Chicago sports fans will remember the year for many reasons, principally the Illini basketball team’s national runner-up finish and a certain baseball team’s World Series championship.
January
The only person who takes a bigger beating than the Orange Bowl-flopping Oklahoma Sooners is Sammy Sosa, whose image is booed when it appears in a montage at the Cubs Convention. Eight days later, Sosa is traded to the Baltimore Orioles for Jerry Hairston Jr. (who?) and a pair of minor-leaguers. Sosa’s former teammate, Ryne Sandberg, does what Pete Rose can’t when he’s elected to the Hall of Fame in his third year on the ballot.
QUOTES
“Today, this puts an exclamation point on [my career] and diminishes the frustration I had for so many years. I’d call it some type of closure and tremendous satisfaction.”
–Ryne Sandberg, former Cubs second baseman, after being elected to the Hall of Fame.
“Straight cash, homey.”
–Randy Moss, when asked how he will pay the $10,000 fine for pretend-mooning Lambeau Field fans, seeing how he claims the rich don’t write checks.
“We had a guy go into second base as if his wife was turning a double play.”
–Ozzie Guillen, White Sox manager, about former Sox player Carlos Lee.
NUMBERS
15
Three-pointers the Illini sink in their 90-64 win over Penn State, a school record.
41
Opponents’ field-goal percentage against the Bulls at the midway point–an NBA best.
38
Number of home wins in a row Wisconsin has at the Kohl Center before losing to the Illini 75-65.
BOLD NAMES
“I just felt that it was the straw that broke the camel’s back and I can’t take it anymore, and I’m going to fight back,” says Don King after suing ESPN for $2.5 billion in a defamation suit. King says a “SportsCentury” piece called him “a snake oil salesman, a shameless huckster and worse.”
February
Terrell Owens plays through pain and almost leads the Eagles to a Super Bowl win. Jeff Gordon earns his third Daytona 500 victory. Jose Canseco releases one of the most compelling sports biographies of all time. But it wasn’t just the guys fans dislike that had a big month. Emmitt Smith, the NFL’s all-time leading rusher, retires as a Dallas Cowboy, and the Illini win their second straight Big Ten title and become the lone unbeaten team after Boston College loses on Feb 9.
QUOTES
“For 13 years I’ve been in Chicago, I have to say I maybe made two mistakes. That’s pretty good.”
–Sammy Sosa, a day before Orioles spring training begins.
“I was rooting for them. Now there’s a bigger target on our backs because we’re the only undefeated team.”
–Dee Brown, about Boston College losing, leaving the 24-0 Illini the nation’s lone unbeaten team.
“This is a tragedy. It’s a tragedy for the fans, for the people who work in and around the game.”
–Gary Bettman, NHL commissioner, after announcing the cancellation of the NHL season.
NUMBERS
18,355
Rushing yards Emmitt Smith finishes with after announcing his retirement.
9-0
Tom Brady’s record in the playoffs.
100-1
Odds the Bears are given to win the Super Bowl one day after the Patriots hoist the trophy.
BOLD NAMES
A lonely and intoxicated Hector “Macho” Camacho decides he wants to e-mail his family in Puerto Rico, so he breaks into the store where his laptop is being fixed to take back his computer. While crawling along the beams, the ceiling gives way and the boxer falls into the store, police say.
March
Jersey-popping is the rage during March Madness where the No. 1-seeded Illini defeat Fairleigh Dickinson, Nevada, and UW Milwaukee to set up a matchup with No. 3-seeded Arizona. In a kick-yourself-if-you-missed-it game, the Illini overcome a 15-point deficit late in the game to beat Arizona 90-89 in overtime and advance to the Final Four. In spring training, Kerry Wood, Mark Prior and Mark Buehrle struggle through injuries, putting their Opening Day status in question. The Bulls suffer their worst loss of the season 123-78 to the Rockets and learn Eddy Curry experienced an irregular heartbeat.
QUOTES
“If a player answers `No,’ he simply will not be believed. If he answers `Yes,’ he risks public scorn and endless government investigations.”
