1957 Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project Class.

Here we are!  Again!!

If you have been following our Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project, you know that we have asked the rhetorical question: What if the PFHOF began in January 1946?

After soliciting and obtaining a passionate group of football fans and historians, we sent out a ballot for a Preliminary Vote, in which we asked each voter to give us 25 names as their semi-finalists and 5 in the Senior Pool. Following that, we asked the group to vote for their 15 Finalists in the Modern Era and 3 in the Senior Category. The final stage was to vote for their five Modern Era inductee and one Senior inductee.

This is the result of the twelfth official class;

Below are the final results of this project based on 31 votes,

Remember that the group took a vote, and we have reverted back to the top five candidates entering the Hall.  This will be put to a vote again in “1960”.

This is for the “Modern Era”

*Bold indicates they have been elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Class of 1957:

This is for the “Senior Era”, *Bold indicates they have been elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Class of 1957:

About the 1957 Inductees:

Steve Van Buren HB, PHI 1944-51: Inducted in 1957 on his 1^st Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1965.

"Supersonic" Steve Van Buren was the first major star player for the Philadelphia Eagles. Prior to his arrival as a first-round pick from LSU, the Eagles had only managed a fourth-place finish. However, Van Buren changed all of that. He played halfback for eight years in the NFL, all with the Eagles. Van Buren was a five-time first-team All-Pro, four-time rushing champion, and two-time leader in yards from scrimmage. He led Philadelphia to its first two NFL titles in 1948 and 1949 and paved the way for future backs.

Al Wistert T-G-DT, PHI 1943-51: Inducted in 1957 on his 1st Ballot. Was never inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The man who opened up the lanes for Van Buren joins him as part of the PFHOF Revisited Project.  “The Big Ox” also played his entire career with the Eagles, where he also served as a captain and was named to four consecutive First Team All-Pros.  If Van Buren was the engine that drove Philadelphia to back-to-back titles, Wistert was the horsepower.

Beattie Feathers HB-WB, CHI 1934-37, BKN 1938-39 & GNB 1940: Inducted in 1957 on his 5h Senior Ballot.  Was never inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Playing his college ball at the University of Tennessee, Beattie Feathers would have an incredible rookie season with the Chicago Bears, where in 1934, he would become the first 1,000 Yard rusher (though there are some football historians who dispute the accuracy), and he would also lead the league in All-Purpose Yards and Yards from Scrimmage and was a First Team All-Pro.  In the six seasons he played after (with Chicago, Brooklyn, and Green Bay), he didn't tally as much as he did as a rookie, but that campaign was the most incredible offensive year the league had ever seen. 

Kenny Washington HB, RAM 1946-48: Inducted in 1957 on his 4th Ballot.  Was never inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame.

A superstar in both football and baseball at USC, Washington was unable to join the National Football League due to its segregationist policies, so he dominated for the Hollywood Bears in the Pacific Coast Professional Football League, where he was their best player.  When the Cleveland Rams relocated to Los Angeles, the time was right for reintegration, and he (along with Woody Strode) was signed by the Rams.  Washington’s knees were already banged up, and his tenure in the NFL was only three years, but his role in football should never be discounted. 

Riley Matheson G, RAM 1939-42 & 1944-47, DET 1943, SFO 1948: Inducted in 1957 on his 4th Ballot.  Was never inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Riley Matheson arrived in Cleveland with little fanfare to join the Rams in 1939 after going undrafted from Texas-El Paso.  Playing as both Offensive Lineman, Matheson broke out in 1942, earning his first First Team All-Pro, while also capturing that honor in 1944 and 1945.  Granted, this happened during World War II, when the league was depleted during World War II, but the NFL Champion in ’45 was out to prove he was there to stay.  The Rams relocated to Los Angeles, but he remained a First Team All-Pro, selected to his fourth and fifth one in 1946 and 1947.  He left the Rams to join the San Francisco 49ers of the then AAFC and finished off his career with two years in the Canadian Football League with the Calgary Stampeders.

Swede Youngstrom G-T-E-C, BUF 1920-24, CAN 1921, CLE 1925, FRN 1926-27: Inducted in 1957 on his 4th Ballot.  Was never inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame.

From the early days of football, Youngstrom was one of the most powerful guards of the 1920s, and he led the Frankford Yellow Jackets to an NFL Championship.  Youngstrom was also a three-time First Team All-Pro.

If you've been following the NBA this season, you can't have missed the New York Knicks' remarkable rise to prominence. With an impressive 29-17 record landing them in fourth place in the Eastern Conference, the Knicks have been turning heads and stirring up excitement among fans and analysts alike.

