Living in Chicago has afforded us the opportunity to partake in some of the most memorable sports moments the city's franchises have had to offer. Everyone has their own story of a particular moment when you knew that instead of being just a spectator, more importantly, you were apart of history. So before I bore you to tears with the theatrics, here's the Top Ten Games Zach Martin and I have been to that involve Chicago sports.
In other words, it's a "My Dad can beat up your Dad" kind of thing, only this time, Martin's Dad actually might have a shot.
Z. Martin's Top 5
5. Super Bowl XLI
Bears vs. Colts
Rocking a real mustache and homemade Ditka costume, I went to Miami prepared to witness the greatest victory since the '85 Bears were doing the Super Bowl Shuffle. For the first 15 minutes, it appeared the prophecy would prove to be true. Devin Hester returned the opening kick for a 92-yard touchdown and before you knew it, the Bears had a 14-6 lead after the first quarter.
We were well on our way to becoming Super Bowl champs until the forces of nature and a total defensive collapse ruined everything.
Even though the Bears lost, it was still an amazing event to attend and I will never forget watching as Hester screamed down the sidelines and into NFL history.
4. Cubs vs. Sox
May 19, 2007
Derek Lee's Grand Slam
This glorious event foreshadowed the disaster Ozzie Guillen and the White Sox have become. In the eighth inning, Guillen went to his bullpen and brought former Cub reliever David Aardsma to hold down a 6-5 lead. Aardsma quickly gave up five hits, a walk and retired only a single Cubs hitter.
It seemed to me like Ozzie had given up on the game because he only had lefty Boone Logan warming up in the pen despite the plethora of right-handed hitters that could step in for left handed hitter Jacque Jones.
Sure enough, the second Logan entered the ballgame, Jones grabbed some bench and injured Cubs first baseman Derek Lee immediately took his place. Like Kirk Gibson and other baseball legends, Lee walked wounded and battered to the plate with hopes of saving the day.
Logan did what all good relievers do; he fell behind 3-0 to guy that was leading the league with a .390 batting average. With a 3-1 count, Lee smashed a fastball over the right field fence and out of Wrigley for a grand-slam , destroying all hopes of a South Side victory.
5. Super Bowl XLI
Bears vs. Colts
Rocking a real mustache and homemade Ditka costume, I went to Miami prepared to witness the greatest victory since the '85 Bears were doing the Super Bowl Shuffle. For the first 15 minutes, it appeared the prophecy would prove to be true. Devin Hester returned the opening kick for a 92-yard touchdown and before you knew it, the Bears had a 14-6 lead after the first quarter.We were well on our way to becoming Super Bowl champs until the forces of nature and a total defensive collapse ruined everything.
4. Cubs vs. Sox
May 19, 2007
Derek Lee's Grand Slam
This glorious event foreshadowed the disaster Ozzie Guillen and the White Sox have become. In the eighth inning, Guillen went to his bullpen and brought former Cub reliever David Aardsma to hold down a 6-5 lead. Aardsma quickly gave up five hits, a walk and retired only a single Cubs hitter.It seemed to me like Ozzie had given up on the game because he only had lefty Boone Logan warming up in the pen despite the plethora of right-handed hitters that could step in for left handed hitter Jacque Jones.
Sure enough, the second Logan entered the ballgame, Jones grabbed some bench and injured Cubs first baseman Derek Lee immediately took his place. Like Kirk Gibson and other baseball legends, Lee walked wounded and battered to the plate with hopes of saving the day.
Logan did what all good relievers do; he fell behind 3-0 to guy that was leading the league with a .390 batting average. With a 3-1 count, Lee smashed a fastball over the right field fence and out of Wrigley for a grand-slam , destroying all hopes of a South Side victory.
I have never in my life heard Wrigley that loud, nor have I ever seen the Cub faithful go that crazy. That day will live forever as one of the most exciting games I have ever seen.
3. Bears vs. 49ers
October 28, 2001
The Bears trailed 31-16 with 7:47 left in the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers that Sunday. Somehow, the impregnable Shane Matthews led the Bears on two scoring drives that both ended with a David Terrel (I know WTF) touchdown catch.
After Terrel's second TD, the Bears were still down two with only 26 seconds on the clock and had yet to kick the extra point. Coach Dick Jauron made a BALLSY move and called on Anthony 'A-Train' Thomas to run straight up the gut for the two-point conversion.Thomas appeared to be just short, but after a review, officials said Thomas crossed the goal-line, tying the score 31-31.
