An MLB Collaborative TL: Piece of Cake: The Cubs win Game 6 in '03

[Looper]

It was a controversy. It was pandemonium. A foul ball down the left field by Luis Castillo was hit down the left field line. and almost caught by Moises Alou, was batted by a Cubs fan, a fan whose name was lost to history, and the play was ruled a foul ball. The Cubs seem to be floundering, with the Marlins scoring a run soon after, and would have the bases loaded, thanks to an error by normally solid fielder Alex Gonzalez, as Derrek Lee stepped up with only one out in the eighth inning. However, before a pitch was thrown, Cubs skipper Dusty Baker would signal to the bullpen and bring in lefty reliever Mike Remlinger to face Lee. On a 2-1 pitch, Lee would hit a sharp grounder to first baseman Eric Karros, who would throw home to cut down Castillo at the plate, then catcher Paul Bako would notice Karros not being able to cover quickly enough, and he would throw to third, where Aramis Ramirez was covering, and got fellow catcher Ivan Rodriguez for an inning ending 3-2-5 double play. Wrigley Field erupted. The bottom of the eighth would be a 1-2-3 inning, and the ninth would begin with Joe Borowski entering to close down the two-run game. Mike Lowell would be the first man up for the Marlins, and he would battle. After three pitches going to a 1-2 count, Lowell would foul off 6 pitches consecutively. The tenth pitch off the at-bat would be the one to end the meeting, as a grounder to Mark Grudzielanek would be easily tossed to Eric Karros, and the first out was in. Jeff Conine was next. He would view the first pitch before striking the second into center field for a single, and that would bring the tying run to the plate, pinch hitter Todd Hollandsworth. He would hardly be an inconvenience for Borowski, sitting down in three simple pitches. With two outs, Juan Encarnacion would enter the box, the game on the line. For Chicago, it was nearly a disaster. On a 3-1 pitch from Borowski, Encarnacion struck the ball with the power of the gods, and it seemed he would tie it up with a home run into center field. However, a wind gust caught the ball, causing it to lose momentum and hit the wall, falling into the ivy for a ground-rule double. Conine would stay at third, and, despite hitting a missile, Encarnacion would be on second base. Speedy Juan Pierre would come in to try and pull some heroics for Florida, but was outdueled, as Borowski K'd him with a high heater, and that did it. The Cubs had broken the 58 year drought without a World Series birth, and did so in dramatic fashion. Many schools in Chicago cancelled that Wednesday's classes, and the Chicago River was dyed Cubbie Blue. This was the beginning of an incredible period of baseball.

There it is, folks. The Cubs have reached the Fall Classic to kick off the Collaborative Timeline. How will that change things? That is for us to decide.

 

[Don Corleone]

October 16, 2003

Red Sox pitcher Pedro Martinez had the Chicago Sun Times open in the Red Sox locker room as he prepared to face the Yankees in Game 7. The Cubs were finally going back to the World Series.

The Red Sox had been there but not won since 1918. "If they can do it so can we", he thought to himself. "What better way than going through the Yankees?"

 

[WB18]

Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS

Boston Red Sox vs New York Yankees

Game 7 would start out with a bang, as Jason Giambi hit a leadoff home run for the Yankees, followed by another home run by Jorge Posada to make it 2-0. New York would pile on 3 more runs in the second inning as Pedro was pulled after just 1 and a third innings. Roger Clemens for the Yankees would go 5 and 2/3 innings without allowing a hit until Trot Nixon hit a double, but that would be it for the BoSox. The Yankees, meanwhile loaded the bases in the sixth and got runners on the corners in the seventh but got nothing as a result. In the top of the eighth, David Ortiz hit an inside-the-park home run to get Boston on the board. Manny Ramirez would follow with a triple, and Clemens threw a wild pitch to score Ramirez, but there would be no further damage in the inning. The Yankees would fail to score in the bottom half of the eighth and were just 3 outs from the pennant. But in the ninth, Mariano Rivera absolutely imploded, allowing two runs on four walks and a hit batter to make the score 5-4. Then, David Ortiz came up to the plate and proceeded to hit a 3-run double off Jeff Weaver (who replaced Rivera) to make the score 7-5 Red Sox, stunning the crowd at Yankee Stadium. All of sudden, the Red Sox were just three outs from the World Series. In the bottom of the ninth, the first two batters for the Yankees both went down in order, and Bernie Williams was down to his final strike against Derek Lowe before hitting a towering home run into left field to cut the lead in half. Derek Jeter proceeded to hit a ball up the middle for a single to put the pennant winning run at the plate in Jorge Posada. What happened next is one of the most dramatic moments in MLB history.

