sports, best game and best team. EVERY VOTE COUNTS

4. ESPN can put together a video package that’ll pull at your heartstrings while leaving you inspired, and the awards at the ESPYs are no different. Here’s a quick summary of each of the major awards:

Chris Nikic, the first person with Down syndrome to complete a full IRONMAN triathlon, will receive the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance.
Four-time WNBA champion and two-time Olympic medalist Maya Moore will receive the Arthur Ashe Award Courage Award. She is being recognized for her work to free Jonathan Irons, who she felt was wrongly convicted of a crime. She stepped away from her career to work to free him. (Ultimately, he was released).
Manchester United (European soccer) star Marcus Rashford rallied Parliament during COVID to support children who received free lunch pre-pandemic, securing a $556 million grant to provide meals into 2021. For his work that impacted 1.7 million children, he will receive the Pat Tillman Award for Service.

5. Actor Anthony Mackie, known for his many movie roles but especially in the Marvel series, will add ESPY host to his lengthy resume. Mackie is expected to poke fun at some of the best athletes on the planet in his opening monologue, which could be scarier than any script he’s encountered. Unlike most red carpet events, this one will take place at The Rooftop at Pier 17 at the Seaport in New York City. GET YOUR GAME FACE ON

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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.

(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.

(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 4/7/21 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 4/7/21

Why Everyone Loves The Masters (And Why You Should Too)

Here's what to say, what not to do and why a green blazer is a coveted fashion statement.

(Podcast length - 6:15 mins)

The famed tournament starts Thursday. Here's what to say, what not to do and why a green blazer is a coveted fashion statement.

Transcript

Quick recap - If it seems like the Masters was just yesterday, you’d almost be correct. The famed tournament was delayed from its traditional spring 2020 date until the fall (November), with Dustin Johnson taking home the famed green jacket.

1. The Masters is the only one of the four Major tournaments in the PGA (Professional Golfers Association) that doesn’t change locations - it’s always at Augusta National Golf Course. Although there are calls for the PGA to pull the Masters out of Georgia based on the new voting laws. To become a member of this iconic course is somewhat of a mystery. There are no criteria listed for membership, and the list of members is not public. Ron Townsend was named the first Black member in 1990, and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice became the first woman member in 2012. (There are now only six women members). TEEING OFF

2. Longtime broadcast partner of the tournament, CBS, admitted they edit in melodic bird sounds during the telecast to enhance the programming and make it feel more like a “natural paradise,” even though spectators have noted the lack of birds on the course. Apparently, CBS admitted to doing this for other tournaments as well. At least nothing will swoop down and steal your $3 popcorn or poop in your $5 beer (see below). TWEET TWEET

3. The famed green jacket became a tradition in 1949. Members of the club decided on the color green so fans in attendance at the tournament could spot them if they had questions. The Masters’ winner also receives a green jacket. The winner is allowed to have the green jacket for one calendar year. After that year, they’re only permitted to wear it when they’re on the grounds of Augusta. NO TAKE BACKS

4. The famed Champions Dinner happens on Tuesday evening before the tournament. It’s tradition for the previous winner to select the menu for the famed feast between all the former Masters winners. Dustin Johnson’s menu will make you hungry, but it has nothing on the Masters’ cheap concessions of $1.50 pimento cheese sandwiches and a $5 beer. The dinner included filet mignon, miso-marinated sea bass and pigs in a blanket. One notable attendee was missing from the dinner, the five-time Masters champion himself, Tiger Woods. Woods is recovering from injuries sustained in a car accident earlier this year. GREAT FOOD, GREAT COMPANY

5. Two players for the fans in person and watching on TV to watch for are:

Brooks Koepka – The newly engaged Koepka had knee surgery less than a month ago and has been spending 7+ hours a day in physical therapy to return in time for the Masters. He’s never won the tournament. WORTH A SHOT
Jon Rahm – Rahm is entering the tournament with new motivation, his newborn son. Rahm was telling people not to bet on him because he would leave The Masters to be there for his first child's birth. Luckily, he was born on Saturday, so now he can watch his dad play for the green jacket. DAD STRENGTH

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 1/27/21 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 1/27/21

Five Unwritten Rules Of Sports

We made these mistakes so you don't have to.

(Podcast length 5:57 mins - the transcript is below)

If you don't know, then now you know.

Transcript

1. Don’t walk across the green. Have you ever seen golfers squat behind the ball before they putt? They’re lining up their shot - imagine an actual line from the ball to the hole. That’s why you NEVER EVER walk across the green. If you walk across the green and end up walking through another golfer’s line, their ball could rollover your footprint and possibly change direction. While walking through someone’s line is disrespectful and annoying, it’s best to stay off the green as much as possible. Better to be safe than sorry!

