Your best sports memory (live)

[skeeman101]

I realize this has probably been asked before, but what's your best memory of a game that you were at?

 

[Ray<3tiklishft]

I have a gazillion sports memories. I live in Detroit and grew up watching The Tigers and Red Wings on TV and live at each of their respective venues. I also watched the Lions on TV and a few Pistons games, but never really went to any of their games. Most recently, I've been going to few University of Michigan footballs games at the "Big House" (Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI). I'm not much of a Wolverines fan but a good friend of mine has 4 season tickets and an ex-brother-in-law. So that worked out for me.

Since you started with baseball, I will, too. It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon, my eleventh birthday, May, 1972, a friend and I went to Tiger Stadium to see our beloved Tigers. We lives near Michigan Avenue so he and I took the bus. (35 cents there and 35 cents back = 70 cents.) On Saturdays, 14 years old and under could get in for 50 cents. ($1.20) Hot dog was 50 cents, pop was a quarter ($1.95 which was pocket change for me). I also found a scorebook and a pencil and a cardboard popcorn box shaped like a megaphone that had a blank side to it that said "Autographs". The game was over but we hung around for a while but the security guards chased us out. But instead of going the bus stop, we snuck into the parking lot where the Tigers players parked. We hid between the cars for a minute or so and we saw some players coming out of the clubhouse exit. I went up to them and asked for autographs and they signed the megaphone (cordially, and with a smile). I said to them that it was my 11th birthday and they shook my hand. More players came out and I got more autographs. They were just about done coming out of the clubhouse when a security guard spotted us and yelled at us. We ran like crazy, finally finding a way out. We ran to the bus stop just as the bus pulled up and we ran on, sat down, and tried to catch our breath. We were cheering for ourselves at our accomplishment.

I showed the autographs to everyone, including our teacher, who let us retell the story to class. Unfortunately, a couple weeks later, my mom cleaned my room while I was at school and, not knowing what it was, threw out the cardboard megaphone in the garbage. I went to the garbage can in the kitchen and noticed a new bag in it. I went outside in the alley garbage cans and they were empty, too. The garbage truck had already gone by and took my prized posession

Why did you have to start this thread and make me remember that! LOL

I have lots more stories.

 

[Mitchell]

Even though I'm not a Mets fan, I was at the Seventh Game of the 1986 World Series. Being there for the last out, when Jesse Orosco struck out Marty Barrett, and watching the Mets reaction, and the fans, was something that will stay with me a lifetime. I can always say I was at the seventh game of a World Series.

Honorable mention: August 20, 1985. (I know the date because I have Keith Hernandez book, If At First). A Tuesday night at Shea, and Dwight Gooden, back when he was Dr K, struck out sixteen Giants. Shea was electric that night, the crowd roaring with every strikeout. It was amazing to be present for such a pitching performance.

Mitch

 

[Sleepy Jean]

I was in Assembly Hall at Indiana University the afternoon Bob Knight threw the chair.

 

[milagros317]

Sunday, October 9, 1988. NCLS game four.
Dodgers vs. Mets at Shea Stadium. Mets led the NLCS, two games to one, as the game began.

I was there, Mezzanine Level, section 8, box 546A, seat 8. (I'm looking at the ticket stub now.)

The line score:

Dodgers.... 200 000 002 001-5
Mets........ 000 301 000 000-4

It was Mike Scioscia's two-run homerun in the top of the 9th off Gooden that tied the game. It was Kirk Gibson's solo homerun off McDowell that gave the Dodgers the lead in the top of the 12th.

The Mets got the bases loaded with one out in the bottom of the 12th. Then Orosco got Strawberry to pop out in the infield and Hershiser (on zero days rest) came in to get the save by retiring McReynolds on a dying fly ball to center field. It was Dodger cf John Shelby who ran in full speed to make the game-saving catch below knee level.

🙂 🙂

The Dodgers went on to win the NLCS 4 games to 3, and to win the World Series over Oakland, 4 games to 1.

 

[Tickle Fiend]

Watching the 'Boys shutout the 'Skins 27-0 at my first (and so far only) Cowboys game back in 2003.

 

[MWhoTklsFemFeet]

My very first time going to the American Airlines Center to watch the Dallas Mavericks vs. the Phoenix Suns (this was back in 2007 when the Mavericks and Suns were running roughshot over the NBA)

All I wanted was for it to be a good game because I wanted to cheer and have fun, I got that and then some. The Suns and Mavericks did not disappoint with a double overtime classic where the Suns lead by double digits and the Mavs came all the way back and then the Mavs lead by double digits and the Suns came all the way back.

