your top 5 heartbreaking moments in sports
 

mine

5) the "SHOT": Daugherty, Nance, Harper, Price, Williams, Ehlo and so on, are going to the NBA championships. Close game beating Jordan and the Bulls and Jordan with that last second 3 pointer ends the Cavs hopes.

4) The "DRIVE": Browns look like they are going to the Super Bowl less than 2 minutes to go and Elway drives the Broncos 99 yards for the win. The Browns just couldn't stop the machine named Elway.

3) the "FUMBLE: all Byner had to do was hold onto that ball. Watching the film he didn't even realize he had had it knocked out of his arm until he was in the end zone.

2) 1997 World Series: Indians up 2 outs away hot reliever Jose Mesa comes in and crashes.

and the #1 heartbreaker in sports for me..................

1) 1995 World Series the Tribe has it going on then David Justice opens his mouth and criticizes the Braves play and backs it up by hitting the game winning homer.

There is only one for me...

January 3, 1993
The Houston Oilers went up 35 to 3 against the Buffallo Bills after Chris Dishman ran an interception back for a touchdown early in the 3rd quarter. After that the game turned into a crime scene as I watched the demise of a franchise.

The final score was 41-38.
That day is forever burned into my sports psyche.
It still hurts.

1. In 2000 when Saragosas monster ass belly flopped Gannon in the championship game tearing apart his shoulder which resulted in Gannon leaving the game, which in turn cost us the conference title.

2. 2001, the SnowBowl, tuck rule, 'nuff said.

3. 2002 SuperBowl (all of it).

4. 2004, when Gannon broke his vertebrae, right then and there I knew our season is over, and what’s worse, I knew Gannon would probably never return. His injury in 2003 was bad as well, but I knew that wouldn't be career ending.

All Raider losses are heartbreaking for me, I've had 9 heartbreaking games this season, but those would definitely be the top 4 in no specific order.....although the SnowBowl would probably fall first.

Hamburger, that's funny... I was on the other side of that. Frank Reich never has to pay for a meal in Buffalo again.

5. 1991 Super Bowl
4. 1992 Super Bowl
3. 1993 Super Bowl
2. 1994 Super Bowl
1. 2004 ALCS Games 4, 5, 6, and 7.

-Mikey

Only one real heartbreaker for me as well ...

1994 Stanley Cup: Vancouver Canucks lose in seven games to the Rangers. Nathan Lafayette hits the post with under three minutes to play ... I'll never forget Trevor Linden down on one knee in the corner with blood on his jersey and his head in his hands ...

*sigh*

5.Leon Lett, damn I hate him
4.Leon Lett, PART TWO!
3.Cowboys lose to Carolina in the playoffs in 97 or 98, I don't remember which.
2.The "Knock-On" by Mils Muliaina in the 2003 RWC Semi-Finals against Australia...that was a try you bastards!
1.Jason Arnott scores in double overtime in the 2000 Stanley Cup Finals to deny the Stars of a back to back Championship

oh god... this thread is going to make me sad

I'll second the 1994 cup... That was heartbreaking... dammit. Fuck you Mark Messier

Last year, game 7 vs. Calgary... We send it to overtime just to have our hearts ripped from our chests. I had to write an exam the next day. Fuck you Calgary

Last year, 4th and 26... Fuck you Donovan McNabb.

When the Falcons beat the Packers to register the first playoff loss at Lambeau in franchise history... I thought we were goin to the superbowl that year. Fuck you Vick.

Our last loss to UBC in the Shrum Bowl was pretty heartbreaking. Fuck you UBC.

I'm a Red Sox fan. My entire existence up until this season has been misery.

As far as other stuff, I'll say the 1988 and 1990 Stanley Cup Finals sucked ass.

Cam Neely getting kneed by Ulfie still pisses me off, too.

It's like we're the same person, it's creepy.

1979 loss by LA rams to Pittsburgh steelers in the Super Bowl.

