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EPISODE SUMMARY

LISTEN TO THE NY GIANTS: A TEAM WITHOUT A HOME

Relive the "forgotten years" of Big Blue in this deep dive into one of the most tumultuous eras in New York Giants history. Joe Santos, creator of the documentary podcast The NY Giants: A Team Without a Home, joins Mark Morthier and Dave DePaola to recount the bizarre saga of 1973 through 1975.

From being "evicted" by Mayor John Lindsay to playing home games 80 miles away at the Yale Bowl in New Haven, the guys explore how a promising 1972 squad collapsed into a 2-11-1 disaster. You’ll hear about the logistical nightmares of practicing in Jersey City while playing in Connecticut, and the political friction that left the Giants feeling like second-class citizens in their own backyard.

The conversation is packed with "I was there" nostalgia, covering the infamous 1974 regular-season overtime loss to Joe Namath and the Jets, where Broadway Joe famously "walked" into the end zone. The trio reminisces about the rugged conditions of the Yale Bowl—from the splinter-filled wooden benches and the absence of stadium lights to the tiny "snow fence" that served as the only barrier between fans and the gridiron.

They also break down the personnel moves that defined the era, including the ill-fated Fran Tarkenton trade, the decline of workhorse Ron Johnson, and the defensive core of Brad Van Pelt and Jack Gregory that tried to hold it all together during the lean years before the Ray Perkins/George Young revolution.

Beyond the stats, this episode captures the unique fan experience of the 1970s—the all-day bus and train pilgrimages to New Haven, the freezing rain of the 1974 finale against the Vikings, and the eventual move to Shea Stadium in 1975.

Whether you remember shivering in the Yale Bowl stands or watching the highlights on NFL Game of the Week, this trip down memory lane explores the grit, the frustration, and the enduring loyalty of Giants fans during a decade of displacement. Stick around for part two as the guys continue to unravel the history of the team that eventually found its soul (and its trophies) in the Meadowlands.

YESTERDAY'S SPORTS BACKGROUND

Host Mark Morthier grew up in New Jersey just across the river from New York City during the 1970s, a great time for sports in the area. He relives great moments from this time and beyond, focusing on football, baseball, basketball, and boxing. You may even see a little Olympic Weightlifting in the mix, as Mark competed for eight years. See Mark's book below.

No Nonsense, Old School Weight Training: A Guide For People With Limited Time

Running Wild: (Growing Up In The 1970s)

NY Giants: Without A Home is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquaters For Sports' Yesteryear.

NY Giants: Without A Home Web Page

EPISODE DESCRIPTION:

The harsh realities of playing their "home" games away from NYC are described with reflections from the fans.

SHOW BACKGROUND:

The New York Giants are one of football’s oldest franchises. But in 1973, they didn’t have a home. Yankee Stadium was scheduled to close. They were no longer welcomed by the mayor of New York City, and the opening of their new stadium in New Jersey was well behind schedule. Options had vanished. As a result, the team soon found itself scrambling to find a place to play their home games for the next 3 seasons. The decision they ultimately made would prove to have major implications on all aspects of the organization, including its on-field performance and their fans. The NY Giants – A Team Without a Home.

HOST - JOE SANTOS:

Joe Santos grew up in Massachusetts and is an avid football fan, with a special fondness for the NFL in the early 70s. This Week in Pro Football and NFL Game of the Week were must-see TV back in the day. And living in Massachusetts meant you saw all of the NY Giants games on tv, both home and away, as they were the de facto home team for the NFC.

Due to the blackout rules at the time, only the Patriots away games were shown. Being a huge sports history fan, Joe thought it would be fun to go back in time and tell the backstory of why the Giants would leave NYC for the swamps of New Jersey. Now living in GA, Joe roots for all of the Boston teams.

The NY Giants: A Team Without A Home is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquaters For Sports' Yesteryear.

NY Giants: Without A Home Web Page

EPISODE DESCRIPTION:

Backdrop behind the team's decision to leave NYC and the subsequent reaction from city officials.

SHOW BACKGROUND:

The New York Giants are one of football’s oldest franchises. But in 1973, they didn’t have a home. Yankee Stadium was scheduled to close. They were no longer welcomed by the mayor of New York City, and the opening of their new stadium in New Jersey was well behind schedule. Options had vanished.

As a result, the team soon found itself scrambling to find a place to play their home games for the next 3 seasons. The decision they ultimately made would prove to have major implications on all aspects of the organization, including its on-field performance and their fans. The NY Giants – A Team Without a Home.

HOST - JOE SANTOS:

Joe Santos grew up in Massachusetts and is an avid football fan, with a special fondness for the NFL in the early 70s. This Week in Pro Football and NFL Game of the Week were must-see TV back in the day. And living in Massachusetts meant you saw all of the NY Giants games on tv, both home and away, as they were the de facto home team for the NFC.

Due to the blackout rules at the time, only the Patriots away games were shown. Being a huge sports history fan, Joe thought it would be fun to go back in time and tell the backstory of why the Giants would leave NYC for the swamps of New Jersey. Now living in GA, Joe roots for all of the Boston teams.