All in all I had a great time even though the Mavericks lost that game 127-125.

 

[makemlaugh2003]

I've seen precious, precious few great sports moments live...

...but these would easily be my top two, both courtesy of the world of Major League Baseball:

1) In what would be the legendary Carl Yastrzemski's final season, Yaz clubbed two wall doubles off of Dennis Martinez as the Red Sox went on to destroy the Orioles that day at Fenway. Jim Rice and Tony Armas both went yard, and Dwight Evans hit TWO. If I'd had outfield seats that day, I would've come away with a souvenir ball EASY

2) In a routinely-dominating performance, Red Sox ace Roger Clemens stymied the Blue Jays all day in Toronto, pitching a complete-game, two-hit shutout, a game memorable as much for that as for the fact that, with two outs and a runner on in the bottom of the ninth, the Blue Jays actually LEFT light-hitting infielder Manny Lee in to face Clemens without opting for a pinch-hitter...ANY pinch-hitter. Lee went on to whiff rather meekly and compliantly

 

[Goodieluver]

At the united center when they had the memorial for Keith Magnusson. It was heartbreaking, esp the way pat foley gave his speech, when he sat in the penalty box because it seemed fitting

I also seen random wrestling events. Like Mike awesome winning his first ecw title

Also saw the last game for cal ripken jr at comiskey park.

 

[nylontickler(m)]

OSU-Mi******

I went to Ass Arbor in November 2007 and watched to Buckeyes kill U of M. I had a bet with a guy in front of me that the Pussycats (I mean, Wolverines) wouldnt gain 100 yards total offense.

I won.

 

[slacker2114]

My very first live NFL game, hands down.

There I was in Pittsburgh. It was the beginning of December. Snow everywhere you could see. The Raiders had come to town, boasting a team-to-beat season. I had travelled there with two friends of mine, both obnoxious Raiders fans. The Steelers were struggling a bit that season, but in the end, we pulled it off and sent Oakland packing back to the land of fruits and nuts.

Final score: 21-20. My friends were quiet all the way home. And that was some golden silence, my friends.

 

[baldadonis]

The first and only NFL postseason game I've ever attended. 49ers v. Giants, 2002 NFC Wildcard Round. 49ers fall behind 38-14 midway through the 3rd quarter. Everyone in our section is either heading for the exits or discussing who will be the new coach when Mariucci inevitably gets fired after the game. Instead, the 49ers rally to score the next 25 points, thanks in part to some really dumb luck (Shockey drops an easy touchdown in the 4th quarter, the botched field goal attempt to end the game) and stun the Giants 39-38. The roar coming out of Candlestick was so electric and could seemingly be felt from miles away.

The 49ers came back to reality a week later and got thumped by the Bucs.

 

[Mitchell]

Skeeman, I'm sorry. I certainly didnt mean to evoke bad memories. Being a Sox fan, you got your revenge in 2004 and 2007.

Tell you what, I'm an Atlanta Braves fan. Want me to bring up my own postseason nightmares for you.


1991- WS Game 6, 11th inning-Charlie Leibrant to Kirby Puckett-GW HR. WS Game 7-Braves lost WS in 10th inning.

1992-WS Game 2-Jeff Reardon's 9th inning HR to Ed Sprauge, costing Braves a chance to go up two games to none, and probably the series.

1996-WS Game 4-The killer of them all. Braves, after winning first two games handily at Yankee Stadium, blow 6-0 lead when Mark Wohlers serves up three run jack to Jim Lerityz. Braves later blow Game Four, and go on to blow Series.

I know you already knew, but hey, dude, I feel for you. I've experienced more postseason nightmares with my Braves than anyone can imagine.

Okay, off my soapbox now.

Mitch

I apologize if this post is slightly off topic, but I just wanted skeeman to know I understand his position.

 

[ticklingfeet4fu]

This is going to be long winded I am afraid.

September 21st, 2001: Shea Stadium is the scene: If you recall the World Trade Center was attacked on September 11th, 2001. The Mets were in Pittsburgh at the time of the attack. The Mets were to be playing host to the Pirates on September 17th-19th until the attacks. The Mets and the rest of baseballl stopped. The Mets ended up playing a three game set in Pittsburgh on the aforementioned 17th -19th and swept the Pirates in an "unemotional" series in Pittsburgh.

