Pittsburgh Sports Memories

Pittsburgh and Detroit are both blue collar, rust belt towns who had to reinvent themselves in recent years, but the sports histories of these two cities are more entwined than you may realize. Over the years there have been rivalries, allegiance switching, scandals, and multiple championships won on the other city's soil. We'll take a close look at the rich Pittsburgh-Detroit sports history which involves everyone from Ty Cobb to Marian Hossa to Groucho Marx!REWIND is a series of our favorite Pittsburgh Sports Memories episodes that we will be dropping in between new episodes​Get our Steelers-Ravens book here! E-Book | HardcoverConnect with the show:Visit us on the webFollow us on FacebookFollow us on Twitter

We take a break from sports history to talk about what is currently going on in the Pittsburgh sports scene. How good will Pitt be this season? Did fans overreact to the Cam Heyward hold-in? What does the Laffer Curve and the film Blue Chips have to do with the current state of the NFL? We cover all of that and more in this special bonus episode of the podcast.Get our Steelers-Ravens book here! E-Book | HardcoverConnect with the show:Visit us on the webFollow us on FacebookFollow us on Twitter

As the Steelers and Jets gear up to open the season, we revisit the unexpected history between these two teams. While they aren't traditional rivals, their matchups over the years have delivered their fair share of controversy, tension, and memorable moments involving everyone from Joe Namath to Hines Ward to Aaron Rodgers.Get our Steelers-Ravens book here! E-Book | HardcoverConnect with the show:Visit us on the webFollow us on FacebookFollow us on Twitter

In this episode, we dive into the messy, controversial, and sometimes downright awkward exits of Pittsburgh sports figures who didn't get the farewell they (or the fans) expected. From prolonged sagas to instant implosions, we're revisiting the departures that left fans stunned. Who handled it with grace, and who crashed on the way out?REWIND is a series of our favorite Pittsburgh Sports Memories episodes that we will be dropping in between new episodes​Get our Steelers-Ravens book here! E-Book | HardcoverConnect with the show:Visit us on the webFollow us on FacebookFollow us on Twitter

Coke or Pepsi? Ginger or Mary Ann? (or for the younger crowd, Taylor Swift or Sabrina Carpenter?) Chocolate or vanilla ice cream? Since the beginning of time, people have loved to argue over what's best. As the '90s hip-hop group Black Sheep once said: “The choice is yours — this or that.” On this episode, we dive into Pittsburgh sports and settle some classic debates. Who was better? Let the games begin.Get our Steelers-Ravens book here! E-Book | HardcoverConnect with the show:Visit us on the webFollow us on FacebookFollow us on Twitter

In this episode, we dig up the forgotten controversies of Pittsburgh sports that once made headlines and lit up sports talk radio. From the NFL snubbing the National Anthem at a Steelers game, to Mario Lemieux wanting to play for a team other than the Penguins, to the Browns risking their QB's life to beat the Steelers, and fan outrage over Roberto Clemente's statue, these stories sparked fury but faded from memory. We're bringing them back. How many will you remember?REWIND is a series of our favorite Pittsburgh Sports Memories episodes that we will be dropping in between new episodes​Get our Steelers-Ravens book here! E-Book | HardcoverConnect with the show:Visit us on the webFollow us on FacebookFollow us on Twitter

We once again dive into the vault to unearth some surprising stories that you may not remember or may have never even heard - like the crazy story of how the Steelers landed Troy Polamalu, or the time that Penguins fans booed Sidney Crosby, or the tale of how a Pirates pitcher boldly upstaged from Bob Nutting, or how Pitt's incompetence accidentally exposed a rival's scandal. We've got those stories and more in this packed, can't-miss episode.Get our Steelers-Ravens book here! E-Book | HardcoverDan Joseph's Myron Cope channelConnect with the show:Visit us on the webFollow us on FacebookFollow us on Twitter

We take a break from sports history to talk about what is currently going on in the Pittsburgh sports scene. Is Oneil Cruz the most maddening player of this era? Are we excited about training camp? Are the Steelers really "all in" on the 2025 season or is that a nonsense narrative? We cover all of that and more in this special bonus episode of the podcast.Get our Steelers-Ravens book here! E-Book | HardcoverConnect with the show:Visit us on the webFollow us on FacebookFollow us on Twitter

