The year 2018 was a record-breaking year in sports with performances that will be bound to the pages of record books for years to come. Sports have always had a keen and special way of not only bringing people together but having the ability to inspire us all to reach farther and push for something greater.
While I predict that my list below will be disputed, I believe these events, games, and moments truly live up to the threshold of being "awe-inspiring" and "record-breaking." I look forward to hearing your thoughts and comments on my aggregated list across both male and female sports worldwide. The list is in no specific ranking order.
From the historic Super Bowl LII to the Pyeongchang Olympics, let's take a look back.
TIGER VS. PHIL
This had so much hype around it. What was being called "The Match" racked in millions of dollars while being the most historic head to head game between the two of the greatest golfers ever...Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson.
Yes, I hear all you old timers yelling in the background... okay... fine, Jack Nicklaus, Sam Snead, Walter Hagen, and Arnold Palmer are among other "GOAT's." (Greatest of All Time) Sorry, President Trump, you didn't make this list...yet.
This "match" was historic over the Thanksgiving weekend with a jackpot of over $9 million going to the winner. The back and forth volley of amazing shots and performances captured the eyes of millions. The players were mic'ed up as well which gave those at home the opportunity to hear their trash talking, which added to the fun.
Tiger would also win the "Tour of Champions" in 2018 which was neat to see. A true comeback from the legend after years of struggle with the game.
MARCH MADNESS
In the NCAA Women's National Championship game, Notre Dame captured the win with a dagger of a three-pointer from far out behind the line with 0.1 seconds left to send Mississippi State home. They did just that with a 61-58 victory. That day Notre Dame player, Arike Ogunbowale was the hero and executed a pivotal shoot to capture a second national championship.
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Notre Dame played like champions. This spot on my list is well deserved by the "Fighting Irish."
Honorary mention goes to the Loyola-Chicago Ramblers team’s 98-year-old team chaplain Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt who captured the hearts of the nation.U.S. OPEN
The final in the U.S. Open included world champion, Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka which turned into a heated game quickly. An argument broke out between the chair umpire and Williams. Naomi Osaka’s Slam victory was dominated by the controversy but without question a win for the record books. At the end of the day, Osaka beat one of the greatest in the world.
THE STANLEY CUP
The Washington Capitals have yet again proven that they are a force to be reckoned with as a franchise in the National Hockey League. Alex Ovechkin has always been a star in Washington but has never raised the iconic Stanley Cup, this year that changed in defeating the Vegas Golden Knights. Ovechkin and the "Caps" presented the swamp (D.C.) with their first major national sports team title since 1992, when the Redskins captured a win in the Super Bowl against the Bills.
I personally enjoyed watching the final games from the streets of Chinatown in D.C. and the team parade in the streets in the days that followed the victory.
A very much deserved honorable mention goes to The Vegas Golden Knights fight and determination to reach the Stanley Cup in their inaugural season.
EAGLES WIN SUPER BOWL LII
The Philadelphia Eagles wheeled and dealt punishing blows to win the franchise’s first Super Bowl title with an extraordinary play call against the New England Patriots, called the "Philly Special."
This moment is for Storm, who is the business manager at Townhall and a die-hard Eagles fan.
I really wanted to hand select a moment for Matt, an editor at Townhall, but his NY Giants are... let's just say mediocre at very best... "thank u, next" year?
KOBE BRYANT OSCARS AWARD
Legend basketball payer, Kobe Bryant wins the Oscar for his short film, “Dear Basketball,” which was the letter of his retirement letter from 2015 made into a film about his dive and ambition growing up to one day achieve greatness.
While I without question strongly dislike the political stunts that have become more frequent at the Oscars, no one can downplay the impact that Kobe Bryant had on and off the court. He taught us how to achieve your dreams through hard work.
Some of those he taught are now some of the world's greatest athletes.
THE WORST MOMENT IN SPORTS FROM 2018Top five-star college football recruit, Jacob Copeland committed to Florida instead of Tennessee or Alabama and let's just say that the decision made his mother mad enough to walk away on the kid...how sad.
THE MOST INSPIRING MOMENT IN SPORTS FROM 2018
Justin Gallegos, a runner at the University of Oregon with cerebral palsy crossed the finish line just like any other race, but what was not expected was for Nike to be there to present him with a professional running contract. This was a first and a milestone for athletes with cerebral palsy.
As a runner in high school...this was pretty neat to see happen.
Bryce Harper brought it home with a performance for the ages in this Home Run Derby performance while being in his hometown of Washington, D.C.
THE PASSING OF A LEGEND, PAUL ALLEN, SEATTLE SEAHAWKS OWNERPaul Allen's passing in Seattle rocked the 12's to their very core... but the fight and tribute to the man that made it possible to stay in Seattle was nothing short of an inspiration to the entire National Football League.
I hope that you enjoyed my carefully, hand selected top moments from 2018. Feel free to let me know your thoughts on Twitter by tweeting at me, (@Zach_Petrizzo)!
Do you think 2018 should go down as one of the greatest years in sports?
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