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The inaugural issue of The Sporting News, published in March 1886, was priced at ten cents.
Answer: False
Explanation: The source indicates that the inaugural issue of The Sporting News was published on March 17, 1886, and sold for five cents, not ten cents.
Alfred H. Spink, the founder of The Sporting News, was initially associated with the Philadelphia Athletics baseball team.
Answer: False
Explanation: Alfred H. Spink founded The Sporting News in St. Louis, where he was involved with the St. Louis Browns baseball team, not the Philadelphia Athletics.
The appellation "The Bible of Baseball" was bestowed upon The Sporting News owing to its extensive coverage of equestrian sports.
Answer: False
Explanation: The publication earned the moniker "The Bible of Baseball" due to its authoritative and comprehensive coverage of baseball, not horse racing.
The Sporting News actively supported the National League during its early formation in 1901.
Answer: False
Explanation: In 1901, The Sporting News became a vocal supporter of the newly formed American League and its founder, Ban Johnson, advocating for baseball reforms.
Arthur Flanner, an editor at The Sporting News, played a role in establishing the modern World Series by helping draft the National Agreement.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 1903, Arthur Flanner, an editor for The Sporting News, was instrumental in drafting the National Agreement, which helped establish peace between the American and National Leagues and paved the way for the modern World Series.
Charles Conlon was a photographer whose work, often featured in The Sporting News, documented major league baseball players.
Answer: True
Explanation: Charles Conlon was a notable photographer whose portraits of major league baseball players from the early 20th century were frequently published in The Sporting News, preserving iconic images of the era.
J. G. Taylor Spink assumed leadership of the publication in 1914, and an award was later named in his honor by the BBWAA.
Answer: True
Explanation: J. G. Taylor Spink took over leadership of The Sporting News in 1914. Following his death in 1962, the Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA) instituted the J. G. Taylor Spink Award in his honor.
The Sporting News began its print publication in St. Louis, Missouri.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Sporting News was founded in St. Louis, Missouri, by Alfred H. Spink in 1886, marking the origin of its print publication.
What was the original publication format and founding year of The Sporting News?
Answer: A weekly print magazine founded in 1886
Explanation: The Sporting News originated as a weekly print magazine, first published on March 17, 1886.
Who founded The Sporting News, and in which city was it initially based?
Answer: Alfred H. Spink, St. Louis
Explanation: The Sporting News was founded by Alfred H. Spink in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1886.
What nickname did The Sporting News earn due to its extensive baseball coverage?
Answer: The Bible of Baseball
Explanation: Due to its authoritative and comprehensive coverage of the sport, The Sporting News became widely known as "The Bible of Baseball."
Which league did The Sporting News vocally support in its early years, alongside its founder Ban Johnson?
Answer: The American League
Explanation: In 1901, The Sporting News actively supported the newly established American League and its president, Ban Johnson, advocating for reforms within professional baseball.
What significant baseball agreement did The Sporting News editor Arthur Flanner help draft in 1903?
Answer: The National Agreement
Explanation: Arthur Flanner, an editor for The Sporting News, played a crucial role in drafting the National Agreement in 1903, which helped stabilize relations between the major leagues and led to the modern World Series.
Who was Charles Conlon, and how is he connected to The Sporting News?
Answer: He was a photographer whose baseball player portraits were featured in the publication.
Explanation: Charles Conlon was a prominent photographer whose extensive collection of portraits of major league baseball players from the early 20th century were frequently published in The Sporting News.
When did J. G. Taylor Spink assume leadership of The Sporting News?
Answer: 1914
Explanation: J. G. Taylor Spink assumed leadership of The Sporting News in 1914, continuing the family's long association with the publication.
The Sporting News began its print publication in St. Louis, Missouri.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Sporting News was founded in St. Louis, Missouri, by Alfred H. Spink in 1886, marking the origin of its print publication.
Which entity helped establish peace between the American and National Leagues, contributing to the modern World Series?
Answer: The National Agreement, drafted with help from The Sporting News editor
Explanation: The National Agreement, drafted in 1903 with significant input from The Sporting News editor Arthur Flanner, was instrumental in fostering peace between the rival leagues and establishing the modern World Series.
