Aired

By Fox, the 500th episode of The Simpsons, which, in its 23-year existence, has included sports references ranging from curling to CFL and featured cameos by Joes surnamed Frazier, Namath and Montana. Here, SI's favorite sports-centered episodes, the airdates of which affirm a widespread belief: Like the NBA and the NHL, it was better in the '90s.

Homer at the Bat, 1992 Mr. Burns wants Honus Wagner and Mordecai Brown for his softball team; he settles for Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs.

The Homer They Fall, 1996 Homer's ability to absorb a blow lands him in the ring with Tyson knockoff Drederick Tatum in this Raging Bull parody.

Bart Star, 1997 Nepotism rears its yellow head when peewee coach Homer sees a star QB in Bart, who almost finds inspiration in Broadway Joe.