Wil, you're quick. I just posted the idea about 60 seconds ago!
In honor of the ESPYs, I think the RX should present an annual award known as the Beaties. Every July, the Beaties will recognize the worst beats in major sports. Categories include:
NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, college hoops, college football, tennis, golf, boxing, misc team sports (Arena, WNBA, etc) and misc individual sports (NASCAR, cycling, track, etc).
The Beaties will be broadcast live on ESPN2 from a dive bar in Costa Rica. Nick Bakay will be the host.
In honor of the ESPYs, I think the RX should present an annual award known as the Beaties. Every July, the Beaties will recognize the worst beats in major sports. Categories include:
NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, college hoops, college football, tennis, golf, boxing, misc team sports (Arena, WNBA, etc) and misc individual sports (NASCAR, cycling, track, etc).
The Beaties will be broadcast live on ESPN2 from a dive bar in Costa Rica. Nick Bakay will be the host.
NFL, Colts @ Bucs. Colts 38, Bucs 35.
This was a classic Beatie. It was MNF, so that simply adds to the legend. Millions of gamblers on the East Coast were up until 1am watching this debacle (or miracle, depending on your wager).
With 5 minutes left, Ronde Barber returns an INT for a TD, giving Tampa a 35-14 lead. Game over, right?
Wrong. Peyton Manning rallied the Colts, sending the game into OT on Ricky Williams' 1-yard TD with 35 seconds left.
In OT, Indy wins on a Vanderjagt FG. But it wasn't that simple. Vanderjagt missed his first FG, causing Tampa bettors to think they had dodged the bullet. Nope. The refs called the little-known leaping penalty on Tampa, giving Vanderjagt another chance. He made the 2nd kick, but it HIT THE UPRIGHT!
When it was all said and done, Indy became the first team in NFL history to win after trailing by 21 or more points with less than 4 minutes in regulation.
But it wasn't JUST the 21-point comeback that made this game the 2004 NFL Beatie. It was all the bizarre plays in combination with the comeback.
1) After Barber's INT return, Brad Pyatt returned the kickoff for 90 yards.
2) After James Mungro scores the TD, Indy is allowed to illegally recover the onside kick.
3) During one of the drives, Peyton throws a 52-yard bomb to Marvin Harrison. Harrison was wide-open! As if Tampa didn't know that Peyton would be looking for Harrison!?!?
4) Finally, the Indy FG and the leaping penalty.
If you were trying to write a movie about an amazing NFL comeback, you couldn't make up most of this stuff! Definitely a Beatie classic.
This was a classic Beatie. It was MNF, so that simply adds to the legend. Millions of gamblers on the East Coast were up until 1am watching this debacle (or miracle, depending on your wager).
With 5 minutes left, Ronde Barber returns an INT for a TD, giving Tampa a 35-14 lead. Game over, right?
Wrong. Peyton Manning rallied the Colts, sending the game into OT on Ricky Williams' 1-yard TD with 35 seconds left.
In OT, Indy wins on a Vanderjagt FG. But it wasn't that simple. Vanderjagt missed his first FG, causing Tampa bettors to think they had dodged the bullet. Nope. The refs called the little-known leaping penalty on Tampa, giving Vanderjagt another chance. He made the 2nd kick, but it HIT THE UPRIGHT!
When it was all said and done, Indy became the first team in NFL history to win after trailing by 21 or more points with less than 4 minutes in regulation.
But it wasn't JUST the 21-point comeback that made this game the 2004 NFL Beatie. It was all the bizarre plays in combination with the comeback.
1) After Barber's INT return, Brad Pyatt returned the kickoff for 90 yards.
2) After James Mungro scores the TD, Indy is allowed to illegally recover the onside kick.
3) During one of the drives, Peyton throws a 52-yard bomb to Marvin Harrison. Harrison was wide-open! As if Tampa didn't know that Peyton would be looking for Harrison!?!?
4) Finally, the Indy FG and the leaping penalty.
If you were trying to write a movie about an amazing NFL comeback, you couldn't make up most of this stuff! Definitely a Beatie classic.
My nomination for the NBA Beatie is relatively obscure.
Memphis @ Cleveland, November 2003.
Memphis was trailing 49-25 in the 2nd quarter, 80-64 to start the 4th quarter.
