Detroit City of Champions

Detroit City of Champions

1935. The Great Depression. Detroit is ranked as the hardest hit city in America. Speramus Meliora Resurgent Cineribus Akin to a miracle something incredible began to happen. Detroit began to win in a way that had never been seen before…or since. The Tigers, Lions and Red Wings all won their first Championships. An unknown Joe Louis would rise to international super stardom. Speed boat racing, tennis, track and field, golf, bowling, swimming, firearms…champions all and all from Detroit. In this calendar year the city could claim 33 national championships. A celebration followed that has no equal in the annals of American sport. Holidays were declared, a plaque was signed by the president as well as every governor in the country recognizing Detroit as THE City of Champions… …and then…the story was forgotten. What happened in 1935? How did it happen? Why was it forgotten? Why should we care? These topics and many more will be explored by veteran radio host Jamie Flanagan a

Episodes

August 19, 2024 72 mins

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Ever wondered how a single year could define a city’s sports legacy? Join us as we revisit the exhilarating year of 1935 when Detroit's Lions, Tigers, and Red Wings each clinched their first championships, earning the city the moniker "City of Champions." We’ll also marvel at the incredible rise of Joe Lewis during this golden era. From historical victories to personal anecdotes, we'll discuss the ...

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Step into the golden era of Detroit sports with us as Jamie Flanagan and Charles Avison unveil the meticulous research and dedication that brought the legendary athletes of 1935 back to life. Journey through time as Charles recounts his thrilling discoveries of rare memorabilia and the painstaking effort he put into piecing together old newspapers, matchbooks, and game programs. You'll be captivated by the storie...

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What if a city could be crowned the "City of Champions" in a single year? Travel back to Detroit in 1935, a pivotal moment when the Tigers, Lions, Red Wings, and the legendary Joe Louis collectively put the city on the sports map. In this episode, we uncover the recruitment strategies that shaped the Detroit Tigers and contrast their resilience against the backdrop of failing local football teams. We'll...

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What if the scouting strategies of the 1930s are the secret to modern baseball success? Join us as we journey through the foundational era of the Detroit Tigers, where the Mississippi River became a strategic dividing line for talent acquisition. We'll uncover how Bob Coleman and Del Baker's pivotal roles in the early minor league system laid the groundwork for the 1935 championship team, offering compelling...

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What if you could walk through Detroit's most glorious sports memories and meet the legends who lived them? This episode takes you on a nostalgic journey back to 1935, the year Detroit earned the title "City of Champions" with victories from the Lions, Tigers, Red Wings, and the meteoric rise of Joe Louis in boxing. Fast forward to the recent Champions Day 2024 celebration at the Detroit Historical Muse...

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What if one year could define an entire city's sports legacy? Travel back with us to 1935, a year when Detroit was crowned the "City of Champions," and discover how the Lions, Tigers, Red Wings, and boxing phenom Joe Louis made an indelible mark on sports history. We'll unpack the rich interconnections between Detroit and Portsmouth, and delve into the cultural phenomenon of Opening Day in Detroit,...

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Dan Campbell's decisions in the NFC Championship game - Exploring the historical precedent for success - Episode 109

How Dan Campbell's style reminds us of the story of Gerald "Gee"  Walker

As was said in 1933 of Gee, '... we want the wild mustang of the range, no one wins the race with old dobbin.'

An amazing passage attributed to Aidan Hutchinson

You won’t find tears in ...

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The Forgotten Champions 

Episode 108: NBC lists the wrong year of the Lions first Championship

Did you know? The Lions won their first Championship in 1935 and NOT 1932! Jamie and Charles explore this major error of historical inaccuracy presented by NBC during the Lions vs Buccaneers playoff game.


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www.DJJamieDetroit.com

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Episode 107: The Other Champions of 1935: Newell Banks - Checkers

Should there ever be any debate about Detroit’s claim to “The Greatest Season in American Sport history,” one need only point to the 33rd championship: Newell Banks, the 1935 checkers champion was from Detroit!


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Episode 106: The Other Champions of 1935: Azucar and the first Santa Anita Handicap

While the name Seabiscuit is synonymous with horse racing in the 1930’s, there was another who rose to the greatest height on the largest stage: Azucar.


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Episode 105: The Other Champions of 1935: Stanley Kratkowski & Joanna De Tuscan

“From a room full of sweet mamas and papas to a lunatic asylum…” The stories of Stanley Kratkowski and Joanna De Tuscan are presented alongside a unique insight into the 1936 Berlin Olympics.


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Episode 104: The Other Champions of 1935: Gar Wood Jr.

Gar Wood, the King of Speed on Water. In today’s episode Jamie and Charles explore the story of the crown prince: Gar Wood Jr.


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Episode 103: The Other Champions of 1935: Jimmy Gilhula, Tom Haynie and the D.A.C. Swim Team

On the first weekend of July, 1935, Detroit swimmers would add three more national amateur championships to the city’s crowded victory mantle.


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Episode 102: The Other Champions of 1935: Jake Ankrom

The parade of Champions continues with the exploration of Jake Ankrom, winner of the 1935 National Amateur Three-Cushion Billiards Championship.


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Episode 101: The Other Champions of 1935: Bill Bonthron

Jamie and Charles broadcast on location from the Emperor’s throne room on the Death Star and investigate one of the great untold stories of 1935: Bill Bonthron’s 1500 meter world record.


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Episode 100: The Other Champions of 1935: Herbert Mendelson

Episode #100! Jamie and Charles reflect on the 99 previous episodes and find a little time to explore Herbert Mendelson, winner of the 1935 President’s Cup race.

Thanks to everyone who has joined us live or on the feed. Thanks to everyone who has commented on the video and audio tracks.

200 here we come.


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Episode 99: The Other Champions of 1935: Dixie Oils Softball Team

Among the most overlooked Champions of 1935 are the Dixie Oils softball team. Jamie and Charles explore their story as well the history of softball itself.

Some of the sources we used for the history of softball:
https://nfca.org/easyblog/womens-history-month-great-time-to-reflect-on-softballs-rich-history
https://www.flosoftba...

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 The Other Champions of 1935: Golden Glovers - Episode 98

While Joe Louis garnered the professional boxing headlines in 1935 there were other Detroit pugilists who would claim championships in the amateur ranks. Jamie and Charles explore their stories as well as the story of Stanley Evans, the last man to defeat Joe Louis before his rise.


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Episode 97: The Other Champions of 1935: Stroh’s Bowling Team (Part 2)

Few teams have ever had an impact on their sport like that of Stroh’s Bowling. In today’s episode Jamie and Charles explore this forgotten juggernaut and their “star of stars,” Joe Norris.

Some of the sites we refrenced:
https://sportsplanningguide.com/seven-bowling-alleys-at-the-top-of-their-game/

https://www.oldest.org/sports...

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Episode 96: The Other Champions of 1935: Stroh’s Bowling Team (Part 1)

Stroh’s Brewery is synonymous with Detroit itself. In today’s episode Jamie and Charles explore the history of the legendary company.


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