Cal getting shafted out of the rose bowl by those inbred texas coaches. This REALLY hurts. Becuase we deserved to be there. #4 in the nation but got fucked in the ass by goddam inbreds.

5. All Blacks vs RSA - Athletic Park, Wellington, 1998 (I think). I was sitting behind the goals with my dad in a blistering Wellington southerly. It was fucking cold. The SA forward pack was taking us to school, but our backs were making some breaks. Then Justin Wilson (GOLDIE!) gets on the end of a kick and charges for the goal and looks to come down with it, but the referee rules no try as the ball went out of bounds before Wilson downed it. If replay was widespread back then it would have shown Wilson getting the ball down *just* before it goes dead.

4 - Above continued, Carlos Spencer cannot kick goals, he missed five penalties. 5 x 3 = 15. At half time he was booed of the field and replaced with Andrew Merhtens (the goalkicking machine himself, before his form-crippling injuries). Merhts is automatic on his kicks. The final spread was less than 15 points, meaning if Merhts was starting.. :(

3 - Arsenal losses. Almost every Arsenal loss is a heartbreaker for me. Some recent ones: FA Cup 2003 Semi - Man United 0 - 1 Arsenal, losing to the hated bastard reds with a Scholes shot in from close range, had Arsenal won they would have been assured another double as the winner would have played the Division 1 Millwall. Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea, Champions League Semi Final, Leg 2 - the match was drawn 1-1 on the night and 2-2 on agregate, meaning that extra time was in store. Until Wayne Bridge, 3 minutes from time, unmarked hits a low shot from outside the box past Lehman. 2004, EPL, Man United 2 - 0 Arsenal, diving cunt Wayne Rooney steals a penalty, and it was game over. 2004 EPL, Liverpol 2-1 Arsenal, a young Liverpool player Mellor looked out of his game for the entire match... until injury time... where he hits an audacious shot from well outside the area beating Lehman. But the one that still smarts: 2001 FA Cup. Arsenal vs Liverpool. The score was 2-1 on the night, if Henchoz didn't block Henry's shot with his hand or if the referee had the balls to give a penalty... who knows what would have happened.


2 - Bledisloe Cup games 1997-2003. The grudge match between New Zealand and Australia. The rule is, to win the cup you must win both games, to retain the cup however you only need to win one. There is no third game. Every year New Zealand won the first leg, only to lose the second in heartbreaking and often embarassing fashion.

1 - 1995 Rugby World Cup Final. New Zealand All Blacks against the hated South Africa Springboks. Our team is hit by a mysterious case of food poisoning right before the final. Many players were vomitting before the game, and at half time. Yet we were holding our own. This was a typical South Africa game where penalties were going to decide the winner. Merhts was matching the 'boks and forced the game into extra time... where SA wins it with a drop goal :(

I was watching it at 3am, I was 10, I cried :( the international rugby world still points out the fact that New Zealand has not won the rugby world cup since 1987.. as South Africa was abscent from the tournament.

but remember those heartbreaking moments in the bledisloe for you, is my memorable moment.... John Eales kick after the hooter in NZ, ohh i dont think you will ever see more depressed kiwi's

it was magical

Hey, I kinda liked that moment :D - Braves fan ;)

Which could give me a top 5 all in its own. Damn Braves.

I'm just going to go with one. Watching Go For Wand break her leg during the Breeders Cup Distaff in 1990 on TV. Seeing her stumble then somehow get back up and try to run on her literally snapped in half leg broke my heart. It was horrible to watch.

3/28/1992 Duke vs. Kentucky

Christian Laetner's buzzer beater to beat KU :(

AARHHHHHHHGGGGGG THE PAIN!!!!!! :(

That match was played in Wellington and before the game I ran into my mate who managed to get a ticket for $200. I wanted to go sooooo badly. But afterwards I'm kinda thankful that I didn't waste my money :thumbsup:

in no particular order
 

1995 NHL lockout
2004 NHL lockout
Teemu Selanne missing an empty net wraparound in the waning minutes of game 7 in Colorado to tie the game.
The 2002 winter olympics gold medal game.
Game 7, 2004 Western Conference finals.