But Memphis opens the 4th with an 18-0 run, taking an 82-80 lead with 7:45 remaining!
Cleveland battles back, they're winning by 4 points with 55 seconds. Gasol makes a FT, Lebron misses a jumper, Shane Battier hits a 3-pointer with 15 seconds. Cleveland doesn't get a shot, we're going to OT!
In the first OT (yep, there was more than one OT), Cavs are winning by 5 with 2:27 left. But Memphis finishes with a 7-2 run, including a Mike Miller 3-pointer with 2 seconds left. Double OT!
Cleveland was winning by a point with 3 minutes left in double OT. Then they fell apart, losing 122-115...not only did the Cavs blow SEVERAL big leads, but they didn't even cover the spread! Plus, Memphis had to hit two 3-pointers in order to force OT and 2OT.
Memphis @ Cleveland, November 2003.
Memphis was trailing 49-25 in the 2nd quarter, 80-64 to start the 4th quarter.
But Memphis opens the 4th with an 18-0 run, taking an 82-80 lead with 7:45 remaining!
Cleveland battles back, they're winning by 4 points with 55 seconds. Gasol makes a FT, Lebron misses a jumper, Shane Battier hits a 3-pointer with 15 seconds. Cleveland doesn't get a shot, we're going to OT!
In the first OT (yep, there was more than one OT), Cavs are winning by 5 with 2:27 left. But Memphis finishes with a 7-2 run, including a Mike Miller 3-pointer with 2 seconds left. Double OT!
Cleveland was winning by a point with 3 minutes left in double OT. Then they fell apart, losing 122-115...not only did the Cavs blow SEVERAL big leads, but they didn't even cover the spread! Plus, Memphis had to hit two 3-pointers in order to force OT and 2OT.
I'm sure there will be lots of nominations for college hoops. Lots of teams, lots of games, and college tends to be more unpredictable than NBA.
Some games that come to mind:
Mizzou @ Indy
UNC @ FSU
Nebraska @ Hawaii (NIT game)
But my personal nominee is Maryland @ Florida. I had the Florida ML in several parlays that night. Every parlay was a winner, I just needed Florida to close the deal.
Florida was recently voted to #1 in the polls, and Maryland was coming off a semi-home loss to mediocre West Va (game was @ MCI Center). The Terps were young, and I didn't think they were ready to play @ Florida, a VERY loud and hostile crowd. Unfortunately, I didn't realize how selfish and soft Florida was. I also didn't realize that Nik Caner-Medley was going to score 22 points and 13 rebounds. Nik Caner-Who?
Florida came back from a 17-point deficit in the 2nd half with a 26-9 run, forcing OT. I think Maryland only had 2 FGs in the final 16 minutes (and none in the final 9 minutes).
In OT, the Gators took a four-point lead on a Matt Walsh fast-break dunk. The crowd was going nuts, Florida had all the momentum. I think that's why I'm nominating this game for the Beatie. It wasn't that Florida lost. It was the fact that Florida put together an amazing comeback (after I had already given up on them), and then I got my hopes up, and then I relaxed a little bit when they took the lead in OT...and then the Gators shit the bed. It was heart-breaking.
Maryland scored the final five points to win, 69-68. Late in the game, all Florida had to do was inbounds the ball and Maryland would probably foul them. Then the Gators would just need to make their freebies. But Maryland stole the ball.
Actually, I think Maryland might dominate the Beatie nominations. Some of their comebacks in the ACC Tourney were absolutely ridiculous.
Some games that come to mind:
Mizzou @ Indy
UNC @ FSU
Nebraska @ Hawaii (NIT game)
But my personal nominee is Maryland @ Florida. I had the Florida ML in several parlays that night. Every parlay was a winner, I just needed Florida to close the deal.
Florida was recently voted to #1 in the polls, and Maryland was coming off a semi-home loss to mediocre West Va (game was @ MCI Center). The Terps were young, and I didn't think they were ready to play @ Florida, a VERY loud and hostile crowd. Unfortunately, I didn't realize how selfish and soft Florida was. I also didn't realize that Nik Caner-Medley was going to score 22 points and 13 rebounds. Nik Caner-Who?
