OT: The FOFC Sports Moments Draft

[Maple Leafs]

How to play:
If you want to play, PM me. If there's a lot of interest, I'll randomly select ten players. By "randomly" I mean that after a day or so, I'll "randomly" pick whichever ten people I want.

The draft will be conducted via the forum, in this thread. The draft is a serpentine draft -- that the order reverses each round. Draft order will be determined before we start. When it's your turn to draft, you post, ideally with a brief note about the reason for your choice. If you won't be around, you PM someone else your picks in advance to keep things moving. If you slow us down, I may assign your team to someone else. Please do not ask to play if you are not able to check the forum frequently during the day.

Note: If you've previously wanted to participate in a draft but weren't picked, let me know. If you weren't in a draft but still were an active observer/commentator, definitely let me know. I won't promise you'll be picked but you'll have a better chance. If you were in a previous draft, that's fine, you're welcome to play again. If you were in a previous draft and held things up, didn't submit picks, etc., then don't bother applying, I have a feeling you won't be "randomly" picked.

How to win:
The fun here comes more from the draft itself than from actually winning, but just in case it matters: Once the draft is done, we'll hold a vote and let FOFC choose the winner. FOFC will pick someone shitty. They always do.

The rosters
You will draft a "team" of ten sports moments. The idea is to assemble the best possible roster, using your knowledge of sports as well as your crafty drafting skills. Trades are allowed, as long as they don't slow down the action (the idea is to keep things moving as quickly as possible).

Like past drafts, you will be filling your team with picks at ten "positions". However, the twist this year is that the positions will be fairly subjective. Basically, we're going to play a little word association.

You will picks ten sports moments that come to mind when you hear the ten terms below:

- Speed
- Power
- Controversy
- Drama
- Record-breaking
- Clutch
- Choke
- Emotion
- Upset
- Comeback

What is a "sports moment"

OK, this part is important, read carefully.

For the purpose of this draft, a "sports moment" is something that happens in the context of a sporting competition. It happens on the field of play, either during the game or immediately before/after. As a rule of thumb, if the fans can see it and it either impacts or is a reaction to the game being played, then it probably counts.

Examples: Babe Ruth being sold the Yankees doesn't count. Wayne Gretzky being traded doesn't count. Lou Gehrig's speech doesn't count (it happened between games of a double header).

A moment is just that -- a moment, a single play, a few seconds of something happening. It's not a whole game. It's not a cumulative combination of many things. It's a single moment. That moment might represent something bigger, and it's up to you to see how far you want to stretch this without risking the wrath of the voters.

Examples: Lance Armstrong winning seven straight Tour de France titles is not a moment; crossing the finish line at the last one could be. "The Drive" is not a moment, although Mark Jackson's touchdown could be. The Miracle on Ice is not a moment, but the final seconds could be.

There's some room for creativity here, both in the moments you choose and the positions you use them in. As always, the voters will decide how much room. More than a few people have had their drafts derailed by trying to get too clever. I know it's hard to Imagine, but it happens. You've been warned.

A few notes:
The draft is open to everyone -- observers are welcome. Discussion of picks is encouraged.

In general, it's considered very poor form to suggest picks during the draft -- the equivalent of being the guy who doesn't play poker but sits at the rail and shouts out to get attention. However, it will happen. If you're the sort of person who thinks you'd be really, really bothered by this, do yourself a favor and don't play.

A final note:
If the idea of doing a just-for-fun draft strikes as you as stupid and/or pathetic, but you're the type of person who likes to post about text sims on an internet forum... well, you may want to give this a miss until your sense of irony develops a little more.

If you want to play, PM me now. If I have enough entries by tomorrow, the draft will start then. In your PM, you must include your top three picks so that if you forget to check back we don't all have to wait for you (although your picks won't be used unless there's a delay). Don't forget to include both the moment and the position you're taking it in.

Draft order:
1 - Radii
2 - Schmidty
3 - Lathum
4 - sabotai
5 - Crapshoot
6 - tanglewood
7 - Maple Leafs
8 - digamma
9 - bsak16
10 - larrymcg421

[Maple Leafs]

If you want to play, PM me now. If I have enough entries by tomorrow, the draft will start then. In your PM, you must include your top three picks so that if you forget to check back we don't all have to wait for you (although your picks won't be used unless there's a delay). Don't forget to include both the moment and the position you're taking it in.
Several entrants so far, but every single one has missed the bolded part above.

[Schmidty]

I didn't miss that part. :)

[Lathum]

me neither. I learned my mistake from the music draft :)

[Maple Leafs]

I didn't miss that part. :)
No, you missed this part:
Lou Gehrig's speech doesn't count

[albionmoonlight]

I don't have time to do the draft, but I love the rules/warnings that have evolved for this process


The draft is open to everyone -- observers are welcome. Discussion of picks is encouraged.

In general, it's considered very poor form to suggest picks during the draft -- the equivalent of being the guy who doesn't play poker but sits at the rail and shouts out to get attention. However, it will happen. If you're the sort of person who thinks you'd be really, really bothered by this, do yourself a favor and don't play.

A final note:
If the idea of doing a just-for-fun draft strikes as you as stupid and/or pathetic, but you're the type of person who likes to post about text sims on an internet forum... well, you may want to give this a miss until your sense of irony develops a little more.

[Johnny93g]

I would play, but i dont think i would stand a chance. My moments would all be too canadian. :mad:

[Schmidty]

No, you missed this part:

You are a dick. I hate you.

[Travis]

You are a dick. I hate you.

Is the draft officially started? Because if this is considered a sport, then that would be a moment, and I might play if I could draft that post.

Or your post that caused this one. Either way, I think it'd be a legitimate way to get ahead in this game.

[Schmidty]

I can see your top 3 already:

1. Roger Smeegus wins the Tim Hortons Curling Cup in 1993

2. William "Whoopee" Arthurs is inducted into the Lacrosse Hall of Fame

3. Any time a Canadian hockey team wins anything


You win!!!

[Radii]

Several entrants so far, but every single one has missed the bolded part above.

sent PM, then finished reading the rules. DOH.

[Crapshoot]

I can see your top 3 already:

1. Roger Smeegus wins the Tim Hortons Curling Cup in 1993

2. William "Whoopee" Arthurs is inducted into the Lacrosse Hall of Fame

3. Any time a Canadian hockey team wins anything


You win!!!

I'd say I can see your no 1: the Detroit Lions win the Super Bowl..


Oh wait - you mean that didn't happen? :D

[Maple Leafs]

I'd say I can see your no 1: the Detroit Lions win the Super Bowl..
I should have specified -- the moment has to have actually happened already. So "Matt Millen beaten to death by torch-wielding mob" would not qualify.

[Maple Leafs]

Last call for entries.

[Alan T]

I should have specified -- the moment has to have actually happened already. So "Matt Millen beaten to death by torch-wielding mob" would not qualify.


This thread reminds me why you are one of my favorite people :)

[Maple Leafs]

Can somebody please go here (http://random.org/sequences/) and post a sequence from 1 - 10?

[st.cronin]

* 7
* 3
* 5
* 10
* 9
* 6
* 4
* 2
* 1
* 8

[Maple Leafs]

Thanks.

Our draft order will be:
7 - Maple Leafs
3 - Lathum
5 - Crapshoot
10 - larrymcg421
9 - bsak16
6 - tanglewood
4 - sabotai
2 - Schmidty
1 - Radii
8 - digamma

In other words....

1 - Radii
2 - Schmidty
3 - Lathum
4 - sabotai
5 - Crapshoot
6 - tanglewood
7 - Maple Leafs
8 - digamma
9 - bsak16
10 - larrymcg421

When posting your pick, please be sure to post the category you are choosing the pick for. You can not go back and change your category later.

Use this format (or something similar for picks):
1.1 - Doug Gilmour scores on a double wraparound to beat the Blue in double OT in Game One of the 1992-93 division finals (clutch)

You are encouraged to post a paragraph or two describing your choice, it's significance, etc. You don't have to do this, but it probably will make the draft more enjoyable for everyone, especially as we get into moments that may not be as well known.

Please bold your picks so they stand out to anyone who is scanning the list (and don't bold anything else).

The draft begins now. Radii is on the clock.

[Radii]

i'm here, give me a few minutes.

[Radii]

1.1 - "The Catch" - Joe Montana to Dwight Clark touchdown to win the NFC Championship for San Francisco - January 10, 1982(clutch)


One of the most famous plays in sports history, it signaled the 'arrival' of both the San Francisco 49ers dynasty of the 1980s and of Joe Montana, one of the greatest QBs of all time. An amazing catch by Clark, and a throw by Montana with 3 Cowboys quickly closing down on him where only Clark could make the catch, otherwise the pass would go incomplete and there would be another play. An early example of the type of clutch performance and poise and calm under pressure that made Montana so great.

I was a Dallas fan at the time, this play is one of my earliest vivid memories as a kid, it crushed me. :(

[Radii]

I PM'd schmidty.

I'm interested to see the picks after mine. There were a couple others that stood out to me as #1 candidates, but this one seemed a solid, safe #1.

[Maple Leafs]

Thanks Radii, good description.

I have a pick for Schmidty but I'll give him some time to make his own selection, these things always take a little while to get going on the first day.

[st.cronin]

Not a bad first pick.

[Lathum]

You can go ahead when I am up and do my pick from the list I sent

[Schmidty]

1.2 - Kirk Gibson walk-off homer Game 1 WS win in 1988 (Drama)


This one was tough, but you can't go wrong with Gibby's homer.

[Lathum]

I am here to make my pick

[Maple Leafs]

"I don't believe... what I have just seen!"

[Radii]

I hadnt' thought about that one Schmidty, not bad at all.

[Lathum]

1.3 final out game 7 ALCS 2004 yankees lose to red sox- Comeback

The fact that the Sox were not only down 3-0 and down to their final out against the best closer in history and came back to not only win that series but not lose another game make it the best comeback in sports history.

Plus it was against the Yankees, bonus points.

[Lathum]

dola- what time are we going until?

[Maple Leafs]

dola- what time are we going until?
It's in the rulebook, listed under "Maple Leafs makes the rules up as he goes".

But basically anyone can pick at any time, but once we get to early evening I'm not likely to get as cranky about somebody not being around to pick. But sending in choices in advance is always a good thing.

[sabotai]

I'm here....I'm thinking...(lots to choose from)

[Johnny93g]

Use this format (or something similar for picks):
1.1 - Doug Gilmour scores on a double wraparound to beat the Blue in double OT in Game One of the 1992-93 division finals (clutch)


If you use this as one of your picks, i will make many fake accounts to vote for you!!!!!!

[sabotai]

1.4 James "Buster" Douglas knocks out Mike Tyson in the 10th round on Feb 11th, 1990 (upset)

A fight that was so one-sided going in that many Vegas sportbooks wouldn't put odds on it. The ones that did gave Douglas anywhere from 36-1 to 42-1 to win. During this time, Tyson was seen as unbeatable. He had put together a string of early round knock outs against some of the best fighters out there. Out of nowhere, Douglas, a fighter most people have never heard and not ranked highly by any organization, stuns the world by knocking Tyson out.

[Maple Leafs]

I remember that the Tyson/Douglas fight was on at the same time as the NBA slam dunk contest. The announcer came on at the end and said something along the lines of "If those dunks brough you out of your seat, you'd better sit down again -- Buster Dougles has just knocked out Mike Tyson in Tokyo".

It's strange to think back to the days when you had to actually find out about sporting events this way, rather than having every result available instantly.

[Alan T]

I remember that the Tyson/Douglas fight was on at the same time as the NBA slam dunk contest. The announcer came on at the end and said something along the lines of "If those dunks brough you out of your seat, you'd better sit down again -- Buster Dougles has just knocked out Mike Tyson in Tokyo".

It's strange to think back to the days when you had to actually find out about sporting events this way, rather than having every result available instantly.

Hehe, I do miss those days. I remember something along the lines too. I don't remember what I was watching that the announcement came on about Douglas winning.. but I definitly remember waiting for the 11pm news to see more info about it. They had like still photos taken of Tyson getting knocked out, but it wouldn't be till the next day before footage was available for it.

[st.cronin]

1.4 James "Buster" Douglas knocks out Mike Tyson in the 10th round on Feb 11th, 1990 (upset)

A fight that was so one-sided going in that many Vegas sportbooks wouldn't put odds on it. The ones that did gave Douglas anywhere from 36-1 to 42-1 to win. During this time, Tyson was seen as unbeatable. He had put together a string of early round knock outs against some of the best fighters out there. Out of nowhere, Douglas, a fighter most people have never heard and not ranked highly by any organization, stuns the world by knocking Tyson out.

The thing I remember about this was in the days after some guy I knew telling everybody that he "knew Douglas was going to win, it was perfectly obvious."

[Crapshoot]

1.5 - Choke - Scott Norwood, the 1991 Super Bowl. - Wide Right. 8 seconds on the clock, and the Super Bowl dependent on one kick. Wide Right. At that point, Buffalo fans could have reasonably imagined that they would get another shot - and they did - 3 times. They never came as close as the Wide Right.


Edit - I am an absolute idiot - I didn't remember the year, and misread the link.

[MikeVic]

The thing I remember about this was in the days after some guy I knew telling everybody that he "knew Douglas was going to win, it was perfectly obvious."

Titor or whatever his name was?

[Maple Leafs]

had like still photos taken of Tyson getting knocked out, but it wouldn't be till the next day before footage was available for it.
God I miss still photos of PPV events.

[sabotai]

The thing I remember about this was in the days after some guy I knew telling everybody that he "knew Douglas was going to win, it was perfectly obvious."

Don't we all know someone who always knows the outcome of sporting events before hand, but doesn't tell anyone about it until after the event? :)

[st.cronin]

Don't we all know someone who always knows the outcome of sporting events before hand, but doesn't tell anyone about it until after the event? :)

Yeah but that one was just so ridiculous that I think we all just laughed in his face.

[Logan]

1.5 - Choke - Scott Norwood, the 1987 Super Bowl. - Wide Right. 8 seconds on the clock, and the Super Bowl dependent on one kick. Wide Right. At that point, Buffalo fans could have reasonably imagined that they would get another shot - and they did - 3 times. They never came as close as the Wide Right.

