From now on I’m not going to say I’m going to post things and then not post them. I’ll just not say I’m going to post things so I’m less of a liar. I was on a roll with this one then I couldn’t really think of five non-basketball sports highlights so I stopped then didn’t do the other lists I had in mind.
Anyway, ESPN had a Rank ‘Em for 2008 sports stories, so that helped me choose another topic for a top five list. And they provided thirty stories to rank, so most of the thinking was done for me.
5. Red Sox come back, game 5 of ALCS
I don’t watch a lot of baseball. Or even baseball highlights. They ended up losing the series so the significance of this was diminished, but it was really nuts at the time.
4. Reggie Bush returns two punts for touchdowns
I’m sure I’m missing better plays from the 2008 NFL season, but this is the one that I could remember. Well, a more memorable one would be the hit on Boldin that broke his face, but that’s not exactly something to celebrate.
3. Probably any point from the last set of the Wimbledon final
Best thing about this? That I was stuffing my face at a Brazilian meat sword buffet while it happened.
2. Michael Phelps wins by ten milliseconds
The guy jumped out of the pool and jumped the shark simultaneously — the media overexposure didn’t suit him as nicely as the LZR Racer (in particular, his SNL performance). I’m in the camp that believes eight gold medals is remarkable, but the best athlete in history probably isn’t a swimmer. And if Usain Bolt were an American, 100-meter and 200-meter world records would mean his statue would be made faster than Han Solo’s. Still, it sure was exciting watching Phelps win the 100-meter butterfly by a hair.
1. The helmet catch
Almost forgot that this was from 2008. And I didn’t choose this just because it ruined at least a week of Dan’s life. Looking back, why are names other than “the helmet catch” even considered? Because it doesn’t rhyme?
Non-favorite non-basketball highlight of 2008: Dan Orlovsky runs out of bounds
Saw this way too many times during recaps of Detroit’s 0-16 season. Runner-up: 2008 AFC Championship. Would’ve used this if I could find highlights but just picture LDT pouting on the bench. And if you can’t find those, check out Todd McFarlane’s premonition!