Top 10 Sporting events in Toronto:
Having been asked by my very tall friend Matt Herndorf to compile a list of top 10 sporting moments in Toronto, I decided to take up the challenge. I thought about adding stuff from before I was around, but I don’t have the experience to fully grasp what the cup in ’67 did for the city. Hence I have decided to consider only things I know about. Here is my list, I know and hope you don’t agree with it, because this is definitely something up for debate.
1- 1. Touch em’ all Joe. October 23rd, 1993.
There is no question in my mind that this is the single biggest moment in sports in Toronto ever. Even being only 7 years old at the time, I remember this moment like it was yesterday. Sleepy eyed in from of the TV and thinking we had no chance to come back, Joe Carter single handedly won the World Series for us. Watching it now still gives me great pride and Goosebumps. Definitely at the top of pretty much everybody’s list.
2- 2. 1992-1993 Toronto Maple Leaf Playoffs.
Now although this didn’t win us anything, it was still one hell of a ride. I remember this playoff run more than the ’93 World Series. First came the Red Wings, favored to beat us, and we took them out in game 7, in Detroit. Then the St.Louis Blues, who doesn’t remember Wendel Clark taking that big Slapper and almost taking off Cujo’s head. That series also went 7 and had the famous spinnerama goal by Dougie. And then the Western Finals were good old Kerry Fraser screwed us over with that non call on the great one in game 6, and then Gretz’s famous performance in game 7. This is so high up for a few reasons. Asked yourself why Doug Gilmour is a god in this city and it is because of this year for the leafs. He etched himself among leaf greats with his performance in these playoffs. The possibility of a Toronto/Montreal final, added to the intrigue. And finally it was by far our closest chance at getting the cup. Ask any former hab player from that year, they were jumping for joy when the Kings made it to the final.
3- 3. 1992 World Series Champions.
This is where we became mainstream within American Sports. Too young at the time to realize this, but winning “America’s game” was a big deal in the states. Think about it, do you really think having the Canadian flag upside down was a mistake? This was also a huge deal because of what else happened in these playoffs. The catch by Devon White has to be considered one of the greatest defensive plays in World Series history, and there wouldn’t be any question if it wasn’t for that second base umpire to go blind when Gruber tagged for the triple play. Or Roberto Alomar’s Home run off Dennis Eckersley in the top of the 9th inning to cap the comeback against Oakland. Eckersley is a hall of fame pitcher, it was huge. If it wasn’t for the home run by Carter, these moments would probably be swapped.
4- 4. 2000 Slam Dunk contest.
Now I hate Vince Carter, but this guy is the reason why the Raptors are still in Toronto. I’m not saying they wouldn’t be here now, but he filled the ACC, and put Toronto on the map in the basketball world. I mean, the guy got us on NBC for games shown Nationally on the States. This Slam Dunk contest was what did it. I don’t think anybody has come close in the Slam Dunk contest to what he did in that one… Just like he said though…. “It’s Over”
5- 5. Wrestle Mania VI- Now many of you will possibly say this isn’t a sport or whatever. I don’t consider the WWE a sport, but the shape these guys are in, they have to be considered athletes. Hence why it is on my list, you cannot ignore an event that has over 67,000 people attending. It had an unbelievable headline, both the Ultimate Warrior and Hulk Hogan putting their belts on the line. It was Hogan’s first loss and one memorable event.
6- 6. The 2001 Raptors
This was a huge deal, coming off the national recognition of the 2000 slam dunk contest, and also his slam dunk over that 7 footer from France, Vince and the raps kept the momentum going by winning their first playoff series. It came after being down 2 games to 1 and then going to New York and taking the series at the Gaarden. In fact, I remember a kid being interviewed by John Gallagher after games 3 where he stated Vince has got to drive to the net, if he does we will win, and being correct to his word (that’s right, I called it). Not only that but we came within one shot of going to the eastern final. It was a very exciting time for Toronto, and if you didn’t think basketball was alive and well, and then you obviously didn’t go to the ACC for a playoff game that year… deafening comes to mind.
7- 7. 2004 Golf Canadian Open.
We came so close to having a winner of the tournament being from Canada. Mike Weir, having won the Masters the year before, was a hero in Canada and he came oh so close to winning a tourney in front of his home town crowd. He had a 3 stroke lead with 8 to play, but couldn’t close the deal. A tough loss.
8- 8. Toronto Argos 1996 Grey Cup champions
The Argos were the worst team in ’95, so in they brought coaching guru Don Matthews and along with newly signed Doug Flutie, they went all the way to the Grey Cup. It was held at our biggest rivals ground, The ti-cats, and the conditions were snowy. It was a highly offensive game, but the game came down to defense. I still remember vividly Adrion Smith getting that interception to make sure the Argos were Grey Cup Champions.
9- 9. 150 m race Bailey vs. Johnson
June 1997, after Bailey had won the 100 meter in the Olympics the year before, Johnson had won the 200 meter; both believed to be the fastest men on the planet. So they came to an agreement, 150 meter race for all the marbles. Bailey dominated and settled the dispute once and for all.
1010 Tie- Kobe’s 81 points on the Raps/ Tiger Woods 2000 Bell Canadian Open win.
Both of these aren’t mine, I thought of both of them, But got persuaded by sports guru Alex Bishop. The Kobe 81 I didn’t think of for a few reasons. It wasn’t by a Toronto Player or held in Toronto so I find it a top 10 for LA, but not us. Nonetheless it was an amazing effort. As well as Tiger Woods win here in 2000. That bunker shot, using a 6 iron was insane, and gets described as “humans aren’t suppose to be able to do that”. Both worthy choices
Honorable mentions:
Argo champions in ’91,’97,’04
Leafs run to the Eastern Conference finals in ’02 and ‘99
Toronto Fc Coming to Existence
The opening of Skydome
The Closing of Maple Leaf Gardens
Feel free to argue and dissect my picks.
Enjoy
Ozel
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