Ummm...points off for being the wrong year? Super Bowl XXV, 1991.

Or am I missing something?

[rkmsuf]

Ummm...points off for being the wrong year? Super Bowl XXV, 1991.

Or am I missing something?

haha, what a fool!

disqualify him immediately!

[Crapshoot]

Ummm...points off for being the wrong year? Super Bowl XXV, 1991.

Or am I missing something?

Nope - I'm an idiot. Edited now. :D

[Maple Leafs]

I'll give tanglewood another 15 minutes or so and then I'm picking for him.

I'm up after that, so digamma, sak and larry, be ready.

[larrymcg421]

I'll be ready immediately.

[Maple Leafs]

Tanglewood's pick:

1.6 - Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal, Argentina vs England 1986 World Cup Quarter-Final - Controversy

[Maple Leafs]

My pick:

1.7 - "Do you believe in Miracles?", the final moments of the US/USSR 1980 Olympic hockey game - Upset

Even though I personally think it's somewhat overhyped, I think it's a good value in the late first round since it's consistently at the top of most "greatest sports moments of all time" lists.

[Schmidty]

No offense to tanglewood, but I think he could have gotten that pick in round 10.

[digamma]

1.8 Speed--Secretariat down the stretch at the 1973 Belmont Stakes.

Secretariat blew away the field and won the Belmont by 31 lengths to sew up the 1973 triple crown. His time of 2:24 over the 1.5 mile course was a new Belmont record and would have beaten the horse to hold the previous Belmont record by better than 13 lengths.

[Crapshoot]

No offense to tanglewood, but I think he could have gotten that pick in round 10.

On a worldwide scale, I guarantee that this is far more renowned that anything mentioned in the thread so far...

[Logan]

On a worldwide scale, I guarantee that this is far more renowned that anything mentioned in the thread so far...

But you must remember...very few of the people voting in this thread will be from the "worldwide scale." :)

[Schmidty]

But you must remember...very few of the people voting in this thread will be from the "worldwide scale." :)

Yeah, that was my point. I just think he could have gotten much more value picking it in a later round.

By the way, I'm not saying it's bad or something. I don't want to be a critic over every pick I disagree with. I just thought his pick was odd in the context of this kind of draft and the draft's audience.

[Maple Leafs]

I'm not a big fan of making picks from outside of a narrow US-based point of view if you want to win this draft, but I don't follow soccer and I still know "Hand of God" is one of the most controversial sports moments of all time. I like the pick.

[Schmidty]

I'm not a big fan of making picks from outside of a narrow US-based point of view if you want to win this draft, but I don't follow soccer and I still know "Hand of God" is one of the most controversial sports moments of all time. I like the pick.

Yeah, but you're Canadian. You're an expert on sports no one cares about. ;)

[Dr. Sak]

Since Sean took my pick, and I might add told me one time a few years ago that the Miracle on Ice was no big deal to Canadians, I'll let it slide this time. My pick..

March 28, 1992. Philadelphia Spectrum, NCAA East Regional Finals. Duke vs. Kentucky. Christian Laettner played the perfect game. He was 10 for 10 from the field and 10 for 10 from the free throw line. With 2.1 seconds left Laettner receives a full court pass from Grant Hill fakes one way, does a turn a round jumper the other way. Swish. Good. Duke goes on to win that game and eventually the national championship that year. I was so excited after that shot I jumped on my bed and fell right through it. I also put a hole in the roof.

1.9 The Clutch Shot by Christian Laettner to beat Kentucky with 2.1 seconds to go in the NCAA Regional finals in 1992.

[st.cronin]

Since Sean took my pick, and I might add told me one time a few years ago that the Miracle on Ice was no big deal to Canadians, I'll let it slide this time. My pick..

March 28, 1992. Philadelphia Spectrum, NCAA East Regional Finals. Duke vs. Kentucky. Christian Laettner played the perfect game. He was 10 for 10 from the field and 10 for 10 from the free throw line. With 2.1 seconds left Laettner receives a full court pass from Thomas Hill fakes one way, does a turn a round jumper the other way. Swish. Good. Duke goes on to win that game and eventually the national championship that year. I was so excited after that shot I jumped on my bed and fell right through it. I also put a hole in the roof.

1.9 The Clutch Shot by Christian Laettner to beat Kentucky with 2.1 seconds to go in the NCAA Regional finals in 1992.

dude

[Dr. Sak]

What :)

Sorry had to write up quick before leaving and Sean took mine i had all set.

[larrymcg421]

I'll make the picks and then edit in the writeup so we can keep this moving.

1.10 - (Record-breaking) Hank Aaron hits Home Run # 715 to break Babe Ruth's all time home run record.

On April 8, 1974 Hank Aaron hit his 715th home run Hank Aaron off Dodgers pitcher Al Downing. In doing so, he broke one of the most storied records in sports history. Not only that, but he did it with class, dealing with racism and death threats along the way.

2.1 - (Controversy) USSR defeats USA for the Olympic Gold Medal in Basketball after officials give them three chances to inbound the ball at the end of the game.

From 1936 through 1968 the United States had won the men's basketball gold medal at every olympics. In 1972, they faced the Soviet Union in a closely fought contest. With three seconds left, Doug Collins hit two free throws to put the USA up 51-50. The USSR inbounded the ball once but the referee stopped play because they had called timeout. The USSR inbounded again and the pass was stolen, but the game wasn't over yet. TheFIBA chief ordered play to be restarted with three seconds on the clock. On this final attempt the USSR found a man underneath the basket for a layup and a 51-50 victory. The USA players still won't accept their silver medals today.

[Maple Leafs]

First round summary:
1.1 - "The Catch" - Joe Montana to Dwight Clark touchdown to win the NFC Championship for San Francisco- Clutch
1.2 - Kirk Gibson walk-off homer Game 1 WS win in 1988- Drama
1.3 - The final out of game 7 of the 2004 ALCS - Comeback
1.4 - James "Buster" Douglas knocks out Mike Tyson in the 10th round on Feb 11th, 1990 - Upset
1.5 - Scott Norwood's missed FG at the end of the 1991 Super Bowl - Choke
1.6 - Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal, Argentina vs England 1986 World Cup Quarter-Final - Controversy
1.7 - "Do you believe in Miracles?", the final moments of the US/USSR 1980 Olympic hockey game - Upset
1.8 - Secretariat down the stretch at the 1973 Belmont Stakes - Speed
1.9 - Christian Laettner's shot to beat Kentucky with 2.1 seconds to go in the NCAA Regional finals in 1992 - Clutch
1.10 - Hank Aaron hits Home Run # 715 to break Babe Ruth's all time home run record - Record-breaking

This would be a good time to remind people with picks at the 2, 3, 8 and 9 spots to stick around after a pick since it may swing back to you quickly.

[Crapshoot]

Ooh - I was hoping the Olympic team basketball would last. Nice pick Larry!

[Dr. Sak]

In the AFC divisional playoff game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Oakland Raiders at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on December 23, 1972 one of the most controversial plays in NFL history occurred. The critical question was: off whom did the ball bounce in that Fuqua/Tatum collision? If it bounced off Fuqua, and then Harris was the next to touch the ball, the reception was illegal since two offensive players could not touch a pass in succession (a rule that was changed in 1978); the Raiders would gain possession (on fourth down) and a sure win. If the ball bounced off Tatum, or if it bounced off Fuqua and then Tatum, the reception was legal, as a defensive player was the last to touch the ball. Another widely held point of contention to the play was whether or not the ball had hit the ground before Harris snatched it and ran with it. The press-box view doesn't show Harris catching the ball at all - just sprinting downfield with it - and the more famous end-zone view doesn't show the ball. The play was upheld and the Steelers won the game and the Super Bowl that year.

2.2 Immaculate Reception December 23, 1972 Pittsburgh Steelers vs Oakland Raiders - Controversy

[Maple Leafs]

digamma was here in the thread when bsak posted... I'll give him another hour or so and then pick for him from his list.

[st.cronin]

What :)

Sorry had to write up quick before leaving and Sean took mine i had all set.

You got the assist man wrong.

[Radii]

I would have absolutely taken the Olympic Basketball team with 2.10, I like that pick a ton.

The other two picks I initially sent to Maple Leafs(aside from The Catch) are still available, there is a such a huge wide range of choices available here its amazing.

[digamma]

Sorry for the delay. Meeting ran much longer than anticipated.

2.3 Roger Bannister breaks the tape at the Iffley Road track to break the four minute mile. Record Breaker

Bannister's record breaking run ended a years long struggle to break the four minute mile. Three men were gunning to be the first to do it, but Bannister did it first. Weeks later Aussie John Landee broke Bannister's record, but he is largely forgotten today--it is Bannister's record breaking run that everyone views as the break through.

[larrymcg421]

Great choice, digamma. I was actually thinking of using Bannister for speed.

[tanglewood]

Ok I'm around now, sorry for not being in earlier.

Yeah some (many) of my picks are not going to be from a NA standpoint, but then I don't really care and am certainly not expecting to win anyway. In fact it'd be quite fun for me if I could come up with a 10 picks from which 6 or 7 are just completely unkown to people on this board. :)

[sabotai]

Ok I'm around now, sorry for not being in earlier.

Yeah some (many) of my picks are not going to be from a NA standpoint, but then I don't really care and am certainly not expecting to win anyway. In fact it'd be quite fun for me if I could come up with a 10 picks from which 6 or 7 are just completely unkown to people on this board. :)

That strat might actually win you points, not only from the non-North American members (of which you'll probably have a monolply on :) ), but from people who will appriciate taking chances and making bold and/or creative picks.

[Schmidty]

That strat might actually win you points, not only from the non-North American members (of which you'll probably have a monolply on :) ), but from people who will appriciate taking chances and making bold and/or creative picks.

Hmmm....maybe my earlier curling joke isn't such a bad idea......

[Maple Leafs]

My pick is a "comeback" from 1982. John Elway leads the Stanford Cardinals on a last-minute scoring drive, culminating in a field goal with five seconds left to take the lead in their biggest game of the year.

Nobody remembers that field goal, however, because then... this happened:

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2.4 "The Play" - Cal returns a last second kickoff through the Stanford defense and their band - Comeback

[sabotai]

I was thinking of taking "The Play" with my first round pick. Nice selection.

[Logan]

Great pick. That could've fit into a few categories too (even controversy...was that last lateral a forward pass? :)).

[Maple Leafs]

Great pick. That could've fit into a few categories too (even controversy...was that last lateral a forward pass?).
Yeah, it definitely could have fit in other spots. I actually had another play I was leaning towards taking (and still will if it somehow lasts another round), but couldn't find a category that it fit really well in. No matter where I slotted it, I thought some voters would object. I'll discuss more when the play is drafted.

[tanglewood]

The 1999 Open Championship at Carnoustie was an exciting tournament from start to bizzare finish. Jean Van de Velde, a rank outsider before the tournament started, played excellent golf all four days, vying to become the first Frenchman to win a golf major since forever. He came to the 18th hole of the final round in the final paring leading by three clear shots. He could double bogey and still take the Claret Jug. What followed was a litany of errors unlike anything I have ever seen.

First Shot: You only need a double bogey on a middle length par-4 to take the title. So you get out your 2-Iron and hit is nice and easy down the fairway for a nice lie right? Van de Velde decided to whip out the driver and thwack it. Of course he pulled it to the right and ended up in thick, nasty rough. But don't worry, it's still salvagable.

Second Stroke: So you are in a rather nasty spot off the fairway still a way from the green. Don't worry a bogey will still win you the tournament, heck even a 6, so just knock it out of the rough up the fairway and you could still get on the green and three-put for victory. However, VdV looks at his lie and convinces himself that it isn't all that awful a lie really when you think about it and decides to whip out a long iron and go for the green. The shot is quite simply atrocious. He pulls it so far from the green he actually hits it into the grandstand, from whence it ricochets another 50 yards off course into even thicker, knee deep rough. Oops.

Third Stroke: Don't worry, no need to panic. Sure this is bad but still, just get it on on even near the green and it'll be okay. However due to the horrible spot he was in his backswing is caught in the grass and he chops the ball well wide of the green into Barry Burn. Time to get your feet wet Jean...

Fourth Stroke: Firstly, Jean tries to convince himself that he can actually play his ball out of the Burn. So the utterly bizzare incident of millions of tv viewers worldwide watching him taking off his shoes and socks, rolling his trousers up to his knee and wading around in the small stream debating whether to try and wrest his ball which is dug halway in mud for a full 5 minutes or so before his caddy gets through to his common sense. In the end he takes a drop short of the Burn, a relatively comfortable pitch from the green.

Fifth Stroke: Don't worry Jean, it's only a 40-50 yard pitch, then hole an 8 footer or so for the trophy. You've already birded this hole twice in the last three days, how hard can it be? Very hard apparently as Van de Velde pulls it straight into a greenside bunker.

Sixth Stroke: Last chance to win the championship, he finally makes a nice shot, but not nice enough. Drops the ball a nervous but very makeable 6 fett from the hole.

Seventh Stroke: And then holes it for a triple-bogey to take it to a playoff.

Needless to say, Van de Velde was in no fit mental state for the playoff which started immediately afterward against Paul Lawrie and Justin Leonard. He was never in it as Lawrie the Scot won to the delight of the home crowd. Van de Velde took many years to recover as a player and won his first title since Carnoustie just last year on the European tour.

He participated in an informercial for a golf manufacturer several years later to see if he could make six on Carnoustie's 18th using only a putter.

He did.

2.5 Jean Van de Velde's second shot on the last hole of the 1999 Open Championship at Carnoustie - Choke

[Logan]

Great pick, and an even better write-up.

[Dr. Sak]

Wow nice choice tanglewood. That was on my list for chokers.