Their recent triumph over the Miami Heat, the defending Eastern Conference champions, has only added fuel to the fire of optimism surrounding the team. But just how close are the Knicks to being clear title contenders? Let's dive into the discussion and explore the key points to consider.

Riding High

First things first, let's talk about the Knicks' recent hot streak. With six consecutive wins under their belt and victories in 12 of their last 14 games, the team's consistent performance has caught the attention of fans and experts alike.

This remarkable run of form has propelled the Knicks up the New York sports betting standings and positioned them as serious contenders in the Eastern Conference playoff race. The team's ability to string together wins against tough opponents is a testament to their resilience and determination to succeed on the court.

Jalen Brunson

One of the driving forces behind the Knicks' success this season has been the stellar play of guard Jalen Brunson. With his impressive scoring, playmaking ability, and tenacious defence, Brunson has emerged as a key contributor to the team.

His standout performance, including a game-high 32 points in the recent victory over the Heat, has solidified his status as a rising star in the league. Brunson's consistent excellence on both ends of the floor has provided the Knicks with a much-needed boost and added firepower to their lineup.

Playoff Potential

As the regular season winds down and the playoffs loom on the horizon, Knicks fans find themselves daring to dream of championship glory. While the team has historically faced challenges in the postseason, their current form has instilled a sense of confidence and belief among the faithful.

Some fans are even boldly predicting that the Knicks will defy the odds and hoist the Larry O'Brien Trophy as the 2024 NBA Champions. With each thrilling victory, the dream of a deep playoff run grows stronger, and Knicks fans are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to see their team shine on the biggest stage.

One Player Away?: Closing the Gap to Contention

Despite their impressive performance this season, some fans feel that the Knicks are still missing a crucial piece of the championship puzzle.

Plenty of Knicks players are in Not in Hall of Fame, with most players being vastly underrated and not having the star power that some fans would like. Because of this, it feels like something is missing.

Whether it's an additional star player to complement their existing core or a couple of key bench pieces to provide depth and versatility, there's a sense that the team is just one player away from being true title contenders.

With the NBA trade deadline fast approaching, speculation is rife about potential moves the Knicks could make to bolster their roster and strengthen their championship aspirations. It remains to be seen whether the team's management will pull the trigger on any deals, but one thing's for sure: the Knicks are determined to do whatever it takes to elevate their status to elite contenders.

Conclusion

So, are the Knicks on the brink of championship glory? While there's still work to be done and obstacles to overcome, there's no denying that the team is heading in the right direction.

With their impressive performance this season, a talented roster led by standout players like Jalen Brunson, and a passionate fan base cheering them on every step of the way, the Knicks have all the makings of a team poised for greatness. As they continue to chase their championship dreams, one thing's for sure: the future is bright for the New York Knicks.

Longevity.  Statistics.  Greatness.

Joe Thornton was drafted as the number one overall pick by the Boston Bruins in 1997. His early years in the NHL were slow due to the Bruins Head Coach, Pat Burns, monitoring his ice time. However, by his third season, Thornton became a regular fixture and scored 60 points, which was the first of his 16 seasons in which he scored at least 60 points.

Thornton became an All-Star for the first time in 2002 and broke out as a superstar the following season with a 101-point year. He blossomed as a center, using his size and power to dominate corners and his grace to pass the puck. He was one of the most gifted playmakers of his day, and he would be for years to come. However, it was not going to be in Boston.

In 2003-04, Thornton's points dropped to 73, and fans turned on him, especially after his poor performance in the 2004 playoffs. When play resumed in 2005 after a lockout that cost everyone the 2004-05 season, Thornton was a restricted free agent, and though he resigned with the Bruins, it was a terse negotiation leaving both sides unhappy. Thornton got off to a good start with 33 points in 24 games, but the damage was done, and he was not considered by management to be a leader. He was traded to the San Jose Sharks during the season and, with a chip on his shoulder, won the Art Ross Trophy (125 points), Assists Title (96), and Hart Trophy, making him the first and only player to win the Hart and Art Ross while playing for two different teams.

In San Jose, Thornton became the leader Boston thought he couldn’t be. He topped the NHL in assists the next two seasons and was still a playmaking force over the next ten seasons, performing at a high level over the next decade. The Sharks were Stanley Cup contenders and made the Finals in 2011, but they fell to the Pittsburgh Penguins in six games. Age and injury began to catch up to him, and he tried to chase that elusive cup late in his career with stops in Toronto and Florida. However, it was not meant to be. He retired with 1,539 points and is in the top ten all-time in games played and assists.

Internationally, Thornton has won a bevy of gold medals: one Olympic, two World Cups, and one World Junior.

With six All-Stars, four post-season All-Stars, individual hardware, and international gold, the only thing Joe Thornton is missing is a Stanley Cup. Nevertheless, his achievements make him a no-brainer first-ballot Hall of Famer.

