Category: Other

As every American schoolboy knows, the New York Yankees is one of the most famous and successful franchises in sport, never mind Major League Baseball (MLB), so it stands to reason that the player who holds the record for the most World Series victories was a Bronx Bomber. That player was, in fact, the late Lawrence Peter ‘Yogi’ Berra, who died of natural causes, aged 90, at his home in New Jersey in September, 2015. One of the most successful catchers of all time, Berra played 18 seasons for the New York Yankees before retiring at the end of the 1963 season, although he did subsequently make four appearances for the New York Mets, while coaching them, in 1965.

Taking up the torch from the hard-hitting Yankees’ lineup of the Babe Ruth era in the Twenties, nicknamed ‘Murderers’ Row’, Berra was part of a dynasty that dominated baseball throughout the Fifties. All told, he played in 14 World Series, winning ten, in 1947, 1949, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1956, 1958, 1961 and 1962. Aside from his catching prowess, Berra was no mean hitter, finishing his career with a batting average of .285, 358 home runs and 1,430 runs batted in. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972.

For the record, second place in the all-time list belongs to another New York Yankee, legendary centre fielder ‘Joltin’ Joe’ DiMaggio who, in the latter part of his career, a team-mate of Berra. DiMaggio is probably best remembered for the remarkable feat of hitting safely for 56 consecutive games between May 15 and July 16, 1941, thereby setting a record that still stands. However, despite missing three seasons due to military service during World War II, he helped the Yankees to nine World Series victories, in 1936, 1937, 1938, 1939, 1941, 1947, 1949, 1950, and 1951.

American football requires teams to adhere to a crucial rule that limits the maximum number of players on the field. With a cap set at 11 players per team, this regulation ensures fair and balanced competition, where strategy and coordination take centre stage.

Within this framework, both the offence and defence play pivotal roles. The offence consists of positions like the quarterback, offensive linemen, wide receivers, tight ends, and running backs, who work in unison to advance the ball. Their coordinated efforts rely on precise routes, agile footwork, and strategic blocking to gain yardage and score. This is how teams advance up the field and score points.

Conversely, the defence aims to thwart the opposing team’s progress and create turnovers. Comprising defensive linemen, linebackers, cornerbacks, and safeties, their tenacious tackling and coverage schemes disrupt offensive plays. They have to remain organised and disciplined. This will ensure they are prepared to stop their opponent from making gains.

Specialised players handle kicking duties such as field goals, extra points, and punts. Although they contribute to the game, they do not affect the maximum number of players allowed on the field.

Understanding this rule is crucial for players, coaches, and fans as it shapes strategy, roster composition, and the dynamics of the game. The 11-player framework fosters intricate game plans, exploiting vulnerabilities, and showcasing athleticism and teamwork.

With this rule as the backbone of American football, the sport continues to captivate with its strategic brilliance, where teams navigate the gridiron, striving for victory through skill, coordination, and unwavering determination.

The first thing to say about the longest field goal, or field goals, in NFL history is that, for reasons that will become obvious, the patron saint of placekickers, if one exists, appears to have it in for the Detroit Lions.

Arguably the most remarkable – and, for 43 years, the longest – field goal in NFL history was kicked by Tom Dempsey of the New Orleans Saints against the Motor City Madmen at Tulhane Stadium, New Orleans on November 8, 1970. His last-gasp 63-yard effort earned the ‘Aints an improbable 19-17 win, but was all the more worthy for the fact he was born without toes on his right foot and wore an extra-wide, flat-fronted kicking shoe; for the record, Dempsey was also an old-fashioned, straight-on placekicker, who approached the ball directly from behind, rather than at an angle.

When Dempsey’s field goal record was finally beaten, it was in the rarified atmosphere of Mile High Stadium, Denver, which didn’t acquire its name by accident. On December 8, 2013, in the closing seconds of the first half, Denver Broncos kicker Matt Prater converted a 64-yard effort against the Tennessee Titans to leave the home side just one point behind, at 20-21, at the break. However, the revitalised Broncos outscored the Titans three touchdowns to one in the second half to win the match 51-28.

In a strange case of history repeating itself, the current holder of the record for the longest field goal in NFL history, Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker, also achieved the feat against the Detroit Lions, albeit this time at Ford Field, Detroit. On September 26, 2021, as time expired, Tucker connected with a 66-yard effort, which hit the crossbar and bounced high into the air before falling through the uprights. The final score? Baltimore Ravens 19 Detroit Lions 17, of course.