Florida came back from a 17-point deficit in the 2nd half with a 26-9 run, forcing OT. I think Maryland only had 2 FGs in the final 16 minutes (and none in the final 9 minutes).
In OT, the Gators took a four-point lead on a Matt Walsh fast-break dunk. The crowd was going nuts, Florida had all the momentum. I think that's why I'm nominating this game for the Beatie. It wasn't that Florida lost. It was the fact that Florida put together an amazing comeback (after I had already given up on them), and then I got my hopes up, and then I relaxed a little bit when they took the lead in OT...and then the Gators shit the bed. It was heart-breaking.
Maryland scored the final five points to win, 69-68. Late in the game, all Florida had to do was inbounds the ball and Maryland would probably foul them. Then the Gators would just need to make their freebies. But Maryland stole the ball.
Actually, I think Maryland might dominate the Beatie nominations. Some of their comebacks in the ACC Tourney were absolutely ridiculous.
When it comes to the MLB Beatie, we've got a dilemma.
Should it be the 2003 season? Should it be the 2004 season? Should it be the last 12 months?
Some people have suggested holding the Beaties in March (in order to avoid the MLB problem), but then you'd have the same problem with hoops and hockey.
In order to stimulate conversation, we're going to make the MLB Beatie somewhat flexible. You can nominate a game from the current year *or* the past year.
From the 2003 season, I'm going to nominate Boston @ NYY, Game 7. Technically, this wasn't much of a "bad beat". Yankees were down 3 runs with 5 outs remaining. This type of comeback happens several times in MLB every week.
However, you had the drama, the rivalry, the hype. You've got Grady Little's decision to stay with Pedro. Walk into a Boston bar 50 years from now, they'll still be debating that decision!
From a statistical standpoint, I'm going to nominate the SD @ NYY game. Yanks were down 2-0, bottom of the 9th, 2 outs. Trevor Hoffman (having a great year) gives up back-to-back homers to Matsui and Lofton.
Hoffman's current stats:
1.76 ERA, .204 BAA, 22 saves. In 30.2 innings, Hoffman has only allowed TWO homers. Both of them were against the Yanks!
In extra-innings, SD takes a 5-2 lead...but then they lose 6-5!?!?
Definitely a tough loss if you had SD or the Under!
Should it be the 2003 season? Should it be the 2004 season? Should it be the last 12 months?
Some people have suggested holding the Beaties in March (in order to avoid the MLB problem), but then you'd have the same problem with hoops and hockey.
In order to stimulate conversation, we're going to make the MLB Beatie somewhat flexible. You can nominate a game from the current year *or* the past year.
From the 2003 season, I'm going to nominate Boston @ NYY, Game 7. Technically, this wasn't much of a "bad beat". Yankees were down 3 runs with 5 outs remaining. This type of comeback happens several times in MLB every week.
However, you had the drama, the rivalry, the hype. You've got Grady Little's decision to stay with Pedro. Walk into a Boston bar 50 years from now, they'll still be debating that decision!
From a statistical standpoint, I'm going to nominate the SD @ NYY game. Yanks were down 2-0, bottom of the 9th, 2 outs. Trevor Hoffman (having a great year) gives up back-to-back homers to Matsui and Lofton.
Hoffman's current stats:
1.76 ERA, .204 BAA, 22 saves. In 30.2 innings, Hoffman has only allowed TWO homers. Both of them were against the Yanks!
In extra-innings, SD takes a 5-2 lead...but then they lose 6-5!?!?
Definitely a tough loss if you had SD or the Under!
san diego chargers against seattle when it was fouts vs. zorn. san diego was -13.5 and up by 30 or so and failed to cover with no t9ime left zorn threw up a prayer and pass interference in the end zone and one more play with no time left . while he was falling down made a td. to lose bye 12 or so i dont remember the yr. .................. does anyone remember this bad beat>????
Its a tie for me.
Had the cubs +1.5 -236 against pittsburgh, tied 5-5 going to the bottom of the 9th.
Cubs are the road team so if pitt wins, only 1 run crosses the plate and I win.
Pirates load the bases in the 9th, none out. Batter hits a fly ball, centrefielder makes a diving catch, guy at third can't tag because he was already halfway to home and had to retreat to 3rd since he thought the ball was going to drop. Next guy hits a grand slam.