[Crapshoot]

2.6 - Upset - Clay Beats Liston. For my generation, Mohammad Ali is the "guy in the wheelchair who once skipped out on Vietnam" - who "used to be the greatest." This is the fight that started the legend - on Feb 25, 1964, when Cassius Clay (at 8-1 odds) took on the champ, and gave him the beating of a lifetime - to the point where the world champion would not get up off his chair. It was old and conservative vs. young and reactionary - and the young one - the perfect fight for the 60's, as it were. It was the launchpad of an era - the age of Ali, who may be the greatest boxer that ever lived.

Edit: I'm not having a good day. :D

[sabotai]

Lipton?

[Logan]

2 picks, 2 edits :)

Hell of a tea-maker though.

[Schmidty]

Lipton?

What a lemon of a post. This one is easy to tea up.

[sabotai]

2.7 Bill Buckner's error costs the Red Sox Game 6 of the 1986 World Series (Choke)

With the game tied in the bottom of the 10th, Mookie Wilson hits a ground ball right to Bill Buckner, the 1st baseman. If he picks up the ball and touches 1st base, the inning will be over and they'll go to the 11th. But he misses, the ball rolls under his glove and into right field, allowing the winning run to score. The Mets would then go on to win Game 7.

[Logan]

2.6 Bill Buckner's error costs the Red Sox Game 6 of the 1986 World Series (Choke)

With the game tied in the bottom of the 10th, Mookie Wilson hits a ground ball right to Bill Buckner, the 1st baseman. If he picks up the ball and touches 1st base, the inning will be over and they'll go to the 11th. But he misses, the ball rolls under his glove and into right field, allowing the winning run to score. The Mets would then go on to win Game 7.

Blown-up to reflect the opinion that Mookie would have beat that shit out anyway.

edit: this has no impact on the greatness of the moment.

[spleen1015]

This is an awesome idea. Maple Leafs in my FOFC hero for the day.

[Radii]

2.6 Bill Buckner's error costs the Red Sox Game 6 of the 1986 World Series (Choke)

With the game tied in the bottom of the 10th, Mookie Wilson hits a ground ball right to Bill Buckner, the 1st baseman. If he picks up the ball and touches 1st base, the inning will be over and they'll go to the 11th. But he misses, the ball rolls under his glove and into right field, allowing the winning run to score. The Mets would then go on to win Game 7.


This is actually 2.7. good pick.

[Lathum]

am I up?

[Lathum]

OK

there have been only 17 perfect games in the HISTORY of baseball. For someone to do it on the biggest stage is astounding. It is one of a few things in all of sports that has only been done once in history.

2.8- Drama- Don Larsen perfect world series game 5 1956 final out

[Logan]

This is an awesome idea. Maple Leafs in my FOFC hero for the day.

Agreed. I didn't think this game would work, due to some of the categories seeming a bit weird...but once again it's been proven that people on here are much more intelligent than myself.

I really think it's more fun to observe than participate in something like this.

Please keep the descriptions coming. And more YouTube links would be cool too.

edit: Is there a good video somewhere of the Van De Velde choke? The only one I found on YouTube/Google was narrated in Japanese and edited oddly. Maybe the original broadcast?

[Schmidty]

2.9 Cal Ripken breaks Lou Gehrig's consecutive game streak (Record-breaking)

Everyone considers Hank Aaron's HR record to be the biggest record in sports, but Gehrig's record was the most "unbreakable", and in my opinion, the most admirable.

To me, a record like this is much more difficult and deserving of respect than a the HR record. But that's just me (and the fact that Barry will break the record, rendering it useless).

[Maple Leafs]

2.6 - Upset - Clay Beats Liston
Nice pick. But what's the specific moment you're taking? Liston not answering the bell?

[Maple Leafs]

2.9 Cal Ripken breaks Lou Gehrig's consecutive game streak (Record-breaking)

Another good pick, but what's the moment? Him taking the field, first at-bat, the end of the fifth inning (when the game became official), etc?

[Schmidty]

Another good pick, but what's the moment? Him taking the field, first at-bat, the end of the fifth inning (when the game became official), etc?

I guess I was thinking of the moment where he walked around the field shaking hands and stuff. Whenever that was. :)

[Maple Leafs]

2.6 Bill Buckner's error costs the Red Sox Game 6 of the 1986 World Series (Choke)

With the game tied in the bottom of the 10th, Mookie Wilson hits a ground ball right to Bill Buckner, the 1st baseman. If he picks up the ball and touches 1st base, the inning will be over and they'll go to the 11th. But he misses, the ball rolls under his glove and into right field, allowing the winning run to score. The Mets would then go on to win Game 7.
This is the play I was referring to above. I'm actually surprised it didn't go in round one. However, I had trouble pickinga category. I think "choke" is probably the best one, but in the past few years the whole "Bucker got a raw deal" argument has gained a lot of steam. It would have been a hit anyways, he shouldn't have been out there with his bad back, why don't the pitchers get more of the blame, etc.

[larrymcg421]

The pitchers should get more blame. I don't understand why the last guy to screw up gets the blame. The Red Sox were one strike away from the title against two different hitters. They had a two run lead. The win had already been blown before the ball started trickling Buckner's way.

[Radii]

2.10 - Music City Miracle - Incredible Kickoff Return by Tennessee to win the Wild Card playoff game vs Buffalo on Jan 8th, 2000(Drama)


I'm not sure much of a description is needed here. One of the most exciting finishes to a football game ever, another heartbreak for Buffalo, and a perfectly executed trick play at just the right moment, up there with the catch, immaculate reception and a few others as some of the most memorable plays in NFL history.


3.1 - Mark McGwire's 62nd Home Run in 1998(record breaking)


If not for steroids, I would have taken this with 1.1, I hope its not too big a risk pick now but I think its still worthy given what the moment was at the time. Home Run records are the greatest records in all of sport, and the assault on Roger Maris' 61 home run single season record by Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire was one of the most exciting things to happen to baseball in a long time. It helped to resurrect the game after the strike a few years before. The Maris family in attendance, St Louis vs Chicago, bitter division rivals plus Sosa/McGwire playing against each other, it was a hell of a moment.

[Crapshoot]

Nice pick. But what's the specific moment you're taking? Liston not answering the bell?

Yup - I'll clarify it in the main post if you prefer. I'm having an "editing" day anyway.

[Lathum]

I'll be ready once schmidty goes

[Logan]

I was thinking about how some moments would fit into certain categories, so I went and re-read the rules. I can't believe I missed this gem:

More than a few people have had their drafts derailed by trying to get too clever. I know it's hard to Imagine, but it happens. You've been warned.

3.1 - Mark McGwire's 62nd Home Run in 1998(record breaking)


If not for steroids, I would have taken this with 1.1, I hope its not too big a risk pick now but I think its still worthy given what the moment was at the time. Home Run records are the greatest records in all of sport, and the assault on Roger Maris' 61 home run single season record by Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire was one of the most exciting things to happen to baseball in a long time. It helped to resurrect the game after the strike a few years before. The Maris family in attendance, St Louis vs Chicago, bitter division rivals plus Sosa/McGwire playing against each other, it was a hell of a moment.

This seems like as good a time as any to admit that I missed this live because I was rubbing one out to a very softcore Skinemax flick. True story. Good pick though.

[ISiddiqui]

But you must remember...very few of the people voting in this thread will be from the "worldwide scale." :)

Look at the Soccer Thread or MLS thread. There are FAR more people interested in soccer on these boards than you realize :D.

And it's quite famous for folks who aren't rabid soccer fans as well, but casually know about it.

[Lathum]

I was gonna go with McGwire next, to put it in perspective just how huge it was, I was in China and it was on the front page of the newspaper there.

[Logan]

Look at the Soccer Thread or MLS thread. There are FAR more people interested in soccer on these boards than you realize :D.

And it's quite famous for folks who aren't rabid soccer fans as well, but casually know about it.

I have no idea what you're talking about.

:)

[sabotai]

I think "choke" is probably the best one, but in the past few years the whole "Bucker got a raw deal" argument has gained a lot of steam. It would have been a hit anyways, he shouldn't have been out there with his bad back, why don't the pitchers get more of the blame, etc.

All of that is fine and I can see those points towards the whole picture of the 1986 World Series. To me, the most important part of that moment isn't necessarily getting the 3rd out. If Buckner fields the ball and Mookie does beat him to 1st base, it's atill all good since the winning run would not have scored, giving the Sox another chance to get the 3rd out.

[Logan]

I'm actually hoping some of my favorite moments don't get picked so I can get the satisfaction of describing them at the end.

[Schmidty]

3.2 - NC State's Lorenzo Charles dunks the ball to win the 1983 NCAA Title game. (Upset)

I'm happy with this one in the 3rd round.

[Lathum]

3.2 - NC State's Lorenzo Charles dunks the ball to win the 1983 NCAA Title game.

I'm happy with this one in the 3rd round.

catergory?

[Schmidty]

catergory?

I added it before you even said anything. :)

[Lathum]

3.3 Muhammed Ali lights tourch at 1996 Olympics in Atlanta- Emotion

not a dry eye watching. Possibly the most popular athelete in the last 50 years of the century shaking uncontrolably but still looking as powerful as ever and still exuding strength and confidence.

[Radii]

This seems like as good a time as any to admit that I missed this live because I was rubbing one out to a very softcore Skinemax flick. True story. Good pick though.


I'm not sure there's ever a good time to admit this.

[Schmidty]

3.3 Muhammed Ali lights tourch at 1996 Olympics in Atlanta- Emotion

not a dry eye watching. Possibly the most popular athelete in the last 50 years of the century shaking uncontrolably but still looking as powerful as ever and still exuding strength and confidence.

Damn. That was my next pick.

I read a Jemele Hill article on ESPN the other day that reminded me of it.

[Radii]

3.2 - NC State's Lorenzo Charles dunks the ball to win the 1983 NCAA Title game. (Upset)

I'm happy with this one in the 3rd round.

Gah. i wanted this. Great pick.

[Greyroofoo]

3.3 Muhammed Ali lights tourch at 1996 Olympics in Atlanta- Emotion

not a dry eye watching. Possibly the most popular athelete in the last 50 years of the century shaking uncontrolably but still looking as powerful as ever and still exuding strength and confidence.

Honestly, my reaction to this event was WTF? Couldn't they get someone better?

[Radii]

Is something that happened during the Opening Ceremonies our first instance of "Does that really qualify as something that could/should be picked at all?" :D Great, great moment, but I wouldn't have touched it here, it didn't happen during a game/specific olympic event. This would be the same as emotional moments that happen during halftime or between innings, etc, which i don't think count.

[Schmidty]

Is something that happened during the Opening Ceremonies our first instance of "Does that really qualify as something that could/should be picked at all?" :D Great, great moment, but I wouldn't have touched it here, it didn't happen during a game/specific olympic event. This would be the same as emotional moments that happen during halftime or between innings, etc, which i don't think count.

My impression was that as long as the moments pertained to sports, they were fair game. Otherwise, these picks could get pretty boring by the last few rounds.

[ISiddiqui]

Is something that happened during the Opening Ceremonies our first instance of "Does that really qualify as something that could/should be picked at all?" :D Great, great moment, but I wouldn't have touched it here, it didn't happen during a game/specific olympic event. This would be the same as emotional moments that happen during halftime or between innings, etc, which i don't think count.

Well, Cal Ripkin's famous "run" when he broke Gehrig's record happened in the middle of the 5th inning, IIRC, when the game became official.

[Lathum]

Honestly, my reaction to this event was WTF? Couldn't they get someone better?

you are soulless

[Lathum]

If maple leafs says the pick doesn't count I have another one on deck but I think part of these drafts is being creative and if the overall olympics isn't considered a sporting event I'm not sure what is.

[Logan]

you are soulless

And clearly anti-American.

[Logan]

Is something that happened during the Opening Ceremonies our first instance of "Does that really qualify as something that could/should be picked at all?" :D Great, great moment, but I wouldn't have touched it here, it didn't happen during a game/specific olympic event. This would be the same as emotional moments that happen during halftime or between innings, etc, which i don't think count.

Well, lighting the torch signifies the official start of the Olympics...so him doing so would then be the first true moment of the Olympics. Right?

[Greyroofoo]

And clearly anti-American.

how so??

[sabotai]

If maple leafs says the pick doesn't count I have another one on deck but I think part of these drafts is being creative and if the overall olympics isn't considered a sporting event I'm not sure what is.

I think the rule ML made is pretty clear.

" For the purpose of this draft, a "sports moment" is something that happens in the context of a sporting competition. It happens on the field of play, either during the game or immediately before/after"

I don't think the opening ceremonies for the Olympics qualifies as a "sporting competition".

[sabotai]

3.4 Peter Rose hits his 4,192nd career hit to break Ty Cobb's all-time hit record on September 11th, 1985 (Record-Breaking)

Ty Cobb's all-time hits record stood for nearly 60 years until Pete Rose hit a single into left-center field on September 11th, 1985 for his 4,192nd hit of his career. Think of all the great players that played the game between Ty Cobb's career and Pete Rose's. None of them could break 4,000 hits (Hank Aaron was closest with 3,771 hits), let alone get within range of Cobb's all-time record, until Peter Rose came along. No active player is anywhere near challenging the record.

[Greyroofoo]

I always like Pete Rose, maybe it's because my Aunt had a baseball signed by him or that he appeared in the WWF, I dunno.

[Lathum]

maybe we need to hold off on picking until we get a ruling?

[spleen1015]

This seems like as good a time as any to admit that I missed this live because I was rubbing one out to a very softcore Skinemax flick. True story. Good pick though.

I was in a bar at a bowling alley. When he hit tha ball I was scream "Get out! Get out!". Everyone in the bar was looking at me all weird. One dude asked me what happened. When I told him everyone shrugged and went back to what they were doing.

This bowling alley was in Montgomery, Alabama.

[spleen1015]

Since Sean took my pick, and I might add told me one time a few years ago that the Miracle on Ice was no big deal to Canadians, I'll let it slide this time. My pick..

March 28, 1992. Philadelphia Spectrum, NCAA East Regional Finals. Duke vs. Kentucky. Christian Laettner played the perfect game. He was 10 for 10 from the field and 10 for 10 from the free throw line. With 2.1 seconds left Laettner receives a full court pass from Grant Hill fakes one way, does a turn a round jumper the other way. Swish. Good. Duke goes on to win that game and eventually the national championship that year. I was so excited after that shot I jumped on my bed and fell right through it. I also put a hole in the roof.

