Steve Dittmore, PhD
@stevedittmore.bsky.social
Dean & Prof = Univ. of North Florida | Write about college sports (mainly) at Glory Days, my Substack | Author = Jim Gilliam: The Forgotten Dodger | 2x Olympics staff | SABR member | https://linktr.ee/stevedittmore
Pinned
I was noticing an under the radar trend recently. Division I athletic departments are choosing to compete in track OR field, but not both. Is this a post-House cost-cutting measure?
stevedittmore.substack.com/p/division-i...
stevedittmore.substack.com/p/division-i...
I have read this. It details how, beginning in the minor leagues, Tommy Lasorda motivated a group of eager, young, and talented players who would reverse the downward trend the Dodger franchise experienced in the late 1960s. Dozens of interviews make this a fun read!
Excited to reveal the cover of my forthcoming book, "Before They Wore Dodger Blue," now available for pre-order from @augustpublications.bsky.social and scheduled for wide release Dec 7. It's the story of the Dodgers' historic '68 draft class, the '70 Spokane Indians, & their manager, Tommy Lasorda.
November 12, 2025 at 7:45 PM
I have read this. It details how, beginning in the minor leagues, Tommy Lasorda motivated a group of eager, young, and talented players who would reverse the downward trend the Dodger franchise experienced in the late 1960s. Dozens of interviews make this a fun read!
Slippery Rock announced it will begin women's flag football in 2027-28. "It will be supported by a fundraising campaign set to launch in early 2026." If an enrollment-driven school does not have the financial resources to begin a sport, why is it adding the sport?
rockathletics.com/news/2025/11...
rockathletics.com/news/2025/11...
SRU announces women’s flag football as new varsity team - Slippery Rock University Athletics
Slippery Rock will launch a fundraising campaign in 2026 to support adding women's flag football as a varsity sport with competitive play anticipated to begin during
rockathletics.com
November 9, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Slippery Rock announced it will begin women's flag football in 2027-28. "It will be supported by a fundraising campaign set to launch in early 2026." If an enrollment-driven school does not have the financial resources to begin a sport, why is it adding the sport?
rockathletics.com/news/2025/11...
rockathletics.com/news/2025/11...
October 11, 1978 - 47 years ago today - was Jim Gilliam's funeral. It was the morning of Game Two of the Yankees-Dodgers World Series. Here is how I describe the scene in @forgottendodger.bsky.social and images of the funeral program I own. Rev. Jesse Jackson delivered the eulogy.
October 12, 2025 at 1:36 AM
October 11, 1978 - 47 years ago today - was Jim Gilliam's funeral. It was the morning of Game Two of the Yankees-Dodgers World Series. Here is how I describe the scene in @forgottendodger.bsky.social and images of the funeral program I own. Rev. Jesse Jackson delivered the eulogy.
Did not have the Dodgers winning with their two runs being scored by Justin Dean and Hyesong Kim. 🤷🏼♂️
October 10, 2025 at 1:48 AM
Did not have the Dodgers winning with their two runs being scored by Justin Dean and Hyesong Kim. 🤷🏼♂️
Reposted by Steve Dittmore, PhD
Seventy-seven years today, one of baseball's most iconic photos was taken. It features Steve Gromek and Larry Doby embracing after the Cleveland Indians' Game 4 win in the 1948 World Series. But what if the photo had been staged? Here's my newsletter on that: lepplin.substack.com/p/the-stagin...
The Staging of One of Baseball’s Most Famous Images
The Steve Gromek/Larry Doby Photo Revisited
lepplin.substack.com
October 9, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Seventy-seven years today, one of baseball's most iconic photos was taken. It features Steve Gromek and Larry Doby embracing after the Cleveland Indians' Game 4 win in the 1948 World Series. But what if the photo had been staged? Here's my newsletter on that: lepplin.substack.com/p/the-stagin...
At 10:55 pm in Los Angeles on Sunday, October 8, 1978 (47 years ago today), Jim Gilliam passed away. His death warranted front page coverage in the next day's Los Angeles Times. His funeral would be three days later, on the morning of Game Two of the Yankees-Dodgers World Series.
October 9, 2025 at 2:28 AM
At 10:55 pm in Los Angeles on Sunday, October 8, 1978 (47 years ago today), Jim Gilliam passed away. His death warranted front page coverage in the next day's Los Angeles Times. His funeral would be three days later, on the morning of Game Two of the Yankees-Dodgers World Series.
