Being a Cleveland sports fan, I can remember several early memories of my favorite sports teams. My earliest include:
Tribe/Guardians: Opening Day April 8, 1975...Player/Manager Frank Robinson inserts himself in the lineup as a DH (position only existed 3 years) and rips home run against the Yankees
Cavs: 1976 NBA playoffs, 4 seconds left, Dick Snyder banks a game winner in for the Cavs, sending them past the Washington Bullets in a game 7, to move on to Boston in the Eastern Conference Finals where they lost after big man, Jim Chones, broke his foot in practice.
Browns: December 14, 1980...of course, a bad memory, last play of the game, Browns win and they're in the playoffs. Tommy Kramer of the Vikings throws a Hail Mary to Ahmad Rashad on the last play of the game. Thought for sure the Browns were out as they faced a tough Cincinnati needing a win to get in (the Browns won and went on to the infamous Red Right 88).
Honorable mention: Cleveland Barons hockey....no solid memories but remember Dennis Maruk was a beast.
What are your earliest sports memories?
Attended Ohio State-Illinois game in 1980 with my dad and grandfather. Sat in C deck and watched Dave Wilson, the Illinois QB throw for a then NCAA record of 600+ yards. The Buckeyes won a fantastic game 49-42. Art Schlichter set an OSU record for passing yards that day - but it was outshone by Wilson’s record.
Walked with my dad and grandpa from our house to Ohio Stadium. It was a cloudy and crisp day - perfect for football. The Buckeyes won…what mor could I ask for?
A bunch of random ones.
First browns game was in 2000 where Kevin Johnson had to start as qb vs the eagles. I was 14ish. Also was at the Browns opener vs the Ravens in 2004, the only season opener they’ve won. (Been to plenty, uncle has season tix and most years can’t give them away for free)
Cavs- not a huge fan of basketball, but I remember going to Richfield once and catching a mini ball. Went numerous times to the Q but nothing great stands out.
Indians- too many to count. By far my most in person sports that I have watched. And most during their prime time. One of my funniest memories was when Albert Belle first came back with Chicago, and fans in left field threw all sorts of stuff at him, including fake money. The wild card game in 2013 was pretty great atmosphere too, even though they lost.
Before I moved to SC 8 years ago, I lived in downtown Cle for 3 years, and it really is electric during sporting events.
Never actually been to an OSU game.
Reds game in 1982 with the cub scouts. Sat up in red seats….I was 7 years old and we were at concession stand and the GD adults of the cub scouts left me to get back on my own and every entrance opened up into the same looking crowd. I was scared and a bit scarred. Big policeman got me back to my seat eventually. Johnny Bench didn’t play BUT Reds beat Cards 10-1 (maybe 9-1) and Concepcion had 3 hits
First NFL memory of Steelers was just old Terry Bradshaw struggling and old Franco Harris was meh a bit. My first real Steelers memories were Cliff Stoudt and Mark Malone at QB…Louis Lipps great rookie season. First NFL game memory was either the first 49ers/Bengals SB or the Bengals beating the Chargers in that -50 degree game. Rembember strike year Raiders mashed the Redskins
NBA…..my first memory is with 76ers and Rockets in Championship, not Lakers/Celtics
My aunt worked for a big wig in Columbus and took me to OSU football and basketball games in 1985-1987…at St John’s was in first row and in aisle beside me Earle Bruce fell asleep ….she also took me to Muirfield for the Memorial in the late 80’s
Here's an early one..........Spring of 1969 we had a visitor not to our school, but to our classroom. At that moment in time he was the BIGGEST name in his professional sport. One our classmate's father was one of his NYC lawyers.
It was Joe Willie Namath.
I remember that we all got a Jets mini pennant.
Green Bay Packers, 1967 - I fell asleep during the infamous Ice Bowl game in 1967 against the Cowboys. For some reason I wasn't upset about it, even though I was following the Packers closely. The next year Dad bought me a copy of "Instant Replay" by Jerry Kramer, and then I deeply regretted missing that game.
Columbus Jets, 1970 - Still remember names like Al Oliver. Bob Robertson. Freddy Patek. Manny Sanguillen. Asked my dad to take me to a game early enough to get an autograph on my program. When I made it to the line with the other kids, the only player I could get was Ralph Cambria, who I'd never heard of. Found out later he made it The Show a few weeks later, pitched for the Pirates just that year. Stayed in minors three more years and retired.
