Sports History

Born October 3, 1926, n Sand Springs, Oklahoma, was Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame guard Marques Haynes. This legend was part of the famed Harlem Globetrotters team.

Fern Flaman, a name etched in both Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs lore, wasn't just a defenseman; he was an enigma wrapped in blue and gold, then white and green. His career, split between these two fierce rivals, showcased a player of exceptional talent, unwavering tenacity, and a loyalty that some might call complex, and others, simply captivating.

In Boston, Flaman's arrival in 1944 heralded the dawn of a defensive fortress. His rugged play, characterized by aggressive body checks and a knack for reading the ice like a book, earned him the respect of teammates and the fear of opponents. He anchored the Bruins' blue line for seven seasons, helping them secure two Stanley Cup appearances. He became a fan favorite, his name echoing through the hallowed halls of the Boston Garden.

Then, in a twist of fate worthy of a hockey epic, Flaman found himself traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1950. Donning the white and green, he found himself amidst a dynasty-in-the-making. His defensive prowess seamlessly integrated into the Leafs' powerful machine, and his unwavering determination fueled their championship drive. In 1951, he lifted the Stanley Cup with his former rivals, a poignant feat that solidified his place in hockey history.

But the duality of Flaman's career didn't end there. Traded back to the Bruins in 1954, he embraced his return with the spirit of a warrior returning home. He captained the team for five seasons, leading them to another Stanley Cup appearance in 1957. His loyalty to both Bruins and Leafs wasn't questioned; it was simply understood. He served each team with the same fiery passion, etching his name in the hearts of fans on both sides of the rivalry.

Flaman's legacy transcends mere statistics. He was a pioneer of the "stay-at-home" defenseman, paving the way for generations of blue-liners who prioritized protecting their net over flashy offensive forays. He was a leader, both vocal and by example, inspiring his teammates to push their limits and never back down. He was a symbol of the NHL's golden age, a time when rivalries were fierce but respect between players remained untarnished.

Born February 20, 1942, in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, was Hockey Hall of Fame Center, Phil Esposito. This legend was an eight-time NHL All-Star who won five Art Ross, two Ted Lindsey Awards, and two Hart Memorial Trophies. Esposito is best known for his time with the Boston Bruins; however, he started his NHL journey with the Chicago Black Hawks. On the other side of his career, after playing in Beantown, he was a member of the New York Rangers. Esposito's career was so impactful that he was honored on the NHL's 100th Anniversary - 100 Greatest Players.

Born October 15, 1935, in Fredericton, New Brunswick, was Hockey Hall of Fame Wing, Willie O'Ree. This legend of the ice is widely recognized for being the first black player in the National Hockey League, skating for the Boston Bruins. His accomplishment of breaking the black color barrier in the NHL has led him to sometimes being referred to as the "Jackie Robinson of hockey."

O'Ree was born in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada. He began playing hockey at a young age and quickly established himself as a talented player. However, his path to the NHL was not easy. He faced racism and discrimination at every level of hockey, but he persevered.

In 1958, O'Ree was called up to the Boston Bruins. He made his NHL debut on January 18, 1958, against the Montreal Canadiens. O'Ree played in two games for the Bruins that season, but he was then sent back to the minors.

O'Ree continued to play in the minors for several years, but he never gave up on his dream of playing in the NHL. Finally, in 1961, he was recalled by the Bruins. He played in 43 games for the Bruins that season, scoring six goals and adding 10 assists.

O'Ree played for the Bruins for two more seasons, but he was often the target of racial abuse from both fans and players. In 1963, he was hit in the face with a puck and suffered a serious eye injury. The injury forced him to retire from the NHL at the age of 27.

Despite his short career in the NHL, O'Ree had a profound impact on the game of hockey. He paved the way for other black players to follow in his footsteps, and he helped to break down racial barriers in the sport.

O'Ree was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2018.

In the bustling newsroom of the Pittsburgh Guardian, amidst the clatter of typewriters and the crackle of telegraph wires, a legend waits to be written. This is the story of Orville Mulligan, a sportswriter with a nose for a scoop and a knack for getting under the skin of even the most seasoned athletes. Join us as we delve into the exhilarating world of 1920s sports journalism, where Orville navigates the smoke-filled locker rooms, the tranquil back alleys, and the roaring grandstands in pursuit of the truth.

His typewriter is his weapon, his words his bullets. Orville doesn't just report the news; he exposes it, unearthing scandals, chasing down leads, and championing the underdog with a wit as sharp as his fedora brim. But his relentless pursuit of the truth often puts him at odds with influential figures, from crooked team owners to shady gamblers, all with secrets they desperately want to keep buried.