In this episode, we dive into the teams and players that Pittsburgh sports fans actually respect—those fierce opponents who pushed our favorite teams to be their very best. From heated matchups to legendary moments, we're celebrating the adversaries who made the victories sweeter and the losses more meaningful. Tune in as we shine a spotlight on the rivals we love to hate and secretly admire.REWIND is a series of our favorite Pittsburgh Sports Memories episodes that we will be dropping in between new episodes​Get our Steelers-Ravens book here! E-Book | HardcoverConnect with the show:Visit us on the webFollow us on FacebookFollow us on Twitter

The current Pirates might be struggling, but one team in franchise history stands out as the most disastrous of them all. In this episode, we dive into the story of a squad hastily assembled under dire conditions while hemorrhaging both money and talent, and at one point recording a home attendance of just 17 fans! This team didn't just lose - they made history as the worst to ever wear a Pirates uniform.Get our Steelers-Ravens book here! E-Book | HardcoverConnect with the show:Visit us on the webFollow us on FacebookFollow us on Twitter

We reflect on the 20+ years of drafts by Steelers GM Kevin Colbert. Which picks did he hit on, which ones did he miss on, and how did they contribute to his overall legacy as Steelers general manager?REWIND is a series of our favorite Pittsburgh Sports Memories episodes that we will be dropping in between new episodes​Get our Steelers-Ravens book here! E-Book | HardcoverConnect with the show:Visit us on the webFollow us on FacebookFollow us on Twitter

In this episode we will take a look back at 1994 – a year that didn't see any Pittsburgh sports championships but did see the peak of the Steelers-Browns rivalry, the rise of a 6-foot-11 superstar, a shocking finish to the Penguins season, and the entire sports world descending on Pittsburgh for not one, but two landmark sporting events. Also throw in some bizarre Steelers controversies and the wildest college football ending ever, and you've got a memorable year in Pittsburgh sports.Get our Steelers-Ravens book here! E-Book | HardcoverConnect with the show:Visit us on the webFollow us on FacebookFollow us on Twitter

We take a break from sports history to talk about what is currently going on in the Pittsburgh sports scene. Should we start planning the Super Bowl parade now that Aaron Rodgers, Jalen Ramsey, and Jonnu Smith have joined with the Steelers? Does Oneil Cruz care at all about the Pirates? Did the Penguins restock their future in this year's draft? We cover all of that and more in this special bonus episode of the podcast.Get our Steelers-Ravens book here! E-Book | HardcoverConnect with the show:Visit us on the webFollow us on FacebookFollow us on Twitter

We celebrate the career of Big Ben with a countdown of his ten greatest games. Which games made the list, and will you agree with our surprise pick for #1? Tune in to find out!REWIND is a series of our favorite Pittsburgh Sports Memories episodes that we will be dropping in between new episodes​Get our Steelers-Ravens book here! E-Book | HardcoverConnect with the show:Visit us on the webFollow us on FacebookFollow us on Twitter

Pittsburgh sports history is filled with unforgettable triumphs but also with some jaw-dropping blunders. In this episode, we revisit some of the most surprising, bizarre, and downright disastrous mistakes that you may have forgotten—both made by and against Pittsburgh teams. From unimaginable game-losing mishaps to points inadvertently wiped off the board and even a fiery on-field fiasco, these not-so-legendary moments prove that sometimes, sports history is just as entertaining when things go wrong.Get our Steelers-Ravens book here! E-Book | HardcoverConnect with the show:Visit us on the webFollow us on FacebookFollow us on Twitter

As the Pirates were enjoying arguably their greatest ever season, one of their best pitchers was struggling. Those around him were concerned, but no one expected the horrifying psychotic break that came next. It would not only threaten Pittsburgh's opportunity to win a championship, but would also tear apart the life of a rising baseball superstar forever. In this episode we will tell the sad and often forgotten story of a Pirates pitcher whose descent into darkness had huge ramifications both on and off the field.REWIND is a series of our favorite Pittsburgh Sports Memories episodes that we will be dropping in between new episodes​Get our Steelers-Ravens book here! E-Book | HardcoverConnect with the show:Visit us on the webFollow us on FacebookFollow us on Twitter

