Sports

Sports are an integral part of our culture and give many of us a reason to cheer and jeer. Learn about the history of sports and how your favorite sports really work.

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Sports like skateboarding and BMX have been evolving since the first skateboards hit the streets in the 1970s. The latest invention: extreme sitting. What does it take to turn a wheelchair into an extreme sport?

By Charles W. Bryant

You might be surprised to learn that baseball front offices are littered with people who are statistically inclined. Is a new kind of math changing America's favorite pastime and the way coaches and players are evaluated?

By Jacob Silverman

Randy Moss and LaDainian Tomlinson are some of the most exciting players to watch on the football field each Sunday. This gallery features photos of these and other pro football players in action.

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Drama, beauty and intrigue abound among these often pint-sized athletes, compelling millions of people around the world to watch competitive figure skating and anticipate the fierce competition. What exactly is a triple lutz, and how is it scored?

By Alia Hoyt

The marathon used to be the pinnacle of endurance sports. But today, it takes a backseat to an even more daunting endeavor: a multisport trial so difficult that anyone who manages to complete it will be known as an Ironman.

By Ed Grabianowski

Sailing began as a way to explore the world but has since become a popular recreational activity. So why should you never whistle onboard a sailboat?

By Maria Trimarchi

Before today's spandex-clad (and some sequined) Olympians set their sights on the gold, silver or bronze, ancient Greeks competed for victory. How did the games begin, and why were the athletes gunning for olive oil?

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

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Tuna throwing, tomato tossing, toe wrestling -- these are sports? The spirit of competition can cause people to make a sport out of just about anything. The inspiration can come from anywhere. Learn about 9 odd sporting events from around the world.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Extreme eating contests are more popular than ever as competitors battle for top prize money. Learn about 9 of the most popular record-setting eaters, including the Locust, the Tsunami, and the Black Widow.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

During the 1994 baseball season, both major leagues shut down when the players went on strike. Learn more about the 1994 baseball season.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Much to the dismay of baseball fans, the 1981 baseball season is best remembered for the ten-week players' strike that canceled 713 games and ushered in the unpopular split-season format. Learn more about the 1981 baseball season.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

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Hammerin' Hank Aaron hit his record 715th home run off of pitcher Al Downing early in the 1975 baseball season. Later, the Oakland A's won their third consecutive World Series. Find out more highlights from the 1974 baseball season.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Ralph Houk took over managing the 1961 Yankees, and led his team to another pennant. The season featured those Yankees winning the World Series and racking up record home runs. Learn more about the 1961 baseball season.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

The Pittsburgh Pirates won the 1960 World Series, but all eyes were on the slugging duo of Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris, who made up for the weak pitching staff of the Yankees. Learn more about the highlights and stars of the 1960 baseball season.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

This was one eventful season -- Cleveland won the World Series, Babe Ruth broke even more records and one player was killed by a pitch. Get the full story on the 1920 baseball season.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

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The 1924 season was another successful year for the Giants. The Yankees weren't so lucky though, and suffered numerous losses despite another banner year from Babe Ruth.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Tiger Woods is one of the most accomplished golfers of all time. His popularity has pushed the game of golf into worldwide popularity. He is on pace to beat Jack Nicklaus for wins. Learn more about Tiger Woods and his destiny to become one of the greatest golfers.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Walter Travis began playing golf at the ripe age of 35. Travis founded the American Golfer Magazine and also became involved in the designing of golf courses later in life. Learn about Walter Travis one of the best American golf players in the early 1900s.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Lee Trevino won 27 times on the PGA Tour from 1968-84. He became the first person to win the U.S. Open with all four rounds scored in the 60s. Find out how Lee Trevino became one of the most accomplished and popular golfers of all time.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

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Kathy Whitworth's steady, consistent golf swing led her to 88 victories between 1962 and 1985. She won so much that she became the first woman to win over one million dollars in career prize money.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Curtis Strange is one of only six players to win back-to-back U.S. Open championships. He returned later in his career after a string of injuries and dwindling motivation. Learn how Curtis Strange dominated pro golf in the late 1980s.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Ralph Guldahl is one of only six players to win back-to-back U.S. Opens. He left the professional golf world in 1942 after losing enthusiasm for playing the game. Learn why Ralph Guldahl's magic touch quickly faded after his peak.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Dolph Schayes played 706 consecutive games from 1952-1961. Only three players in NBA history have had longer skeins. Going pro the year before the founding of the NBA, Schayes finally retired in 1964.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

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Sam Snead's legendary golf swing led him to 81 PGA victories and his longevity in the sport led to the development of what would become the Senior PGA Tour. Learn more about Sam Snead and how he became the oldest player to win on the PGA Tour.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Scottie Pippen ranked with the best all-around players in basketball, dominating in defense, rebounds and passing. He was an integral member of the Chicago Bulls during their title run in the 1990s. Read about this great NBA Forward.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.