–Mark McGwire, in front of Congress for the steroid hearings.
“I played in it and I can’t tell you how it happened.”
–Jack Ingram, on Illinois’ comeback against Arizona after being down 75-60 with four minutes left in regulation.
“You want the story of this game? Never, never, never give up.”
–Luther Head, on Illinois’ comeback against Arizona.
NUMBERS
33.5
Points Glenbrook North’s John Scheyer averages in the state basketball tournament on the way to the Class AA title.
56
Points LeBron James scores in his team’s 105-98 loss to the Raptors, making him the youngest player to score 50 points at 20 years 80 days.
0-22-1
The U.S. national team’s record at Azteca Stadium after losing 2-1 to Mexico in its World Cup qualifying match.
BOLD NAMES
When cyclist David Clinger shows up to his cycling team’s training camp with a face-and-scalp tattoo, team officials send tell him not to come back until the tattoo is gone. Clinger says he was inspired by photos he saw of Maori warriors.
April
After defeating Louisville 72-57, the Illini face North Carolina and their lottery pick-laced lineup. As Bill Murray watches, the Illini tie the Tar Heels 70-70 late but get no closer as the Tar Heels win the national title 75-70 thanks to Sean May’s 26 points and 10 rebounds. The Bulls clinch a postseason spot for the first time in seven years and home-court advantage in the first round but learn Eddy Curry will miss the rest of the season, needing tests on his irregular heartbeat.
QUOTES
“He has an enemy. Now he has a big one. He knows I can [bleep] him a lot of different ways. He better shut the [bleep] up and play for the Detroit Tigers.”
–Ozzie Guillen, about Magglio Ordonez.
“You have five fingers, but it becomes more powerful when it becomes a fist. Tonight you are the fist. It’s not about individual talent. It’s about the team.”
–Bruce Weber, to his Illini team before facing the Tar Heels.
“He can get into the Playboy Mansion right now, so why would you leave?”
–Cedric Benson, during his introduction at Halas Hall when asked about Matt Leinart’s decision to remain in school.
NUMBERS
37
Wins for the Illini, tying the NCAA record for most victories in one season
23
Cubs hits in their 16-6 Opening Day win over the Diamondbacks.
1:39
Time it took Mark Buehrle to defeat the Seattle Mariners on April 16.
BOLD NAMES
The “immortal” Hulk Hogan, a devoted bird lover, writes Roy Jones Jr. an angry letter criticizing the boxer for buying a Los Angeles cockfighting pit. Besides saying he would ignore the request, Jones responds, “Examine your own house before you examine mine.”
May
The baby Bulls erase a 22-point deficit in Game 5 of their 2-2 series with the Wizards to tie the game with 5.2 seconds remaining. But Gilbert Arenas sinks a 16-foot heartbreaker to win the game. The Bulls go on to lose Game 6, capping off a season that began 0-9 and ended with Ben Gordon winning sixth man of the year. Kerry Wood and Mark Prior are placed on the disabled list, making them unavailable for the Cubs-Sox series. The Sox, who win 10 of their first 12 games in May, win the series 2 games to 1.
QUOTES
“That would be called a whuppin’ where I come from, and there’d be a word in front of it too.”
–Scott Skiles, after the Bulls’ 106-99 loss to the Wizards in a Game 4 that was a lot more one-sided than the score reveals.
“The way we’re hitting, I hope not.”
–Ozzie Guillen, when asked if he would be surprised if he found out a White Sox player were using performance-enhancing drugs. The Sox are hitting .256 at that point.
“I’d like to think I could have held them off, but I ended up coming in with one gallon of gas.”
–Danica Patrick, who finished fourth behind winner Dan Wheldon, after becoming the first woman to ever hold the lead in the Indianapolis 500.
NUMBERS
37
Games in a row to start the season in which the Sox held the lead.
$864,253
The value of Chris Hertzog’s Kentucky Derby Superfecta ticket that is lost but then found the next day when a Turf Paradise clerk locates it next to her machine.