They came, they saw, they sucked. Some stuck around for years, others flamed out fast. In this episode, we dive into the worst coaches across Pittsburgh's sports scene — from front office brawls to cutting Hall of Famers. They were given a shot, and they failed spectacularly!Get our Steelers-Ravens book here! E-Book | HardcoverConnect with the show:Visit us on the webFollow us on FacebookFollow us on Twitter

We take a break from sports history to talk about what is currently going on in the Pittsburgh sports scene. Did the Penguins make the right call in parting ways with Mike Sullivan? Is Justin Fields destined to fail on the Jets? Should the Pirates trade Paul Skenes? We cover all of that and more in this special bonus episode of the podcast.Get our Steelers-Ravens book here! E-Book | HardcoverConnect with the show:Visit us on the webFollow us on FacebookFollow us on Twitter

There are things in sports which fans like to complain about, and Pittsburgh sports history has plenty of them. For better or worse, here some things that are annoying about Pittsburgh sports.REWIND is a series of our favorite Pittsburgh Sports Memories episodes that we will be dropping in between new episodes​Get our Steelers-Ravens book here! E-Book | HardcoverConnect with the show:Visit us on the webFollow us on FacebookFollow us on Twitter

Our hosts (along with a special guest) embark on a spirited draft, assembling dream teams of Pittsburgh Steelers legends from the iconic Chuck Noll era. Who will be the 101? Who are the sleeper picks? Who is Mr. Irrelevant? And who ended up with the best team? Tune in to find out, and let us know what we got right and what we got wrong.Check out The Final Score podcast here!Get our Steelers-Ravens book here! E-Book | HardcoverConnect with the show:Visit us on the webFollow us on FacebookFollow us on Twitter

In 1984, the Penguins were a floundering and largely unpopular franchise with an uncertain future. That's when they were presented with a golden opportunity to turn things around. If they could somehow procure the top overall pick in the draft, they could select a teen phenom by the name of Mario Lemieux. However, getting there would require something totally unorthodox: doing everything possible to NOT WIN games.REWIND is a series of our favorite Pittsburgh Sports Memories episodes that we will be dropping in between new episodes​Get our Steelers-Ravens book here! E-Book | HardcoverConnect with the show:Visit us on the webFollow us on FacebookFollow us on Twitter

In this episode, we dive into the legendary Steelers career of one of the greatest defensive backs of all time. A true game-changer, he had the ability to single-handedly shift the outcome of any matchup. He also made an incredible recovery to play in a Super Bowl. Of course, we're talking about Rod Woodson—who, if not for Mel Blount, might be the best cornerback in Steelers history.Get our Steelers-Ravens book here! E-Book | HardcoverConnect with the show:Visit us on the webFollow us on FacebookFollow us on Twitter

There may be no better spectacle in sports than playoff hockey. We Penguins fans have been blessed to witness many amazing moments over the years including five Stanley Cup runs. In this episode, we will countdown the top 15 (because top 10 just wasn't enough) greatest playoff moments in Pens history!REWIND is a series of our favorite Pittsburgh Sports Memories episodes that we will be dropping in between new episodes​Get our Steelers-Ravens book here! E-Book | HardcoverConnect with the show:Visit us on the webFollow us on FacebookFollow us on Twitter

We take a break from sports history to talk about what is currently going on in the Pittsburgh sports scene. Did the Steelers make the right draft picks? Why are people more upset with the Steelers than they are with the Penguins right now? And what coming event will officially end baseball in Pittsburgh? We cover all of that and more in this special bonus episode of the podcast.Get our Steelers-Ravens book here! E-Book | HardcoverConnect with the show:Visit us on the webFollow us on FacebookFollow us on Twitter