"Lowe's first pitch to Posada. Swing and a fly ball hit to right field, going back is Nixon, at the wall he leaps, and he makes the catch! An unbelievable catch by Trot Nixon to rob Posada of a pennant winning home run and the Boston Red Sox are going to the World Series to face the Chicago Cubs!"

- Joe Buck calling the final out of the 2003 ALCS.

The Yankee Stadium crowd was dead silent. The Boston Red Sox had done it. The had slayed the 85 year dragon known as the New York Yankees and were in the World Series for the first time since their 1986 loss and seeking their first title since 1918.

 

[WB18]

2003 World Series: Game 1

Chicago Cubs @ Boston Red Sox

America was buzzing in anticipation for the 99th edition of the fall classic. On one side was the Chicago Cubs, who hadn't won it all since 1908 and were in their first World Series since 1945. Meanwhile, the Boston Red Sox hadn't been champs since 1918 and were in their first World Series since their heartbreaking 7 game loss to the New York Mets 17 years earlier in 1986. "One of these two teams will finally see something that many fans never saw in their lifetimes, a world championship while the other will only add to a long list of heartbreaking defeats" said Fox broadcaster Joe Buck before game 1 began.

In game 1, Kerry Wood started out hot, striking out the first 7 Red Sox batters as Sammy Sosa hit a two-run homer to give the Cubs an early lead. Randall Simon would flex his muscles with a moonshot that went over the Green Monster on to Lansdowne Street in the fourth as Wood continued to roll, taking a perfect game into the sixth, when Nomar Garciaparra hit a double, Kevin Millar walked and Bill Mueller drove in both runs with a double to make it 3-2 Cubs. In the seventh, David Ortiz hit a home run to dead center to tie the game. The game would stay tied for the rest of nine innings, staying that way until the 11th. That's when Eric Karros would walk, Moises Alou hit a sacrifice to advance Karros to second and Josh Paul of all people would knock Karros home with a single to make it 4-3 Chicago. But in the bottom of the 11th, Jason Varitek hit a two-out triple followed by a Trot Nixon double that tied it again. The game stayed tied until the 15th inning, making it the longest game in World Series history up to that point. Then, with Kyle Farnsworth pitching in the bottom of the inning, David Ortiz did it again, hitting one off the left-field foul pole to win it for Boston 5-4.

2003 World Series: Game 2

Chicago Cubs @ Boston Red Sox

If game 1 was a game for the ages, then game 2 was an absolute butt-kicking as the Red Sox absolutely rocked Carlos Zambrano for 4 runs in the first inning. It began with a Johnny Damon strike out, but Bill Mueller hit a home run immediately after. After hitting Manny Ramirez, David Ortiz once again found the sweet spot, launching one onto Lansdowne Street to make it 3-0 for the Sox. Zambrano retired Trot Nixon, but Nomar Garciaparra doubled and scored on Jason Vartiek's double to make four zip for the home side. That would be all Zambrano would see but the Chicago bullpen would not fare much better, as Damon hit a 2 run moonshot in the second followed by a Kevin Millar bases clearing double in the third to make the score 9-0 Boston. To give the Cubs credit, they did get a run back in the fifth when Alex Gonzalez drove in Aramis Ramirez with a single, but that would be as good as it got for the visitors, as before the final out was recorded, David Ortiz hit another home run to make the final score 11-1 Red Sox as they took a 2 games to 0 lead headed to the friendly confines of Wrigley Field for the next 2 (or 3) games.

 

[DTF955Baseballfan]

"This is an ESPN Sports Center update. Mariano Rivera, who was uncharacteristically wild in game 7, has a small tear in one of the ligaments of his right knee. He reportedly slipped in the shower before coming to the ballpark and was throwing decently in the bullpen, though not quite with his usual pizzazz.

"Joe Torre is of course coming under criticism for leaving him in. But Rivera's bullpen catcher insist that he was decent warming up. The problem was that the injury was aggravated with every pitch he threw as his pivot leg became more wobbly."

Jorge Posada: "I could tell he was struggling out there. He was trying to gut it out the way anyone would. That's how we are trained."

"On this off day before the World Series reconvenes in Wrigley Field, we have to take a look at the way the perspiration was coming off of his face, the obvious attempts to hide the pain, and be thankful perhaps that it was only the one game. When some pitchers are hurt like that they throw for weeks or even months, managing to alter their delivery to prevent the leg pain, but that winds up hurting their arms. Dizzy Dean is a very famous case after he had his toe broken in the All-Star Game."

