Sports statistics are so easy to find online today that it might be hard to believe there was once a market for “Sports Encyclopedias” and other printed compilations of facts and figures. But for decades these books were the only option. Click here to read this informal history, which may be the most "nerdy" topic I have ever written about.

Maurice Stokes was an NBA All-Star and Rookie of the Year, but after he was stricken with post-traumatic encephalopathy and paralyzed in 1958, at the age of 25, he became a legendary figure for his courage and determination off the court. Stokes’ misfortune inspired the creation of an annual benefit game to raise money for his care, and would eventually raise money for other basketball players struggling with health issues.

Information about these games, which were held from 1959 through 1999, can be difficult to find. Click here to read this overview which includes leading scorers for most of the games, plus a handful of box scores. There are several gaps but hopefully the data that is included here is useful.

In 1956, the St. Louis Hawks and Minneapolis Lakers played a playoff game that changed the future fortunes of both teams. Click here to read more!