Biggest Single Sports Play

[wadesworld]

Having this discussion with some friends in a group chat and it’s fun reminiscing. What is the single biggest sports play from your lifetime?

My answer is 1) Malcolm Butler interception in the Super Bowl against the Seahawks. 2) Jenkins for the championship! 3) Aaron f’ing Boone.

Honorable mention to Kihei Clarke hitting Diakite to send their Elite 8 game against Purdue into overtime. The most heady play I’ve ever seen.

https://youtu.be/3Ni6Ra_8KuU

If you watch the angle around 55 seconds into this, he’s getting to the ball running away from his own basket almost at Purdue’s 3 point line with 3.5 seconds left. The fact that he made a pass to a guy 12 feet from his basket in perfect position for Diakite to keep it high and get the shot off is incredible.

Also so fun “could’ve been” plays. The Paige double pump 3 to tie tie Nova game, the Indians homer to get game 7 of the World Series into extras.

[Jockey]

Cecil cooper single to LF that drove in Moore and Gantner to give Brewers the lead and send them to the World Series in ‘82.

[GooooMarquette]

Two huge plays I witnessed in person:

Lee to Whitehead to beat UNCC.

Flutie to Gerard Phelan vs Miami

[wadesworld]

Two huge plays I witnessed in person:

Lee to Whitehead to beat UNCC.

Flutie to Gerard Phelan vs Miami

https://youtu.be/IeZ86-8auRc

This was the biggest play I ever witnessed in person. Followed by TPlush tickling it up the middle in game 5 of the NLDS.

[MU82]

Fun topic. I look forward to reading the various answers.

[#UnleashSean]

Favres back of the endzone pass to Sidney Rice to win the game. If we're going on pure talent plays.


Edit... apparently it was to Greg Lewis

[jesmu84]

Can we have any context? Most memorable? Biggest moment for a win/loss? Etc?

[JWags85]

I would say the Wade dunk against UK but that whole game is a blur of emotion in retrospect. I saw the Warrick block in person at the FF and that was surreal.

Unfortunately it was for naught, but Devin Hester taking the opening kick of the Super Bowl to the house was a delirious moment for a college aged me. Really my last pure exuberant Bears memory 

I have never been a physically combative person, but the Alex Gonzalez muff in Game 6 of the NLCS is crystal clear in my mind not only for the memory but for me going after a dorm mate who was a Reds fan that was endlessly taunting me and other Cubs fans.

Fun story about the Davis homer in Game 7. I watched the game at Happy Camper in Old Town...on a second date. It was a girl I was really excited about and I scheduled it after Game 4, downtrodden and assuming the worst, I figured my night would be free. Get closer, I don’t reschedule out of superstition and lest we go another week. She’s not a big baseball fan but she’s a fun companion. However, she’s having too much fan with the group of older couples to our left and she’s ripping celebratory shots for every big play with the wives. She starts to border on overserved. When Davis sends the ball deep, she literally nearly fell off a stool hugging aforementioned wife about something. So that distracted me otherwise I’m certain my soul would have left my body.  Kris Bryant making the throw from 3rd watched through my teary eyes, however, will be a memory tough to top until Marquette finally wins another

[#UnleashSean]

Kris Bryant making the throw from 3rd

The way he landed on his foot right before he threw it is seared permanently in my mind. I thought for sure it was going to be wild.

[PGsHeroes32]

Freese and his two Game 6 moments were pretty legendary as far as the last 10 years go.

[GooooMarquette]

Can we have any context? Most memorable? Biggest moment for a win/loss? Etc?

I just went with game-winning plays I saw in person. With as old as I am, televised and non-game winning plays would lead to too long a list.

[Mutaman]

1. Bench's Home Run in the 9th inning to tie deciding game 5 of the 1972 playoffs.

2. Bench's 2 Home Run's in game 4 to sweep the 76 series against the Yanks (saw it)

3. Bart's sneak in the ice bowl.

4. Affirmed beating Alydar in the Belmont (saw it).

5. Reggie's 3 HR's in game 6 of  77 series against Dodgers (saw it).

6. Chamblis' 1976 walk off (saw it).

7.  Vander's drive at the Garden to clinch the big East (saw it).

[Mutaman]

Two huge plays I witnessed in person:

Lee to Whitehead to beat UNCC.