"Yes that's very true, now at least Rivera will have the chance to rest his arm the entire off season and be ready to come back, maybe not an opening day but sometime during spring."

 

[DTF955Baseballfan]

OOC: No mention of Boston starter or game to so I'm going to make a presumption. And, maybe that's what you were hoping would happen.)

From the ESPN 30 for 30, The Year II (Yaz's 1967 is one I have heard referred to a few times as just The Year because it was so monumental. I figure that is a good title for a 30 for 30 about these Red Sox and the Cubs.)

Boston's pitching had been a mess. Their game five starter had been forced to come out of the bullpen and almost surrendered a game-winning, pennant wedding home run. Then in game 1, before getting to the long reliever who would be in until "the cows came home," Pedro Martinez had pitched an inning on his normal day of work between starts and gotten the win.

Martinez: "I was too pumped for that game 7, had I not given up that home run so early I'm sure I would have settled down and probably pitched well into the late innings. However, once that happened I overthrew. Thankfully I did not throw many pictures, so I was ready for my normal work between starts."

This meant that a choice needed to be made . Go with Tim Wakefield who had not lasted past the 6th in game one, or Derek Lowe who had been pitching an awful lot and not done as well against the Yankees. Or Pedro martinez, who seemed to have righted himself in that one inning but who they really wanted to save for game four. And then on three days rest if necessary in game 7.

Little: "John Burkett starting on three days rest made a lot of sense, we could have just used a parade of relievers and we were already up one game to none, but he gutted it out and gave the Bullen a breather that was very much needed, throwing eight shot out innings. He wouldn't be ready till game 6 now, maybe better game seven, but I really wanted Pedro there. On the other hand, Wakefield on 3 days rest in game 4 made sense. He was a knuckleball pitcher. But Wakefield in game 3?"

In the end, Martinez' health was the deciding factor. He had only started 29 games during the regular season and there were some concerns that he was wearing down a little. He had earned the game one win, he would start game 4 or possibly game five. It all depended on what happened in game 3.

The Hall of Famer would make an incredible mark once he did start in the world series. However, Derek Lowe's game 3 start was not a thing of beauty. Indeed, the Cubs got right back into the series.

 

[DTF955Baseballfan]

Game 3, 2003 world series, Red Sox at Cubs.

Mark Pryor continued his excellent pitching, and Derek Lowe struggled early. He was allowed to stay in to write himself and wound up getting some confidence back in the middle innings. He left after 6 trailing 4-1 but he seemed to be a lot better than he had been.

The Red Sox tried to rally, but the Wild Chicago fans, who had not seen a World Series since before baseball integrated, we're all excited about this team. Moises Alou added his third RBI in the bottom of the 8th, and the Cubs wrapped up the game with a 5-3 victory that allowed them to get back in the World Series.

Game 4, Boston at Chicago.

In the end, Grady Little went with Pedro martinez. His reasoning was that a knuckleballer in game 5 would totally throw the Cubs off track and that by starting Martinez he could be available for game 7, even if only for five or six innings. Wakefield would be better out of the bullpen then, although of course it was Martinez relieving Wakefield and a bevy of other pictures before him in game one.

Martinez pitched lights out, surrendering only two hits and striking out 17 in a complete Game victory with one run, a solo home run. The Cubs went with their fourth starter - who allowed 2 runs in 4.2 innings - and a few Bullpen hurlers and kept it close, 4-1 was the final. Relief ace Byung Hung Kim warmed up in the ninth, but Martinez was allowed to face the tying run at the plate with one out. Manny Ramirez ironically saved a sure triple by over running the ball and then just have hazardly reaching his glove back in the hopes that he could catch it as Johnny Damon ran in close behind, ready to grab the ball in the ivy. Ramirez himself got tangled in the ivy but Damon grab the ball from him and threw it in as the runners Advanced to Second and third. The comical scene was followed by a much more typical pop-up to first base to end the game as the Red Sox took a 3-1 series lead.

Carrie wood would start game 5 to try to keep the Cubs alive, with Tim Wakefield opposing him. Then, it would likely be Burkett in game 6 if necessary and Martinez, with Wakefield and low available as long relief, in game 7. Although there was the possibility that the knuckleballer could start game 7. But the Red Sox hoped it wouldn't get that far.

 

[DTF955Baseballfan]

Game 5, 2003 world series, Boston Red Sox at Chicago Cubs.

The previous two games had been good, but not great. They were fun to watch and Drew fans interest since someone was going to break a curse. It was one of the most watched World Series in quite a while.

Game 5 would bring all sorts of craziness.

