The past decade was full of unforgettable sports moments, and since every other media outlet has released their list of “top moments of the decade,” it’s time I unleash my very own.
5. USA men’s swimming wins 4×100 freestyle relay
The Olympics have the uncanny ability to unite Americans unlike any other sporting event. Whether you’re a compulsive sports gambler or are completely disinterested in athletics, you watch the summer games. And the prospect of Michael Phelps winning a record eight gold medals had Americans glued to the screen. The split-second victory at the relay punctuated Phelps’s Olympic domination and had Americans more excited about the Olympics since the Miracle on Ice in 1980.
4. Red Sox World Series Victory in 2004
The 1918 chant would never be heard again after the Red Sox swept the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2004 World Series. The victory, which erased 86 years of heartbreak, would have cracked the top 10 regardless, but the way the Red Sox won places Boston’s championship comfortably in the top 5.
Down 3-0 to the rival Yankees, the Red Sox win games four and five on walk-off hits. Schilling’s bloody sock in game six. Blow out in game 7. Call me a New England fanboy, but the series stands as the best comeback in baseball history.
3. Barry Bonds, number 756
Love him or hate him, Barry Bonds holds the most respected record in the most statistically-revolved sport. By passing Hank Aaron’s record amid a cloud of steroid dust, Bonds has received scorn from every possible critic. And that is most likely why his record breaking performance was kept off many “best of the decade” lists.
Controversy aside, the image of Bonds standing at home plate with his arms raised as the ball cleared the left-center field wall is timeless.
2. Dale Earnhardt dies
To this point I have not seen this tragedy on anyone else’s list. Not only did the crash at The Daytona 500 in 2001 end The Intimidator’s illustrious career, it paved the way for new safety regulations in NASCAR. Earnhardt’s death stands as the last fatal accident NASCAR has seen.
1. Tyree’s catch
When looking back on the decade, this is the first moment that should come to mind. The story of Super Bowl XLII reads like a cliché movie plot. Huge underdog defeats previously perfect team. Scrappy defense shuts down record-breaking offense. Hall of fame coach and quarterback come up short.
The Giants final drive was capped off by the miraculous catch from a no-name receiver. Tyree may never make another catch in the NFL again, but will always remain a legend.
Honorable Mentions
a. Tiger Woods, 2008 U.S. Open
Greatest golfer of the decade fights through a serious leg injury and comes from behind to force a playoff. This victory punctuated Tiger’s dominant decade.
b. Adam Vinatieri’s Snow Bowl Kick
Toughest field goal ever made. 45-yarder through driving snow to force overtime. The Patriots victory over the Raiders was the precursor to a dynasty. Conversely the Snow Bowl game along with the Raiders’ blowout loss in the following year’s Super Bowl mark the last time Oakland was a relevant NFL franchise.
What moments do you think should have made the list?
The Bleacher Seat 