1.9 The Clutch Shot by Christian Laettner to beat Kentucky with 2.1 seconds to go in the NCAA Regional finals in 1992.

I became a Duke fan the year before this when they beat the undefeated UNLV team. I was watching this game at my aunt's house. She lived in a trailer at the time and when Laettner made this shot I jumped up off of the couch and put my head through her ceiling.

[Maple Leafs]

Hey guys...

Quick ruling, I'll go into more detail when I get into work. I don't think Ali lighting the torch counts. I think I can stretch it for Ripken based on the definition I gave, but I don't see how a ceremony can be "during a game".

[spleen1015]

2.9 Cal Ripken breaks Lou Gehrig's consecutive game streak (Record-breaking)

Everyone considers Hank Aaron's HR record to be the biggest record in sports, but Gehrig's record was the most "unbreakable", and in my opinion, the most admirable.

To me, a record like this is much more difficult and deserving of respect than a the HR record. But that's just me (and the fact that Barry will break the record, rendering it useless).

This is my single greatest sports moment. If I were picking in this draft, this would have been my #1 for sure. Growing up, Cal Ripken, Jr. was my hero. I'm sure this will be topped in a few weeks when he gets inducted into the HoF.

[Lathum]

Hey guys...

Quick ruling, I'll go into more detail when I get into work. I don't think Ali lighting the torch counts. I think I can stretch it for Ripken based on the definition I gave, but I don't see how a ceremony can be "during a game".

well I disagree but if it is case closed I have another pick ready. I'll wait a few minutes before I make it to see if it is a definate.

[Dr. Sak]

I dont think my opinion matters in the decision, but I think it should count.

[Maple Leafs]

Hi all...

I can't come up with a good reason to exclude Gerhig's speech (which was mentioned specifically in the rules and would have been a surefire first round pick) but allow Ali's torch. If anything Gehrig has a stronger case since his moment came between games, while Ali's was at a ceremony that was about sports, but wasn't an actual sport itself.

I didn't want to go so far as to disallow anything that didn't happen directly during a game since I didn't want us to get into technicalities about post-game celebrations, players taking the field, etc. But if it's not during a game, it better be pretty close. Ripken's jog around the field is about as far as I want to stretch it.

Also, a pre-emptive ruling: on the same principles, Smith and Carlos giving the black power salute on the medal podium in 1968 is also off the table, as is anything involving the hostage situation at the 1972 games.

[Maple Leafs]

Here's the draft through two round:

1.1 - "The Catch" - Joe Montana to Dwight Clark touchdown to win the NFC Championship for San Francisco- Clutch
1.2 - Kirk Gibson walk-off homer Game 1 WS win in 1988- Drama
1.3 - The final out of game 7 of the 2004 ALCS - Comeback
1.4 - James "Buster" Douglas knocks out Mike Tyson in the 10th round on Feb 11th, 1990 - Upset
1.5 - Scott Norwood's missed FG at the end of the 1991 Super Bowl - Choke
1.6 - Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal, Argentina vs England 1986 World Cup Quarter-Final - Controversy
1.7 - "Do you believe in Miracles?", the final moments of the US/USSR 1980 Olympic hockey game - Upset
1.8 - Secretariat down the stretch at the 1973 Belmont Stakes - Speed
1.9 - Christian Laettner's shot to beat Kentucky with 2.1 seconds to go in the NCAA Regional finals in 1992 - Clutch
1.10 - Hank Aaron hits Home Run # 715 to break Babe Ruth's all time home run record - Record-breaking

2.1 - USSR defeats USA for the Olympic Gold Medal in Basketball after officials give them three chances to inbound the ball at the end of the game - Controversy
2.2 - Immaculate Reception December 23, 1972 Pittsburgh Steelers vs Oakland Raiders - Controversy
2.3 - Roger Bannister breaks the tape at the Iffley Road track to break the four minute mile - Record-breaking
2.4 - "The Play" - Cal returns a last second kickoff through the Stanford defense and their band - Comeback
2.5 - Jean Van de Velde's second shot on the last hole of the 1999 Open Championship at Carnoustie - Choke
2.6 - Clay Beats Liston - Upset
2.7 - Bill Buckner's error costs the Red Sox Game 6 of the 1986 World Series - Choke
2.8 - Don Larsen perfect world series game 5 1956 final out - Drama
2.9 - Cal Ripken celebrates with fans after breaking Lou Gehrig's consecutive game streak - Record-breaking
2.10 - "The Music City Miracle" - Incredible Kickoff Return by Tennessee to win the Wild Card playoff game vs Buffalo - Drama

[Lathum]

Well since I am getting shafted :P I guess I'll go with

3.3 - Clutch- Joe Carters walk off homerun game 6 1993 world series
Trailing by 2 runs with 1 out Carter goes yard on a 2 strike pitch to win the world series and avoid a game 7. IT was the first time a team ever won the world series with a walk off homerun while trailing.

[Maple Leafs]

Crapshoot is on the clock

[Maple Leafs]

Crapshoot hasn't sent any picks since his original list of three. One of his initial picks is still available, but... um... it doesn't make any sense. So I'd rather give him a chance to pick for himself.

If he's not here by noon (EST) then we'll keep moving.

[Maple Leafs]

OK, I think we've given Crapshoot enough time to drop by. I'm just going to move on and pick for him.

His original three picks included this one: "2001 World Series - the Luis Gonzales HR".

Two problems there. For one, he doesn't say which category he wants the pick in (he's not the only one, please everyone remember to include this in future picks). Bigger issue is that I'm fairly sure he means the Series-winning hit, which wasn't a HR but a bloop single. So I have to make some assumptions on this one, but I'm going to go ahead and make this selection for him:

3.5 - Luis Gonzalez singles off of Mariano Rivera in the bottom of the ninth of game seven to win the 2001 World Series - Clutch

Tanglewood is up.

[Maple Leafs]

Oops, Tanglewood had sent a pick. Here it is, with his description.

3.6 - Michael Johnson's 19.32s in the 200m 1996 Olympic final - Speed.

He beat his own previous world record by 3 full tenths of a second, a lifetime in a track race, a mark which was only reached by another athlete in June 2006. Quite simply, in the highest arena on the biggest stage, Michael Johnson ran faster than any man ever has and ever will for many, many decades. Then he faked an injury because Donovan Bailey kicked his ass.

(OK, I added one of those sentences... but the rest was Tanglewood's.)

[Maple Leafs]

My pick:

3.7 - Jesse Owens humiliates Adolt Hitler by winning gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics - Drama

Hitler had expected the 1936 Games to be his showcase for the superiority of the Aryan race. He had gone so far as to chastise the Americans for their use of black atheletes, who he referred to as "non-humans".

In front of a stadium filled with swastikas and with Hitler himself watching the events, Owens won the 100-meter final. He went on to also win gold in the long jump, 200-meter and the relay. There were reports that Hitler unsuccessfully pressured the Americans not to use Owens in the relay, feeling he had already been embarassed enough. Despite the political climate, many German altheletes and fans embraced Owens as a hero.

[Crapshoot]

OK, I think we've given Crapshoot enough time to drop by. I'm just going to move on and pick for him.

His original three picks included this one: "2001 World Series - the Luis Gonzales HR".

Two problems there. For one, he doesn't say which category he wants the pick in (he's not the only one, please everyone remember to include this in future picks). Bigger issue is that I'm fairly sure he means the Series-winning hit, which wasn't a HR but a bloop single. So I have to make some assumptions on this one, but I'm going to go ahead and make this selection for him:

3.5 - Luis Gonzalez singles off of Mariano Rivera in the bottom of the ninth of game seven to win the 2001 World Series - Clutch

Tanglewood is up.

Sorry - West Coaster. Didn't get to work till late today. Pick works for me.

[digamma]

3.8 The Shot Heard 'Round the World. Bobby Thompson's homerun off Ralph Branca on the last day of the season to give the Giants the pennant. Drama.

THE GIANTS WIN THE PENNANT! THE GIANTS WIN THE PENNANT! THE GIANTS WIN THE PENNANT!

[Dr. Sak]

3.9 - April 15, 1947 Jackie Robinson becomes the first African American to play in the MLB as he steps on the field for the Brooklyn Dodgers - Emotion

Robinson made his Major League debut on April 15, 1947, playing first base when he went 0 for 3 against the Boston Braves. In the years since his number 42 has been retired by MLB and April 15th is known as Jackie Robinson day throughout the league.

[Maple Leafs]

Thanks to Larry, who sent along a bunch of picks to keep things moving:

3.10 - Larry Bird's steal and pass to Dennis Johnson for the last second victory in the 1987 Eastern Conference Finals - Clutch

4.1 - Mike Tyson flattens Michael Spinks in the first round - Power

[Dr. Sak]

4.2 - Willis Reed running onto the court on May 8, 1970, during Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers in Madison Square Garden - Drama

Despite a severe thigh injury - a torn muscle - he started the game in front of a thrilled audience and scored the Knicks' first two field goals on his first two shot attempts. It was all the inspiration the Knicks needed, as teammate Walt "Clyde" Frazier went on to score 36 points. The Knicks won the game 113-99, giving New York City its first NBA title. The moment he walked onto the court was voted the greatest moment in the history of Madison Square Garden.

EDIT: For some reason I remember my dad telling me he watched this game on his first date with my mom.

[digamma]

4.3 Upset. Super Bowl III, Jets 16, Colts 7, final seconds.

The final seconds tick off the clock in Super Bowl III as the AFL Jets complete the upset of the heavily favored NFL Colts, fulfilling Joe Namath's famous guarantee.

[Logan]

No disrespect to the others, but 3.7 to 4.3 have all been awesome picks, IMO, and a couple were steals.

[Crapshoot]

3.8 is the one I feel like an idiot about, especially since I'm a Giants fan.

[Maple Leafs]

For my "power" play, I'll take probably the most famous play from one of the most intimidating athletes in recent memory.

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4.4 - Lawrence Taylor breaks Joe Theismann's leg on MNF - Power

[Maple Leafs]

Tanglewood's pick:

4.5 - Aryton Senna's crash at Imola 1994 - Emotion

Possibly the greatest race driver ever in one of the most horriffic accidents in motorsport history. The vulture circling of the TV cameras amplified throughout the world the dreadfuly slow medical response as Senna sat motionless in his utterly destroyed Williams. Not that it mattered. As he impacted the concrete barrier at 135 mph a wing from his cars suspension snapped and struck him on the helmet, which completely caved. Whilst his heart was still beating and he was breathing as he left the track in a Medivac he had suffered severe brain haemorrages and was all but dead immediately from the impact. His death and Ratzenburger's earlier at the same meeting were the catalyst for a severe rethink in F1 and a tremendous overhaul of saftey standards that has undoubtedly saved many, many lives in the preceeding 13 years of the sport. It's a shame that such a great sportsman, and an even greater human being, had to pay with his life for such basic reform to take place.

[Dr. Sak]

Leave it to Maple Leafs to put the spotlight on a coke addict.

[Maple Leafs]

Leave it to Maple Leafs to put the spotlight on a coke addict.
There is no proof that Theismann ever used cocaine.

[Crapshoot]

Tanglewood's pick:

4.5 - Aryton Senna's crash at Imola 1994 - Emotion

Possibly the greatest race driver ever in one of the most horriffic accidents in motorsport history. The vulture circling of the TV cameras amplified throughout the world the dreadfuly slow medical response as Senna sat motionless in his utterly destroyed Williams. Not that it mattered. As he impacted the concrete barrier at 135 mph a wing from his cars suspension snapped and struck him on the helmet, which completely caved. Whilst his heart was still beating and he was breathing as he left the track in a Medivac he had suffered severe brain haemorrages and was all but dead immediately from the impact. His death and Ratzenburger's earlier at the same meeting were the catalyst for a severe rethink in F1 and a tremendous overhaul of saftey standards that has undoubtedly saved many, many lives in the preceeding 13 years of the sport. It's a shame that such a great sportsman, and an even greater human being, had to pay with his life for such basic reform to take place.

DAMN IT ! THat was going to be my pick. Give me 10 min.

[Crapshoot]

4.6 - Drama - 1958 NFL title game - . Really, ESPN's description is pretty accurate: "The first NFL championship game on national TV and a classic rivalry. The Colts tied the Giants on a last-second field goal. In OT, the Colts drove to the 1-yard line, and Johnny Unitas handed off to Alan Ameche for the winning TD plunge and a 23-17 Colts' win in the Greatest Game Ever Played."

[Lathum]

4.6 - Drama - 1958 NFL title game - . Really, ESPN's description is pretty accurate: "The first NFL championship game on national TV and a classic rivalry. The Colts tied the Giants on a last-second field goal. In OT, the Colts drove to the 1-yard line, and Johnny Unitas handed off to Alan Ameche for the winning TD plunge and a 23-17 Colts' win in the Greatest Game Ever Played."

not to be picky but don't you have to select the actual "moment" of that game?

[sabotai]

not to be picky but don't you have to select the actual "moment" of that game?

I was gonna say something along these lines for ML's Owens' pick (wouldn't ML have to specify which event the moment is for?). He kind of did in the description (100 meters), as did Crapshoot did with the game (the TD in OT he mentions in the description).

[sabotai]

dola, And "THE GIANTS WIN THE PENNANT" was going to be my next pick. I was thinking about it on the way home from work.

[Lathum]

As long as saboti doesn't steel my pick I'll be ready

[Crapshoot]

I was gonna say something along these lines for ML's Owens' pick (wouldn't ML have to specify which event the moment is for?). He kind of did in the description (100 meters), as did Crapshoot did with the game (the TD in OT he mentions in the description).

Yup - the touchdown at the end - thought that was fairly clear.