The Sporting News began covering football in 1942 and basketball in 1946, but never included hockey coverage.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Sporting News expanded its coverage beyond baseball starting in 1942 with football and in 1946 with basketball. It also included hockey coverage through publications like 'All-Sports News'.
In what year did The Sporting News begin incorporating coverage of sports other than baseball, starting with football?
Answer: 1942
Explanation: The Sporting News initiated its expansion beyond baseball coverage in 1942 by introducing in-season football reporting.
In 2013, The Sporting News formed a joint venture with Perform Group, with Perform Group holding a majority stake.
Answer: True
Explanation: In March 2013, The Sporting News entered into a joint venture with the U.S. assets of Perform Group, creating Perform Sporting News Limited. Perform Group initially held a 65% majority stake in this new entity.
DAZN Group sold The Sporting News to a private investment consortium in December 2020.
Answer: True
Explanation: In December 2020, DAZN Group divested The Sporting News to a private investment consortium, which subsequently established Sporting News Holdings as the new ownership entity.
The Sporting News is currently owned by Tribune Company.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Tribune Company owned The Sporting News from 1981 until 2000. It is currently owned by Sporting News Holdings, a private investment consortium that acquired it from DAZN Group in 2020.
The 'Sporting News Yearbooks' unit was part of the 2013 joint venture with Perform Group.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'Sporting News Yearbooks' unit was explicitly excluded from the 2013 joint venture formed between The Sporting News and Perform Group's U.S. assets.
Which company acquired The Sporting News from the Spink family in 1977?
Answer: Times Mirror
Explanation: The Spink family sold The Sporting News to Times Mirror in 1977, marking the first major change in ownership after decades under family control.
Who acquired The Sporting News from DAZN Group in December 2020?
Answer: A private investment consortium (Sporting News Holdings)
Explanation: In December 2020, DAZN Group completed the sale of The Sporting News to a private investment consortium, which subsequently formed Sporting News Holdings.
What was the 'Sporting News Yearbooks' unit's status concerning the 2013 Perform Group joint venture?
Answer: It was explicitly excluded from the joint venture.
Explanation: The 'Sporting News Yearbooks' unit was not included in the 2013 joint venture established between The Sporting News and Perform Group's U.S. assets; it was explicitly excluded.
The Sporting News, originally a print magazine, now operates exclusively as a physical publication.
Answer: False
Explanation: The publication ceased its print operations in December 2012, transitioning to a digital-only format. It currently operates primarily as a website.
The first full-color photograph published by The Sporting News appeared on a cover featuring Mickey Mantle in 1967.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Sporting News published its first full-color photograph in 1967, but the cover featured Orioles star Frank Robinson, not Mickey Mantle.
The Sporting News launched its website, sportingnews.com, in 1997 after initially providing content for AOL.
Answer: True
Explanation: Indeed, The Sporting News established its initial online presence by providing content for AOL in 1996, followed by the launch of its dedicated website, sportingnews.com, in 1997.
In 2002, the publication officially changed its name to 'Sporting News' and began publishing monthly.
Answer: False
Explanation: While the publication officially dropped the 'The' in 2002 to become 'Sporting News,' its transition to monthly publication occurred later, around 2011. Prior to that, it was bi-weekly from 2008.
The Sporting News ceased its print publication entirely in December 2012.
Answer: True
Explanation: The final print issue of The Sporting News was published in December 2012, concluding its 126-year history as a print periodical and marking its full transition to a digital platform.
Perform Group's ownership led to a more traditional editorial approach for The Sporting News, similar to its early print days.
Answer: False
Explanation: Under Perform Group's influence, The Sporting News adopted a more tabloid-like editorial direction, introducing a new logo and integrating Perform's Omnisport service, which represented a departure from its traditional approach.
The Sporting News launched localized websites primarily to serve international sports news aggregators.
Answer: False
Explanation: The localized websites were strategically launched in international markets primarily to promote DAZN, the sports streaming service offered by its parent company, Perform Group (later DAZN Group).
The Sporting News was published weekly for its entire history until print ceased in 2012.