The Cubs went up 3-1 as Wakefield uncorked three wild pitches in one inning, his knuckleball was moving too well with the strong wind. In the top of the fourth, the Red Sox came back to go up 6-3 only to have the Cubs get another run on a home run to make it six four and the bottom of the 4th. Wakefield had been removed by this time.

Wood was kept in a little longer than one might have expected and a reliever allowed two runs to score before getting the final out in the top of the fifth. However, the Cubs came back with seven runs over the next two innings and it was 11- 8 Cubs after 6.

David Ortiz hit his second home run to start a rally in the top of the 7th, and a Dusty Baker brought in his relief Ace in the seventh inning. He prevented further damage in the 7th and 8th only to allow three more runs to score in the top of the ninth. The Cubs had scored one so it was tied at 12 going into the bottom of the ninth. It was, as one writer noted, a throwback to the old days of Wrigley Field when the wind would be blowing out all the time in the summer during day games.

The Cubs bailed Dusty Baker out as they scored the game winner with two outs for a wild 13-12 win to send the Series back to Boston.

Commentators afterwards said you couldn't really blame Baker. He was running out of pictures and it had been common once for Ace relievers to throw three innings. Not only that, but he had gone the first two innings quite well.

The high ratings of game 5 rose even more for game 6. Lots of talk was on who would start game 7, because Wakefield had thrown so few pictures he seemed to be the likely starter. Meanwhile, people overlooked the fact that John Burkett had done so well in game two.

The Cubs had good starting pitching but a tired Bullpen as they warmed up for game 6.

()OOC: anyone want to take game 6?)

 

[WB18]

@DTF955Baseballfan I'll handle game 6 (and game 7, if needed)

2003 World Series: Game 6

Chicago Cubs @ Boston Red Sox

Fenway Park was alive and roaring for game 6, as the city's beloved Red Sox were just one win away from capturing their first World Series title in 85 years. Meanwhile, the Cubs were just trying to stay alive to send it to a game 7. "My boys stayed alive last go-round, they can certainly do it one more time." said Dusty Baker before game 6, which saw Carlos Zambrano oppose John Burkett on the mound. Right away, the Cubs backed Baker's word, scoring 3 runs off Burkett in the top of the first to quiet the rockus Fenway crowd. Zambrano, much more composed than his previous start in game 2, was strong, striking out 7 of the first 9 Red Sox batters he faced before allowing a two-run shot to Manny Ramirez in the fourth to make it 3-2. In the top of the fifth, John Burkett would load the bases before getting pulled for Mike Timlin, who got out of the jam, striking Corey Patterson out and getting Aramis Ramirez to pop out as no runs scored for Chicago. In the bottom of the inning, Patterson made a leading catch in right to rob Johnny Damon of a game-tying home run. Moises Alou would make a catch of his own in the bottom of the seventh against Nomar Garciaparra, robbing him of a game-tying double. In the ninth, Byung-Hung Kim would put runners at the corners with just one out, but only one run scored as Ramon Martinez was robbed of a home run by Trot Nixon as Aramis Ramirez scored from third and Damian Miller struck out looking to send it to the bottom of the ninth. Mike Remlinger came out for the Cubs in the ninth to try to force a game 7.

Remlinger first allowed a double to Manny Ramirez before getting David Ortiz to ground out, but not before Ramirez moved to third. The next batter, Nixon, would strike out after fouling off 5 pitches. But then Remlinger would walk both Garciaparra and Jason Varitek to load the bases. With the tying run at second and the potential World Series winning run at first, you'd expect Kevin Millar to make an effort to crush the ball. But no, Millar took all three pitches he faced, all three were strikes, and all of a sudden, for the third straight year, the World Series was headed to a seventh game.


2003 World Series: Game 7

Chicago Cubs @ Boston Red Sox

Game 7 of the 2003 World Series. Whoever won this game, a very long championship drought would be broken at last. Either the Chicago Cubs, who had waited 95 years for a championship, or the Boston Red Sox, who were last champions 85 years ago, would give their fans something that generations never saw them do. A record TV audience tuned in, making the game the most watched World Series game ever, averaging 56 million viewers, surpassing game 6 in 1980. Game 7 would be tense, as Pedro Martinez for the Red Sox and Mark Prior for the Cubs would do what they do best, retire hitters. The two men allowed just one hit combined through 7 innings. Unfortunately for Boston, that one hit would produce a run, as Mark Grudzielanek of all people hit one onto Lansdowne Street to start the fourth to give the Cubs a 1-0 lead. With the lead, Prior kept rolling, retiring Red Sock after Red Sock. In the top of the ninth, with Martinez gone and replaced by Alan Embree, the Cubs strengthened their grasp on the game, as Corey Patterson drove Moises Alou and Sammy Sosa in with a double to make it 3-0.