I only have 1 that I hold onto..

Packers vs. Eagles

4th & 26

I think I'll go cry now. :(

The entire history of Seattle sports (save the year the sonics won the championship, but I was 3 at the time and don't really remember it). One disappointment after the next.

:D :D

Since 2002 Canada has been the Boss at international hockey as well... I love it

That ranks as my top moment in sports history... Oh two sides of the same coin...

Oh yeah ... Joe Sakic scoring the last goal on a breakaway was one of the best feelings EVER.

What about when Vancouver lost to Minnesota in 2003 after being up 3-1 in the series? That hurt ... I wasn't so much heartbroken as I was pissed off.

gary mcallister missing a penalty against england at wembley...cried me eyes oot!

being a scotland fan is full of heartache and tragedy, always snatching defeat from the jaws of victory...as i heard a tartan army foot soldier say "i can handle despair, it's the hope i cannae handle!"

Watching Ayrton Senna crash and burn. Pretty ugly.

not to be picky, but that's UK, not KU. KU is Kansas.

incidentally, my top 5 would include 4 of yours, pan6467 (numbers 1 through 4 on your list, albeit maybe in a different order), being a Browns and Indians fan myself, but my fifth would be the laettner shot (being a UK fan).

(dis)honorable mention - Modell moving his team to baltimore. it was a long 3 years without a team...

1) Scotty Norwood missing the field goal
2) Kris Brown missing 5 field goals in a game
3) 1994 AFC title game
4) 2001 AFC title game

2004 ALCS Game 4,5,6,7
2004 World Series
The SnoBowl, tuck rule buddy
Raiders-Buc super bowl
Gannon breaking his vertebrae, my fav player for such a long time.

1) Paul Lo Duca and Guillermo Mota traded for Brad Penny and.. who?
2) Adrian Beltre signing with the Mariners
3) 2004 NBA Finals
4) Dodgers signing Jeff Fucking Kent
5) Frank McCourt buying the Dodgers

What about Reggie's 3 HR's in the 1977 World Series?

in no particular order

1)super bowl 36
2)snowbowl
3)2004 NHL Lockout
4)Carolina putting almost 15 people on injured reserve this season

I can think of 3:
3. The Super Bowl where the Bills lost due to a last second missed field goal (1991?);
2. The playoff game where the Titans beat the Bills on a last second kickoff return containing an across-the-field lateral;
1. Dan Jansen falling in the 500 meter speedskating race in the winter Olympics the week his little sister had died.

Watching one of the Panthers put a late hit on McNabb in the 2003 NFC play-offs. Now you can argue if it was late or not but regardless that was the hit that cracked his ribs i think. And to see him come out in the second half and try his hardest to make plays and get his again and see the pain in his face. That really make me respect him for atleast trying to win the game even when he was hurt.

Also in no particular order:

1. NFC Championship game - January 2003 (They should have beat them. We deserved it. Didn't happen.)
2. World Series Game 6 - 1993 (The manager should have know Mitch Williams had nothing left in the tank.)
3. The deaths of Jerome Brown and Pelle Lindbergh (Two great athletes taken too soon - both driving too fast.)
4. NHL Conference finals Game 7 - 2000 (Lindros is crushed by Scott Stevens and not only is this series over, but he never plays for the Flyers again)
5. I would say the Fog Bowl (Chicago - 12/31/88) - but I still don't know what I saw that day.

That was something Mitch never recovered from either. it totally destroyed not only his career but him as a person. I remember reading about his drug problems and how he said he had never done any until then. Sad. Of course all addicts have to blame something for use, but still, he was a great player.

Do we have an NFL team in Cleveland? I thought it was the Mt. Union Scrubs playing in the stadium.....lol

Seriously Modell moving the Browns was a blessing and a nightmare. A blessing in that for a few years the Indians were able to just be the prize of Cleveland and we got a team Modell doesn't own.... A curse in that I truly believe Al Lerner wanted a winner, but Randy has no idea what he's doing and by giving that jack-off Davis all the power he set the team back years.