[sabotai]

4.7 "Down goes Frazier. Down Goes Frazier." George Foreman knocks down Joe Frazier 6 times in the first 2 rounds, winning the World Heavyweight championship on January 22nd, 1973 by a 2nd round TKO. (Power)

Just under 2 years prior, Joe Frazier had fought the greatest of all time, Muhammed Ali, in one of the greatest fights ever fought. He took the former champion to the distance and won a hard fought unanimous decision. He then defended his title against Terry Daniels and Ron Strander, winning both by knock out in the 4th and 5th round, respectively. Foreman was up next against, and the challenger destroys the champion of the world by sending him to the canvas six times in the first 2 round, winning the title by a 2nd round TKO. Foreman looked inhuman that night.

(Unfortunately, not Howard Cosell announcing in this clip)
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[Lathum]

4.8 controversy- "The Tuck" 2002 AFC Divisonal playoffs

Do I need to say more? It propeled the Pats to become a dynasty and elevated Tom Brady to legend status. If that call had gone the other way who knows how things end up?

[Maple Leafs]

I was gonna say something along these lines for ML's Owens' pick (wouldn't ML have to specify which event the moment is for?). He kind of did in the description (100 meters), as did Crapshoot did with the game (the TD in OT he mentions in the description).
Correct, my pick is the 100 metres win by Owens.

[Maple Leafs]

Hey everyone, a reminder as we enter the middle rounds -- keep track of which cateogries you've used. If you get to the end and find out you doubled up, you'll have to dig your way out of your own mess.

[Maple Leafs]

Schmidty still on the clock...

[Schmidty]

Schmidty still on the clock...

Crap. I was here earlier, and didn't see that Lathum had posted. My bad.

[Schmidty]

It would be awesome if we could have the prior draft selections listed in the first post of the thread, by the way.

[Schmidty]

4.9 - Willy Mays over-the-shoulder catch in Game 1 of the 1954 WS (Speed)

Perhaps the greatest defensive play in baseball history, and certainly the most memorable.

[Maple Leafs]

Radii sent his picks...

4.10 - Colorado Scores on 5th down to beat Missouri in 1990 - Controversy

Trailing 31-27 near the end of the game, Colorado has 1st and Goal and four chances to beat Missouri. First down: QB Spikes the blal. 2nd down, a run up the middle is stopped, and a mistake is made by the official responsible for changing the marker to third down. On what should have been 3rd down another run failed. On what should have been fourth down the QB spiked the ball, but no one caught the mistake and Colorado was given a 5th down with 2 seconds left in the game. They make the most of it and score a touchdown.

The game ended up having signifigant ramifications, as Colorado finished the season 11-1-1, winning the AP National Title, while Georgia Tech(11-0-1) takes the Coaches Poll for a split national title. Had Colorado lost this game they would have had 2 losses and no shot at the national title.

5.1 - Bo Kimble Shoots his first free throw of the 1990 NCAA Tournament left handed in memory of Hank Gathers - Emotion

Loyola Marymount was a great story, a small school playing an exciting run and gun offense, they were led by two incredible athletes, Hank Gathers and Bo Kimble. The previous season Gathers led the NCAA in scoring and rebounding. Gathers had a heart condition and on March 4th, 1990 collapsed on the floor during the West Coast Conference tournament and died. Kimble was right handed, Gathers left. In memory of his best friend and teammate, Kimble shoots the first free throw he takes vs New Mexico State left handed, and sinks it. This one moment is part of a bigger emotional run by Loyola Marymount who, without their superstar, made an incredible run to the Elite Eight before losing to juggernaut UNLV. In all four games, Kimble shot his first free throw left handed, going four for four.

[Maple Leafs]

The picks through round four:

1.1 - "The Catch" - Joe Montana to Dwight Clark touchdown to win the NFC Championship for San Francisco- Clutch
1.2 - Kirk Gibson walk-off homer Game 1 WS win in 1988- Drama
1.3 - The final out of game 7 of the 2004 ALCS - Comeback
1.4 - James "Buster" Douglas knocks out Mike Tyson in the 10th round on Feb 11th, 1990 - Upset
1.5 - Scott Norwood's missed FG at the end of the 1991 Super Bowl - Choke
1.6 - Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal, Argentina vs England 1986 World Cup Quarter-Final - Controversy
1.7 - "Do you believe in Miracles?", the final moments of the US/USSR 1980 Olympic hockey game - Upset
1.8 - Secretariat down the stretch at the 1973 Belmont Stakes - Speed
1.9 - Christian Laettner's shot to beat Kentucky with 2.1 seconds to go in the NCAA Regional finals in 1992 - Clutch
1.10 - Hank Aaron hits Home Run # 715 to break Babe Ruth's all time home run record - Record-breaking

2.1 - USSR defeats USA for the Olympic Gold Medal in Basketball after officials give them three chances to inbound the ball at the end of the game - Controversy
2.2 - Immaculate Reception December 23, 1972 Pittsburgh Steelers vs Oakland Raiders - Controversy
2.3 - Roger Bannister breaks the tape at the Iffley Road track to break the four minute mile - Record-breaking
2.4 - "The Play" - Cal returns a last second kickoff through the Stanford defense and their band - Comeback
2.5 - Jean Van de Velde's second shot on the last hole of the 1999 Open Championship at Carnoustie - Choke
2.6 - Clay Beats Liston - Upset
2.7 - Bill Buckner's error costs the Red Sox Game 6 of the 1986 World Series - Choke
2.8 - Don Larsen perfect world series game 5 1956 final out - Drama
2.9 - Cal Ripken celebrates with fans after breaking Lou Gehrig's consecutive game streak - Record-breaking
2.10 - "The Music City Miracle" - Incredible Kickoff Return by Tennessee to win the Wild Card playoff game vs Buffalo - Drama

3.1 - Mark McGwire's 62nd Home Run in 1998 - Record-breaking
3.2 - NC State's Lorenzo Charles dunks the ball to win the 1983 NCAA Title game - Upset
3.3 - Joe Carters walk off homerun game 6 1993 world series - Clutch
3.4 - Peter Rose hits his 4,192nd career hit to break Ty Cobb's all-time hit record - Record-breaking
3.5 - Luis Gonzalez singles off of Mariano Rivera in the bottom of the ninth of game seven to win the 2001 World Series - Clutch
3.6 - Michael Johnson's 19.32s in the 200m 1996 Olympic final - Speed
3.7 - Jesse Owens humiliates Adolt Hitler by winning gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics - Drama
3.8 The Shot 'Round the World. Bobby Thompson's homerun off Ralph Branca on the last day of the season to give the Giants the pennant - Drama
3.9 - Jackie Robinson becomes the first African American to play in the MLB as he steps on the field for the Brooklyn Dodgers - Emotion
3.10 - Larry Bird's steal and pass to Dennis Johnson for the last second victory in the 1987 Eastern Conference Finals - Clutch

4.1 - Mike Tyson flattens Michael Spinks in the first round - Power
4.2 - Willis Reed running onto the court during Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers in Madison Square Garden - Drama
4.3 - Super Bowl III, Jets 16, Colts 7, final seconds - Upset
4.4 - Lawrence Taylor breaks Joe Theismann's leg on MNF - Power
4.5 - Aryton Senna's crash at Imola 1994 - Emotion
4.6 - The OT touchdown in the 1958 NFL title game - Drama
4.7 - "Down goes Frazier. Down Goes Frazier." George Foreman knocks down Joe Frazier while winning the World Heavyweight championship - Power
4.8 - "The Tuck" - 2002 AFC Divisonal playoffs - Controversy
4.9 - Willy Mays over-the-shoulder catch in Game 1 of the 1954 World Series - Speed
4.10 - Colorado Scores on 5th down to beat Missouri in 1990 - Controversy

[Maple Leafs]

Schmidty's pick:

5.2 - Chris Webber calls a timeout he doesn't have in the 1993 NCAA Championship game - Choke

[Maple Leafs]

Lathum's pick:

5.3 - Rulon Gardner defeats Alexander Karelin in the 2000 Olympics - Power

His comment: Not only had Karelin been undefeated for 13 years but hadn't allowed a point in 6.

Sab is on the clock.

[sabotai]

Here and thinking...

[sabotai]

5.4 Bo Jackson blows by the Seattle defense for a 91 yard TD Run on Monday Night Football, November 30th, 1987 (Speed)

Ran so fast that he couldn't slow down before getting to the tunnel. Brian Bosworth said he could contain Bo Jackson. He could not.

[Pumpy Tudors]

5.4 Bo Jackson blows by the Seattle defense for a 91 yard TD Run on Monday Night Football, November 30th, 1987 (Speed)

Ran so fast that he couldn't slow down before getting to the tunnel. Brian Bosworth said he could contain Bo Jackson. He could not.
This is the first thing that came to my mind when I saw the word "speed" in the contest.

[larrymcg421]

I was going to use Rulon as upset as that was one of the biggest upsets in sports history, but it could be put in several categories. Another one is Drama, as his cartwheel after the victory is pretty memorable.

[ISiddiqui]

Lathum's pick:

5.3 - Rulon Gardner defeats Alexander Karelin in the 2000 Olympics - Power

His comment: Not only had Karelin been undefeated for 13 years but hadn't allowed a point in 6.

Sab is on the clock.

Probably is better as an upset, but I dunno if Lathum has one already.

[digamma]

I was going to use Rulon as upset as that was one of the biggest upsets in sports history, but it could be put in several categories. Another one is Drama, as his cartwheel after the victory is pretty memorable.

His tears after winning also probably capture emotion too. I definitely had my eye on this moment for this round or the next.

[Crapshoot]

Sporting events rarely fall into the good vs. evil category - rather, we have our sides, and our perceptions and subjectivity have the potential to cloud our judgment. But sports has the potential for symbolism - and nothing quite matches that symbolism as Joe Louis - Max Schmeling bout. It was freedom vs. totalitarianism - equity vs. racism. It seems unfair, because Schmeling was a good man on the wrong side of a fight he didn't pick. He had beaten the great Joe Louis once. He wouldn't do so again.

And with 5.5 - Emotion - Joe Louis with the right that knocked Schmeling down, and the combo that kept him there (for the TKO) . Nazi Germany's propoganda machine once again (Jesse Owens first) got knocked on its ass.

[Maple Leafs]

Tanglewood is up.

He sent some picks earlier, which are all gone. I do have a pick from his original three that I could use, but that was a while ago and he may have changed strategies so I'll give him some time.

Random comments on some of the picks, in hopes of starting some discussion (which we haven't had much of, sadly):

5.1 - Bo Kimble Shoots his first free throw of the 1990 NCAA Tournament left handed in memory of Hank Gathers - Emotion
I really wanted to sneak this in as a sleeper pick later. I don't care about college basketball at all, and this still gets me every time.

5.2 - Chris Webber calls a timeout he doesn't have in the 1993 NCAA Championship game - Choke
This was my next pick.

5.4 Bo Jackson blows by the Seattle defense for a 91 yard TD Run on Monday Night Football, November 30th, 1987 - Speed
I didn't know my Tecmo games were eligible to be drafted.

[Radii]

Schmidty's pick:

5.2 - Chris Webber calls a timeout he doesn't have in the 1993 NCAA Championship game - Choke


Great pick. I only PM'd Maple Leafs the two picks that got made for me, no backups. If one of my picks had been taken this is what i was going to go with. I of course espicially wanted it because it resulted in my beloved Tar Heels winning the national title.

[Schmidty]

Great pick. I only PM'd Maple Leafs the two picks that got made for me, no backups. If one of my picks had been taken this is what i was going to go with. I of course espicially wanted it because it resulted in my beloved Tar Heels winning the national title.

And I wanted it because it resulted in my beloved Spartans laughing at the idiotic Wolverines.

[Maple Leafs]

I have up-tp-date picks from sab, lathum and larry. Nobody else.

I'm not in any big hurry for tonight, but for tomorrow it would be nice to have some picks (especially if you know you won't be around for any stretch).

[sabotai]

This is the first thing that came to my mind when I saw the word "speed" in the contest.

I honestly didn't think of it until today. Maple Leaf knows what I originally had for "Speed", and luckily I didn't have to use it yet since I think it fits a different category better, and the Bo Jackson play fits "Speed" perfectly IMO.

Comment on Max Schmelling vs. Joe Louis - I was thinking of picking that for Emotion or Drama. Good pick.

[Lathum]

I thought about upsets for Gardner but strength is one of those catergories that will be thin IMO and upsets will be pretty deep. I wanted to put something so memorable into a catergory that may be thin

[Sublime 2]

5.2 - Chris Webber calls a timeout he doesn't have in the 1993 NCAA Championship game - Choke

Love this pick.

[larrymcg421]

Here are the writeups for my two autopicks...

3.10 - Larry Bird's steal and pass to Dennis Johnson for the last second
victory in the 1987 Eastern Conference Finals - Clutch

It doesn't get much more clutch than this. With just 5 seconds left in game 5 of the conference finals, Detroit was inbounding the ball and held a 1pt. lead. Bird came out of nowhere to pick off the pass and had the presence to dish it to a cutting Dennis Johnson for the winning layup.

4.1 - Mike Tyson flattens Michael Spinks in the first round - Power

In this heavily hyped PPV fight, Tyson made it a short affair by knocking out Spinks in the 1st round. You can see that Spinks was never in it, he tried to absorb the blows early on, but after his first fall to the canvas, you could see the fear in his eyes. Spinks is barely up for a few seconds when Tyson levels him with one of the most powerful punches in the history of boxing.

[tanglewood]

It is difficult today to think of Muhammed Ali being an underdog. Universally acclaimed as the greatest heavyweight ever, perhaps the greatest boxer across all classes, how could he have ever been unfancied going into a fight? But against George Foreman in 1974 his opponent was an outrageous 1/3 favourite with the bookies. It has a simple explaination, everyone knew Foreman would win. Foreman was a lean, powerful 24 year-old, the hardest puncher anyone had ever seen. He had demolished Joe Frazier and destroyed Ken Norton, the only two fighters to have beaten Ali, both of them inside two rounds. Ali had always relied on his speed and quick hands but his age was catching up to him nulifying his greatest strengths. Only one man had regained the heavyweight title after losing it The only concern in the Foreman camp was that he might kill Ali before the referee could stop the fight.