This news release is misleading. It claims 43 NCAA D1 schools "carry" women's flag football implies 43 schools have it as a varsity sport. That is simply not the case. By my count, only 4 D1 schools have announced varsity programs - Alabama State, Mount St. Mary's, LIU, and North Alabama.
West Alabama Announces the Addition of Women’s Flag Football - University of West Alabama Athletics
LIVINGSTON, Ala. - The University of West Alabama Athletic Department announced the addition of Women's Flag Football that will be implemented in the 2026-27 Athletic
uwaathletics.com
October 5, 2025 at 12:57 PM
This news release is misleading. It claims 43 NCAA D1 schools "carry" women's flag football implies 43 schools have it as a varsity sport. That is simply not the case. By my count, only 4 D1 schools have announced varsity programs - Alabama State, Mount St. Mary's, LIU, and North Alabama.
As DIII ADs acknowledge publicly changing dynamics within college sport could increase calls for a Division IV, differences among existing DIII members grows. Slightly more than 10% of DIII excel in academics and athletics, core missions of the division.
stevedittmore.substack.com/p/what-ncaa-...
stevedittmore.substack.com/p/what-ncaa-...
What NCAA Division III schools excelled at athletics and academics last year?
Is it time for Division III to revisit its structure?
stevedittmore.substack.com
August 27, 2025 at 12:51 PM
As DIII ADs acknowledge publicly changing dynamics within college sport could increase calls for a Division IV, differences among existing DIII members grows. Slightly more than 10% of DIII excel in academics and athletics, core missions of the division.
stevedittmore.substack.com/p/what-ncaa-...
stevedittmore.substack.com/p/what-ncaa-...
I spent 14 years at the University of Arkansas - it shaped my academic career. The Mullins Library was integral part of my experience. The interlibrary loan librarians provided amazing support during the writing of @forgottendodger.bsky.social. Hoping for the safety of everyone on campus.
August 25, 2025 at 6:42 PM
I spent 14 years at the University of Arkansas - it shaped my academic career. The Mullins Library was integral part of my experience. The interlibrary loan librarians provided amazing support during the writing of @forgottendodger.bsky.social. Hoping for the safety of everyone on campus.
Hey @ericstephen.bsky.social ... three guesses seems pretty good, eh? Just discovered this BTW and I could not be more nerded out!
SB Nation in-5 July 26, 2025
❌❌✅⬛⬛ (3/5)
SB Nation in-5 July 26, 2025
❌❌✅⬛⬛ (3/5)
July 26, 2025 at 4:41 PM
Hey @ericstephen.bsky.social ... three guesses seems pretty good, eh? Just discovered this BTW and I could not be more nerded out!
SB Nation in-5 July 26, 2025
❌❌✅⬛⬛ (3/5)
SB Nation in-5 July 26, 2025
❌❌✅⬛⬛ (3/5)
Had a great conversation with Bill Donohue of WGBB on Long Island this past Sunday night about Jim Gilliam. You can listen at link or on your favorite podcast app. Bonus is that you also get to hear Marshall Garvey discuss his book about the 1985 World Series.
www.sportstalkny.com/episode/base...
www.sportstalkny.com/episode/base...
Talking Baseball with Authors Stephen Dittmore and Marshall Garvey. - WGBB Sports Talk New York
Host Bill Donohue talks baseball with authors Stephen Dittmore and Marshall Garvey.
www.sportstalkny.com
July 24, 2025 at 12:33 AM
Had a great conversation with Bill Donohue of WGBB on Long Island this past Sunday night about Jim Gilliam. You can listen at link or on your favorite podcast app. Bonus is that you also get to hear Marshall Garvey discuss his book about the 1985 World Series.
www.sportstalkny.com/episode/base...
www.sportstalkny.com/episode/base...
Reposted by Steve Dittmore, PhD
Looking for someone with expertise in required legal corporation filings universities have to make. Who should I reach out to? DM me or email me: david.jesse@chronicle.com
July 8, 2025 at 10:34 PM
Looking for someone with expertise in required legal corporation filings universities have to make. Who should I reach out to? DM me or email me: david.jesse@chronicle.com
Via D1.Ticker, Central Arkansas athletics opts out of House settlement, citing its role in campus enrollment. First such acknowledgment I have seen from a D1 program. Have I missed others?