3 days later, had white sox +1.5 -240 at oakland.
Oak leading 4-3 2 out top 9th, some prick on Chicago hits a home run.
4-4 in extras, I should be safe since I got the road team and no way i lose on another walk off shot.
Bobby kielty hits a 2 run homer, 6-4 Oak final.
Had the cubs +1.5 -236 against pittsburgh, tied 5-5 going to the bottom of the 9th.
Cubs are the road team so if pitt wins, only 1 run crosses the plate and I win.
Pirates load the bases in the 9th, none out. Batter hits a fly ball, centrefielder makes a diving catch, guy at third can't tag because he was already halfway to home and had to retreat to 3rd since he thought the ball was going to drop. Next guy hits a grand slam.
3 days later, had white sox +1.5 -240 at oakland.
Oak leading 4-3 2 out top 9th, some prick on Chicago hits a home run.
4-4 in extras, I should be safe since I got the road team and no way i lose on another walk off shot.
Bobby kielty hits a 2 run homer, 6-4 Oak final.
I was a $100 bettor last year. Had a $100 3 teamer with NC State over Maryland in college football as my last leg of the parlay. Also had $300 on the game. Maryland was down two touchdowns with 8 minutes left, and the line was pick 'em. They scored 3 times to win. Lost 430 instead of winning 900. That hurt.
Final day of the NHL season.
I have the Kings +.5/+145 in what was a "meaningless" game for San Jose.
Kings lead 3-1 with 1:18 left when Robitaille takes a penalty. San Jose scores a PPG with under 20 seconds left. No biggie - I am still up 3-2.
San Jose wins the face-off and knocks it insto the Kings' end. They can't clear it and with just over 3 seconds left, San Jose scores again. No biggie, I have Kings +.5 goal so if it finishes 3-3 I still win.
We all know what happens next. Damphousse scores in OT and San Jose wins 4-3.
I was up 3-1 with under 30 secnds left, getting 1/2 goal and STILL lose.
I have the Kings +.5/+145 in what was a "meaningless" game for San Jose.
Kings lead 3-1 with 1:18 left when Robitaille takes a penalty. San Jose scores a PPG with under 20 seconds left. No biggie - I am still up 3-2.
San Jose wins the face-off and knocks it insto the Kings' end. They can't clear it and with just over 3 seconds left, San Jose scores again. No biggie, I have Kings +.5 goal so if it finishes 3-3 I still win.
We all know what happens next. Damphousse scores in OT and San Jose wins 4-3.
I was up 3-1 with under 30 secnds left, getting 1/2 goal and STILL lose.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Hank:
Final day of the NHL season.
I have the Kings +.5/+145 in what was a "meaningless" game for San Jose.
Kings lead 3-1 with 1:18 left when Robitaille takes a penalty. San Jose scores a PPG with under 20 seconds left. No biggie - I am still up 3-2.
San Jose wins the face-off and knocks it insto the Kings' end. They can't clear it and with just over 3 seconds left, San Jose scores again. No biggie, I have Kings +.5 goal so if it finishes 3-3 I still win.
We all know what happens next. Damphousse scores in OT and San Jose wins 4-3.
I was up 3-1 with under 30 secnds left, getting 1/2 goal and STILL lose.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
As of now, this is the NHL Beatie!
(Because it is the only nomination! I don't bet enough hockey to think of a bad beat from the 2003-04 season.)
Final day of the NHL season.
I have the Kings +.5/+145 in what was a "meaningless" game for San Jose.
Kings lead 3-1 with 1:18 left when Robitaille takes a penalty. San Jose scores a PPG with under 20 seconds left. No biggie - I am still up 3-2.
San Jose wins the face-off and knocks it insto the Kings' end. They can't clear it and with just over 3 seconds left, San Jose scores again. No biggie, I have Kings +.5 goal so if it finishes 3-3 I still win.
We all know what happens next. Damphousse scores in OT and San Jose wins 4-3.
I was up 3-1 with under 30 secnds left, getting 1/2 goal and STILL lose.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
As of now, this is the NHL Beatie!
(Because it is the only nomination! I don't bet enough hockey to think of a bad beat from the 2003-04 season.)