But if you are to bring ownership into this.... the absolute 2 gut wrenching, just horrid things I can think of are :

Jacobs selling to No Dough Dolan (Bite me Trivisonno Dolan is a cheapskate loser who thought he could cash in on a winning team and not spend money), Dolan is a lieing thieving tear your heart out bastard.

That said, I won't tell you what I think of Lindner down in Cincy.... who has the money (course Lindner did buy the Reds only because noone else in Cincy would... not Kroger, not P&G... makes you wonder why). I just think it is fucking disgusting the only owner in baseball that truly appreciated the fans and spent her own money was forced to sell. Marge Schott was a great woman, hard as nails, and a bit whacked but she truly cared about people. NOT 1 black player on her teams ever complained about her being racist, it was just the press and other owners.

Bingo. I'd missed Ratzenburger's crash until the evening playbacks. It was bad. When Senna went in the entire weekend became one of those Challenger moments.

Super Bowl 21 Broncos are blown out by Giants
Super Bowl 22 Broncos are blown out by Redskins
Super Bowl 24 Broncos are blown out by 49ers
1993 Daytona 500 Dale Earnhardt's car gets loose at the end after dominating the entire race, gets passed by Dale Jarrett on the last lap, while Ned Jarrett cheers in the broadcast booth.
1990 Daytona 500 Dale Earnhardt cuts a right rear tire on the last turn of the last lap while leading, after dominating the race, does a masterful job saving the car and finishes fifth. Unknown Derrike Cope escapes with the win.
2001 Daytona 500 Dale Earnhardt is nudged by Sterling Marlin, crashes on the last turn of the last lap of the Daytona 500 after running strong all day, is killed instantly.

One man's heartbreak is another man's joy. One thing though, I think Justice was criticizing the Braves fans for their lack of support and not the play of his teammates.

My list...

1. Cornell Hockey vs. Harvard, ECAC championship, Lake Placid, NY, 2002. Cornell loses to their 'rivals' in double OT. Painful to watch in person at the game.
2. Cornell vs. UNH, Frozen Four, Buffalo, NY, 2003. Went down 3-0, scratched back to 3-2, almost pulled off the comeback equalizer. Again painful to watch in person.
3. Jim Leyritz hitting the grand slam, 96 World Series. You have got to be kidding me.
4. Robin Ventura hitting the grand slam single, 99 NLCS. You have got to be kidding me. (At least here the Braves won the next game.)
5. Realizing that Eric Gregg's strike zone is as wide as he is for Livan Hernandez in the 98 NLCS.

I have one, and it's multi-part.

2003-2004 Stanley Cup finals. Game 6, the score is tied and it seems that neither the Lightning or the Flames can get anything past the other's goaltender to break it. A tie-breaking shot is fired off by a Flame and CLEARLY goes in, yet the officials have decided that it's not far enough over the line to count. Tampa goes on to win 3-2 in double overtime. That's okay, the Flames will win game 7 and take the cup.

Game 7. The Flames have an absolutely dismal start to the game, taking 2 goals against, and looking like crap. Through the full game they get less than 10 shots on net, then 11 minutes before the game ends, Conroy makes a shot. Suddenly, the Flames are attacking like nothing else, and playing the way they had been for the full post season. It's too little too late though, and Tampa wins, destroying the spark of hope lit in the final minutes of the game. A black day for the red mile.

We SO had that in game 6. Fucking Tampa.

1. Cubs in 2003.
2. Cubs in 2003.
3. Cubs in 2003.
4. Cubs in 2003.
5. The day Jordan left Chicago.

After 38 years of hurt... I still have to say losing on penalties to Germany in 1990 hurts the most.

But any major soccer championship in recent years, England, a penalty shoot out...

:(

Throwing a no-hitter in dixie youth baseball and still losing the game. It was the worst team I ever played on.