As he used to do so lovingly (prior to getting injured every third play), Mike Brown intercepted a pass off the hands of Terrell Owens and returned it for the game-winning touchdown only 16 seconds into overtime.
3. Bears vs. 49ers
October 28, 2001
The Bears trailed 31-16 with 7:47 left in the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers that Sunday. Somehow, the impregnable Shane Matthews led the Bears on two scoring drives that both ended with a David Terrel (I know WTF) touchdown catch.After Terrel's second TD, the Bears were still down two with only 26 seconds on the clock and had yet to kick the extra point. Coach Dick Jauron made a BALLSY move and called on Anthony 'A-Train' Thomas to run straight up the gut for the two-point conversion.Thomas appeared to be just short, but after a review, officials said Thomas crossed the goal-line, tying the score 31-31.
As he used to do so lovingly (prior to getting injured every third play), Mike Brown intercepted a pass off the hands of Terrell Owens and returned it for the game-winning touchdown only 16 seconds into overtime.
2. Final Blackhawks Game at Chicago Stadium
Hawks vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
April 28, 1994
There was nothing comparable to seeing a Hawks game at the old Chicago Stadium.
Known as the "Madhouse on Madison, fans took cheering to another level at the "Madhouse".The ice itself was smaller than regulation size, making contests here even more violent and brutal. Verbal (and sometimes physical) altercations with opposing fans, pounding on the glass and screaming during the National Anthem were the norm.
Even though the Hawks lost a well fought battle 1-0, watching the final game will always be burned into my skull as a remorseful, but special day where old Chicago Stadium was being honored.
I will always remember Jeremy Roenick being the last player on the ice, skating around saying good-bye to the screaming fans. He left the ice by throwing one last souvenir of the stadium into the stands; his stick. JR left the fans with a personal touch that could only be felt at the minuscule "Madhouse".
Hawks vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
April 28, 1994
There was nothing comparable to seeing a Hawks game at the old Chicago Stadium.Known as the "Madhouse on Madison, fans took cheering to another level at the "Madhouse".The ice itself was smaller than regulation size, making contests here even more violent and brutal. Verbal (and sometimes physical) altercations with opposing fans, pounding on the glass and screaming during the National Anthem were the norm.
Even though the Hawks lost a well fought battle 1-0, watching the final game will always be burned into my skull as a remorseful, but special day where old Chicago Stadium was being honored.
I will always remember Jeremy Roenick being the last player on the ice, skating around saying good-bye to the screaming fans. He left the ice by throwing one last souvenir of the stadium into the stands; his stick. JR left the fans with a personal touch that could only be felt at the minuscule "Madhouse".
1. Cubs vs. Giants
One Game Playoff
September 28, 1998
I loved Neifi Perez (until he became a Cub at least). Perez lifted the Cubs into a tie with the Giants for the Wild Card in 1998. With a home-run against Rob Nen in the bottom of the ninth, Perez gave his Colorado Rockies a 9-8 win, sending the Cubs and Giants into a one game playoff.
In this game held at Wrigley Field, the Cubs jumped out to an early 2-0 lead behind the strong pitching of Steve Trachsel, who actually carried a no-no in to the seventh (another WTF).
The most memorable play occurred when Gary Gaetti extended the Cubs lead with a huge two-run homer to left. The fans demanded a curtain call and Gary delivered, taking off his helmet revealing a very large bald spot. His homer almost put the game away until the bullpen got involved.
The pen systematically gave up three runs in the ninth until the winning run was at the plate in the form of the notoriously clutch hitter, Joe Carter. Thankfully, Rod Beck used his FAT magic and got Carter to pop out to Mark Grace at first.
I will always remember the intensity of Wrigley, the methodical taunting of Barry Bonds and the two guys sitting behind me chanting 'Hail Marys' between every inning. It was a game that tops every game I have ever been to and probably will ever see.
One Game Playoff
September 28, 1998
I loved Neifi Perez (until he became a Cub at least). Perez lifted the Cubs into a tie with the Giants for the Wild Card in 1998. With a home-run against Rob Nen in the bottom of the ninth, Perez gave his Colorado Rockies a 9-8 win, sending the Cubs and Giants into a one game playoff.In this game held at Wrigley Field, the Cubs jumped out to an early 2-0 lead behind the strong pitching of Steve Trachsel, who actually carried a no-no in to the seventh (another WTF).