Everyone knows what followed. Ali knew that he couldn't fight in close as Foreman was just too hard a puncher and he couldn't compete. Likewise he couldn't dance around the ring all fight to evade as in the searing Zaire heat he would tire quickly and be a sitting duck in the later rounds. So he employed the now famous rope-a-dope, gloves up, lean back and take it. Let Foreman do all the work in the oven-like conditions, springing with quick flurries when the opportunity presented itself before switching back to pure defence. Ali taunted Foreman "they told me you could punch, George!" and "they told me you could punch as hard as Joe Louis" as he took blow after blow after blow. When the two clenched together, Ali put all his body weight on Foreman tiring him further and pressed down his head into his neck. In the fourth Ali put together a trademark gattling gun combination which staggered his opponent and nearly had him down. In the fifth, after reverting to back to taking it all again, near the end of the round he again shook Foreman with another rapid fire set of blows. Finally in the eighth a left hook-straight right combo rocked Foreman square in the face, floored him, and won the fight.

As said it seems hard to believe that Ali could have been considered such a rank outsider entering a world championship fight. We now know looking back that he wasn't washed up at 32 and had another 5 years at the top to run, that wasn't just a pretty boy braggard and could not only dish it out but take it too. The legend of the Rumble in the Jungle cemented Ali's place as what he had always claimed himself to be, The Greatest.

5.6 Ali KOs Foreman in The Rumble In The Jungle, 1974 - Upset

[Schmidty]

Damn, I need to start writing novels with my picks too. :(

[Maple Leafs]

Somewhat surpised this guy hasn't shown up yet in this draft...

5.7 - Jordan's "final shot" beats the Jazz to win his sixth title - Clutch

With Chicago trailing by three points in the final minute, Jordan first scored on a drive. Then he stripped the ball from Karl Malone at the defensive end. Finally, Jordan executed a crossover dribble, and launched a championship-winning 20-foot jumper over a fallen (pushed?) Bryon Russell.

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Jordan, who had already declared himself 99.9% sure that the season would be his last, held the pose for a few seconds after the shot, as if he was saying goodbye. He finished the game with 45 points and earned his sixth and final championship with perhaps the most memorable shot of his career.

(Of course, the epilogue to the story is that the shot wasn't Jordan's last after all -- he made a largely unsuccessful comeback with Washington years later, which detracts from the moment somewhat.)

[Maple Leafs]

digamma is on the clock. He has not sent any picks.

[digamma]

5.8 Hail Mary! Doug Flutie to Gerard Phelan lifts BC over Miami and cements Flutie as the Heisman Trophy winner. Emotion.

Flutie's pass and subsequent celebratory run down the field was as emotion filled as any moment in college football.

[Dr. Sak]

5.9 - George Foreman's Punch to Knockout Michael Moore to become the oldest heavyweight champion in history - Upset

The fight took place on November 5 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Once again, Foreman was a big underdog. For nine rounds, Moorer easily outboxed him, hitting and moving away, while Foreman chugged forward, unable to pull the trigger on his punches. Entering the tenth round, Foreman was trailing on all scorecards. Then, suddenly, a right hand caught Moorer on the tip of his chin, gashing open his bottom lip, and he collapsed to the canvas. He lay flat on his back as the referee counted to 10. Just like that, Foreman had become champion again. In wonder and disbelief, he padded back to his corner, and knelt in prayer as the arena erupted in cheers around him. With this historic victory, Foreman broke two records: He became, at the age of 45, the oldest fighter ever to win the world Heavyweight crown, and, 20 years after losing his world title for the first time, he broke the record for the fighter with the most time in between one world championship run and the next.

[Lathum]

I just sent my picks to Maple Leafs. I will be out until about 2:30 EST. HOpefully one of my picks is still there. I am actually shocked no one has taken my #1 choice yet.

[digamma]

I'll be at work in 40 minutes if my next pick comes up. Not sending a list because I am mulling two or three options.

[Maple Leafs]

Larry sent his picks:

5.10 - Francisco Cabrera hits a single to left field and Sid Bream runs to the plate for the winning run in game 7 of the 1992 NLCS - Drama

6.1 - Florida State, Wide Right 1991 - Choke

He adds this note for the Florida pick: "several to pick from, but this is the best simply because Bobby initially thought it was good."

[Maple Leafs]

The picks at the half-way point:

1.1 - "The Catch" - Joe Montana to Dwight Clark touchdown to win the NFC Championship for San Francisco- Clutch
1.2 - Kirk Gibson walk-off homer Game 1 WS win in 1988- Drama
1.3 - The final out of game 7 of the 2004 ALCS - Comeback
1.4 - James "Buster" Douglas knocks out Mike Tyson in the 10th round on Feb 11th, 1990 - Upset
1.5 - Scott Norwood's missed FG at the end of the 1991 Super Bowl - Choke
1.6 - Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal, Argentina vs England 1986 World Cup Quarter-Final - Controversy
1.7 - "Do you believe in Miracles?", the final moments of the US/USSR 1980 Olympic hockey game - Upset
1.8 - Secretariat down the stretch at the 1973 Belmont Stakes - Speed
1.9 - Christian Laettner's shot to beat Kentucky with 2.1 seconds to go in the NCAA Regional finals in 1992 - Clutch
1.10 - Hank Aaron hits Home Run # 715 to break Babe Ruth's all time home run record - Record-breaking

2.1 - USSR defeats USA for the Olympic Gold Medal in Basketball after officials give them three chances to inbound the ball at the end of the game - Controversy
2.2 - Immaculate Reception December 23, 1972 Pittsburgh Steelers vs Oakland Raiders - Controversy
2.3 - Roger Bannister breaks the tape at the Iffley Road track to break the four minute mile - Record-breaking
2.4 - "The Play" - Cal returns a last second kickoff through the Stanford defense and their band - Comeback
2.5 - Jean Van de Velde's second shot on the last hole of the 1999 Open Championship at Carnoustie - Choke
2.6 - Clay Beats Liston - Upset
2.7 - Bill Buckner's error costs the Red Sox Game 6 of the 1986 World Series - Choke
2.8 - Don Larsen perfect world series game 5 1956 final out - Drama
2.9 - Cal Ripken celebrates with fans after breaking Lou Gehrig's consecutive game streak - Record-breaking
2.10 - "The Music City Miracle" - Incredible Kickoff Return by Tennessee to win the Wild Card playoff game vs Buffalo - Drama

3.1 - Mark McGwire's 62nd Home Run in 1998 - Record-breaking
3.2 - NC State's Lorenzo Charles dunks the ball to win the 1983 NCAA Title game - Upset
3.3 - Joe Carters walk off homerun game 6 1993 world series - Clutch
3.4 - Peter Rose hits his 4,192nd career hit to break Ty Cobb's all-time hit record - Record-breaking
3.5 - Luis Gonzalez singles off of Mariano Rivera in the bottom of the ninth of game seven to win the 2001 World Series - Clutch
3.6 - Michael Johnson's 19.32s in the 200m 1996 Olympic final - Speed
3.7 - Jesse Owens humiliates Adolt Hitler by winning gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics - Drama
3.8 The Shot 'Round the World. Bobby Thompson's homerun off Ralph Branca on the last day of the season to give the Giants the pennant - Drama
3.9 - Jackie Robinson becomes the first African American to play in the MLB as he steps on the field for the Brooklyn Dodgers - Emotion
3.10 - Larry Bird's steal and pass to Dennis Johnson for the last second victory in the 1987 Eastern Conference Finals - Clutch

4.1 - Mike Tyson flattens Michael Spinks in the first round - Power
4.2 - Willis Reed running onto the court during Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers in Madison Square Garden - Drama
4.3 - Super Bowl III, Jets 16, Colts 7, final seconds - Upset
4.4 - Lawrence Taylor breaks Joe Theismann's leg on MNF - Power
4.5 - Aryton Senna's crash at Imola 1994 - Emotion
4.6 - The OT touchdown in the 1958 NFL title game - Drama
4.7 - "Down goes Frazier. Down Goes Frazier." George Foreman knocks down Joe Frazier while winning the World Heavyweight championship - Power
4.8 - "The Tuck" - 2002 AFC Divisonal playoffs - Controversy
4.9 - Willy Mays over-the-shoulder catch in Game 1 of the 1954 World Series - Speed
4.10 - Colorado Scores on 5th down to beat Missouri in 1990 - Controversy

5.1 - Bo Kimble Shoots his first free throw of the 1990 NCAA Tournament left handed in memory of Hank Gathers - Emotion
5.2 - Chris Webber calls a timeout he doesn't have in the 1993 NCAA Championship game - Choke
5.3 - Rulon Gardner defeats Alexander Karelin in the 2000 Olympics - Power
5.4 - Bo Jackson blows by the Seattle defense for a 91 yard TD Run on MNF - Speed
5.5 - Joe Louis TKO's Max Schmeling - Emotion
5.6 - Ali KOs Foreman in The Rumble In The Jungle, 1974 - Upset
5.7 - Jordan's "final shot" beats the Jazz to win his sixth title - Clutch
5.8 - Hail Mary! Doug Flutie to Gerard Phelan lifts BC over Miami - Emotion
5.9 - George Foreman's Punch to Knockout Michael Moore to become the oldest heavyweight champion in history - Upset
5.10 - Francisco Cabrera hits a single to left field and Sid Bream runs to the plate for the winning run in game 7 of the 1992 NLCS - Drama

[Dr. Sak]

6.2 Justin Leonard sinks 45 foot putt to cap off the greatest comeback in Ryder Cup History - 1999 Ryder Cup - Comeback

The star-studded United States team, which included Tiger Woods, David Duval, Phil Mickelson and Tom Lehman, trailed the European team, 10-6. How bad was the forecast for a comeback victory? No team in 33 previous Ryder Cups had ever erased more than a two-point deficit to win. At 17, it's Justin Leonard vs. Jose Maria Olazabal -- with the Ryder Cup on the line. Olazabal had bogeyed four straight holes, allowing Leonard to even the match on 15 after rolling in a 35-foot putt. Both made pars on 16. On 17, a par-4, they both reach the green in two shots. Leonard faces a 45-foot putt, Olazabal a 22-footer.

As the putt falls, a wide-eyed, exuberant Leonard raises both arms, screams "Yes! " and sprints toward the gallery. Crenshaw falls to his knees and kisses the green. There is pandemonium on the course, a scene never seen before on the links. Davis Love III, Woods and Mickelson charged out of their nervous crouches when Leonard's putt for the ages ducks its way into the hole. They piled onto each other like a baseball team after winning the World Series.

Crenshaw races toward Leonard, his face bursting with joy, and hugs Leonard so hard that it looks as if his piercing blue eyes might pop out of his head. The final score will be 14 1/2 for the U.S., 13 1/2 for the Europeans.

[Maple Leafs]

Picks so far by team:

Radii
1.1 - "The Catch" - Joe Montana to Dwight Clark touchdown to win the NFC Championship for San Francisco- Clutch
2.10 - "The Music City Miracle" - Incredible Kickoff Return by Tennessee to win the Wild Card playoff game vs Buffalo - Drama
3.1 - Mark McGwire's 62nd Home Run in 1998 - Record-breaking
4.10 - Colorado Scores on 5th down to beat Missouri in 1990 - Controversy
5.1 - Bo Kimble Shoots his first free throw of the 1990 NCAA Tournament left handed in memory of Hank Gathers - Emotion

Schmidty
1.2 - Kirk Gibson walk-off homer Game 1 WS win in 1988- Drama
2.9 - Cal Ripken celebrates with fans after breaking Lou Gehrig's consecutive game streak - Record-breaking
3.2 - NC State's Lorenzo Charles dunks the ball to win the 1983 NCAA Title game - Upset
4.9 - Willy Mays over-the-shoulder catch in Game 1 of the 1954 World Series - Speed
5.2 - Chris Webber calls a timeout he doesn't have in the 1993 NCAA Championship game - Choke

Lathum
1.3 - The final out of game 7 of the 2004 ALCS - Comeback
2.8 - Don Larsen perfect world series game 5 1956 final out - Drama
3.3 - Joe Carters walk off homerun game 6 1993 world series - Clutch
4.8 - "The Tuck" - 2002 AFC Divisonal playoffs - Controversy
5.3 - Rulon Gardner defeats Alexander Karelin in the 2000 Olympics - Power

sabotai
1.4 - James "Buster" Douglas knocks out Mike Tyson in the 10th round on Feb 11th, 1990 - Upset
2.7 - Bill Buckner's error costs the Red Sox Game 6 of the 1986 World Series - Choke
3.4 - Peter Rose hits his 4,192nd career hit to break Ty Cobb's all-time hit record - Record-breaking
4.7 - "Down goes Frazier. Down Goes Frazier." George Foreman knocks down Joe Frazier while winning the World Heavyweight championship - Power
5.4 - Bo Jackson blows by the Seattle defense for a 91 yard TD Run on MNF - Speed

Crapshoot
1.5 - Scott Norwood's missed FG at the end of the 1991 Super Bowl - Choke
2.6 - Clay Beats Liston - Upset
3.5 - Luis Gonzalez singles off of Mariano Rivera in the bottom of the ninth of game seven to win the 2001 World Series - Clutch
4.6 - The OT touchdown in the 1958 NFL title game - Drama
5.5 - Joe Louis TKO's Max Schmeling - Emotion

tanglewood
1.6 - Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal, Argentina vs England 1986 World Cup Quarter-Final - Controversy
2.5 - Jean Van de Velde's second shot on the last hole of the 1999 Open Championship at Carnoustie - Choke
3.6 - Michael Johnson's 19.32s in the 200m 1996 Olympic final - Speed
4.5 - Aryton Senna's crash at Imola 1994 - Emotion
5.6 - Ali KOs Foreman in The Rumble In The Jungle, 1974 - Upset

