Advertisement

Hockey In North Korea, 'Bullet Man' And Other 'Sticky Wicket' Stories

49:08
Download Audio
Resume
(MUNIR UZ ZAMAN/AFP/Getty Images)
(Munir Uz Zaman/AFP/Getty Images)

The term “sticky wicket” originated in cricket. It's become a metaphor for a difficult circumstance. This week on Only A Game, we share stories in which people face their own "sticky wickets." The hockey goalie who stood up to Hitler ... and the one who went to skate in North Korea. The man who got shot in the head while running a marathon — and more. Join us!

Subscribe to the Only A Game podcast on Apple PodcastsNPR One or Stitcher.


How Getting Shot During A Marathon Made The 'Bullet Man' A Better Runner

Dennis Rainear was 10 miles into a marathon in Michigan when something struck the top of his head. It was a bullet.

'Twas The Fight Before Christmas': A Dying Boxer's Final Bout For His Family

Short on money in the final months of his life, Billy Miske got in the ring to give his family one last Christmas.

Searching For Slingin' Sammy Baugh

The story of a fake cowboy who became a real cowboy — and revolutionized football along the way.

The U.S. Hockey Goalie Who Stood Up To Hitler At The 1936 Olympics

Jesse Owens' performance in the 1936 Summer Olympics is legendary. But six months earlier, another American athlete defied Hitler at the 1936 Winter Games.

From Minnesota To Pyongyang: A North Korean Hockey Adventure

Without telling his family, coworkers or teammates, Alex Frecon traveled to Pyongyang to face off against the North Korean national team. "The love for the game translates across the world," he says.

This segment aired on December 29, 2018.

Advertisement

More from Only A Game

Listen Live
Close