Answer: False
Explanation: The publication's print frequency evolved. It was weekly until 2008, then shifted to bi-weekly (2008-2011), and finally monthly (2011-2012) before ceasing print operations.
The publication officially dropped the 'The' from its title in 2002.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 2002, the magazine officially revised its title, dropping the definite article 'The' and becoming known simply as 'Sporting News' (SN) on its covers.
The Sporting News took editorial control of ESPN's sports website in 2011.
Answer: False
Explanation: In 2011, The Sporting News took editorial control of AOL's sports website FanHouse, not ESPN's website.
What technological advancement did The Sporting News adopt in 1967?
Answer: Publication of its first full-color photograph
Explanation: In 1967, The Sporting News achieved a visual milestone by publishing its first full-color photograph, featured on a cover depicting Orioles star Frank Robinson.
When did The Sporting News launch its own dedicated website, sportingnews.com?
Answer: 1997
Explanation: After initially providing content for AOL in 1996, The Sporting News launched its dedicated website, sportingnews.com, in 1997.
What significant change regarding its name occurred for the publication in 2002?
Answer: It officially dropped the 'The' and became 'Sporting News'.
Explanation: In 2002, the magazine officially removed the definite article 'The' from its title, subsequently being known as 'Sporting News' (SN).
What marked the end of The Sporting News's 126-year print run?
Answer: The publication of its final print issue in December 2012.
Explanation: The final print edition of The Sporting News was published in December 2012, concluding its extensive history as a print publication and signaling its complete shift to digital operations.
How did The Sporting News's website design and content integration change under Perform Group's influence?
Answer: It introduced a new logo, a more tabloid-like direction, and integrated Perform's Omnisport service.
Explanation: Under Perform Group's ownership, The Sporting News underwent significant changes, including a new logo, a more tabloid-style editorial approach, and the integration of Perform's Omnisport wire service, replacing previous content sources.
What was the strategic purpose of launching localized versions of The Sporting News website internationally?
Answer: To promote the sports streaming service DAZN.
Explanation: The launch of localized international websites for The Sporting News was strategically aimed at promoting DAZN, the sports streaming service offered by its parent company, DAZN Group.
What is the primary platform for The Sporting News's current operations?
Answer: Its official website, sportingnews.com
Explanation: The Sporting News currently operates primarily through its official website, sportingnews.com, following its transition to a digital-only format.
The Sporting News established its first major award, the Player of the Year Award, in 1936, honoring pitcher Carl Hubbell.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 1936, The Sporting News instituted its first major award, the Player of the Year Award, recognizing the exceptional performance of pitcher Carl Hubbell. This award is considered the oldest and most prestigious honor for a single Major League Baseball player.
The 'Sportsman of the Year' award was given annually by The Sporting News from 1968 until 2007.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Sporting News presented its 'Sportsman of the Year' award from 1968 through 2007, recognizing outstanding athletic achievements during those years.
The 'Athlete of the Year' awards were split into separate Pro and College awards starting in 2011.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'Sportsman of the Year' award was replaced in 2008 by separate 'Pro Athlete of the Year' and 'College Athlete of the Year' awards. These were subsequently merged back into a single 'Athlete of the Year' award starting in 2011.
The Sporting News sponsors MLB awards such as Rookie of the Year and Manager of the Year.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Sporting News sponsors several prestigious annual MLB awards, including Rookie of the Year and Manager of the Year, among others like Team, Player, Pitcher, Reliever, and Executive of the Year.
The Sporting News presented a Minor League Player of the Year Award every year from 1936 to 2007.
Answer: True
Explanation: The publication recognized excellence in the minor leagues by presenting a Minor League Player of the Year Award annually from 1936 until 2007.
The Sporting News currently sponsors the NBA Most Valuable Player award.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Sporting News sponsored the NBA Executive of the Year Award from 1973 to 2008. It does not currently sponsor the NBA Most Valuable Player award.
The Sporting News has published NFL All-Pro Teams since 1980 and previously published All-Conference Teams.
Answer: True
Explanation: The publication has been releasing its NFL All-Pro Teams since 1980. Prior to that, it published All-Conference Teams from the 1950s through 1979.