This was happening, the Chicago Cubs, after being baseball's lovable losers for so many years, were finally gonna win it all. Meanwhile, the Boston Red Sox, after being up 3-1 in the series, were gonna lose it and get no-hit in game 7 at Fenway as Prior still hadn't allowed a hit yet. Celebrations were prematurely starting in Chicago while so many TV's across New England were shut off as the bottom of the ninth started.

The inning began with a Johnny Damon strikeout. Then, Bill Mueller flew out to Alou in center field. Two outs gone, one out to get for the Cubs first World Championship since 1908. One out for Mark Prior to get a no-hitter, in game 7 of the World Series no less.

When Manny Ramirez was down in the count 0-2, it sure looked like that was about to happen. But Ramirez was hit on the very next pitch to put him on. David Ortiz then took a 1-0 pitch down the left field line for a single to finally give a Boston a hit. Still, there were two outs and three runs needed to score just for the game to be tied. Trot Nixon would ground the ball to shortstop Alex Gonzalez, who threw to Eric Karros at first. The throw went wild, and all of a sudden, the bases were loaded. Dusty Baker would go to the mound to pull Prior from the game. In came Kyle Farnsworth to get just one out to win it for the Cubs. The Red Sox opted to send pinch hitter Jeremy Giambi to the plate to bat for Nomar Garciaparra. Farnsworth's first pitch was a strike, his second a ball, then another ball to make the count 2-1. On the next pitch, a hero was born.

"2-1 pitch to Giambi... a swing a drive to Center...going back Alou...it's off the wall...two will score...here comes Nixon...Nixon scores...they're gonna send Giambi home...the throw home and Giambi is...SAFE!!!!"
- Joe Buck calling Jeremy Giambi's walk-off inside the park home run in Game 7

In the snap of a finger, the Boston Red Sox had gone from one strike from being no-hit in Game 7 of the World Series to World Champions for the first time in 85 years as pandemonium rained at Fenway Park on an inside-the-park grand slam down by three in the bottom of the ninth of all things. Meanwhile, the Cubs had come as close as ever to ending their championship drought but remained optimistic for 2004. "We will be here again next year, only this time, we'll finish the job. Mark my words." said Kerry Wood in an interview after game 7.

Red Sox win World Series 4 games to 3

World Series MVP: Manny Ramirez (BOS, OF)

 

[WB18]

ESPN Sportscenter

Aired October 31, 2003

This is a rushed transcript

"Hello everybody I'm Neil Everett. As Boston Red Sox fans celebrate their first title in 85 years, another fanbase is wondering if they'll even have a team in the near future. The Montreal Gazette reporting today that the Expos are still searching for a buyer with no buyers from Montreal surfacing as of now. In fact, only two bids period have come for the struggling franchise. One of which is from a group headlined by Dallas Mavericks Mark Cuban and former NBA star Magic Johnson. The only other bid comes from BET founder Robert Johnson. Both buyers have yet to say what would happen to the franchise should they acquire it with the city of Montreal unclear about whether to build a new stadium for the team. The Expos currently play at the multi-purpose Olympic Stadium, where they've called home since 1977. The team has had only one playoff berth in their 35 year history and are coming of an 83-79 campaign."

 

[WB18]

November 2, 2003: In week 9 of the NFL season, Houston beats Carolina 17-10, the Ravens dominate the Jaguars 28-7, the Dolphins upset the Colts 20-16, the Lions crush the Raiders 44-10, the Giants edge the Jets in the battle of New York 27-24, the Bears cream the Chargers 45-20, Tampa Bay beats New Orleans in overtime 27-21, Arizona beats Cincinnati 23-14, the Steelers upset the Seahawks 16-9, the Eagles beat the Michael Vick led Falcons 28-14 but lose Donovan McNabb for a month as he suffers an injury late in the third quarter, Dallas rolls past Washington 35-13, the Rams beat the 49ers 24-21 on a last second field goal and in primetime the surprising Minnesota Vikings knock off Brett Farve and the Packers 30-20 .

November 3, 2003: In the Monday Night matchup between the Patriots and Broncos at Mile High, New England quarterback Tom Brady throws 4 interceptions, two of which are returned for touchdowns as the Broncos dominate in a 48-20 mashing that included Jake Plummer rushing for two TD's of his own.