July 4, 2025 at 1:24 PM
Via D1.Ticker, Central Arkansas athletics opts out of House settlement, citing its role in campus enrollment. First such acknowledgment I have seen from a D1 program. Have I missed others?
Reposted by Steve Dittmore, PhD
Are you currently, or have you been, an appointed board member at a public university? If so, I'd like to talk to you for a story. Please DM me or email me at david.jesse@chronicle.com
July 1, 2025 at 6:31 PM
Are you currently, or have you been, an appointed board member at a public university? If so, I'd like to talk to you for a story. Please DM me or email me at david.jesse@chronicle.com
Reposted by Steve Dittmore, PhD
67.8% athletes... 😳.
Unfortunate news concerning Siena Heights University and its impending closure. Per 2023-24 EADA, school had 1,075 undergraduates, 729 athletes (67.8%). In 2022-23, the school reported 1,095 undergraduates, 684 athletes (62.5%).
www.sienaheights.edu/siena-height...
www.sienaheights.edu/siena-height...
Siena Heights University Announces Closure at the Conclusion of the 2025-2026 Academic Year – Siena Heights University
June 30, 2025, Adrian, Michigan – Siena Heights University, with the full support of the Board of Trustees and General Council of the Adrian Dominican Sisters, will close at the conclusion of the 2025-2026 academic year.
www.sienaheights.edu
July 1, 2025 at 2:18 PM
67.8% athletes... 😳.
Unfortunate news concerning Siena Heights University and its impending closure. Per 2023-24 EADA, school had 1,075 undergraduates, 729 athletes (67.8%). In 2022-23, the school reported 1,095 undergraduates, 684 athletes (62.5%).
www.sienaheights.edu/siena-height...
www.sienaheights.edu/siena-height...
Siena Heights University Announces Closure at the Conclusion of the 2025-2026 Academic Year – Siena Heights University
June 30, 2025, Adrian, Michigan – Siena Heights University, with the full support of the Board of Trustees and General Council of the Adrian Dominican Sisters, will close at the conclusion of the 2025-2026 academic year.
www.sienaheights.edu
July 1, 2025 at 1:38 PM
Unfortunate news concerning Siena Heights University and its impending closure. Per 2023-24 EADA, school had 1,075 undergraduates, 729 athletes (67.8%). In 2022-23, the school reported 1,095 undergraduates, 684 athletes (62.5%).
www.sienaheights.edu/siena-height...
www.sienaheights.edu/siena-height...
For the morning crowd... I was noticing an under the radar trend recently. Division I athletic departments are choosing to compete in track OR field, but not both. Is this a post-House cost-cutting measure? stevedittmore.substack.com/p/division-i...
July 1, 2025 at 12:37 PM
For the morning crowd... I was noticing an under the radar trend recently. Division I athletic departments are choosing to compete in track OR field, but not both. Is this a post-House cost-cutting measure? stevedittmore.substack.com/p/division-i...
I was noticing an under the radar trend recently. Division I athletic departments are choosing to compete in track OR field, but not both. Is this a post-House cost-cutting measure?
stevedittmore.substack.com/p/division-i...
stevedittmore.substack.com/p/division-i...
June 30, 2025 at 8:49 PM
I was noticing an under the radar trend recently. Division I athletic departments are choosing to compete in track OR field, but not both. Is this a post-House cost-cutting measure?
stevedittmore.substack.com/p/division-i...
stevedittmore.substack.com/p/division-i...
This is surreal... I am honored to participate in this weekend's Salute to the Negro Leagues through a book signing at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City. Thank you Bob Kendrick for the opportunity. Please connect if you will be at this weekend's events or Dodgers-Royals games.
June 27, 2025 at 4:41 PM
This is surreal... I am honored to participate in this weekend's Salute to the Negro Leagues through a book signing at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City. Thank you Bob Kendrick for the opportunity. Please connect if you will be at this weekend's events or Dodgers-Royals games.
Reposted by Steve Dittmore, PhD
hey guess what
EXTRA POINTS IS NOW HIRING A NEW, FULL-TIME WRITER
Help us cover Money In College Sports....from NIL to Private Capital and more.
Details and application info here:
www.extrapointsmb.com/p/extra-poin...
EXTRA POINTS IS NOW HIRING A NEW, FULL-TIME WRITER
Help us cover Money In College Sports....from NIL to Private Capital and more.
Details and application info here:
www.extrapointsmb.com/p/extra-poin...