The most memorable play occurred when Gary Gaetti extended the Cubs lead with a huge two-run homer to left. The fans demanded a curtain call and Gary delivered, taking off his helmet revealing a very large bald spot. His homer almost put the game away until the bullpen got involved.
The pen systematically gave up three runs in the ninth until the winning run was at the plate in the form of the notoriously clutch hitter, Joe Carter. Thankfully, Rod Beck used his FAT magic and got Carter to pop out to Mark Grace at first.
I will always remember the intensity of Wrigley, the methodical taunting of Barry Bonds and the two guys sitting behind me chanting 'Hail Marys' between every inning. It was a game that tops every game I have ever been to and probably will ever see.
M. Olsen's Top Five
5. Bears vs. 49ers
November 13, 2005
On perhaps the windiest day in the history of the Windy City, I got a chance to see Nathan Vasher return a missed field goal 108 yards for touchdown.
It was at the end of the first half and considering how the wind was blowing, I figured Joe Nedney's 52-yard field goal attempt was a joke and I could get a head start on the bathroom line. But as I turned to walk up the steps, the crowd in the South end zone starting going nuts and out of nowhere I see Vasher and a gang of Bears blockers flying down the sideline leading him to the promised land.
5. Bears vs. 49ers
November 13, 2005
On perhaps the windiest day in the history of the Windy City, I got a chance to see Nathan Vasher return a missed field goal 108 yards for touchdown.It was at the end of the first half and considering how the wind was blowing, I figured Joe Nedney's 52-yard field goal attempt was a joke and I could get a head start on the bathroom line. But as I turned to walk up the steps, the crowd in the South end zone starting going nuts and out of nowhere I see Vasher and a gang of Bears blockers flying down the sideline leading him to the promised land.
4. White Sox vs. Twins
June 3, 1990
That's the actual ticket from a White Sox game in 1990 that really didn't have any special importance. The Sox won 90 games that year, good enough for second place in the division.
But - not to get all misty-eyed on ya - this is the first game I remember my old man taking me to and the first game I actually remember attending. Carlton 'Pudge" Fisk, Lance Johnson, Robin Ventura, Ivan Calderon, Ron Kittle and Ozzie Guillen were in the starting lineup that day. 'Blackjack' McDowell was the starting pitcher and Bobby Thigpen came in for the save.
Those guys were legends to me and I'm proud to say I got a chance to see Kirby Puckett take the field at ol' Comiskey, one of the greatest ballparks the world has ever seen.
(And please, look at how much a ticket was in 1990.....almost what you pay for a beer nowadays)
June 3, 1990
That's the actual ticket from a White Sox game in 1990 that really didn't have any special importance. The Sox won 90 games that year, good enough for second place in the division.But - not to get all misty-eyed on ya - this is the first game I remember my old man taking me to and the first game I actually remember attending. Carlton 'Pudge" Fisk, Lance Johnson, Robin Ventura, Ivan Calderon, Ron Kittle and Ozzie Guillen were in the starting lineup that day. 'Blackjack' McDowell was the starting pitcher and Bobby Thigpen came in for the save.
Those guys were legends to me and I'm proud to say I got a chance to see Kirby Puckett take the field at ol' Comiskey, one of the greatest ballparks the world has ever seen.
(And please, look at how much a ticket was in 1990.....almost what you pay for a beer nowadays)
3. Bears vs. Seahawks
October 1, 2006
The Bears were 3-0 heading into this NFC tilt with the defending NFC Champion Seattle Seahawks in 2006. A win against a team like the 'Hawks would legitimize the Bears hopes of making a playoff run that eventually ended with a loss in the Super Bowl.
Seattle went up 3-0 early in the first quarter, but from then on it was all Bears. They scored 20 unanswered points and dominated in every facet of the game. Hasselbeck was sacked five times, threw two interceptions and eventually was knocked out of the game to be replaced by Seneca Wallace.
It was a good ol' fashioned ass-whoopin and a sign of things to come in '06.