2. Kick the ball out of bounds if an opposing player is hurt. This is one of the more sincere and compassionate unwritten rules of sports. In soccer, when a player gets hurt, the referee usually blows the whistle to stop play. However, the ref doesn’t always see it, therefore it is customary to kick the ball out of bounds. (This is assuming the player who hurt is actually down and not faking one of those Academy Award-winning performances we sometimes associate with soccer). Most of the time, the team that kicked the ball out will get it back, but even if your team doesn’t, it’s the right thing to do and you can pat yourself on the back for being a respectful opponent.

3. Don’t bunt during a no-hitter. It’s no secret that being on the opposite side of a no-hitter in baseball sucks. It’s pretty dang embarrassing for the other team. But for the pitcher, it’s a feat unlike any other. The first thought for the team up against the pitcher would be to bunt -just an easy little tap and then an all-out sprint to first base. Simple, right? Just one hit, and the frustration ends? No. Nope. Can’t do it. Why? Well, even though there’s no written rule for it, it’s a respect thing, so don’t do it.

4. Don’t shoot a last-second basket when your team is up. This one might seem like a no-brainer when your basketball team is up by a lot, and the other team is dragging a bit because they know they’re not going to win. It would be super easy to run the length of the court and hit the most impressive slam dunk of all time. Don’t do it. There’s no reason to do it except to embarrass yourself and the losing team. It’s disrespectful and adds nothing to the game itself. Although nobody can technically stop you, an earful from your coach and some snide remarks from opposing players will be sure to follow.

5. Don’t even think about an onside kick if you’re demolishing the other team. This unwritten rule in football is similar to not shooting a last-second basket when you’re up by a lot. An onside kick is a kickoff strategy that involves the kicking team kicking the ball more laterally and a shorter distance so their team can more easily retrieve the ball. When you’re up by a lot in football, an onside kick is flashy, obnoxious, and there’s really no reason for your team to need the ball back when they’re not receiving. Not onside kicking when you’re up by a lot is just a respect thing. Just like running up the score a bunch just because you can is disrespectful, so is this. Be a good sport.

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

The 5 Things Even Golfers Don't Know About The Masters

Being part of the conversation about this week’s famed tournament isn’t a long shot.

(Podcast length 5:35 mins - transcript is below)

Better late than never. The biggest tournament in golf is back, seven months late and without fans. We’re sharing a few facets of every golfer’s favorite weekend of the year.

Transcript

1. The Masters is the only one of the four Major tournaments in the PGA (Professional Golfers Association) that doesn’t change locations - it’s always at Augusta National Golf Course. But becoming a member of Augusta is somewhat of a mystery. There are no criteria listed for membership and the members list is not public. Ron Townsend was named the first African American member in 1990 and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice became the first woman member in 2012. (There are now six women members). ABOUT TIME

2. The Masters winner receives the iconic green jacket that is only worn by members of Augusta National. The winner is allowed to have the jacket for a calendar year. After that year, they’re only permitted to wear the jacket on the grounds of Augusta. NO TAKE BACKS

3. While most of the pomp and circumstance has been cancelled for this year’s event, the famed Champions Dinner still carried on Tuesday night. The previous year’s winner Tiger Woods hosted a dinner for all the former Masters champions. It is a tradition for all the champs to wear their famed green jackets. Woods’ menu had something for everyone including steak and chicken fajitas, sushi and a dessert trio. One former champion was not present. Sergio Garcia, who won in 2017, tested positive for COVID and he has withdrawn from the tournament and is in quarantine. SURROUNDED BY GREATNESS

4. The scenery will look a little different with a fall tournament. The colors of the famous azaleas of Augusta will be replaced by the fall colors of the trees. Fall will also provide another challenge for the players – less daylight. Due to limited hours of sunlight, in order for players to make the cut, only the top 50 players will advance. Normally anyone within 10 shorts of the leader makes the cut but not this year. (Making the cut in golf means that golfers who are in the top 50 by Friday night will move on to play over the weekend. The rest will be eliminated). 2020 STILL THROWING US FOR A LOOP

5. There’s more than meets the eye when it comes to the beautiful greens of the course. Augusta uses a SubAir system – a high tech draining system installed below the grass. It’s the same system that many football and baseball teams use on their fields. This SubAir will be key to keeping the conditions on the greens similar to April with its moisture-controlling system. A TALL ORDER

Bonus - We saved the best for last. Longtime broadcast partner of the tournament, CBS, admitted they edit in melodic bird sounds during the telecast to enhance the programming and make it feel more like a “natural paradise.” TWEET TWEET

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.

