What do ex-Phillies’ pitcher Rick Wise and the Olympics have in common?

Nothing, really. Except for the fact that both were probably on the minds of Philadelphia sports fans during the summer of 1972. Both of them likely playing a role in their lives because it turned out to be an historic year for Phillies’ fans and Olympic followers alike.

While the recently concluded Winter Olympics had few memorable USA standouts, the 1972 version will always hold a memorable place in history - not only for the impressive medal-winning performances, but for what happened outside of the competitions.

This latest installment of my look back at YESTERDAY - a trip back in time to the late 1960s, the 70s and the early 80s - is a recollection of an historic Phillies’ trade, the 1972 Summer Olympics, and other items from that time period.

Wise guy ... Wise had been with the Phillies since 1964, and had pitched a no-hitter against Cincinnati on June 22, 1971 in a 4-0 victory during which he also which he also hit two homers. The right-hander won 17 games for the Fightins’ that year.

I remember watching the game with my father on WPHL-TV 17, and third baseman John Vukovich caught a line drive for the final out. This was the year a young broadcaster from the Houston Astros named Harry Kalas replaced Bill Campbell in the booth for the Phils.

Despite Wise’s success, the Phillies decided to trade him straight up to St. Louis for disgruntled Cardinals’ left-hander Steve Carlton on Feb. 25, 1972. Carlton was holding out for a salary of $65,000. Ironically, both pitchers signed deals for $65,000 with their new clubs in 1972.

In spite of Carlton’s success (he was 20-9 for the Cardinals the previous season), the trade was unpopular with Phillies’ fans with Wise’s recent no-hitter and his popularity with fans. He and Jim Bunning were the pitching anchors on a young club.

But it didn’t take Carlton long to change the sentiment as he went on to win the Cy Young Award in 1972 with a 27-10 record, and finished his Phillies’ career with 241 wins and four Cy Young awards.

Carlton notched 27 of the team’s 54 wins that season. Who was second on the team in wins? Do you remember Darrel Brandon?

Wise pitched just two seasons with the Cardinals before he had stops with Boston, Cleveland, and San Diego. He posted a career 188-181 mark in 18 seasons.

There is little debate that this was one of the best trades in Phillies’ history.

Legends and a Tragedy ... Today, Mark Spitz is doing commercials for Focus Factor, a pain-relief product. Fifty years ago, Spitz caused pain for the rest of the world and instantly became an American hero, winning seven gold medals in swimming - four individual medals and three more in relays.

Frank Shorter also became an American success story as he won the marathon amid controversy. Shorter clearly was ahead in the race, but an impostor - a West German student - entered Olympic Stadium ahead of him before eventually being cleared off the track.

There was also Dave Waddle, who captured the gold in the 800. Waddle gained fame for wearing his white cap while competing.

Aside from the US standouts, Cuban boxer Teofilo Stevenson took the boxing world by storm for his dominance in the heavyweight division. Stevenson knocked down US heavyweight Duane Bobick three times in the third round on his way to the gold.

After he won the gold in the 1976 Olympics, Stevenson was offered $5 million to fight Muhammed Ali in a title bout. He turned down the offer and became the first boxer to win three Olympic golds when he defended his title in 1976 and 1980.

Unfortunately, the 1972 Olympics was also marred by what became known as the “Munich Massacre,” in which 11 Israeli athletes were killed by Palestinian terrorists who broke into the Olympic Village. The hostage encounter was broadcast by ABC, and the great Jim McKay broke the news of the tragedy. McKay was on the air for 14 of the 16 consecutive hours during an unsuccessful rescue attempt of the hostages.

McKay was joined in the booth by Bill Flemming, Howard Cossell – who was masterful with boxing – and Frank Gifford, who actually commentated on wrestling.

The men’s basketball team was a less-profile unit back then, and they finished second. Ex-Sixer Doug Collins and Mike Bantom were part of the squad. Overall, the US was second in the medal count with 94 behind the Soviet Union’s 99.

The US won eight medals earlier that year in the less-profiled Winter Olympics in Sapporo, Japan, where it seemed like all it did was snow. Former Flyer Mark Howe was a member of the US hockey team that brought home the silver.

Suzy on the Slopes ... Staying with the Olympic theme, “Suzy Chapstick,” debuted in 1978 to promote Chaptick.

Suzy Chaffee, an Olympic skiing star in the 1960s, played the role for several years, and developed into a memorable character. She also gained fame for her Ultra Brite toothpaste commercial, which was regarded as one of the best spots of the 1970s. Ultra Brite was the predecessor to the teeth-brightening products of today.

Phillies in Pictures ... In 1971, ARCO gasoline stations – remember the blue and white logo – unveiled its Phillies ‘8 X 10’ clear cards that were given away for a certain amount of gas purchased.

Wise, Bunning, Larry Bowa, Don Money, Tony Taylor, Tim McCarver, Deron Johnson, Terry Harmon, Joe Hoerner, Dick Selma, and Chris Short were the familiar names on that Phillies team. You might also recall players like Larry Hisle and Roger Freed.

Reggie On The Shelf ... This week in 1978, the “Reggie!” bar hit the candy shelves. It was a tasty round, milk chocolate bar with peanuts and a caramel center.

It was named after baseball star Reggie Jackson’ and like Jackson’s career with the Yankees, it was a hit at first, but it was short-lived.

To The Islands ... In 1972, one of my favorite shows was “Hawaii Five-O.” It was among the top three shows on TV that year. It was the first TV show filmed entirely in Hawaii.

Jack Lord was brilliant as Steve McGarrett, and supporting cast members James McArthur (Danny), Kam Fong (Chin Ho), and Al Harrington (Ben) were the perfect complements to Lord.

Many of the plotlines for the 2010 version were adopted from the original series.

“Book ‘em, Dano.”

All-Star Format Flop ... Sunday’s NBA All-Star Game was another example of how these types of contests – the MLB All-Star Game and the NFL Pro Bowl included – have deteriorated over the past few years into an unwatchable moment, especially for a purist like myself and likely many of you. The Team Lebron and Team Durant format is a ridiculous one that caters to the superstars and the teen audience.

Back in 1972, the West beat the East, 112-110, with the Lakers’ Jerry West gaining MVP honors in a traditional formatted game in front of his home crowd at The Forum. West had 13 points, six rebounds and five assists, and Phoenix’s Connie Hawkins - a forgotten star who was Dr. J before Dr. J - also had 13 points.

The Sixers Billy Cunningham had a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds, and Milwaukee’s Oscar Robertson again proved why he was one of the game’s greats with 11 points and 10 assists.

Take me back to the good old days, the ones of … Yesterday.