The Sporting News conducted a poll to name a national champion in college football from 1975 to 2005.
Answer: True
Explanation: From 1975 to 2005, The Sporting News conducted a poll to determine the national champion in Division I-A (now FBS) college football, recognized by the NCAA as a major selector.
The J. G. Taylor Spink Award is presented by The Sporting News itself to honor its top writers.
Answer: False
Explanation: Contrary to the assertion, the J. G. Taylor Spink Award was instituted by the Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA) in honor of J. G. Taylor Spink. It is considered the highest accolade bestowed by the BBWAA upon its members for their contributions to baseball writing.
The award known as 'The Sporting News MLB Player of the Year Award' was originally called the 'Rookie of the Year Award'.
Answer: False
Explanation: The award that evolved into 'The Sporting News MLB Player of the Year Award' was initially named 'The Sporting News Most Valuable Player Award' but was discontinued in 1946. The 'Player of the Year' award continues to honor the most outstanding player in MLB.
Tom Brady is the only athlete to have won The Sporting News 'Sportsman of the Year' award more than once.
Answer: False
Explanation: Tom Brady was the first athlete to receive The Sporting News 'Sportsman of the Year' award twice, winning in 2004 and 2007. However, the statement implies he is the *only* athlete to ever do so, which is not necessarily true based on the provided text, and the text focuses on his distinction as the *first* repeat winner.
The 'Sportsman of the Year' award was presented by The Sporting News during which period?
Answer: 1968-2007
Explanation: The Sporting News presented its 'Sportsman of the Year' award annually from 1968 until 2007.
Which of the following MLB awards sponsored by The Sporting News has been discontinued?
Answer: Most Valuable Player
Explanation: The Sporting News Most Valuable Player Award, sponsored by the publication, was discontinued in 1946.
The Sporting News sponsors which college basketball award?
Answer: Men's College Basketball Coach of the Year
Explanation: The Sporting News presents awards for Men's College Basketball Player of the Year and Men's College Basketball Coach of the Year.
Since what year has The Sporting News been publishing its NFL All-Pro Teams?
Answer: 1980
Explanation: The Sporting News has been publishing its NFL All-Pro Teams annually since 1980.
What was the role of The Sporting News's poll for Division I-A (FBS) college football between 1975 and 2005?
Answer: It was used by the NCAA to recognize a national champion.
Explanation: From 1975 to 2005, The Sporting News conducted a poll to name a national champion in college football (Division I-A/FBS), a designation recognized by the NCAA.
Which of the following athletes has NOT been recognized with an 'Athlete of the Year' or 'Sportsman of the Year' award by The Sporting News, according to the provided list?
Answer: Tiger Woods
Explanation: While Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Tom Brady are listed as recipients of 'Athlete of the Year' or 'Sportsman of the Year' awards from The Sporting News, Tiger Woods is not mentioned among the provided examples of recipients.
The archives of The Sporting News collection are housed at the Library of Congress.
Answer: False
Explanation: The extensive archives collection of The Sporting News, comprising over 10,000 books, was acquired by Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri, in 2020.
The Sporting News's headquarters were moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, around 2007-2008.
Answer: True
Explanation: The publication began relocating its operations to Charlotte, North Carolina, around 2007, with consolidation largely completed by 2008.
The ISSN number 1041-2859 is assigned to The Sporting News publication.
Answer: True
Explanation: The International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) assigned to The Sporting News publication is indeed 1041-2859, serving as a unique identifier for the serial publication.
The OCLC number 18708903 is associated with The Sporting News.
Answer: True
Explanation: The OCLC (Online Computer Library Center) number 18708903 is indeed associated with The Sporting News, used for cataloging and bibliographic purposes within library systems.
The Sporting News's archives contain over 10,000 books related to various sports.
Answer: True
Explanation: The archives collection acquired by Lindenwood University reportedly comprises over 10,000 books covering a wide array of sports, including baseball, football, hockey, and basketball.
Where are the extensive archives of The Sporting News collection now preserved?
Answer: At Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri.
Explanation: The comprehensive archives of The Sporting News collection, reportedly containing over 10,000 books, were acquired by Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri, in the summer of 2020.