That's a good one.

[CreightonWarrior]

Nyjer Morgan walk-off against the DBacks.

[lawdog77]

Bartman!

[tower912]

Gibson's two world series homers.


Flutie.

[Dr. Blackheart]

Ryne Sandburg, "The Baby Ruth Game".

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.sbnation.com/platform/amp/2011/6/23/2239186/cubs-ryne-sandberg-game-landmark-baseball-history

[21Jumpstreet]

The way he landed on his foot right before he threw it is seared permanently in my mind. I thought for sure it was going to be wild.

Yessir. Not sure I’ve squeezed my family or strangers quite as hard as that night at the Jake, in the upper deck, on third base line. Pure joy.

That whole playoff run was amazing. Close second that year was the Miggy granny followed by the Fowler bomb at Wrigley. Bleachers were jumpin’. Pure joy.

[muwarrior69]

I was 9 and my Dad's boss gave him his tickets to World Series. I saw Don Larson's perfect game. Not a single play but a single accomplishment. Will never forget it.

[Jockey]

Nyjer Morgan walk-off against the DBacks.

We're on the same page. Apparently I'm a bit older than you.

[Tortuga94]

Kirk Gibson's 9th inning home run in the 1988 World Series. Limping around the bags, pumping his fist, Vin Scully with the call.
That was just an awesome moment for a young Dodgers fan like me.

JC Chavez 12th round TKO of Meldrick Taylor in March of 1990 is another one of my all-time great sports moments. The drama of that fight and of course the controversial ending. That's the fight made me a huge boxing fan.

Buster Douglas KO of Mike Tyson was also another one of those unforgettable sports moments, where you just couldn't believe what was happening as you were watching.

[Billy Hoyle]

Flutie to Gerard Phelan vs Miami

Definitely Flutie. That play also transformed Boston College as an institution.

The Laettner shot against Kentucky. Greatest college basketball game of all time with the most improbable ending along with the perfect call on the play: "YEEEEESSSS" and then silence. Just seconds earlier Sean Woods hit a ridiculous shot that seemingly gave UK the win.

The Auburn Kick Six. I remember watching that with my wife and once I saw Davis turn the corner I said to my wife "holy s--t, he's going to score."  And who better than Verne Lunquist to call that game and the Laettner shot.

The Boise State hook and ladder. The program exploded after that.

Paul Edinger's 53 yard FG to beat the Lions at the gun in 2000. It knocked Detroit out of the playoffs and led to the hiring of Matt Millen, and we all know how that turned out.

And not a play but a decision - Holmgren benching Majkowski at halftime in 1991 with the Packers trailing the Bengals 17-0. He brought in this guy recently acquired from Atlanta who'd been given up upon by the Falcons due to a drinking problem.

[HutchwasClutch]

And not a play but a decision - Holmgren benching Majkowski at halftime in 1991 with the Packers trailing the Bengals 17-0. He brought in this guy recently acquired from Atlanta who'd been given up upon by the Falcons due to a drinking problem.

Holmgren didn’t bench Majkowski that game. He had a significant ankle injury, and had to be helped off the field. He wasn’t putting any weight on it. And pretty sure injury was in the first half

It was 1992 also.

[HutchwasClutch]

Holmgren did pull Majkowski the game previous to the Bengals, where they were getting rolled by Tampa. That was Favre’s in infamous first completion to himself from a batted pass.

Favre did nothing of legend that day. But next week against the Bengals, the legend began 😀

[jutaw22mu]

1.  Kyrie Irving's game winning 3 against Golden State in game 7 of the NBA Finals (2016) giving Cleveland its first championship since 1964. The subsequent block by LBJ was also pretty damn big.  The victory parade was a microcosm of how crazy Cleveland is going to be when the Browns win the Super Bowl.

2.  Maradona 'Hand of God' goal vs. England 1986.

3.  Brandi Chastain winning PK over China in 1999 World Cup.

[Billy Hoyle]

Holmgren did pull Majkowski the game previous to the Bengals, where they were getting rolled by Tampa. That was Favre’s in infamous first completion to himself from a batted pass.

