Sports Then and Now

In the NFL there are certain uniform numbers that have special meaning and status. Thanks to Jim Brown, O.J. Simpson, Franco Harris and others, number 32 was synonymous with great running backs for many years. The number 88 has a place of honor in the wide receiver room of the Dallas Cowboys and even outside of Dallas has been worn by many all-time greats. But the number that is probably most associated with a position and greatness is the number 12. There are currently six Hall of Fame quarterbacks who wore the number 12 during their playing days. That number will certainly grow once Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers take their rightful spots in the Hall of Fame in the next few years.

In honor of December 12 (12/12), we have ranked the top 12 quarterbacks who have worn the number 12 during their career.

1. Tom Brady

Widely regarded as the greatest quarterback in NFL history, Tom Brady redefined excellence with his longevity, success, and leadership. Over 23 seasons with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Brady captured seven Super Bowl titles, more than any other player or franchise. He holds numerous records, including career passing yards, touchdowns, and playoff wins. Brady’s ability to excel in clutch situations and adapt to different systems made him the gold standard for quarterback play.

2. Roger Staubach

“Captain America” Roger Staubach was a cornerstone of the Dallas Cowboys during the 1970s, leading the team to two Super Bowl titles and six NFC Championship appearances. Known for his scrambling ability and poise under pressure, Staubach was a model of consistency and competitiveness. A Hall of Famer, he remains one of the most beloved players in Cowboys history.

The Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York will add two hard hitting legends from by-gone eras with the selection of Dick Allen and Dave Parker by the Classic Baseball Era Committee.

Most baseball fans of the 1960s and 1970s have been questioning the exclusion of these two perennial All-Stars from the Hall of Fame for many years, especially considering some of the players who have earned induction in recent years.

Both Allen and Parker were bathed in controversy during their time in MLB, which is likely among the reasons that it took so long following the end of their careers for them to make it into the Hall of Fame.

Below is a brief look at the careers of these two new Hall of Famers.

Dick Allen – One of the most feared and influential hitters of his era, Allen played 15 seasons in Major League Baseball (1963–1977). Known for his immense power and unconventional batting stance, Allen broke into the majors with the Philadelphia Phillies, winning the National League Rookie of the Year Award in 1964 after hitting .318 with 29 home runs and 91 RBIs. His ability to hit towering home runs made him a consistent offensive force, while his versatility allowed him to excel at multiple positions, including third base, first base, and the outfield. Allen’s time with the Phillies was highlighted by his offensive dominance, but he also endured racial tensions and scrutiny from fans and the media during a tumultuous era in the sport.

Allen’s best seasons came in the early 1970s after joining the Chicago White Sox. In 1972, he delivered one of the most remarkable campaigns in baseball history, winning the American League MVP award. That season, he hit .308 with 37 home runs, 113 RBIs, and led the league in on-base percentage (.420), slugging percentage (.603), and walks (99). Allen’s contributions almost single-handedly turned the White Sox into contenders, earning him widespread respect as one of the game’s most intimidating sluggers. Despite his exceptional talent, Allen’s career was marked by frequent clashes with management and the media, which often overshadowed his on-field achievements.

Professional football has a long and storied history as part of our American Thanksgiving tradition. Many of the greatest players and best teams in NFL history have made their mark on this holiday and thus become part of families across the country during this time of fellowship and giving thanks.

While many of the players who have shined on Thanksgiving Day were familiar faces and established stars of the game, there also have been a number of players whose one shining moment as a professional football player occurred on the big stage of Turkey Day.

One such player was former Dallas Cowboys backup quarterback Jason Garrett. Before serving as head coach of the Cowboys between 2010 and 2019, he was likely best remembered by most football fans for his nearly flawless performance in place of starting quarterback Troy Aikman on Thanksgiving Day in 1994.

In only his second career start, Garrett passed for 311 yards and two touchdowns to help Dallas defeat the Green Bay Packers 42-31.

However, while Garrett’s performance was impressive, it was arguably not the best or most memorable performance by a Dallas backup quarterback on Thanksgiving Day.

That honor would belong to a rookie quarterback from Abilene Christian who two decades before Garrett’s Thanksgiving performance made a lasting impression on the football world with a memorable Thanksgiving Day show of his own.

In the mid-1970s, the rivalry between the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins was emerging as one of the most interesting in all of professional sports.

Thanks to the contrast between Washington’s spirited head coach George Allen and the stoic leader of the Cowboys Tom Landry, the rivalry had gained steam and by 1974 was among the most anticipated battles on the NFL calendar.

When the two squads squared off on Thanksgiving Day in 1974 it provided a perfect venue for the renewal of this special rivalry. Playing on national television in an era before video games and cable television provided people with other entertainment options, the late afternoon battle between the Cowboys and Redskins was truly America’s afternoon dessert following the traditional Thanksgiving meal.