In this week's episode, we revisit a long-forgotten Pirates season that featured blown calls, a holdout from a Hall of Famer, Pirates fans causing mischief, and a massive controversy over who really finished in first place. It's a story that many Pittsburgh sports fans won't know but one that we think needs to be told.Get our Steelers-Ravens book here! E-Book | HardcoverConnect with the show:Visit us on the webFollow us on FacebookFollow us on Twitter

In 2004, the Steelers had a decision to make - draft a QB or go with another player. What would play out in the draft that year would affect the fortunes of three different players and franchises for years to follow.REWIND is a series of our favorite Pittsburgh Sports Memories episodes that we will be dropping in between new episodes​Get our Steelers-Ravens book here! E-Book | HardcoverConnect with the show:Visit us on the webFollow us on FacebookFollow us on Twitter

In climbing, a false summit is a peak that appears to be the top but is actually lower than the true summit, which is still higher and farther away. In this episode, we explore the memorable Pittsburgh Penguins' 1988-89 season, in which they reached the second round of the playoffs but lost in a Game 7, setting the team back for another season before they finally became a true Stanley Cup contender.Get our Steelers-Ravens book here! E-Book | HardcoverConnect with the show:Visit us on the webFollow us on FacebookFollow us on Twitter

This episode features a collection of fascinating forgotten audio that we dug up related to Pittsburgh sports - rare interviews, crazy soundbites, unique music, and more. Take a journey down memory lane with this compilation of sound from your favorite Pittsburgh sports stars and teams.REWIND is a series of our favorite Pittsburgh Sports Memories episodes that we will be dropping in between new episodes​Get our Steelers-Ravens book here! E-Book | HardcoverConnect with the show:Visit us on the webFollow us on FacebookFollow us on Twitter

We take a break from sports history to talk about what is currently going on in the Pittsburgh sports scene. Will this Aaron Rodgers nonsense ever end? Do the Penguins have the right plan? And do some local coaches need to be fired? We get into those topics and more in this special bonus episode of the podcast.Get our Steelers-Ravens book here! E-Book | HardcoverConnect with the show:Visit us on the webFollow us on FacebookFollow us on Twitter

We have had a lot of iconic moments in Pittsburgh sports, but in this episode, we are going to look back on some guys who once played for a Pittsburgh team and then did something unforgettable elsewhere. Sometimes it was something historic and other times it was something embarrassing, but all of these moments were indeed memorable.Get our Steelers-Ravens book here! E-Book | HardcoverConnect with the show:Visit us on the webFollow us on FacebookFollow us on Twitter

In this episode, we explore how a former child actor named Jamie Dixon turned Pitt's basketball program into a national powerhouse, and how it fell apart just as quickly when he left.REWIND is a series of our favorite Pittsburgh Sports Memories episodes that we will be dropping in between new episodes​Get our Steelers-Ravens book here! E-Book | HardcoverConnect with the show:Visit us on the webFollow us on FacebookFollow us on Twitter

On this episode, we will dive into the amazing career of Larry Fitzgerald, a legend on and off the field. From his time at Pitt to his career in the NFL, he was one of the best ever. The wide receiver is a position filled with divas and malcontents, yet he took a different path, handling himself with poise while showing that you can be a class act in any circumstance.Get our Steelers-Ravens book here! E-Book | HardcoverConnect with the show:Visit us on the webFollow us on FacebookFollow us on Twitter

In this episode, we will cover arguably the biggest moment in the history of sports. It was a play that gave Pittsburgh the most improbable championship win in its history, and it's still celebrated annually to this day: the 1960 World Series and Bill Mazeroski's home run.REWIND is a series of our favorite Pittsburgh Sports Memories episodes that we will be dropping in between new episodes​Get our Steelers-Ravens book here! E-Book | HardcoverConnect with the show:Visit us on the webFollow us on FacebookFollow us on Twitter

What would you call a Steelers player who threw tantrums on the field, repeatedly took selfish penalties, spit on a reporter, and quit on his team? Most people call him the greatest Steeler in the history of the franchise! In this episode, we explore Joe Greene's controversial first few years and explore why the team and its fans stuck with him. We also discuss whether or not this would be possible in today's NFL.Get our Steelers-Ravens book here! E-Book | HardcoverConnect with the show:Visit us on the webFollow us on FacebookFollow us on Twitter