Favre did nothing of legend that day. But next week against the Bengals, the legend began 😀

I remembered Favre coming in and telling friends the next day "Farve is going to be the next great NFL QB" even though I was not a Packers fan.  I thought Majkowski had gotten injured but his is the article I used in the original post when checking to see if my 28 year old memory was correct:  https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/11/13/brett-favre-debut-book-excerpt-mark-beech-the-peoples-team-green-bay-packers#:~:text=In%20an%20excerpt%20from%20his,started%20the%20season%200%2D2.

Mark Beech details Brett Favre's debut game on Sept. 20, 1992, when he entered in the first quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals and led the Packers to a 24-23 victory after they started the season 0-2.

Either way, it was a decision that changed the course of NFL history and the Packers franchise.

[Spotcheck Billy]

Thomas Hearns breaking his hand in round 1 against Hagler but kept on boxing 2 more rounds. That round 1 was amazing.

[BrewCity83]

Franco Harris' Immaculate Reception.

[GooooMarquette]

Franco Harris' Immaculate Reception.

I was thinking that. Remarkable play.

[Mutaman]

Gibson's two world series homers.


Flutie.

Gibson hit the hardest ball I've ever seen live- Home Run for the Tigers at the old Yankee Stadium, and also made greatest catch i've ever seen live- in the 88 playoffs against the Mets. Bear in mind he made this catch on one leg on a field covered with ice.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smD0P6NZ7jE

[muwarrior69]

Gibson hit the hardest ball I've ever seen live- Home Run for the Tigers at the old Yankee Stadium, and also made greatest catch i've ever seen live- in the 88 playoffs against the Mets. Bear in mind he made this catch on one leg on a field covered with ice.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smD0P6NZ7jE

Kirk never played at the old Yankee Stadium. The Stadium was rebuilt in 1973 and reopened in 1976. The playing area was considerably smaller after renovation. The Old Stadium was 299 down right field line, 401 right center, 463 center, 457 left center and 301 left field line.

[reinko]

Holmgren didn’t bench Majkowski that game. He had a significant ankle injury, and had to be helped off the field. He wasn’t putting any weight on it. And pretty sure injury was in the first half

It was 1992 also.

The one and only game I attended at Lambeau. Shouts to Terrell Buckley for being the MVP of that game.

[Uncle Rico]

The one and only game I attended at Lambeau. Shouts to Terrell Buckley for being the MVP of that game.

Punt return for a TD but also a fumble

I was so in the tank for TBuck

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

Holmgren did pull Majkowski the game previous to the Bengals, where they were getting rolled by Tampa. That was Favre’s in infamous first completion to himself from a batted pass.

Favre did nothing of legend that day. But next week against the Bengals, the legend began 😀

I was at County Stadium that day because the Brewers were in the AL East race. Majik went out injured as I pulled into the stadium and they were keeping the crowd updated on that old black and white scoreboard.

All of the sudden there was an odd cheer at an odd time. It came from the people listening to the Packer game on the radio. That’s when he hit Taylor’s for the touchdown.  I think the Brewers won too.

[Mutaman]

Kirk never played at the old Yankee Stadium. The Stadium was rebuilt in 1973 and reopened in 1976. The playing area was considerably smaller after renovation. The Old Stadium was 299 down right field line, 401 right center, 463 center, 457 left center and 301 left field line.

By "old Yankee stadium" i was obviously refereeing to the park that existed until 2009 when the current "new Yankee stadium" was built across the street.
i guess if you want to talk about the pre 1976 renovated Yankee stadium that would be "old, old Yankee stadium". Gibson played in old Yankee Stadium from 1978-1987.

Old old Yankee Stadium would be where Louis fought Scmeling.
Old Yankee Stadium would be where Ali beat Norton.
New Yankee Stadium would be where the Badgers beat Miami in the Pinstripe Bowl.
 

