Ahead Of Their Time

FiveThirtyEight, 538, Neil Paine, Jody Avirgan•fivethirtyeight.com

In sports, we love to celebrate the stars who usher in game-changing new strategies and skills. But often times, they weren't the first to champion these winning tactics. This mini-series from FiveThirtyEight's "Hot Takedown" profiles some of the most innovative and under-appreciated players and managers in the history of sport.

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Episodes

Ahead Of Their Time - Randall Cunningham

Our series concludes with the "ultimate weapon," Randall Cunningham of the Philadelphia Eagles, who could do it all before anyone knew what to do with someone like him.

Nov 17, 2016•31 min

Ahead Of Their Time - The Two-Handed Backhand

The story of Peaches Bartkowicz, Chris Evert, and the rise of a new way to hit the tennis ball. Reported by Emma Morgenstern.

Nov 03, 2016•24 min

Ahead Of Their Time - Long Ball Soccer

Charles Reep pioneered soccer analytics, invented the long ball style, and helped ruin the English national team for a generation. Reported and produced by Joe Sykes.

Oct 27, 2016•31 min

Ahead Of Their Time - Russians In The NHL

How Mike Smith, the Russia-obsessed coach of the Winnipeg Jets, changed the NHL forever. Part two of our five-part doc series, hosted by Neil Paine.

Oct 19, 2016•29 min

Ahead Of Their Time - The Shift

Neil Paine tells the story of the rise, fall, and return of the defensive shift in baseball, which stumped Hall of Famer Ted Williams. The first in our five-part doc series.

Oct 13, 2016•33 min

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