Extra Points is hiring a new FULL-TIME Writer! Here are the details
We're looking to expand our operations in a BIG way
www.extrapointsmb.com
June 25, 2025 at 1:23 PM
hey guess what
EXTRA POINTS IS NOW HIRING A NEW, FULL-TIME WRITER
Help us cover Money In College Sports....from NIL to Private Capital and more.
Details and application info here:
www.extrapointsmb.com/p/extra-poin...
EXTRA POINTS IS NOW HIRING A NEW, FULL-TIME WRITER
Help us cover Money In College Sports....from NIL to Private Capital and more.
Details and application info here:
www.extrapointsmb.com/p/extra-poin...
Another Division I program (Louisiana-Monroe) announced it was dropping women's tennis. Of 135 DI programs discontinued since March 20, 38 (28%!) have been tennis programs. I wrote about the changing economics of sponsoring tennis a couple weeks back.
stevedittmore.substack.com/p/what-radfo...
stevedittmore.substack.com/p/what-radfo...
What Radford University’s sport sponsorship changes might tell us about a post-House world
Are more Olympic sports cuts ahead?
stevedittmore.substack.com
June 18, 2025 at 1:06 AM
Another Division I program (Louisiana-Monroe) announced it was dropping women's tennis. Of 135 DI programs discontinued since March 20, 38 (28%!) have been tennis programs. I wrote about the changing economics of sponsoring tennis a couple weeks back.
stevedittmore.substack.com/p/what-radfo...
stevedittmore.substack.com/p/what-radfo...
100% this! Cassidy scanned a box of papers for me during COVID so I could research @forgottendodger.bsky.social. Looking forward to learning more from this event!
You should hear how people in the industry talk about Cassidy Lent. A national treasure. Can’t wait for this.
Part 2 of our Researchers’ Series brings Cassidy Lent to Elysian Fields! Join in as the library director at the Baseball Hall of Fame talks about the Giamatti Research Center and how to utilize its resources, either in person or virtually.
All are welcome!
Register here: tinyurl.com/CLentResearch
All are welcome!
Register here: tinyurl.com/CLentResearch
June 17, 2025 at 4:07 PM
100% this! Cassidy scanned a box of papers for me during COVID so I could research @forgottendodger.bsky.social. Looking forward to learning more from this event!
Reposted by Steve Dittmore, PhD
Part 2 of our Researchers’ Series brings Cassidy Lent to Elysian Fields! Join in as the library director at the Baseball Hall of Fame talks about the Giamatti Research Center and how to utilize its resources, either in person or virtually.
All are welcome!
Register here: tinyurl.com/CLentResearch
All are welcome!
Register here: tinyurl.com/CLentResearch
June 17, 2025 at 1:24 AM
Part 2 of our Researchers’ Series brings Cassidy Lent to Elysian Fields! Join in as the library director at the Baseball Hall of Fame talks about the Giamatti Research Center and how to utilize its resources, either in person or virtually.
All are welcome!
Register here: tinyurl.com/CLentResearch
All are welcome!
Register here: tinyurl.com/CLentResearch
Resharing this morning’s post with the news the Central Arkansas discontinued women’s tennis today. Cc: @mattbrown.bsky.social @daniellibit.bsky.social
@drkarenweaver.bsky.social
@tvparrot.bsky.social
ucasports.com/news/2025/6/...
@drkarenweaver.bsky.social
@tvparrot.bsky.social
ucasports.com/news/2025/6/...
June 6, 2025 at 9:06 PM
Resharing this morning’s post with the news the Central Arkansas discontinued women’s tennis today. Cc: @mattbrown.bsky.social @daniellibit.bsky.social
@drkarenweaver.bsky.social
@tvparrot.bsky.social
ucasports.com/news/2025/6/...
@drkarenweaver.bsky.social
@tvparrot.bsky.social
ucasports.com/news/2025/6/...
Radford University essentially traded men's and women's tennis for men's track and women's flag football. I attempt to explain this, and wonder whether more similar Olympic sports cuts are ahead in a post-House world.
stevedittmore.substack.com/p/what-radfo...
stevedittmore.substack.com/p/what-radfo...
June 6, 2025 at 12:33 PM
Radford University essentially traded men's and women's tennis for men's track and women's flag football. I attempt to explain this, and wonder whether more similar Olympic sports cuts are ahead in a post-House world.
stevedittmore.substack.com/p/what-radfo...
stevedittmore.substack.com/p/what-radfo...