October 1, 2006
The Bears were 3-0 heading into this NFC tilt with the defending NFC Champion Seattle Seahawks in 2006. A win against a team like the 'Hawks would legitimize the Bears hopes of making a playoff run that eventually ended with a loss in the Super Bowl.Seattle went up 3-0 early in the first quarter, but from then on it was all Bears. They scored 20 unanswered points and dominated in every facet of the game. Hasselbeck was sacked five times, threw two interceptions and eventually was knocked out of the game to be replaced by Seneca Wallace.
It was a good ol' fashioned ass-whoopin and a sign of things to come in '06.
2. Bulls vs. Kings
February 28, 1997
There's not much to be said about the Bulls dynasty that hasn't been said already so I'll keep this one short and sweet. I feel blessed to be able to say I saw Michael Jordan on more than one occasion during his career with the Bulls and will never forget the goose-bumps I got during the introductions. "ANNNNNNNNNDDDDD NOWWWWWW!!!!!!!"
M. Jeff lit it up against the Kings that night like we always expected him to. He finished with 35 points, nine rebounds, six assists and teammate Scottie Pippen did some damage with 29 points of his own.
Watching the Bulls of today makes me miss those times more than ever.
February 28, 1997
There's not much to be said about the Bulls dynasty that hasn't been said already so I'll keep this one short and sweet. I feel blessed to be able to say I saw Michael Jordan on more than one occasion during his career with the Bulls and will never forget the goose-bumps I got during the introductions. "ANNNNNNNNNDDDDD NOWWWWWW!!!!!!!"M. Jeff lit it up against the Kings that night like we always expected him to. He finished with 35 points, nine rebounds, six assists and teammate Scottie Pippen did some damage with 29 points of his own.
Watching the Bulls of today makes me miss those times more than ever.
1. Bears vs. Packers
September 29, 2003
1st Game at Remodeled Soldier Field
Let's see.
Sunday night game?
Check.
Bears vs. Packers?
Check.
First game ever in the newly remodeled Soldier Field?
Check.
September 29, 2003
1st Game at Remodeled Soldier Field
Let's see.Sunday night game?
Check.
Bears vs. Packers?
Check.
First game ever in the newly remodeled Soldier Field?
Check.
This will always go down in my mind as the most ridiculous event I have ever been to. The atmosphere inside Soldier Field before kickoff was something I'll never forget and the pomp and circumstance that went along with it made the game that much sweeter.
I was at the game this year when the Vikings' Adrian Peterson shredded the Bears for over 200 yards. I've seen Devin Hester return a kick for a touchdown and witnessed his version of the 'SupaMan' dance. I've seen comebacks and heartbreaks.
But nothing will ever compare to the night I was locked into a historical moment with the franchise that has meant so much to me over the years and the thousands of like minded individuals that surrounded me.
I was at the game this year when the Vikings' Adrian Peterson shredded the Bears for over 200 yards. I've seen Devin Hester return a kick for a touchdown and witnessed his version of the 'SupaMan' dance. I've seen comebacks and heartbreaks.
But nothing will ever compare to the night I was locked into a historical moment with the franchise that has meant so much to me over the years and the thousands of like minded individuals that surrounded me.
10 comments:
Ha Zach's dad is a pussy. Eat it, short stack.
That's awesome your dad took you to all those games Zach. I went to a Wolves game once.
u guys are real men talking shit about my dad and ricky u r shorter than me... i dont get it
I was at that Derrek Lee game too Zack,
And...
Shut up Barnes, you've only gone to Kane County Cougars games and you know it.
Medieval Times doesn't count either Barnes.......even if you did win the heart of the Green Knight
Top 5 sporting events I have seen
5. 2003 Celebrity Softball All-Star game
4. Kane County Cougars vs. Kalamazoo July 15, 1995
Former single-A phenom Josh Booty (was actually starting QB at LSU) went 2-4 with six RBI's on a grand slam and a double
3. 2001 IHL Skills competition
2. 1996 DuPage County Fair Rodeo
1. 2007 Windy City HS Hoops All-Star game 3-point competition
Those are events your dad's money can't buy
How can the Super Bowl not be number one on your list Zach? Even though we lost, thats a once in a lifetime experience. But, to each his own, bro. As for O, do you really remember that Vasher return? You had to be wasted. Fuckin Ray Clay announcin the Bulls startin line-up had to be sick with MJ in it, but to see him play live must have been the shit. I saw him in a pre-season game once against the Sonics, but every time I went to regular season games, he wasn't playin or retired, FUCK! Good list boys.
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