H.A.R.D. Hartford Area Roller Derby

Roller derby conjures up image up 1980's late night ESPN and MSG programming. A sport that became more WWF than sport, roller derby seemed to have faded away along with jai-alai, Mr. T, Slaughter, and roller skates themselves. Well, the 80's are in again and while we haven't heard of a Slaughter reunion, roller derby is back, sans the WWF factor.

"The best part about the growing trend of Flat Track Roller Derby is that the viewer still gets all of the showmanship… Alias names, theme songs, shoulder hits, and hip checks that American spectators love. However, there are now many rules and regulations that have made this a truly competitive sport. The action you will see with the H.A.R.D. women will be real and unrehearsed; tough and as exciting as any competitive sport existing today."

Introducing Hartford's Johnny Taylor

Johnny Taylor was one these pictured 1938 Negro League All-Star Game players

February is Black History Month. At Sad City one thing we waste about as much of our time on as Hartford is baseball. While baseball is an amazing sport and America's pastime, it shouldn't be forgotten that until 1947 baseball despicably operated under the even more despicably named "Gentleman's Agreement" in which owners only employed white players and African-Americans were forced to organize their own leagues. Seeing as how many of us are Red Sox fans, it would be remiss to not point out that the Red Sox were the last team to integrate due to well known racist policies (hey, it is Boston) a factor that certainly contributed to the teams mediocrity in the 1950's and early 1960's.

 So yeah, whenever anyone wants to argue that todays players don't match up with Ruth, Cobb, or Gehrig because of expansion, juiced balls or steroids, kindly point out that those pre-integration players weren't even competing with all of the best players in the United States.

Hakaan and Craig The Porn Star Discuss Hartford Athletes

Hakaan spoke with Craig The Porn Star on WCCC about Hartford's athletic heroes. The discussion hit on former Whalers, University of Hartford Hawks, and Weaver Beavers. We learned about potential Hall of Famers, too much drinking, and a notorious run in with an undercover officer. The full audio after the jump.