The Atlanta Braves were in town on the 21st. I bought tickets for the three game set because it was the last scheduled series at Shea that season. Atlanta came in with a 5 1/2 game lead on the third place Mets. The series was HUGE not only for the Mets but New York. This was the first live event regular season game to be played in New York since 9/11.

The emotions were HIGH. The Mets and their fans honored the rescue workers and EMS and NYPD and FDNY. Mets fans chanting RU-DY RU-DY RU-DY for the Mayor Guiliani ( a hated member at Shea Stadium because he is a Yankees fan ). A moment of silence. A 21 gun salute. Diana Ross sang God Bless America before the start of the game. Mark Anthony sang the National Anthem. Then after all of that and STILL before the game even began the Atlanta Braves showing everyone how classy they are came up to the Mets players, coaches and manager ( who was then Bobby Valentine ) and shook hands and hugged the Mets players. And act of sportmanship seen only ( at that time ) after the NHL playoff series are final.

The game itself was played with little excitement involved through 6 1/2 innings. The Braves lead 2-1 at the seventh inning stretch. The seventh inning stretch usually saved for " Take Me Out To The Ballgame " was not top billing that night. Liza Minnelli sang "New York, New York" and danced with EMS and Police during the stretch.

Then came the bottom of the 8th inning. Mets still trailing 2-1. Edgardo Alfonzo drew a walk after fouling off several pitches. Up stepped Mike Piazza. The face of this franchise since acquiring him in May of 1998. Steve Karsay got ahead of Piazza with a quick strike. The next pitch a slider up and out over the plate the all Andruw Jones could do was watch hit the camera well out in dead center field for a 2 run homer and gave the Mets a 3-2 lead. Armando Benitez closed the game out and the Mets got to within 4 1/2 games of the Braves. More important than that was that it gave New York fans and New Yorkers, in general, a feeling of normalcy for the first time since the attack on the World Trade Center.

The Mets honored the tireless efforts of the rescue workers at "Ground Zero" the rest of the weekend. The season didn't end the way the Mets and their fans had hoped for. But that game, put sports back in the newspapers when matters of MUCH great importantance had consumed not only New York but the entire Country. For the first time in ten days, it was okay for New Yorkers to smile. And the Mets and Braves and Mike Piazza was the reason they could smile. That is the way I saw it all weekend from the fieldboxes at Shea Stadium in row 153J seat number 3.

Maybe some of you remember things and you would like to add. Please do!!!

 

[Ray<3tiklishft]

Great story TF4F. What a sad time in our nation. It's amazing how sports can sometimes "heal" some of our wounds. I remember seeing a special on HBO when the Yankees vivited Fenway to play the Red Sox and they received a standing "O". There was even a sign held up by a Sox fan stating, "Today we are all New Yorkers".

Also, the NHL started their pre-season games and the New York Rangers visited the Joe to play the Detroit Red Wings. The two teams lined up for the National Anthem, players alternating in a line (Wing, Ranger, Wing, Ranger). The purpose of this particular lineup was because of the colors of both teams combined, Red, White, and Blue.

 

[craigsie]

Chelsea beating barcelona in the champions league quarter finals 4-2. i was on my knees!!!!!!!!!! shame about the final this year though! 😡

 

[Ray<3tiklishft]

I was at Wrestlemania III at the Pontiac Silverdome in March of 1987. The featured matches were Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat vs Randy "The Macho Man" Savage for the WWF Intercontinental Championship and Hulk Hogan vs Andre The Giant for the WWF Heavyweight Championship. 93,000+ were there.

 

[Goodieluver]

Wasn't that the one where they wheeled them out on their own little rings? I seem to remember the matchups.

That was wrestlemania 7 i believe

The one that had hogan vs warrior

 

[SamuelKhan]

My top moments...

April 8, 1974

Hank Aaron enters immortality with #715.

April 7, 2008

Mario's shot of the ages...

 

[Ray<3tiklishft]

Wasn't that the one where they wheeled them out on their own little rings? I seem to remember the matchups.

Yes. The wrestlers all came out of the far end of the Silverdome on those carts. The WWF probably used them on other occasions as stated by Goodieluver.