Maple Leafs
1.7 - "Do you believe in Miracles?", the final moments of the US/USSR 1980 Olympic hockey game - Upset
2.4 - "The Play" - Cal returns a last second kickoff through the Stanford defense and their band - Comeback
3.7 - Jesse Owens humiliates Adolt Hitler by winning gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics - Drama
4.4 - Lawrence Taylor breaks Joe Theismann's leg on MNF - Power
5.7 - Jordan's "final shot" beats the Jazz to win his sixth title - Clutch

digamma
1.8 - Secretariat down the stretch at the 1973 Belmont Stakes - Speed
2.3 - Roger Bannister breaks the tape at the Iffley Road track to break the four minute mile - Record-breaking
3.8 The Shot 'Round the World. Bobby Thompson's homerun off Ralph Branca on the last day of the season to give the Giants the pennant - Drama
4.3 - Super Bowl III, Jets 16, Colts 7, final seconds - Upset
5.8 - Hail Mary! Doug Flutie to Gerard Phelan lifts BC over Miami - Emotion

bsak16
1.9 - Christian Laettner's shot to beat Kentucky with 2.1 seconds to go in the NCAA Regional finals in 1992 - Clutch
2.2 - Immaculate Reception December 23, 1972 Pittsburgh Steelers vs Oakland Raiders - Controversy
3.9 - Jackie Robinson becomes the first African American to play in the MLB as he steps on the field for the Brooklyn Dodgers - Emotion
4.2 - Willis Reed running onto the court during Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers in Madison Square Garden - Drama
5.9 - George Foreman's Punch to Knockout Michael Moore to become the oldest heavyweight champion in history - Upset
6.2 - Justin Leonard sinks 45-putt to win 1999 Ryder Cup - Comeback

larrymcg421
1.10 - Hank Aaron hits Home Run # 715 to break Babe Ruth's all time home run record - Record-breaking
2.1 - USSR defeats USA for the Olympic Gold Medal in Basketball after officials give them three chances to inbound the ball at the end of the game - Controversy
3.10 - Larry Bird's steal and pass to Dennis Johnson for the last second victory in the 1987 Eastern Conference Finals - Clutch
4.1 - Mike Tyson flattens Michael Spinks in the first round - Power
5.10 - Francisco Cabrera hits a single to left field and Sid Bream runs to the plate for the winning run in game 7 of the 1992 NLCS - Drama
6.1 - Florida State, Wide Right 1991 - Choke

[digamma]

6.3 The Comeback! Bills 41, Oilers 38, January 3, 1993. Steve Christie kicks a field goal in overtime to cap the Bills rally from a 35-3 deficit. Comeback.

Arguably the greatest single game comeback in American professional sports history, the Bills rallied from a 35-3 second half deficit to shock the Oilers in the first round of the AFC play-offs.

[Logan]

This is going to be a tough vote.

[Maple Leafs]

6.4 - Greg Norman hugs Nick Faldo after blowing a six-stroke lead in the final round of the 1996 Masters - Choke

While Norman had a history of disappointments in major tournaments, nobody could imagine a worse collapse than the final round of the 1996 Masters. Norman entered with a six-stroke lead over second place Faldo, but shot a 78 which included five bogeys and two double bogeys. By the end of the round he was so far behind that the final hole played out without any drama -- just a sense dispair and of that observes compared to a funeral.

[Radii]

6.3 The Comeback! Bills 41, Oilers 38, January 3, 1993. Steve Christie kicks a field goal in overtime to cap the Bills rally from a 35-3 deficit. Comeback.



That seems like a big steal this late. Good one.

[Maple Leafs]

Tanglewood is on the clock.

[Maple Leafs]

I have an old pick from tanglewood. If he hasn't made his selection by the time I finish lunch I'll use that and we'll move on.

[Maple Leafs]

OK, moving on:

6.5 - Solskjaer's injury time winner, Bayern Munich vs Manchester United 1999 Champion's League Final - Drama

Crapshoot is on the clock.

[Crapshoot]

Continuing the soccer theme. I've seem some great games in my life - from the aforementioned Bayern Munich - Man U game to Liv4erpool-Alaves. But nothing will ever take the cake from "That night in Istanbul". At half time, Liverpool was down 3-0 to a Milan side full of Serie A, Champions League, and World Cup winners - they had been there before - and looked likely to be there again. But goddamnit, Liverpool would not give up. From Gerrard's header and urging to go on, to Smicer's 20 yard shot past Dida - before Xabi Alonso's penalty miss (and subsequent goal) made an improbably comeback - with a cramped Gerrard playing right-back by the end. It went to extra time and looked headed for penalties- until the 116th minute, where Shevchenko had the ball 3 years out. To this day, I don't know how Dudek saved that ball - and I bet he doesn't either. Watching it, you knew at this point that Milan were done - the fates had smiled on Liverpool. Irony had it that Liverpool would take the penalty shootout-lead, until that man (Shevchenko) stepped up - needing to score to keep Milan in the Champions League. He had done 2 years previously against Juventus. This time, it was not to be, sealing the greatest sporting comeback I have ever seen.

6.6 - Jerzy Dudek's penalty save from Shevchenko to seal the Champions League- Comeback

[sabotai]

Got home from work just in time. Prepareing my pick now.

[sabotai]

6.7 Feb. 16th, 2006, Jason McElwain, an autistic 17 year old senior, comes off the bench with 4 minutes left in his high school basketball team's last home game, and hits his 6th 3-pointer as the game ends. - Emotion

The crowd was already going wild just from seeing McElwain enter the game. They just kept getting louder and louder as he hit 3-pointer after 3-pointer. When he hit his 6th one as the game ended, the crowd rushed the court as his teammates carried him on their shoulders.

[Radii]

very nice sabotai

[Maple Leafs]

I remember being so disillusioned after the McElwain steroid revelations.

[Lathum]

6.8 Emotion- Dale Earnhardt killed in crash on final lap of Daytona 500

He was the biggest star of the sport on the sports biggest stage. On the final lap he was still racing hard with a chance to win when he went into the wall hard. A nation watched, including his son who had just completed the race, as the situation unfolded. Word began to spread that things were not ok, then they bought out the white sheet. That day everyone was a racing fan and an Earnhardt supporter.

[digamma]

6.8 Emotion- Dale Earnhardt killed in crash on final lap of Daytona 500

He was the biggest star of the sport on the sports biggest stage. On the final lap he was still racing hard with a chance to win when he went into the wall hard. A nation watched, including his son who had just completed the race, as the situation unfolded. Word began to spread that things were not ok, then they bought out the white sheet. That day everyone was a racing fan and an Earnhardt supporter.


Not to be picky, but Earnhardt was rushed to the hospital and they attempted to resuscitate him. The white sheet incident was at the hospital after he had been pronounced dead (a half hour or so later) and the medical examiner was picking up his body. If I recall, Fox had already ended its broadcast at that point, and the death wasn't announced to the public until later that evening.

That doesn't change the incident or the moment of the crash, of course--so I think the pick is very good. Just wanted to clarify the description.

[Lathum]

I recall them bringing the sheet out when they took him from the car and covering him, but it is very possible I am wrong, I had been doing some boozing that day.

But like you said, it doesn't change the emotinal aspect of it.

[Crapshoot]

6.8 Emotion- Dale Earnhardt killed in crash on final lap of Daytona 500

He was the biggest star of the sport on the sports biggest stage. On the final lap he was still racing hard with a chance to win when he went into the wall hard. A nation watched, including his son who had just completed the race, as the situation unfolded. Word began to spread that things were not ok, then they bought out the white sheet. That day everyone was a racing fan and an Earnhardt supporter.

Its funny - because Senna is far more vivid to me than Earnhardt (which was pretty indifferent to me) - yet over here, I bet that 95% of people recall the latter as opposed to the former.

[Subby]

digamma is absolutely crushing this draft...

[Maple Leafs]

We are still waiting on Schmidty. He did not send any picks.

Today has been a slow day... I reserve the right to start skipping people if we're not making any progress tomorrow.

[Schmidty]

We are still waiting on Schmidty. He did not send any picks.

Today has been a slow day... I reserve the right to start skipping people if we're not making any progress tomorrow.

Geez. I did the same thing yesterday. I need to pay attention better.

Give me a few minutes.

[Schmidty]

6.9 - Lance Armstrong crosses the finish line in 1999 and yells "I'm in Shock" as he wins his first Tour de France 2 years after almost dying from testicular cancer.(Strength)


I was just reading up on this, and I never realized how bad his cancer was. It spread from his testicles, to his lungs and abdomen, and he actually had golf-ball sized tumors. He was given only a 50-50 chance to live, yet still rode 30-50 miles a day while undergoing radiation. Wow, I never realized how amazingly strong and gutsy this guy is/was. I actually got choked up reading his story just now.

[Karlifornia]

Bsak has a tailed off a bit after a white-hot start...I'm not sure who I have winning at this point. Too close to call, I guess.

[Radii]

just making my picks for now, i'll throw out details in an edit:


6.10 - Time expires in the 1985 NCAA Championship game, Villanova plays the perfect game to beat Georgetown (upset)



7.1 - After having trailed 30-7 in the 4th quarter, John Hall kicks a FG in overtime to complete an amazing comeback by the Jets vs Miami on Monday Night Football in 2000(comeback)

[Lathum]

Mapleleafs has my next pick, I'll be out for a while

[Schmidty]

7.2 - Kerri Strug lands a vault on one leg, helping the US win the Oplympic gold medal over Russia for gymastics in 1996. (Emotion)

Sure, they would have eeked out a win anyway, but they did not know that at the times. I remember it like yesterday, and it's still one of the gutsiest things I've ever seen. Two snapped ankle ligaments and a fracture, yet she still landed it with a very, very good score. 99 % of even male athletes couldn't or wouldn't have done that. Amazing.

[sabotai]

Good pick Schmidty. I was close to picking that a few times in the draft.

[Maple Leafs]

Lathum's pick (need him to clarify an actual moment here):

7.3 - Texas Western defeats KU in 1966 Champioship game - Upset

This game and team changed the face of collegiate sports. No one gave Texas Western a chance at beating powerhouse KU with an all black starting 5 and they upset them 72-65.

[Schmidty]

Good pick Schmidty. I was close to picking that a few times in the draft.

Thanks man. This is a tough draft. So many of these are beyond subjective value-wise.

[sabotai]

7.4 Dudek blocks Shevchenko's penalty kick, completing Liverpool's comeback from 3-0 at halftime against Milan to win the 2005 Champions League 3-3 (3-2 penalty kicks). (Comeback)

Liverpool trailed 3-0 at half and came back in the 2nd half to tie the game at 3. In extra time, Milan dominated possession, and Dudek came up with a amazing double save and point blank range (a moment I thought of taking for "Clutch") to take the game into penalty kicks. Liverpool went up 3-2 on the kicks, and Dudek saves Milan's last try to get the win.

[digamma]

I think that was already taken.

[Crapshoot]

7.4 Dudek blocks Shevchenko's penalty kick, completing Liverpool's comeback from 3-0 at halftime against Milan to win the 2005 Champions League 3-3 (3-2 penalty kicks). (Comeback)

Liverpool trailed 3-0 at half and came back in the 2nd half to tie the game at 3. In extra time, Milan dominated possession, and Dudek came up with a amazing double save and point blank range (a moment I thought of taking for "Clutch") to take the game into penalty kicks. Liverpool went up 3-2 on the kicks, and Dudek saves Milan's last try to get the win.



Boss - look up at my pick in round 6. :D

[Maple Leafs]

Smooth.

[sabotai]

Boss - look up at my pick in round 6. :D

Shit. That's what I get for quickly scanning for "Liverpool" and "Milan" in everyone's bolded text.

[sabotai]

7.4 Richard Steele stops the Julio Cesar Chavez-Meldrick Taylor fight with 2 seconds left in the 12th round, giving Chavez a TKO victory. (Controversy)

Heading into the 12th round, Taylor had a comfortable lead on two scorecards (107-102 and 108-101). Chavez needed a knockout to win the fight. After over 2 and half minutes of punishment, the exhausted Taylor finally dropped to the canvas with a little over 10 seconds remaining in the round. He got to his feet and appeared to be fine, but then Steele waved his arms with just 2 seconds left in the fight, ending the bout. Steele said he called the fight because Taylor did not immediately respond to his questions, but Steele's reputation (warrented or not) of making questionable decisions for Don King promoted fighters fueled the controversy fire.

Here's HBO's Legandary Nights on the Chavez-Tayolr fight (the last third of the episode). This part deals with the controversy, but the first 20 minutes of the episode is up there too.
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[Maple Leafs]

Crapshoot is on the clock.

Thanks to larry, who has been sending picks throughout the draft. I also have one pick I can still use for sab. Everyone else, I have no picks for you (Lathum has been sending them regularly as well, but everything he's sent has now been used). Others have either not sent picks at all, or sent picks early that are now off the board.

If we go as slow today as yesterday, I may start skipping people. In other words, if I don't have a pick from you and you're holding up the draft, you'll get the Minnesota Viking treatment and we'll move on without you. When you're back you'll be able to go back and make any picks you've missed.

Whenever I have a pick from somebody in my PM box, I also give them some time to make the pick themselves unless they've told me they definitely won't be around. So don't worry that sending a pick may lock you into something you don't want or prevent you from changing your mind. This deep in the draft, even sending one or two picks will probably cover you for quite a while.

This is fair warning for everyone -- if somebody gets skipped today and then complains we'll all just point and laugh at you.

[Maple Leafs]

I know crapshoot is on the west coast, but this happened yesterday too and he did not send any picks for today.

I'll give him to noon EST (an hour from now). If he hasn't picked yet, tanglewood can go ahead and draft.

[larrymcg421]

7.4 Richard Steele stops the Julio Cesar Chavez-Meldrick Taylor fight with 2 seconds left in the 12th round, giving Chavez a TKO victory. (Controversy)

Heading into the 12th round, Taylor had a comfortable lead on two scorecards (107-102 and 108-101). Chavez needed a knockout to win the fight. After over 2 and half minutes of punishment, the exhausted Taylor finally dropped to the canvas with a little over 10 seconds remaining in the round. He got to his feet and appeared to be fine, but then Steele waved his arms with just 2 seconds left in the fight, ending the bout. Steele said he called the fight because Taylor did not immediately respond to his questions, but Steele's reputation (warrented or not) of making questionable decisions for Don King promoted fighters fueled the controversy fire.