 

[Looper]

November 15, 2003: A rivalry is renewed between the Auburn Tigers and the Georgia Bulldogs in a big SEC battle. The first three quarters are an uneventful, rugged slugfest that results in a 10-10 score entering quarter 4. That is where things got fun. On the first play of the 4th, Cadillac Williams would explode through the Bulldog line for a 45-yard Touchdown. On the next drive, Fred Gibson would turn a WR screen into a 22-yard TD. Auburn would respond with a field goal to nab the lead again. Georgia would punt, but then held the Tigers to no points and a punt from their own 49 with 1:13 left, so Georgia still would have to most likely move at least 65 yards for a field goal. Then, sophomore Thomas Davis blocked his second punt of the season, before jumping on it at the 43. UGA kicker Billy Bennett drilled a 27-yard field goal as time expired. Then, the 'Dawgs would win the OT coin toss, and gave Auburn the ball first. On third down, Jason Campbell would make a Houdini-like escape before hitting Jeris McIntyre for a big Touchdown. Georgia would have Michael Cooper run six straight times, and the sixth would be the one that gave the Bulldogs the score. OT2, it's 27 all. Georgia would again use Cooper, with four straight carries before David Greene hit Benjamin Watson for the touchdown. Auburn now knew they needed a touchdown of their own. They would get that, as Cadillac scored for the third time, running over Sean Jones in the process. That was where Tommy Tuberville got gutsy. He kept the offense out, and what happened next would go down in Auburn lore.

"Here we go, Auburn going for two. It's either elation or exasperation for the Tigers here.
Campbell takes the snap, he'll look to throw. Georgia brings the heat, Campbell steps back.
Campbell is still rolling, he's back at the 17. Campbell almost brought down by Thurman.
Now he's stepping up, looking. Now he throws, it is... CAUGHT! CAUGHT BY ANTHONY MIX! AUBURN HAS STUNNED #3 GEORGIA 35-34! WHAT A GAME!"
-Verne Lundquist, on the CBS TV broadcast
​

The final nail in the coffin for Georgia's BCS hopes, as, barring a wild series of upsets, it all but guarantees a variation of Oklahoma, Ohio State, LSU, and USC enter the National Championship. Meanwhile, the party on the Auburn campus would last until the early hours of Monday morning.

​

 

[Looper]

BCS top 10 Rankings from Nov. 17, 2003 (records in parentheses):

1. Oklahoma (11-0)
2. USC (9-1)
3. LSU (9-1)
4. Ohio State (10-1)
5. Texas (9-2)
6. Tennessee (8-2)
7. TCU (10-0)
8. Michigan (9-2)
9. Georgia (8-2)
10. Washington State (9-2)

Auburn would also enter the rankings at #24 following the win. Important and notable matchups next week (Italics indicate College Gameday host): (4) Ohio State @ (8) Michigan, (3) LSU @ (14) Ole Miss, (7) TCU @ Southern Miss, (10) Washington State @ Washington, (1) Oklahoma @ Texas Tech, (19) Northern Illinois @ Eastern Michigan, UCLA @ (2) USC, Alabama @ (24) Auburn, Vanderbilt @ (6) Tennessee, Kentucky @ (9) Georgia, and (12) Miami (Ohio) @ Ohio.

 

[NyQuil]

A NEW ERA IN THE SOUTH SIDE
NOVEMBER 6th 2003
SPORTSCENTER BROADCAST

Dan Patrick:Of course the big news in the sports world today is that the Chicago White Sox are hiring former 10 year MLB veteran turned former MLB manager for the Phillies and recently a bench coach for the Athletics Terry Francona to be the team’s new manager.

The White Sox the other Sox team now of course trying to reverse a near century long drought of a World Series title hire a man who was well respect on the previous season’s As team.

Francona hopes for a fresh brand new start as a manager after 285-363 in his 4 seasons from 1997-2000 with the Phillies.

White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf reportedly had been keen on Francona and it was only a matter of time.

 

[WB18]

November 19, 2003: More Expos news as a couple more groups interested in purchasing the team emerge. One group is headed by San Antonio Spurs owner Peter Holt and includes former Major League pitcher Nolan Ryan as the group would move the team to the Alamo City. Another group is led by shipping magnate and Seaspan owner Dennis Washington, who would keep the team in Canada, albeit by moving the team to Vancouver, BC. So far, no buyers have emerged to keep the team in Montreal. Rumors also begin to circulate that both Seattle, WA and Portland, OR could be interested in luring an NHL franchise to their city. So far, no owners have shown interest in selling their team, let alone moving it to a different city.