[Not A Serious Person]

2.  Maradona 'Hand of God' goal vs. England 1986.

this

[Johnny B]

frozenas 3 against UNC

[brewcity77]

As far as my memories:

1) Landon Donovan goal against Algeria. Just a great moment and play.
2) Bryant to Rizzo for the final out of Game 7. The play wasn't anything special, but ending 100+ years of angst certainly was.
3) Kris Jenkins' three. Certainly the biggest buzzer beater of my lifetime. Only Justin Lewis comes close...

[Warrior Code]

As far as my memories:

1) Landon Donovan goal against Algeria. Just a great moment and play.
2) Bryant to Rizzo for the final out of Game 7. The play wasn't anything special, but ending 100+ years of angst certainly was.
3) Kris Jenkins' three. Certainly the biggest buzzer beater of my lifetime. Only Justin Lewis comes close...

Also Zobrist's double in the top half of the 10th (though Miggy's RBI turned out to be the game winner). Still get chills from the highlights of that game.

[radome]

I think that greatest sports play may be the relay throw that Jeter made against the A's in the playoffs. The throw that was way off, he went and got it and then backhanded to the plate.

If the greatest play is the greatest moment, then I think the miracle on ice.

[brewcity77]

I think that greatest sports play may be the relay throw that Jeter made against the A's in the playoffs. The throw that was way off, he went and got it and then backhanded to the plate.

If the greatest play is the greatest moment, then I think the miracle on ice.

Both excellent examples.

[Juan Anderson's Mixtape]

I remembered Favre coming in and telling friends the next day "Farve is going to be the next great NFL QB" even though I was not a Packers fan.  I thought Majkowski had gotten injured but his is the article I used in the original post when checking to see if my 28 year old memory was correct:  https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/11/13/brett-favre-debut-book-excerpt-mark-beech-the-peoples-team-green-bay-packers#:~:text=In%20an%20excerpt%20from%20his,started%20the%20season%200%2D2.

Mark Beech details Brett Favre's debut game on Sept. 20, 1992, when he entered in the first quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals and led the Packers to a 24-23 victory after they started the season 0-2.

Either way, it was a decision that changed the course of NFL history and the Packers franchise.

Majik Man did start against the Bengals.  I verified my memory by looking up the box score.

Majik was 1-2 for 7 yds and was sacked once.  I believe the sack is when he got injured.

[muwarrior69]

I think that greatest sports play may be the relay throw that Jeter made against the A's in the playoffs. The throw that was way off, he went and got it and then backhanded to the plate.

If the greatest play is the greatest moment, then I think the miracle on ice.

Nah! Bobby Fischer destroying Spassky in 1972 to become World Champion.

[Warrior Code]

Nah! Bobby Fischer destroying Spassky in 1972 to become World Champion.

*And the subsequent Drunk History about it

[Uncle Rico]

Dock Ellis pitching a no-hitter on LSD

[GooooMarquette]

Dock Ellis pitching a no-hitter on LSD

In that vein, Nova winning the 85 National Championship (and playing one of the most flawless games in NCAA history) while Gary McLain was full of coke....

[ATL MU Warrior]

In that vein, Nova winning the 85 National Championship (and playing one of the most flawless games in NCAA history) while Gary McLain was full of coke....

This made me think if the play that had the biggest impact on me as a youngster.

NC State over Houston in '83 title game.  Lorenzo Charles.  That was about as good as it gets for improbable and therefore memorable plays.

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

Majik Man did start against the Bengals.  I verified my memory by looking up the box score.

Majik was 1-2 for 7 yds and was sacked once.  I believe the sack is when he got injured.

Yes.  He tore up his ankle.  This isn't even a debate. 

[dgies9156]

Holmgren did pull Majkowski the game previous to the Bengals, where they were getting rolled by Tampa. That was Favre’s in infamous first completion to himself from a batted pass.

Favre did nothing of legend that day. But next week against the Bengals, the legend began 😀

Was my first game ever at Lambeau.

[JWags85]

In that vein, Nova winning the 85 National Championship (and playing one of the most flawless games in NCAA history) while Gary McLain was full of coke....

No no, he ONLY did it before the Final Four game. He then abstained for the final  cause that would be the time to stop what was working