Like us? Share us with your friends.

LAST NIGHT'S GAME 6/10/20 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 6/10/20

Betting On Sports To Save The Economy

Why your state could fast track sports betting to combat the COVID-driven recession.

(Podcast length 4:17 - transcript is below)

Who would’ve thought an activity that is sometimes frowned upon could save your state’s economy?

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. The economic impact of COVID has states across the country reeling from a lack of tax revenue. One solution many states are looking at is fast tracking legal sports betting. The Supreme Court struck down a federal law in 2018 that restricted sports gambling on a state level (with the exception of Nevada that already had legal sports betting). Since then, a handful of states have opened for betting and have achieved a notable revenue boost. HERE’S WHERE YOUR STATE STANDS

2. Despite other states being able to participate in sports betting, Nevada had a record setting year in 2019. The state saw a total of $5.32 billion placed in bets and a record $329 million in revenue, which produced $22.2 million in state tax revenue. Now this won’t replace all of the tax revenues lost, but many states are looking at it as an option because some tax revenue is better than nothing. SEEKING A SOLUTION

3. Now let’s talk a little more about betting to give you some context. The commissioners of the four major sports (baseball, basketball, football and hockey) have met to discuss integrating their leagues with sports betting entities. We've seen some movement on this but concerns over fixing games and gambling addiction are some of the reasons this isn’t an easy decision. NOT A SIMPLE SOLUTION

4. You’ve probably heard of online sites FanDuel or DraftKings. Where they differ from a casino is that those platforms provide you with an opportunity to wager money on a player’s performance in a game instead of the outcome of the game. This is similar to how you would win if you had a fantasy football team. CLEAR AS MUD?

5. The two most popular sporting events to bet on are the Super Bowl and College Basketball’s March Madness tournament. The Super Bowl went on as planned this year with over $6.8 billion wagered on the big game, but March Madness was cancelled. Twice the number of people bet on March Madness compared to the Super Bowl. Last year, Americans wagered $8.5 billion on the tournament and a big chunk of that was bet illegally through activities like office pools or via a bookie. DON’T TELL THE LEGAL DEPT.

Here’s a few resources for you should you want to know more: sports betting 101 and the five things you need to know about fantasy football.

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LAST NIGHT'S GAME 6/3/20 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 6/3/20

5 Strange Sports Superstitions

The list starts with lucky shimmery undergarments and ends with Skittles and vodka.

(Podcast length 3:09 - transcript is below)

Superstitions - they’re only strange if they don’t work.

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. Anyone who has ever slipped into a pair of Spanx knows a good undergarment is the foundation of success. That brings us to the golden thong. The golden thong was worn by former MLB (Major League Baseball) player Jason Giambi to help him break out of hitting slumps. Rumor has it that said tiny undergarment was left in the lockers of his teammates and they all began to hit well. WASH ME

2. In order to prepare for the World Cup (soccer) England’s Jamie Vardy ditched his habits of nicotine pouches, drinking half a bottle of port wine on the night before a game and his concoction of Skittles and vodka. Although, he drew the line at breaking his good luck gameday routine of three Red Bulls and black coffee. NO ONE IS PERFECT

3. Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL - National Hockey League) has so many ‘traditions’ that we can’t list them all. Some include wearing the same jock strap for years and not calling or seeing his mom or his sister on gameday because every time he does, he ends up with an injury. PHONE HOME

4. Superstitions are part of soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo’s routine. He must be the last one to leave the locker room and he always puts his right foot on the field first. BEST FOOT FORWARD

5. Head coach of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide football team, Nick Saban, fuels his fire with a Little Debbie Oatmeal Crème Pie before each game. DOESN’T THAT BRING YOU BACK TO YOUR CHILDHOOD?

LAST NIGHT'S GAME 5/27/20 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 5/27/20

Athletes And Their COVID Acts Of Kindness

Who’s up for some good news?

(Podcast length 4:41 - summary is below)

In times of crisis, so many people have stepped up to do what they can to help. Even the smallest acts of kindness have a lasting impact.