 

[NyQuil]

The Heisman Moment of Eli Manning

CBS BROADCAST OF THE OLE MISS LSU GAME NOVEMBER 22nd 2003
“One last chance for the Rebels right here 4th and 10 on their own 32 yard line. Manning set up takes the snap looks and throws it up in the air and it’s CAUGHT by Turner wow and he is gonna end up at midfield! 1 time out left but still plenty of time left.”
(A few plays later)

“We are now under a minute it’s 3rd and 5 on LSU’s 38 yard line with Ole Miss driving down hoping for a miracle here. Eli set back to throw looks like he is about to get sack NO wait he gets out of it and he is gonna heave it up to the Chris Collins and it’s caught and down at the LSU 20 and they still aren’t gonna take a time out they are gonna wind it up to 30 seconds!”

(2 players later)

“2nd and 6 with 16 seconds left to go Ole Miss on the 16th yard line the Rebels have taken their final timeout they are gonna give it another shot for a touchdown before setting for a field goal! Here’s the snap Manning back looks throws to the end zone and it CAUGHT BARELY IN BOUNDS TOUCHDOWN OLE MISS!! Eli Manning finds Chris Collins in the end zone for quite possibly the game winning touchdown and his shining moment in the Heisman Trophy race! 21-17 pending the extra point!”

 

[Looper]

November 22, 2003: Michigan is the “gracious” hosts of their rivals, Ohio State. What occurred on this fall day would be fondly remembered by Buckeye fans. Michigan won the toss and deferred, so OSU would get the ball first. They would March down the field, when they scored their first points of the day.

“Krenzel gonna throw from the 17, looking for anyone, now he throws. Caught by Santonio Holmes, touchdown Buckeyes!” - Ohio State radio broadcast.​

The Buckeyes would hit a field goal in the first quarter as well, then would start Q2 with a bang.

“Krenzel turns, gives to Ross to start the quarter. Ross makes a cut, and he’s off to the races! Lydell Ross is going to score! Touchdown Ohio State, it’s 17-0!” - Ohio State radio cast​

Following a Michigan punt, another big play occurred.

“First play of the new drive, Krenzel under center. Krenzel drops back, looking, looking. Now he throws, and it’s caught by Michael Jenkins and he is wide open! They’re not gonna catch him, another OSU touchdown!”​

Ohio State, as you can guess, ran away with it, winning by a stunning score line, 49-7, over their hated rivals. Combined with the LSU loss, Ohio State might get their chance to repeat as National Champions with an Oklahoma loss in the Big 12 Championship against Kansas State.

​

 

[WB18]

November 22, 2003: UCLA and USC face off in a cross-town derby. For USC, a trip to the National Championship is on the line while UCLA enters on a 3-game losing streak. While everything might be pointing in USC's direction, this game would prove the saying "that's why they play the game" is true.

The game opened with the Trojans kicking to the Bruins. After a UCLA three and out, the Trojans got the ball, marched down the field, but had to settle for a field goal after a touchdown pass to Keary Colbert was called back due to a holding penalty. UCLA would have another three and out, but on the ensuing USC possession, Matt Leinart threw a pick right into the hands of Matt Clark, who proceeded to run it back for a pick six to give the Bruins the lead. In the second quarter, UCLA would extend that lead, as Drew Olson hit Mercedes Lewis for a 13-yard touchdown to make it 14-3. The Trojans would get back into it when just before halftime, when Matt Leinart threw a 48-yard touchdown pass to Colbert, but the Trojans missed the extra point to make the score at halftime 14-9 in favor of UCLA. The second half would see USC pick up right where they left off, as the Trojans took the lead on a LenDale White run from the 1 to cap off a drive that took 8:47 and 16 plays. USC also added a field goal while holding UCLA scoreless as the Trojans led 19-14 USC going into the 4th quarter.

The fourth quarter would see UCLA drive down to the USC 8-yard line before Olson threw a pick right to Lofa Tatupa, who ran all the way back to the UCLA 28 yard line before stepping out of bounds. USC would be forced to settle for a field goal however, as the Bruin defense stopped LenDale White on 3rd and 1. Both teams would not do much before UCLA got the ball with just 57 seconds showing on the clock and trailing by 8. On UCLA's first play, Olson hit Blane Kezirian for 8 yards, second down saw Maurice Drew run for 4 yards and a first down as UCLA called it's timeout. Then, Olson took a deep shot to Ryan Smith. The pass was incomplete, but a flag for DPI put UCLA at the USC 38 and a fresh set of downs. On the next play, Olson scrambled for 11 yards before getting out of bounds with 34 ticks left. What happened next is UCLA lore.