We take a break from sports history to talk about what is currently going on in the Pittsburgh sports scene. Will the Steelers make Justin Fields their 2025 QB, and if so, what are they waiting for? Do the Pens have any shot at the playoffs? We also talk about the Four Nations Face-off and the Super Bowl, and we remember the legendary Mike Lange. We get into those topics and more in this special bonus episode of the podcast.Get our Steelers-Ravens book here! E-Book | HardcoverConnect with the show:Visit us on the webFollow us on FacebookFollow us on Twitter

Did the Steelers really get handed Super Bowl XL by the refs? Were the Pirates really handicapped by MLB's lack of a salary cap? Did AB only go nuts after that Vontaze Burfict hit? In this episode, we'll attempt to debunk some of the false narratives from throughout Pittsburgh sports history. Will you agree with our assessment of these narratives being false, and will we even agree with each other? Tune it to find out!REWIND is a series of our favorite Pittsburgh Sports Memories episodes that we will be dropping in between new episodes​Get our Steelers-Ravens book here! E-Book | HardcoverConnect with the show:Visit us on the webFollow us on FacebookFollow us on Twitter

There is no figure in Pittsburgh sports history who is more beloved than The Chief, and over the course of doing this podcast, we have uncovered a bunch of stories that show why that is. In this episode, we will share those stories as we remember Steelers legend Art Rooney, the founder of the greatest football team ever!Get our Steelers-Ravens book here! E-Book | HardcoverConnect with the show:Visit us on the webFollow us on FacebookFollow us on Twitter

There were places where some of the most cherished and legendary Pittsburgh sports moments happened. Unfortunately they all saw there prime come and go, and they now only exist in the memories of the fans who attended those famous games. On this episode we will cover the many sports venues throughout the history of Pittsburgh and recall some of the iconic moments that happened at them.REWIND is a series of our favorite Pittsburgh Sports Memories episodes that we will be dropping in between new episodes​Get our Steelers-Ravens book here! E-Book | HardcoverConnect with the show:Visit us on the webFollow us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterSend us a text

The Pittsburgh Spirit captured the hearts of fans in the 1980's and made indoor soccer a must-see sporting event. At their peak, the Spirit were so popular that they even outdrew the Penguins in attendance! We talk to Spirit historian Patrick McCarthy about this fascinating chapter in Pittsburgh sports history.Get our Steelers-Ravens book here! E-Book | HardcoverConnect with the show:Visit us on the webFollow us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterSend us a text

There are a handful of sports figures who found success and fame in Pittsburgh, but then saw their careers quickly take a turn for the worse. We delve into the moments that led to their downfall - whether it was self-destructive behavior, unexpected loss of skills, or even circumstances beyond their control.REWIND is a series of our favorite Pittsburgh Sports Memories episodes that we will be dropping in between new episodes​Get our Steelers-Ravens book here! E-Book | HardcoverConnect with the show:Visit us on the webFollow us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterSend us a text

Our hosts take a pause from talking about Pittsburgh sports history to chat about some current events. Should the Steelers move on from Mike Tomlin? What does Pitt do after their recent collapse? How do we feel about the College Football Playoff? We get into those topics and more in this special bonus episode of the podcast.Get our Steelers-Ravens book here! E-Book | HardcoverConnect with the show:Visit us on the webFollow us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterSend us a text

Between 1974 and 1989, the Penguins played 42 games in Philadelphia and never won even once! After 15 years of ineptitude, the Pens not only broke the streak but forever altered the trajectory of the two franchises for decades to come.Get our Steelers-Ravens book here! E-Book | HardcoverConnect with the show:Visit us on the webFollow us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterSend us a text

This week's podcast takes us back to 1996, when the Steelers faced a dilemma at the QB position after their Super Bowl starter headed into free agency. They had to choose between signing or drafting a QB, paying the one they had, or choosing from the three other QB's on the roster. We'll go into the details around that decision and talk about how it ultimately played out, plus we will draw comparisons to the decision the team would face 26 years later when Ben Roethlisberger retired.REWIND is a series of our favorite Pittsburgh Sports Memories episodes that we will be dropping in between new episodes​Get our Steelers-Ravens book here! E-Book | HardcoverConnect with the show:Visit us on the webFollow us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterSend us a text