Born November 5, 1952, in La Mesa, California, was Basketball Hall of Fame Center Bill Walton. This legend was a star at UCLA before being drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers in 1974. Walton also played on the San Diego/ Los Angeles Clippers, and the Boston Celtics. Walton led Portland to an NBA championship in 1977, earning the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award that season. He won another NBA title in 1986 as a member of the Boston Celtics. Bill was a two-time All-Star and was on the NBA 75th Anniversary team.

Born January 16, 1946, in St Louis, Missouri, was Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Point Guard, Joseph White, better know as Jo Jo White. This legend was a seven-time NBA All-Star, the 1975-76 NBA Finals MVP, and two-time Champion. Jo Jo White's amazing thirteen year career had him on the rosters of the Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors, and the Kansas-City Kings. Averages for Jo Jo included 17.2 points and just under 5 assists per game.

Number 7 isn't just a digit on a baseball jersey; it's a symbol of iconic players who have captivated fans with their diverse skillsets and unique personalities. From offensive powerhouses to defensive stalwarts, this number carries the weight of legendary careers and unforgettable moments etched into baseball history.

In this series, we'll embark on a journey through the stories of the most impactful players who donned number 7. We'll delve into their individual brilliance, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses and the undeniable mark they left on the game.

Our exploration begins in the early days of baseball, where we'll meet Mickey Cochrane, a Hall of Fame catcher known for his exceptional leadership and offensive prowess. We'll then fast forward to the 1940s and 50s, where we'll encounter some of the greatest players in history.

As we move through the decades, we'll discover players who redefined their positions. We'll analyze the defensive wizardry of Ivan Rodriguez, a cornerstone behind the plate, and the offensive dominance of Craig Biggio.

Beyond the statistics and accolades, we'll explore the stories of players who embodied resilience and perseverance. We'll learn about Lou Gehrig's inspiring battle with ALS and Mickey Mantle's remarkable talent despite battling injuries throughout his career.

This series won't shy away from complexity. We'll also analyze the legacy of Barry Bonds, a player who shattered numerous records but faced significant controversy.

Join us as we embark on this captivating exploration of the best Major League Baseball players who wore number 7. Prepare to be inspired by their individual brilliance, their defining moments on the field, and the lasting impact they left on the game. This is more than just a collection of baseball jerseys; it's a journey through the history and evolution of the sport, told through the stories of the legends who wore number 7.

The number 6 has adorned the backs of some of the most iconic figures in Major League Baseball history. From the heart and hustle of defensive stalwarts to the smooth swing and power of offensive titans, this number carries a weight of both athletic prowess and captivating stories. In this series, we'll delve into the careers of these legendary players who wore number 6, exploring their unique contributions and the undeniable mark they left on the game.

Moving through the decades, we'll encounter players who redefined their positions: Al Kaline, the graceful outfielder with a thunderous bat, and Stan Musial, Brooks Robinson and more.

Beyond their individual brilliance, some players who wore number 6 became symbols of perseverance and resilience. We'll explore the story of Davey Johnson, Willie Wilson, and Paul Blair.

This series won't shy away from controversy. We'll also analyze the complex legacy of Alex Rodriguez, a player who achieved unparalleled greatness alongside facing significant criticism.

Join us as we embark on this captivating exploration of the best Major League Baseball players who wore number 6. Prepare to be inspired by their individual brilliance, their defining moments on the field, and the lasting impact they left on the game. This is more than just a collection of retired numbers; it's a journey through the history and evolution of baseball, told through the stories of the legends who wore number 6.

Number 5 has graced the backs of some of Major League Baseball's most iconic players, from powerhouses launching towering home runs to defensive stalwarts patrolling the outfield grass. In this series, we'll delve into the stories of these legendary figures who donned the number 5, exploring their unique contributions and the impact they left on the game.

Our journey begins in the early days of baseball, where we'll encounter iconic figures and sluggers who terrorized National League pitchers throughout their careers.

As we move through the decades, we'll encounter names synonymous with baseball excellence. We'll analyze the defensive brilliance of Brooks Robinson, a legend at third base, and the clutch hitting of Tony Perez, a World Series champion with two different teams.

However, the number 5 doesn't solely belong to the past. We'll delve into the careers of contemporary stars like Albert Pujols, a modern-day legend known for his power-hitting and longevity, and Jose Altuve, the dynamic Venezuelan second baseman with multiple MVP awards under his belt.

Join us as we embark on this captivating exploration of the best Major League Baseball players who wore number 5. Prepare to be inspired by their individual brilliance, their defining moments on the field, and the lasting impact they left on the game. This is more than just a collection of baseball jerseys; it's a journey through the history and evolution of the sport, told through the stories of the legends who wore number 5.