"Olson back to throw, he's flushed, he looks toward the end zone, and it is CAUGHT! Touchdown Bruins Marcedes Lewis! They're a two-point conversion away from tying this game at 22!"
- UCLA radio call of the game tying touchdown.

"Here's the two-point try, they give to Drew, he runs, and is he in? He is! The Bruins have tied it, with 26 seconds to play!"
- UCLA radio call of the two point conversion.

USC would take a knee on their ensuing possession, forcing overtime. The extra period would see UCLA get the ball to start, but USC would hold the Bruins to just 3 yards on as many plays, forcing a field goal attempt from Justin Medlock. Medlock would do his job, nailing a 39 yard field goal to give UCLA a 25-22 lead. Now USC had a chance, a chance to either go to the National Championship or, well, you know. On first down, White would rush 7 yards. Second and 3 would see White get stopped for no gain. Third down. Leinert threw a pass to Whitney Lewis for a first down. On first down from the UCLA 11 yard line, White would run for 6 to get to the Bruin 5. On second down, White got the ball again, but actually lost a yard. Third down. White got the ball again, but only gained 1 yard.

It all came down to this. One play. One play for USC to punch it's ticket to the National Championship. One play for UCLA to spoil those plans. On 4th and 3, the Trojans went for it rather than kick a chip shot field goal. Then, the unthinkable happened.

"Handoff, up the middle to LenDale White. White going and he FUMBLES!!! White fumbles the ball!!! Who has it?? (Pause for a second to see who has the ball) IT'S UCLA BALL!!!! IT'S UCLA BALL!!!! The Bruins have done it! The Bruins have beaten USC!!! Unbelievable!!!"
- UCLA radio call of the final play

In a snap of a finger, UCLA had done what many said they couldn't dream of doing, coming into the LA Coliseum and beating the number 2 team in the country. And now, baring chaos in the Big XII championship game, we would Oklahoma vs Ohio State in the BCS championship game.

 

[WB18]

November 23, 2003: The NFL season rolls on as the Vikings continue to stay hot, beating the Lions, the Bills upset the Colts 28-27 in a game that saw Peyton Manning briefly exit the game with a broken leg, Tom Brady continues to struggle as the Patriots lose to the Texans in Houston 24-17, the Ravens beat the Seahawks 31-17 as Shawn Alexander goes down with an broken ACL, presumably ending his season, Steve McNair and Michael Vick have a quarterback duel for the ages at the Titans outlast the Falcons in overtime 48-45 and on Sunday Night, the Dolphins blow out Washington at home 38-7.

November 24, 2003: As the Buccaneers beat the Giants on Monday Night Football 34-10, news brakes about a blockbuster trade in the NBA, as the lowly Orlando Magic, who have lost their last 16 games, have agreed to trade star Tracy McGrady to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for the Suns 2004 second-round pick, both 2005 draft picks and a 2006-first-round pick. The Suns currently sit at a mediocre 7-10, but the hope is with McGrady, Phoenix's chances of being a contender in the stacked Western Conference grow.

 

[kinnikuniverse]

December 31st, 2003: as colombian Juan Pablo Montoya celebrated the holidays with his freshly won F1 World title, the first title for Williams since Jacques Villeneuve in 1997, Pride Fighting Championships hosted their traditional new year's eve show at the Saitama Super Arena. It was a great night for the local Japanese fighters, with Ikuhisa Minowa stealing the show by submitting Quinton Rampage Jackson with a surprise guillotine choke counter to Rampage's signature powerbomb, while Yuki Kondo beat Mario Sperry by unanimous decision after almost beating him via doctor stoppage due to a nasty cut on Sperry. Kazushi Sakuraba wasn't as lucky, however, for he lost to Antonio Rogerio Nogueira in a valiant, but vain effort by unanimous decision. Pride CEO Nobuyuki Sakakibara has announced that, for 2004, Pride will host both a welterweight and lightweight grand prix to crown the promotions's inaugural champions in those weight classes, while Rogerio will face Wanderlei Silva for the middleweight title during golden week in April.

In other news in the fighting world, K-1 Kickboxing has announced that it will focus less on annual grand prixs and more on having weight classes and champions in the future to for the long term sustainability of the promotion and the sport of Kickboxing. 2004 will see grand prixs of various weight classes, from heavyweight to featherweight, take place throughout the year to determine the inaugural champions of each weight classes.


During that same time period, for the first time since the indianapolis split of 1996, indycar racing is finally unified once again, for the IRL and Champ Car has agreed to a deal which will see the two series merge together as early as 2005, with the upcoming open wheel racing season being run in their respective series as CART and IRL will talk to each other on new rules and engine formula for the new series post-merger.