After a record eight straight playoff appearances, the Dallas Cowboys had struggled during the 1974 campaign. They opened the season with a 1-4 record and entered Thanksgiving Day with a 6-5 mark and clinging to very slim playoff hopes. With games remaining against Cleveland and Oakland, they were potentially looking at their first losing season since 1964.

Louie Dampier’s name might not resonate as widely as other basketball legends, but the Sports Then & Now Vintage Athlete of the Month’s impact on the game, particularly during the American Basketball Association (ABA) era, is undeniable. Known for his pinpoint shooting, exceptional ball handling, and relentless work ethic, Dampier enjoyed a stellar basketball career that saw him thrive in both the ABA and NBA. As one of the most consistent and prolific guards of his time, Dampier left a lasting legacy, and his role in the ABA’s history solidified his place in the annals of basketball greatness.

The world of baseball mourns the loss of Fernando Valenzuela, one of the sport’s most iconic figures, who passed away on October 22, 2024 at the age of 63. Valenzuela’s impact on baseball extended far beyond the pitcher’s mound, as he became a symbol of hope, pride, and cultural unity for millions. His unique pitching style, calm demeanor, and ability to deliver in big moments made him a fan favorite and a beloved figure in the Los Angeles community. Valenzuela’s career is one that epitomized greatness and resilience, as he rose from humble beginnings in Mexico to become one of Major League Baseball’s most unforgettable stars.

Early Life and Rise to Stardom

Fernando Valenzuela was born on November 1, 1960, in Etchohuaquila, a small village in the Mexican state of Sonora. Growing up in a family of farmers, Valenzuela’s love for baseball was evident from a young age. He played for local teams and developed a remarkable ability to throw a screwball, a pitch that would later become his signature weapon.

In 1979, at the age of 18, Valenzuela signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers and quickly made a name for himself in the minors. His dominance in the Mexican League and his performances with the Dodgers’ minor league affiliates caught the attention of team executives, and he was called up to the Major Leagues in late 1980.

Valenzuela’s arrival in Major League Baseball came at a critical time for the Dodgers, who were in need of a spark to propel them toward postseason success. Although he made only a handful of appearances late in the 1980 season, he was on the brink of something special.

The Birth of “Fernandomania”

Valenzuela’s official rookie season in 1981 would go down in baseball history as one of the most captivating and unprecedented stretches of performance by any player. In what came to be known as “Fernandomania,” Valenzuela captured the hearts of fans across the nation with his dazzling performances on the mound, his charismatic personality, and his unique pitching delivery, which involved looking toward the sky just before releasing the ball.

The 1981 season began with Valenzuela thrust into the starting rotation after an injury to Dodgers ace Jerry Reuss. In his very first start on Opening Day, Valenzuela threw a complete-game shutout against the Houston Astros. This was just the beginning of an incredible run: Valenzuela started his rookie season by winning his first eight starts, all complete games, with an astonishing five shutouts. His dominant pitching combined with his humble demeanor created a media frenzy, and fans flocked to stadiums to watch him pitch. “Fernandomania” spread like wildfire, not just in Los Angeles but throughout the country and especially in Latin America, where Valenzuela became a source of immense pride.

Valenzuela’s impact on the field was undeniable. He finished the strike shortened 1981 season with a 13-7 record, a 2.48 ERA, and 180 strikeouts, earning both the National League Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Award—an unprecedented feat. He was also instrumental in leading the Dodgers to the World Series title in 1981, where they defeated the New York Yankees in six games. Valenzuela’s performance in the postseason, including a critical complete-game victory in Game 3 of the World Series, further cemented his status as a star.

The baseball world lost one of its most charismatic and skilled pitchers on October 8, 2024, when Luis Tiant passed away at the age of 83. Known for his unorthodox delivery, fierce competitive spirit, and ability to excel in high-pressure situations, Tiant was a beloved figure both on and off the field. His career spanned from the mid-1960s to the early 1980s, with stints on teams like the Cleveland Indians, Minnesota Twins, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, and others. However, it was with the Boston Red Sox that Tiant made his most lasting impact, becoming a fan favorite and a symbol of perseverance.

From his early days in Cuba to his rise as one of the most dominant pitchers of his era, Tiant’s journey through the baseball world is a story of talent, resilience, and a never-give-up attitude. This article will look back on the remarkable career of Luis Tiant, highlighting his most significant achievements, his unique style, and the legacy he leaves behind.

Early Life and Journey to the Major Leagues

Luis Clemente Tiant was born on November 23, 1940, in Marianao, Cuba, into a baseball family. His father, Luis Tiant Sr., had been a star pitcher in the Negro Leagues, known for his grace and dominance on the mound. Young Luis followed in his father’s footsteps, showing a natural talent for pitching from an early age. He played in various Cuban leagues before catching the attention of Major League scouts, and in 1961, he signed with the Cleveland Indians organization.