Reliving one of sports' finest years
Off the foul Pohl
Bart Pohlman
Issue date: 1/16/09 Section: Sports
Every once in a while, sports fans are treated to an event so mesmerizing, captivating, stunning and exciting that makes you wonder if it's the greatest game, match or round of all time.
But in 2008, fans didn't have an experience like this - they had several.
In fact, it might be safe to say that 2008 was the greatest sports year ever.
However the title of "greatest" comes with one great stipulation.
How, exactly, do you define great?
If great means unbelievable, then 1980 and "USA 4, USSR 3" fit the bill. No game in history has had more significance than the Miracle on Ice, and we will never see another thing like it. Sure, there will be upsets and thrilling finishes, but nothing like this.
If great means inspiring, look no further than 1986 and Jack Nicklaus' victory at The Masters. The 46-year-old Nicklaus shot a final-round 65 to win his 18th major championship and take the nation for one last walk through the storied Augusta pines.
If great means impressive, then the benchmark is 1973 and Secretariat's win at the Belmont Stakes. No horse has ever dominated the field like the charismatic colt did in winning the Belmont by a record 31 lengths, a win that will never be forgotten.
But if great simply means, well, great, then 2008 was certainly great.
In January, we were treated to a fantastic Super Bowl, which, despite the participation of Eli "The Other" Manning and Plaxico "Shooter" Burress, was one of the greatest ever. The underdog New York Giants ended the New England Patriots undefeated season and prompted members of the 1972 Miami Dolphins to pop champagne bottles and celebrate the non-accomplishment of another team.
In April, Kansas and Memphis played a national championship game to remember. After trailing by nine with two minutes to play, Kansas, aided by Memphis' missed opportunities, used a furious comeback and Mario Chalmers' 3-pointer to send a great game into overtime. The Jayhawks cruised in the extra period to win the school's first national title since 1988.
But in 2008, fans didn't have an experience like this - they had several.
In fact, it might be safe to say that 2008 was the greatest sports year ever.
However the title of "greatest" comes with one great stipulation.
How, exactly, do you define great?
If great means unbelievable, then 1980 and "USA 4, USSR 3" fit the bill. No game in history has had more significance than the Miracle on Ice, and we will never see another thing like it. Sure, there will be upsets and thrilling finishes, but nothing like this.
If great means inspiring, look no further than 1986 and Jack Nicklaus' victory at The Masters. The 46-year-old Nicklaus shot a final-round 65 to win his 18th major championship and take the nation for one last walk through the storied Augusta pines.
If great means impressive, then the benchmark is 1973 and Secretariat's win at the Belmont Stakes. No horse has ever dominated the field like the charismatic colt did in winning the Belmont by a record 31 lengths, a win that will never be forgotten.
But if great simply means, well, great, then 2008 was certainly great.
In January, we were treated to a fantastic Super Bowl, which, despite the participation of Eli "The Other" Manning and Plaxico "Shooter" Burress, was one of the greatest ever. The underdog New York Giants ended the New England Patriots undefeated season and prompted members of the 1972 Miami Dolphins to pop champagne bottles and celebrate the non-accomplishment of another team.
In April, Kansas and Memphis played a national championship game to remember. After trailing by nine with two minutes to play, Kansas, aided by Memphis' missed opportunities, used a furious comeback and Mario Chalmers' 3-pointer to send a great game into overtime. The Jayhawks cruised in the extra period to win the school's first national title since 1988.
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