Top Five Boston Sports Moments

Now that the Boston Red Sox have survived a trip to St. Louis for games 3, 4 and 5 of the World Series, they’re on their way back home to Fenway Park needing just one more win to capture their third World Series title in ten years. David Ortiz’s postseason performance has been other-worldly, and he’s taking a swing at a .750 batting average if the Cardinals dare pitch to him again. Starter Jon Lester has pitched over 15 innings across two starts, with only one run allowed while striking out a batter an inning. Closer Koji Uehara has been un-hittable and executed a walk-off pick-off to even the series in game 4. There have been some terrific, odd memories made in the 2013 World Series, but where will they stack against other great moments in Boston sports history?

Boston Bruins’ Bobby Orr “The Dive”
5/10/70

In the 1970 Stanley Cup Finals, Bobby Orr scored an exciting goal that caused him to dive with excitement and allowed the Boston Bruins to win Game 4 in overtime over the St. Louis Blues. “The Dive” by Bobby Orr clinched a four-game sweep for the Bruins and the first Boston Stanley Cup in 29 years. This currently stands as the most famous moment in Boston – St. Louis championship history, but you never know what 2013 World Series memories may contend for the title.

Boston Red Sox Break the Curse of the Bambino
10/27/04

The Boston Red Sox swept the St. Louis Cardinals for their first World Series championship since 1918. After a few near misses (Buckner!) and many years of sub-par play over the decades, the Red Sox beat the Cardinals in the World Series in only four games. After 86 years of suffering, baseball fans in Beantown were rewarded with a series-ending tap back to the mound, and Keith Foulke threw to first for the third out before catcher Jason Varitek jumped in his arms to celebrate.

Carlton Fisk Waves a Homerun Fair at Fenway
10/21/75

The 1975 World Series between the Boston Red Sox and Cincinnati Reds was sent to a deciding Game 7 thanks to extra inning heroics by Red Sox catcher Carlton Fisk. Hoping to avoid losing the title to the Big Red Machine in front of the home crowd, Fisk hit a 12th inning walk-off home run down the left field line that just barely stayed fair over Fenway Park’s Green Monster. As the ball towered into the Boston night, Fisk leaped along the first base line, waving and willing the ball to keep right of the foul pole. While Fisk’s wish was granted that night, the Red Sox ultimately fell to the Reds the next night, losing on a run in the ninth inning. The Red Sox would have to wait another 29 years to win a World Series.

“The Steal” Rallies Red Sox Past Yankees
10/17/04

Down three games to none against the hated New York Yankees, it looked like 2004 would be another season lost to the Curse of the Bambino for the Boston Red Sox. Future Hall of Fame closer Mariano Rivera was on the mound with a one run lead and surrendered a rare walk to Kevin Millar. In stepped Dave Roberts as a pinch runner, and he somehow managed to convert a base stealing attempt even though everyone – including the Yankees – knew he’d be running. Now in scoring position, Roberts scored the go-ahead run on Bill Mueller’s single, and the Red Sox went on to win their first of eight straight MLB Postseason games en route to winning the 2004 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Tuck Rule Lets the Patriots Ride Again
1/19/02

Down by three with less than two minutes remaining, Tom Brady appeared to lose a fumble forced by Charles Woodson and recovered by Greg Biekert of the Oakland Raiders. This initial ruling all but assured the Radiers’ advance to the AFC Championship game, but instant replay ruled that Brady instead threw an incomplete pass according to The Tuck Rule. Invigorated by a second chance, the New England Patriots continued to drive threw the Gillette Stadium snow and kicked a game-tying field goal. Adam Vinatieri managed to kick a game winning field goal on the opening drive of overtime, and the Patriots rode their wave of momentum past the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship & the St. Louis Rams in the Super Bowl. St. Louis again falls to a memorable Boston sports achievement, and none of it would’ve possible without the questionable (and later abolished) Tuck Rule.