See How Australian Innovations Are Changing the Game of Golf on a Global Scale.

How Australian Technological Innovations Are Changing Golf

The era of wooden clubs and rough leather golf balls seems ages ago. Now, golf has witnessed a dramatic shift thanks to modern technology. The golf industry has better equipment, extensive tracking systems, and other digital solutions.

However, there is much more to the marriage of technology and golf than it seems on the surface. In this blog post, we explore what the increasing application of modern technology means for the Australian golf industry.

More Advanced Golf Equipment

Golfers are often just as good as their equipment. One of the many perks that technological advancement has brought to golf is more advanced equipment. Here are some of the ways golf equipment has benefited from the rising Australian technological innovations.

Better Materials and Engineering with Golf Clubs

In the past few years, golf clubs have experienced marked evolution in their design, engineering, and material. The trend moved from wood to steel and eventually to materials such as titanium, tungsten, and carbon fibres. This shift in club material means that they are lighter and more powerful. Golfers experience better swings thanks to the reduced weight and enhanced aerodynamics.

Adjustable Clubheads and Custom Fitting

Another incredible move in the right direction for golf equipment is adjustable clubheads. With adjusted clubheads, golfers can customise their golf clubs to suit what they want from swings. Adjustable clubheads allow golfers to customise their club to match optimised spin rate, launch conditions, and shot shape.

Improved Golfball Technology

Golfballs weren't left out when technology raided the game of golf. Over the years, golf balls have advanced to better adapt to the field. They are now multi-layered, and feature soft urethane covers and improved aerodynamics. These new specs allow golfers to choose the balls that best suit their style for optimal performance.

Digital Connectivity and Mobile Apps

Besides improved golf equipment, Australian technology has also helped in other sports spheres. One of them is digital connectivity and inclusion of mobile apps.

Increased Sports Betting Apps

The Australian golf industry technology has also led to a wave of convenient sports betting apps. Now, golf enthusiasts can channel their interest in the game through a betting outlet. The website, https://gamblenator.com/au/, offers an array of exciting casino options for players to enjoy. While it doesn't feature sports betting, it provides various captivating casinos that players can explore and revel in.

Apps for Booking Tee Times and Tracking Scores

Golf-related apps have been on the rise. These apps have transformed how golfers engage with sports. Now, there are apps for tracking scores and booking tee times. The apps also enable players to access information about available courses, including their pricing conveniently. Hence, golfers can schedule their rounds and stay organised.

Real-Time Weather Update

Weather apps are essential tools for every golfer. The app helps plan rounds and make better-informed decisions about a particular golf course. By getting up-to-date information on the weather at a golf course, Australian golfers know how best to prepare for potential weather challenges they may face during their rounds.

Golf Course Management

While gameplay is a significant aspect of Australian golf, it would be good with proper golf course management. Golf courses have improved the Australian golf landscape due to recent innovations. This section touches on some of the factors that have become a norm in the golf industry:

• Advanced irrigation system: Golf courses are equipped with an advanced irrigation system with digital control to maintain the appropriate soil moisture and water usage.
• GPS-guided Mowers: Golf requires that the grass cut lengths are the same throughout the court. These mowers have revolutionised course maintenance by ensuring the cut process sticks to a pre-proposed route to provide the best outcomes.
• Use of drone technology for improved course maintenance: Drones allow proper aerial imaging and data on the course's condition. This information can help gauge the turf health and guarantee environmental compliance.

Other Ways Australian Technology Has Impacted Golf

Australian technology has also impacted the game of golf via other means. Below is a table that highlights how the aspects of golf that have seen marked evolution:

Potential Problems Associated With Sports Betting

Australian technology has led to several innovations, which include convenient sports betting. This innovation has led to a much tighter, close-knit between fans and the sport. However, sports betting is very addictive. There are several risks associated with the act. The more informed you are, the better you are at navigating sports betting and avoiding compulsive and problematic gambling:

• Spot the signs: Sports betting casts a toll on our mental, financial, and social lives. Spotting the signs is one way to tackle the adverse effects of sports betting. Once you do that successfully, you will be ready for the next steps.
• Find support: You can avoid falling into the addictive nature of sports betting by noting when you are falling off. If you still pick up compulsive and problematic gambling habits, you can seek help from Australian gambling bodies specially created for that.

Last Words

Australian technology has ushered in a golf scene rich in several notable features. The landscape has more advanced tools alongside a sustainable environment for proper gaming. Among the many innovations, convenient sports betting is one of the best. However, it is best if you approach sports betting with caution. While it is a great way to bond better with the sport, it can get addictive and hamper several aspects of your daily life.