On this first day of 2015, I reflect on 2014 and what was quite an interesting year. Like every year, 2014 had it’s ups and downs, but boring it was definitely not. Today, I look back on what I consider the most memorable sports moments in 2014.
In no particular order, here are my top ten:
1. Giants-Royals
There were two major catalysts that made this series a memorable one to me. Number one was the remarkable run of the underdog Kansas City Royals. A team that pushed their way to that fateful series in October with great defense, timely hitting, and solid pitching. There was no mistaking the heart and chemistry that permeated from this team. They revived a city starved for a championship and gave them hope. Even though the 2014 Royals did not take home the hardware, they are a team that will not be forgotten.
Brings me to the second catalyst, the 6’5, 235 pound lefty Madison Bumgarner. On two days rest, Bumgarner strolled out onto the mound to pitch five scoreless innings of relief to put an end to the dream of the Kansas City Royals. Bumgarner pitched seven innings of one- run ball in Game 1, followed by a four-hit shut out in Game 5. He won the 2014 World Series MVP, finishing with an exceptional ERA of .043. One word: Dominant.
2. Tim Howard
New Jersey native, Tim Howard introduced himself to the world during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. The U.S. goalkeeper broke the record for most saves in a World Cup match with 15. Even though the U.S lost that match 2-1 to Belgium after extra time, Howard’s performance left a lasting impression on Americans for years to come.
3. Donald Sterling Debacle
Nothing like being subjected to the racist, ignorant ramblings of an NBA owner. For months, new tapes surfaced provided by his mistress, each tape more revolting then the next. Pretty sad to know we live in a society where private phone calls are recorded, it is even sadder to hear the vile comments that spewed from Sterling’s month. In his first year as the NBA commissioner, Adam Silver proved to the sports world that he is the right man for the job. Sterling was ultimately forced to sell the team. After all of the drama, the LA Clippers are now a stronger franchise and the sports world can now breathe a sigh of relief that Sterling is no longer in the picture.
4. 50 Cent
Why is 50 Cent in my top ten most memorable moments? If you didn’t see the ceremonial first pitch that 50 cent threw out on May 27th at the Mets game at CITI field, you are missing out my friend. No words can really express it, except for pure comic relief.
5. Odell Beckham’s One Handed Catch
Odell Beckham has been incredible in the last few weeks of the season. With precision, the 1st round pick out of LSU has 7 TD’s in the last 4 weeks of the season with 606 yds. Excited to see the explosive combo he will make up with Victor Cruz next year. Back to the matter at hand, Beckham has become a recent favorite on top plays. Nothing compared to the one-handed catch Beckham made in week 12. Suspended through the air, Beckham ripped the ball out of the air with three fingers to become possibly the best catch ever. Twitter exploded with comments from fans and fellow athletes:
“INCREDIBLE!!! to that Grab,” former Cowboys receiver and hall-of-famer Michael Irvin said on Twitter. “Simply one of the greatest grabs in a game I have ever seen. WOW.”
Another good post Alicia… I enjoy reading your blog … keep up the good work you do here… Happy New Year to you and yours… And GO SPURS GO!