Hamilton Township Rangers (my high school and all-time favorite team) - The first football game I attended when I was 5. Kept asking Dad to take me to a game, and he finally did. I didn't understand all of the action, but it was still magical and exciting with all the lights and people cheering.
posted by Ironman92I hate to ruin your memory, but the Rockets of the 80s played the Celtics in the finals both times that they made it.NBA…..my first memory is with 76ers and Rockets in Championship, not Lakers/Celtics
posted by Al Bundy
I hate to ruin your memory, but the Rockets of the 80s played the Celtics in the finals both times that they made it.
Had to have meant 1981 when the Sixers were in Conf. Finals…
Mine are all random with some team specific mixed in. Speaking from 5 year span 1995-2000 (9-14).
I remember 1995-1999 Tribe teams and moments pretty vividly. I have a weird memory of Terrell Brandon making a slick behind the back pass but not much else from Cavs of that time. Browns none since no team, but do recall them coming back and Tim Couch being drafted.
I remember my dad being so upset when Alan Henderson blew out his knee likely costing Indiana a title. Remember Kirk Hastens 3 to beat #1 MSU.
Gonzaga’s run with Frahm, Calvert etc. Bryce Drew. Kapono. Andre Miller and Van Horn. Ron Mercer Kentucky. Soooo many college basketball I can fit it in. Tim Duncan! The 1996 Arizona Wildcats and Mike Bibbey.
Tim Biatapatuka running wild against OSU. Michigan’s 1997 miracle title. Gators and Seminoles being awesome. Jake Plummer. Eric Crouch.
Reggie Millers shot on Jordan. Jordan’s titles. Knicks Pacers. The Dream owning the league in 1995 with one of the greatest seasons in history for a big man.
Rick Manning catching the final out for Len Barker's perfect game.
Also in 1978-79 going to St John Arena to watch Ohio State basketball led by Kelvin Ransey, Herbie Williams (backed by Granville Waiters) and in 1979 joined by Clark Kellog. I idolized Ransey.
I vaguely remember going to my first Reds game in 1991.
I remember the wire to wire Reds season I think that’s my first big mem
In baseball, it was 1963 when my Dad took me to my first game. Coming up the runway and seeing the field for the first time was awesome. At that moment, I remember the smell of cigars….which I liked. (Tito Francona was my favorite player)
December 27, 1964: huddled around my radio, listening to the Browns win the NFL championship.
1970: Watching the Cavs play at the old Cleveland Arena.
My first reds game was the last game at Crosley field.
My second was the 1st game. At Riverfront.
I also was at the last game at riverfront and broke the streak by not going to GABP until 2007
posted by Al Bundy
I hate to ruin your memory, but the Rockets of the 80s played the Celtics in the finals both times that they made it.
I’m old.
posted by Laley23Had to have meant 1981 when the Sixers were in Conf. Finals…
No….I knew nothing of 1981 NBA and didn’t remember what I wanted to remember lol. Older Dr J was my first favorite player before I learned of Magic.
The NC State miracle over Houston was my first NCAA basketball memory
In 1970, My dad took me to Cleveland for my first NFL game.
I saw bill Nelson throw a touchdown and 3 interceptions and left It for #44 Leroy Kelly to save the day with 2 rushing touchdowns. On the way home, dad told me that Nelson was a former Steeler and this started my hatred for Pittsburgh.
9 years old.
Duke men's basketball. 2000-2001 season.
Stayed up late on Christmas break watching Duke lose at Stanford.
I remember watching the Miracle Minute at Maryland. Had a friend over that night...it was absolutely insane.
I also pretty well recall their FF game against Maryland and the NC game against Arizona when Dunleavy hit three 3's in a row.
As a Michigan football fan I remember the '98 Rose Bowl when they played Washington State. My dad's an OSU fan, but I definitely remember watching that game and in particular remember the shine from WSU helmets lol. Those things were polished fresh!
Pirates in the early 90s. We used to go to 3 Rivers a lot.
I was 7. 1992 NL Championship when they were ousted by Atlanta, game 4 loss. We had amazing seats on the 3rd baseline and I remember leaving and everyone was PISSED.
The next season was the start of their 20 year slide.