In 1989, the Steelers were coming off of their worst season in ages. Not much was expected of them, especially after losing their first two games of the season by a combined score of 92-10! But then something truly remarkable happened - Chuck Noll took his team on a run so improbable that it is still talked about almost 40 years later.Get our Steelers-Ravens book here! E-Book | HardcoverConnect with the show:Visit us on the webFollow us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterSend us a text

Experts say the best way to process trauma is to talk about it, and we Pitt football fans have experienced a lot of gut-wrenching moments over the post-Dorsett/Marino years! If you or your loved ones have been hurt by Pitt football like we have, join us for this encouraging therapy session in which we go through the healing process of talking about the worst Pitt losses!REWIND is a series of our favorite Pittsburgh Sports Memories episodes that we will be dropping in between new episodes​Get our Steelers-Ravens book here! E-Book | HardcoverConnect with the show:Visit us on the webFollow us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterSend us a text

Tis the season for some Pittsburgh sports holiday memories! The Steelers, Penguins, and Pitt have all had some memorable moments on Christmas and Thanksgiving. We will celebrate those moments and remember our favorite fan memories as well. Grab some eggnog and join us for a nostalgic journey filled with holiday magic and black-and-gold pride.Get our Steelers-Ravens book here! E-Book | HardcoverConnect with the show:Visit us on the webFollow us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterSend us a text

What do the guy who made the greatest tackle in Super Bowl history, the guy who hit the most famous homerun of the past 40 years, and the guy who Mike Tomlin tried to trip on his way to the endzone all have in common? They all played for a Pittsburgh team at one point in their careers. In this episode we will look back at some famous sports names who you may have forgotten spent part of their career as a member of a Pittsburgh team. How many of these guys will you remember?REWIND is a series of our favorite Pittsburgh Sports Memories episodes that we will be dropping in between new episodes​Get our Steelers-Ravens book here! E-Book | HardcoverConnect with the show:Visit us on the webFollow us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterSend us a text

Pittsburgh is a town where people have each other's back, and that spirit has been embodied by the sports figures who have played here. In this episode, we will celebrate some of the most beautiful acts of kindness in Pittsburgh sports history.Get our Steelers-Ravens book here! E-Book | HardcoverConnect with the show:Visit us on the webFollow us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterSend us a text

There is nothing more exciting in sports than overtime. The game is all on the line and in sudden death, the end can come out of nowhere. In this episode, we dive into the heart-pounding world of overtime games to recount the greatest wins and most heartbreaking moments in Pittsburgh sports history.REWIND is a series of our favorite Pittsburgh Sports Memories episodes that we will be dropping in between new episodes​Get our Steelers-Ravens book here! E-Book | HardcoverConnect with the show:Visit us on the webFollow us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterSend us a text

In this episode, we celebrate the legendary life and career of Steelers Hall of Famer Franco Harris. Franco made a huge impact on the field, and his influence on the Pittsburgh community along with his enduring legacy as a philanthropist made him one of the most respected figures in Pittsburgh sports history.Get our Steelers-Ravens book here! E-Book | HardcoverConnect with the show:Visit us on the webFollow us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterSend us a text

The Steelers are known today for building consistently competitive teams through the draft and measured free agent signings, but it wasn't always that way. There was a time when the Steelers decided to go for broke in an effort to win a championship. The man they picked to lead this effort was a brilliant tactician who had won two championships elsewhere, but he was also a chain-smoking alcoholic whose impulsivity threatened to bring the whole thing down. The ramifications of this experiment would ultimately shape the “Steeler Way” for years to come.REWIND is a series of our favorite Pittsburgh Sports Memories episodes that we will be dropping in between new episodes​Get our Steelers-Ravens book here! E-Book | HardcoverConnect with the show:Visit us on the webFollow us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterSend us a text