It's the next in our series on the "dark years" the years before (or between) a franchise's legendary dynasty years. Last time we covered the 1980's Steelers, this time it's the 1990's Lakers. From the end of "Showtime" to the dawn of the Shaq-Kobe-Phil years. We cover the Cedric Ceballos disappearance, the many Magic Johnson returns, and the coaching tenure of Del Harris, among many other stories.

Books to complement this episode:

"Showtime: Magic, Kareem, Riley, and the Los Angeles Lakers Dynasty of the 1980s" by Jeff Pearlman

"Three-Ring Circus: Kobe, Shaq, Phil, and the Crazy Years of the Lakers Dynasty" by Jeff Pearlman

"Magic: The Life of Earvin Magic Johnson" by Roland Lazenby

"The Show: The Inside Story of the Spectacular Los Angeles Lakers in the Words of Those Who Lived It" by Roland Lazenby

"Showboat: The Life of Kobe Bryant" by Roland Lazenby

Hello Old Sports is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Your Favorite Sport's Yesteryear.

Contact the show at HelloOldSports@gmail.com and find us on Facebook at

Hello Old Sports is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Your Favorite Sport's Yesteryear.

EPISODE SUMMARY

Our latest episode takes us all over the place as we talk about some of the great teams in sports history that should have won championships but didn't! Some choked, some were unlucky, but all were disappointing. From the 2004 Lakers to the 1906 Cubs to the 2018 Penguins to the 1990 49ers. We cover these and many more!

Thanks to our listener, Lawrence Richards, for the suggestion. Check out his book, "Sports & Boomers: The History of Sports Through a Boomer's Eyes".

Contact the show at HelloOldSports@gmail.com and find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HelloOldSports

Hello Old Sports is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Your Favorite Sport's Yesteryear.

EPISODE SUMMARY

One of the greatest players of 19th Century Baseball, the great Mike "King" Kelly is perhaps the first sports celebrity in American History. Through 16 seasons, Kelly played in 3 major leagues, and crossed paths with legends like Cap Anson, Al Spalding, and Dan Brouthers. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1945, one of the first 19th Century stars to be so honored.

Books to complement this episode:

"Slide, Kelly, Slide" by Marty Appel

"Before They Were the Cubs" by Jack Bales

"The Boston Braves 1871-1953" by Harold Kaese

"Glory Fades Away: The Nineteenth Century World Series Rediscovered" by Jerry Lansche

"Wrigleyville: A Magical History Tour of the Chicago Cubs" by Peter Golenbock

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