Having seen the Youtube video of this, I have to side with Steele. He asked Taylor if he was alright twice, and there was no response. Chavez was beating the mess out of him in the last round. Even subjecting Taylor to one more punch would have been very dangerous. From what I understand, he was messed up pretty bad anyways.

[Crapshoot]

Sorry - I'm here. I'll pick within 5 minutes.

[Lathum]

Leafs, I will be here for about another hour.
I sent you picks but I think I wanna go outside those if I am up and here

[Crapshoot]

7.5 -Bill Mazeroski- Power - Hr to end the 1960 world series . What is every kid's dream in baseball? Its the bottom of the ninth, game 7 of the world series- and you're up to bat. The pressure is on you - can you come through and pull of the moment of a lifetime? Maz, one of the greatest 2b of all time - did just that - with his bat, and suddenly - the 1960 world series was over.Bill Mazeroski hit a grand total of 138 HR in his regular season career - none was ever as important as this one. The ball is in the HOF - and so is the player. No other world series has gone to game 7 and ended quite like this.

[tanglewood]

Pick coming, just give me a few minutes.

[Lathum]

I didn't realize we were on the way back up. I PM'd my pick to Mapleleafs since I'll be gone until late tonight.

[tanglewood]

7.6 Bob Beamon shatters the long jump world record, 1968 Olympics in Mexico City - Record Breaking

On the biggest stage of his life, Beamon produced the perfect jump. When his mark of 8.90m (29 ft. 2-1/2 in.) was displayed and read out by the announcer he collapsed to his knees, head in his hands. He had smashed the world record by an impossible 55 centimeters (21-3/4 in.). The defending champion Lynn Davis told him "you have destroyed this event". Feats of sporting incredulity became Beamonesque. Beamon himself never cam close to matching his jump before and after. He never won another Olympic medal. His next best jump in his whole career was 8.33m, and only 8.22m after his incredible win. On that day in Mexico City, Beamon caught lightning in a bottle.

Some people disparage the feat because it was done at altitude. Well, lots of people kept jumping at altitude for the 40 years since and only one guy has beaten him so far, the record broken (by just 4cm this time) in 1991.

[digamma]

nice pick

[albionmoonlight]

Beamon's jump lasted to the seventh round?

Steal of the draft.

[Maple Leafs]

This is a reach, but it's a tough category

Arguably the most famous stolen base of our generation (although that's not saying much in the steroid era...)

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7.7 - Dave Roberts steals second base off Mariano Rivera to start the Red Sox comeback in game four of the 2004 ALCS - Speed

From Wiki: Roberts, who had not played in 10 days, came in to pinch run. Rivera threw over to first base three times (the last almost picked off Roberts), and on the next pitch, Roberts managed to steal second base. Bill Mueller followed with a single, Roberts scored, and the Sox went on to win in 12 innings and begin their run of eight straight wins, culminating in Boston's first World Series title since 1918.

[Crapshoot]

This is a reach, but it's a tough category

Arguably the most famous stolen base of our generation (although that's not saying much in the steroid era...)

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7.7 - Dave Roberts steals second base off Mariano Rivera to start the Red Sox comeback in game four of the 2004 ALCS - Speed

From Wiki: Roberts, who had not played in 10 days, came in to pinch run. Rivera threw over to first base three times (the last almost picked off Roberts), and on the next pitch, Roberts managed to steal second base. Bill Mueller followed with a single, Roberts scored, and the Sox went on to win in 12 innings and begin their run of eight straight wins, culminating in Boston's first World Series title since 1918.

I'm curious - since these are your rules, but is it fair game given that the "series" had already been taken as the "comeback" (ie, one could argue this is part of the comeback)?

[digamma]

7.8 Clutch. Freshman Michael Jordan sinks a jumper with 15 seconds left to lift North Carolina over Georgetown in the NCAA Championship Game, 63-62.

We have the shot that ended his career, but how about the one that really got it going. Arguably the most clutch performer ever to step on a basketball court, as a freshman he hit one of the biggest (if not the biggest) shot of his entire career to lift the Heels to the NCAA title. Jordan was the second option on the play--the first was to go to Big Game James Worthy. Worthy wasn't open so the pass went to MJ...and the rest is history.

[Dr. Sak]

7.9 - 1986 Western Conference Semifinals, Steve Smith scores the Series Clinching goal, for the wrong team - Choke

Skating unchecked early in the third period of a 2-2 tie in the seventh game, Smith tried to fire a cross-ice outlet pass from just behind his own net. In the process, he managed to carom the puck into the net, inadvertently bouncing it off the back of goalie Grant Fuhr's skate. Beside himself with grief -- and probably pissed at the sheer dumb luck of it all -- Smith immediately fell to his knees and buried his head in his hands. The own-goal stood up as the winner, and the Flames beat their dreaded rivals in the playoffs for the first time, breaking the Oilers' string of consecutive Stanley Cups at two.

Thats what i get for asking Sean for a favor

[Maple Leafs]

I'm curious - since these are your rules, but is it fair game given that the "series" had already been taken as the "comeback" (ie, one could argue this is part of the comeback)?
I'd argue that they're pretty distinct moments. They happened four games apart, after all.

[Noop]

Interesting...

[Maple Leafs]

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QFT.

[Maple Leafs]

Larry's picks:

7.10 - Final seconds tick down in Chaminade's 77-72 victory over Virginia - Upset

8.1 - Smarty Jones gets run down at the end of the Belmont Stakes - Emotion

[Dr. Sak]

8.2 - October 15, 1989 - HE DID IT HE DID IT!! Wayne Gretzky scores a Goal to break Gordie Howe's Career Scoring Record in a third of the time - Record Breaking

In his second season with the Los Angeles Kings, Gretzky ties Howe's record of 1,850 with an assist early in the game against his former team, the Edmonton Oilers. Then, with just 53 seconds left in the third period, The Great Gretzky becomes hockey's greatest point producer with a short backhander over goalie Bill Ranford.

The crowd of 17,503 in Edmonton gives Gretzky a standing ovation as he's mobbed by his teammates and congratulated by his former teammates. The game is stopped and during a ceremony, among the gifts that Gretzky receives is a gold bracelet set with diamonds weighing 1.851 carats from the Oilers.

Howe, who is at the game and cheers when Gretzky scores point No. 1,851, set his record with 801 goals and 1,049 points in 26 years (1,767 games). Gretzky breaks the mark with 641 goals and 1,240 assists in the start of his 11th season (780 games).

After setting the record, Gretzky isn't through. He scores in overtime to give the Kings a 5-4 victory.

[Maple Leafs]

Picks through seven:

1.1 - "The Catch" - Joe Montana to Dwight Clark touchdown to win the NFC Championship for San Francisco- Clutch
1.2 - Kirk Gibson walk-off homer Game 1 WS win in 1988 - Drama
1.3 - The final out of game 7 of the 2004 ALCS - Comeback
1.4 - James "Buster" Douglas knocks out Mike Tyson in the 10th round on Feb 11th, 1990 - Upset
1.5 - Scott Norwood's missed FG at the end of the 1991 Super Bowl - Choke
1.6 - Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal, Argentina vs England 1986 World Cup Quarter-Final - Controversy
1.7 - "Do you believe in Miracles?", the final moments of the US/USSR 1980 Olympic hockey game - Upset
1.8 - Secretariat down the stretch at the 1973 Belmont Stakes - Speed
1.9 - Christian Laettner's shot to beat Kentucky with 2.1 seconds to go in the NCAA Regional finals in 1992 - Clutch
1.10 - Hank Aaron hits Home Run # 715 to break Babe Ruth's all time home run record - Record-breaking

2.1 - USSR defeats USA for the Olympic Gold Medal in Basketball after officials give them three chances to inbound the ball at the end of the game - Controversy
2.2 - Immaculate Reception December 23, 1972 Pittsburgh Steelers vs Oakland Raiders - Controversy
2.3 - Roger Bannister breaks the tape at the Iffley Road track to break the four minute mile - Record-breaking
2.4 - "The Play" - Cal returns a last second kickoff through the Stanford defense and their band - Comeback
2.5 - Jean Van de Velde's second shot on the last hole of the 1999 Open Championship at Carnoustie - Choke
2.6 - Clay Beats Liston - Upset
2.7 - Bill Buckner's error costs the Red Sox Game 6 of the 1986 World Series - Choke
2.8 - Don Larsen perfect world series game 5 1956 final out - Drama
2.9 - Cal Ripken celebrates with fans after breaking Lou Gehrig's consecutive game streak - Record-breaking
2.10 - "The Music City Miracle" - Incredible Kickoff Return by Tennessee to win the Wild Card playoff game vs Buffalo - Drama

3.1 - Mark McGwire's 62nd Home Run in 1998 - Record-breaking
3.2 - NC State's Lorenzo Charles dunks the ball to win the 1983 NCAA Title game - Upset
3.3 - Joe Carters walk off homerun game 6 1993 world series - Clutch
3.4 - Peter Rose hits his 4,192nd career hit to break Ty Cobb's all-time hit record - Record-breaking
3.5 - Luis Gonzalez singles off of Mariano Rivera in the bottom of the ninth of game seven to win the 2001 World Series - Clutch
3.6 - Michael Johnson's 19.32s in the 200m 1996 Olympic final - Speed
3.7 - Jesse Owens humiliates Adolt Hitler by winning gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics - Drama
3.8 The Shot 'Round the World. Bobby Thompson's homerun off Ralph Branca on the last day of the season to give the Giants the pennant - Drama
3.9 - Jackie Robinson becomes the first African American to play in the MLB as he steps on the field for the Brooklyn Dodgers - Emotion
3.10 - Larry Bird's steal and pass to Dennis Johnson for the last second victory in the 1987 Eastern Conference Finals - Clutch

4.1 - Mike Tyson flattens Michael Spinks in the first round - Power
4.2 - Willis Reed running onto the court during Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers in Madison Square Garden - Drama
4.3 - Super Bowl III, Jets 16, Colts 7, final seconds - Upset
4.4 - Lawrence Taylor breaks Joe Theismann's leg on MNF - Power
4.5 - Aryton Senna's crash at Imola 1994 - Emotion
4.6 - The OT touchdown in the 1958 NFL title game - Drama
4.7 - "Down goes Frazier. Down Goes Frazier." George Foreman knocks down Joe Frazier while winning the World Heavyweight championship - Power
4.8 - "The Tuck" - 2002 AFC Divisonal playoffs - Controversy
4.9 - Willy Mays over-the-shoulder catch in Game 1 of the 1954 World Series - Speed
4.10 - Colorado Scores on 5th down to beat Missouri in 1990 - Controversy

5.1 - Bo Kimble Shoots his first free throw of the 1990 NCAA Tournament left handed in memory of Hank Gathers - Emotion
5.2 - Chris Webber calls a timeout he doesn't have in the 1993 NCAA Championship game - Choke
5.3 - Rulon Gardner defeats Alexander Karelin in the 2000 Olympics - Power
5.4 - Bo Jackson blows by the Seattle defense for a 91 yard TD Run on MNF - Speed
5.5 - Joe Louis TKO's Max Schmeling - Emotion
5.6 - Ali KOs Foreman in The Rumble In The Jungle, 1974 - Upset
5.7 - Jordan's "final shot" beats the Jazz to win his sixth title - Clutch
5.8 - Hail Mary! Doug Flutie to Gerard Phelan lifts BC over Miami - Emotion
5.9 - George Foreman's Punch to Knockout Michael Moore to become the oldest heavyweight champion in history - Upset
5.10 - Francisco Cabrera hits a single to left field and Sid Bream runs to the plate for the winning run in game 7 of the 1992 NLCS - Drama

6.1 - Florida State, Wide Right 1991 - Choke
6.2 - Justin Leonard sinks 45 foot putt to cap off the greatest comeback in Ryder Cup History - 1999 Ryder Cup - Comeback
6.3 - Steve Christie kicks a field goal in overtime to cap the Bills rally from a 35-3 deficit - Comeback
6.4 - Greg Norman hugs Nick Faldo after blowing a six-stroke lead in the final round of the 1996 Masters - Choke
6.5 - Solskjaer's injury time winner, Bayern Munich vs Manchester United 1999 Champion's League Final - Drama
6.6 - Jerzy Dudek's penalty save from Shevchenko to seal the Champions League - Comeback
6.7 - Jason McElwain, an autistic 17 year old senior hits his 6th 3-pointer as the game ends in his high school basketball team's last home game - Emotion
6.8 - Dale Earnhardt killed in crash on final lap of Daytona 500 - Emotion
6.9 - Lance Armstrong crosses the finish line in 1999 and yells "I'm in Shock" as he wins his first Tour de France two years after almost dying from testicular cancer - Strength
6.10 - Time expires in the 1985 NCAA Championship game, Villanova plays the perfect game to beat Georgetown - Upset

7.1 - After having trailed 30-7 in the 4th quarter, John Hall kicks a FG in overtime to complete an amazing comeback by the Jets vs Miami on Monday Night Football in 2000 - Comeback
7.2 - Kerri Strug lands a vault on one leg, helping the US win the Oplympic gold medal over Russia for gymastics in 1996 - Emotion
7.3 - Texas Western defeats KU in 1966 Champioship game - Upset
7.4 Richard Steele stops the Julio Cesar Chavez-Meldrick Taylor fight with 2 seconds left in the 12th round, giving Chavez a TKO victory - Controversy
7.5 - Bill Mazeroski- Power - Hr to end the 1960 world series
7.6 - Bob Beamon shatters the long jump world record, 1968 Olympics in Mexico City - Record Breaking
7.7 - Dave Roberts steals second base off Mariano Rivera to start the Red Sox comeback in game four of the 2004 ALCS - Speed
7.8 - Freshman Michael Jordan sinks a jumper with 15 seconds left to lift North Carolina over Georgetown in the NCAA Championship Game, 63-62 - Clutch
7.9 - 1986 Western Conference Semifinals, Steve Smith scores the Series Clinching goal, for the wrong team - Choke
7.10 - Final seconds tick down in Chaminade's 77-72 victory over Virginia - Upset