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. Fanatics founder and Philadelphia 76ers (NBA -National Basketball Association) minority owner Michael Rubin started the All-In Challenge to provide food to those in need – kids, elderly and frontline heroes. So far they have raised over $51 million for COVID relief efforts. Rubin tapped into his famous friends like author and speaker Gary Vaynerchuk and actor Kevin Hart who then challenged their famous friends by donating once in a lifetime raffle and auction items. Some examples include a double date with Ciara and Seattle Seahawks (NFL – National Football league) Russell Wilson, which went for $240,000, New England Patriots (NFL) owner Robert Kraft’s Super Bowl ring (sold for $1.025M) or you could be eaten by a dinosaur in the next Jurassic Park movie (sold for $250k). The list is long and includes something for everyone. SHOPPING FOR GOOD

2. Teams like the Dallas Mavericks (NBA) joined together to provide meals to first responders and help local small businesses at the same time. Players took turns purchasing meals from local restaurants to feed first responders in hospitals, clinics and on the road like paramedics. Mavs owner Mark Cuban took it a step further, reimbursing Mavs staff who purchased meals from local establishments as well as reimbursing the Mavs’ nonprofit partners who fed their volunteers and staff when they chose local. HELPING WHERE IT HURTS

3. Olympic snowboarder and skateboarder Shaun White drove by some kids who were out in their yard skateboarding. The kids had made him a sign asking if he would skateboard with them. Donning a mask, he hopped out and did a little safe distance skateboarding with the neighborhood crew. MAKING MEMORIES

4. With the Summer Olympics postponed, Team USA no longer had to feed its athletes but what to do with the 18,000 pounds of food they already had? They donated the pallets of food to the food bank in Colorado Springs, CO which is home of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee. FIGHTING FOOD INSECURITIES

5. Many of us don’t think about the challenges of online schooling as we have access to a computer or a tablet. For so many students, this was one of the big hurdles to overcome when it came to successful home schooling. Russell Westbrook of the Houston Rockets (NBA) donated laptops to Houston area students for online classes. He also delivered meals to nurses in a Los Angeles hospital and provided masks and PPE to hospital workers in hard hit communities. MAKING AN IMPACT

Honorable mentions for athletes like Lionel Messi (soccer), Novak Djokovic (tennis) and Drew Brees (NFL) who along with their colleagues and their leagues, teams and team owners donated millions of dollars to relief efforts. WE ARE STRONGER TOGETHER

LAST NIGHT'S GAME 5/20/20 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 5/20/20

5 Reasons Everyone Will Be Watching "The Match: Champions For Charity" This Weekend

The best lineup we’ve seen since Beyoncé performed at Coachella.

(Podcast length 3:40 - summary is below)

Pants not required. No, seriously.

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1. Tiger Woods and Peyton Manning will team up against Phil Mickelson and Tom Brady in “The Match: Champions for Charity” on Sunday at 2 p.m. ET. The goal is of course to raise money for COVID relief efforts and the players have contributed $10 million total to four charities - DirectRelief.org, the American Red Cross, Save Small Business and the All-In Challenge. There will also be on-course challenges for the players to raise additional charitable funds. A HELPING HAND

2. Things are going to be getting a little wild at the Medalist Golf Club, Tiger Woods’ home course, as the players are allowed to wear shorts (a big no-no in the PGA – Professional Golfers Association). You might remember Phil Mickelson’s calves nearly broke the internet in a previous tournament. Speaking of chatter, the players will be mic’d up so you’ll have a front row seat to the trash talking, which has already started. BARING IT ALL

3. As if shorts weren’t spicy enough, NBA (National Basketball Association) Hall of Famer Charles Barkley and one of the top golfers in the world, Justin Thomas, will be providing commentary for the match. Barkley is known for his terrible golf swing, so his critique of the match should be top notch. BRINGING IN THE BIG GUNS

4. If this setup looks familiar, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson played each other back in 2018 with Mickelson taking home the $9 million prize. Not to be outdone, Manning and Brady have hit the links together and Manning said, “The last time we played, we got beat by an 84-year-old and a 77-year old." WELL THIS COULD BE ENTERTAINING

5. Due to social distancing, players will have to carry their own clubs and the teammates will act as each other’s caddy, talking through each shot on the course. In case you’re wondering, Manning has a better handicap (6.4 handicap) than Brady (8.1 handicap). Brady joked since Manning is retired he should have a better handicap. TOUCHÉ

(For the record, the lower the handicap the better the golfer. To have a single digit handicap means you’re darn good. To get technical on you, a handicap is a way to level the playing field. It’s an average of golf scores to determine how many shots players are over par. For more golf lingo and further explanation, click here).

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LAST NIGHT'S GAME 4/29/20 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 4/29/20

5 Athletes You Can Thank For Your Next Hangover

Drinking wine is our favorite sport too.