 

[LeeAllure]

It was a charity game...

but I was still in awe. Dennis Leary organizes charity skating
events in Boston at the (new) Garden to raise money for
firefighters. 4 years ago I saw one of the games, with a full
celebrity/Hockey Celebrity lineup (Michael J Fox, John Kerry,
Cam Neeley, Dennis Leary, George Wendt Steven Tyler), which
was pretty amazing in and of itself, but the best moment
for me was watching Bobby Orr take the ice, come around
the back of the goal, and casually and, dare I say it, almost
elegantly, flick the puck into the goal.

As much as I like hockey for the fighting (which I do) to see
these large, and when on land, often gangly men transform into
these precision flying/floating machines who are so l lazily
accurate in their movements, play this game, was amazing.

Plus, the proceeds to go charity, which made it all the better.
http://www.learyfirefighters.org/events-ma-celebrity-hat-trick.php

Lee

 

[RobAce]

Well...you all know team I will talk about.
Notre Dame.

I was at the 1988 game, Miami at Notre Dame.
The famous Catholics vs. Convicts game.
Miami came in ranked #1 in the nation with a 36-game regular season winning streak while Notre Dame was ranked #4.
Right before the game there was a HHHUUUUGGGEEE fight in the entrance tunnel between Notre Dame and Miami players...and that energy was felt well into the game.
The game was back and forth all day. Some of the greatest players ever were on the field. Notre Dame was up 31-24 at the end of the game but Miami scored a touchdown with 42 seconds left. Jimmy Johnson (coaching Miami) did not want the tie, he went for the win and the two point conversion. As Steve Walsh threw that pass for the conversion.....Pat Terrell (who signed my program!!!) knocked it away. Giving Notre Dame the win and the #1 ranking.

I had never been to the campus before, but I was in awe of the campus and the stadium. Even those of you who hate Notre Dame, that stadium has so much history..plus the college football hall of fame is in South Bend.

BEST GAME EVER!!

Rob

 

[CrazyTickler]

Mariners-Reds

I remember going to a Baseball game with my family and the Reds and Mariners were playing, Griffey was still with the Mariners and they won convincingly. Been a Mariner fan ever since.

 

[giantfan121262]

My best sports memory....

Has nothing to do with pro or college sports. It has to do with my high school football team.

We were in the state championship game in October, 1980. the whole game was a hard hitting, pretty clean, and very physical game. Very evenly matched. Unfortunetely there couldn't be two winners.

We were trailing 21-14 with about three minutes to play, and we, as we thought at the time were down to our last possession. We got the ball back on downs at midfield, and in a span of about 2 minutes we drove the ball to the opponents five yard line. At that time, there was about 1 minute to play, and we had four chances to break the plane. First handoff, was a sweep play, gain of three, 2nd and goal, ball on 2 yard line. Next play was a hand off up the gut, stuffed, no gain. Third and goal, ball on 2. Next play was a screen pass to me (I was playing tight end). downed right at the goal line, but not in. Now it's 4th and goal, with inches to go. Everyone was looking run, so we did another screen pass, and scored easily. Now the score was 21-20, so we were still trailing. We ate up most of the clock, and had time for only one more play. Instead of kicking the PAT for the tie, we go for two. The play was a sweep, and I knocked out the LB to create the seam, however, the safety came out of nowhere and nailed the halfback at the goal line. We wern't sure how the call was going to go, and there was a pile of players to peel off. I am on my knees praying that the call is going to go our way, but at the same time, preparing for the call to go against us, knowing that we left everything out on the field if it did. As it turned out we got the call with no time left on the clock.

Final score 22-21. I literally fell on the field when I heard the call. Meanwhile, since we were the away team, the crowd was going ballistic. We had the bus come as lose to the school as possible with police cars in tow. We couldn't wait to get out of there. Once on the bus, it was almost surreal.

I could talk about alot of sports memories that I have seen on television or attended, but nothing was like beng in the trenches.

 

[Ray<3tiklishft]

I was at Wrestlemania III at the Pontiac Silverdome in March of 1987. The featured matches were Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat vs Randy "The Macho Man" Savage for the WWF Intercontinental Championship and Hulk Hogan vs Andre The Giant for the WWF Heavyweight Championship. 93,000+ were there.

I almost forgot to mention that I was at the taping of "Saturday Night's Main Event" at Joe Louis Arena right before Wrestlemania III. The featured match was the Battle Royal where Andre The Giant, by himself, eliminated Hulk Hogan, but it took a group of the other wrestlers to eliminate Andre.