Mistakes are only human, but there's a big difference between a minor flub and a blunder that people will hound you about for the rest of your mortal life (and maybe even beyond the grave). There have been plenty of questionable choices made throughout the history of US sports, but some sting harder than others and are notorious for giving sports enthusiasts regular nightmares. Here are three of the biggest sports blunders in United States history.
The Infamous Steve Bartman
Even if you can't quite recall what he did, you've inevitably heard the chilling name "Steve Bartman" before.
The Chicago Cubs were up 3-2 against the Florida Marlins during the 2003 National League Championship Series. During the second-to-last inning of Game 6, Luis Castillo hit a ball that was diligently tracked by Moisés Alou, an outfielder. Just as Alou was about to catch it, Steve Bartman (wearing a pair of headphones and clearly oblivious to the situation) reached over to grab the ball, ruining Alou's chance to achieve the second out of the inning. The Cubs went on to lose the game, and furious fans deflected the blame on Bartman, who was harassed so doggedly he was forced to go off-the-radar for over a decade.
Theater Over Baseball
Today, Babe Ruth is regarded as the greatest player in baseball history. But back when he was just starting out, Red Sox owner Harry Franzee sold him to finance the theatre production My Lady Friends. This might have been one of the biggest sports blunders in United States history. Franzee's musical went on to be a complete and utter flop, while Babe Ruth transitioned from pitcher to right fielder and made a name for himself one of the most prolific home runners in the history of baseball. The Red Sox suffered nearly a century of misfortune after losing Babe Ruth. The Yankees, on the other hand, flourished.
A Little Too Soon
There are countless players in the NFL who have the bad tendency to celebrate their victories prematurely. DeSean Jackson is one of them. During the first game of his rookie season, he ran toward the end zone, nearly reaching the goal line, before tossing the ball behind him in celebration. Because he didn't quite make the goal line before celebrating, the play—which was initially ruled a touchdown—was overturned.
Leon Lett is another player with reflexes a smidgen too quick. Nearing the end of the 4th quarter during Super Bowl XXVII, he was sprinting to the end zone, and—wrongly assuming nobody else was within reach—he slowed down and proudly hoisted the ball high in the air. Much to his dismay, Don Beebe came out from nowhere and proceeded to knock it out of his hands, costing him the touchdown.
Mistakes happen, but most of the time, they’re avoidable. If you want to avoid a fashion faux pas, come and check out Greater Half’s selection of stylish, comfortable, and patriotic clothing today!
