By: Jeff Arnold
With 2013 coming to a close we can now look back on the year as a whole and for sports, what a year it was. From the shocking, to the heartwarming, this past year has been one of the best sports years in recent memory. Here are five of the top sports stories of 2013.
The 2013 Red Sox: Unlikely Champions
After finishing in last place and being a broken team after the departure of Bobby Valentine many sports experts counted the Red Sox out before the season started. The Rag-tag band of misfits not only made the playoffs, but won the AL East and finished tied with the St. Louis Cardinals for the best record in baseball. Throughout the playoffs they continued to shock the sports world before advancing to the World Series against the Cardinals. Using the slogan “Blood, Sweat, and Beards” to encapsulate the team, the Red Sox won in six games: their third World Series victory since 2004. All of this came in the wake of the tragic Boston Marathon bombings and continued Boston’s healing.
Kevin Ware and Louisville’s Journey to a National Title
One of the favorites heading into the NCAA tournament, the Louisville Cardinals made their way to the Elite Eight where they met Duke in what was sure to be a hard fought game. Instead of the play of the teams, a player took the spotlight in Kevin Ware. After jumping for a block attempt, Ware’s leg snapped gruesomely. The sight of the injury shook both teams, even moving Louisville coach, Rick Pitino to tears. While being tended to he urged his team to win the game, which they did, moving onto the Final Four. Behind the slogan “All In For #5” in honor of Ware, the team squeaked out a victory against unlikely contender Wichita State before ultimately winning the National Title over Michigan.
17 Seconds: The Chicago Blackhawks Historic Season and Championship
The 2013 NHL season started with doubt over whether any games would be played at all because of a dispute over the collective bargaining agreement. After negotiations the season started up on January 19. They played a reduced 42 game schedule because of the late start to the season. The Chicago Blackhawks came out firing on all cylinders starting out the seaosn 21-0-3. They eventually moved through the playoffs to the Stanley Cup where they met the Boston Bruins. After taking a 3-2 series lead, the Bruins looked poised to force a game 7 in Chicago when the Blackhawks did the amazing scoring two goals in 17 seconds. This shocking turn of events gave the Blackhawks the title in one of the most eventful season in Chicago sports history.
The 2013 Baltimore Ravens: Ray Lewis’ Swansong and the Super Bowl Blackout
Few experts had the Baltimore Ravens near the top of their list as Super Bowl favorites to start the 2012-2013 season; however, the Ravens proved many naysayers wrong when they reached the Super Bowl behind the inspiration of all-time great linebacker, Ray Lewis. After suffering torn triceps earlier in the season, Lewis lead the tema on an improbable playoff run culminating in a Super Bowl victory over the San Francisco 49ers. What made this run so unique, outside of it being Lewis’ final shot at a second Super Bowl ring, was the 34 minute delay in the third quarter caused by a blackout in the Super Dome in New Orleans. The power outage sparked a furious rally from the 49ers, but the Ravens ultimately held them off in a 34-31 victory.
End of an Era: Mariano Rivera’s Retirement
Mariano Rivera closed out the final chapter of his historic, record-setting career in the fall of 2013. After signing with the New York Yankees in 1990, Rivera embarked on a baseball journey filled with memorable moments including the 1999 World Series MVP. Throughout his 19 years in the big leagues Rivera won five World Series and set the all time record for saves with 652. Despite 2013 being a trying season for a struggling and depleted Yankees squad, Rivera enjoyed a 162 game farewell party including a final All-Star game appearance highlighted by a standing ovation from both teams. As one of the most iconic and accommodating players in baseball history, Rivera will be missed.
Honorable Mentions:
The End of the Armstrong Saga:
The most infamous PED user of all time finally came clean in January when Lance Armstrong admitted to doping during his reign over the cycling world.
Alabama’s Continued Dominance:
The 2012-2013 University of Alabama football team won their third National Championship in four years behind the coaching of Nick Saban.
Lebron’s Path to Greatness Continues:
After years of criticism for not being able to win a championship, Lebron James and the Miami Heat won their second title in a row over the San Antonio Spurs.