117
Speed in miles per hour the line drive that struck Mark Prior’s elbow is going after coming off the bat of the Rockies’ Brad Hawpe on May 28.
DOUBLE TAKE
After being knocked down twice in the 10th round, Diego Corrales rises to his feet and later that round snaps Jose Luis Castillo’s head back dangerously with a flurry of punches, causing the referee to stop the lightweight fight that many consider the match of the year.
June
Derrek Lee’s statistics stir up Triple Crown talk, and the Red Sox’s first visit to the Friendly Confines stirs up Wrigleyville. The Sox create a buzz of their own, finishing June 10 1/2 games ahead of Minnesota with pitcher Jon Garland, the majors’ first 12-game winner, leading the way. When the Cubs and Sox meet at U.S. Cellular Field, the Sox win by the biggest margin in the rivalry’s history: 12-2. The Cubs win the series thanks to Mark Prior, who returns from injury to pitch a one-hit shutout. In the NBA, the San Antonio Spurs win their third championship in seven years when they defeat the Pistons.
QUOTES
“Did you hit a home run today? Did you hit a home run today?”
–What Derrek Lee claims Greg Maddux asks Cubs hitters after he leaves the Red Sox game in which he hit his first home run in six years.
“I don’t have the guts to do this anymore. . . . I don’t think I have it anymore.”
–Mike Tyson, about quitting after the sixth round of his bout against Kevin McBride.
“Then there was little old me.”
–Michael Campbell, U.S. Open winner, who finishes with a two-shot lead over Tiger Woods, in reference to the other story lines that dominated the golf tournament.
NUMBERS
3
The highest an Illini basketball player has been drafted when Deron Williams is selected with the third pick by the Utah Jazz.
60
Different lineups Cubs manager Dusty Baker uses in the first 77 games of the season.
.288
Scott Podsednik’s batting average at the end of June, the best among the starters on a Sox team with the best record in the league.
DOUBLE TAKE
Ruthie MacDonald and her cousin, Joanie Villeco, each shoot a hole-in-one on consecutive shots June 8 at Chenango Valley State Park Golf Course in New York. According to Golf Digest, the odds of two players in the same foursome hitting a hole-in-one on the same hole are 17 million to 1.
July
On the South Side, the White Sox lead the majors at the midway point with the best record and the best ERA. But Frank Thomas is sidelined the rest of the season with a fracture in his foot. Hockey fans rejoice over news of the lockout ending.
QUOTES
“That’s the way the game goes. They forget about everybody. What have you done for me lately. . . . I think that people did forget how dangerous I could be at times in this game.”
–Frank Thomas, on fans figuring his career was over.
“Based by my performance, I understood, but I don’t think anyone is OK with being sent down.”
–Corey Patterson, about being demoted to Triple-A Iowa.
“I told Ozzie when he comes in next time he better take his shoes off because he’s entering the Promised Land.”
–Ernie Banks, about the letter he sent Ozzie Guillen after the Sox coach ripped Wrigley Field.
NUMBERS
2,100
Miles walked by lifelong Cub fan Bill Holden from Arizona to Wrigley Field. His effort, in honor of Ron Santo, who has lost parts of both legs due to diabetes, raises $250,000 for diabetes research.
7
Number of Tour de France victories for Lance Armstrong after his win on July 24.
20
Games Texas Rangers pitcher Kenny Rogers is suspended for his attack on two cameramen.
BOLD NAMES
When Snoop Dogg invites David Beckham out for a night on the town, Beckham’s wife Victoria tells the rapper, “Look, Mr. Snoopy, you’re not taking my husband out. I know all about your reputation.” “I don’t think he liked me calling him Mr. Snoopy,” she later told the London Sun.
August
The Bears offense takes a hit when quarterback Rex Grossman suffers a broken left ankle in a preseason game against St. Louis. Backup Chad Hutchinson is named the starter. The honeymoon ends later that month when Kyle Orton is named starter and Hutchinson is let go. Dusty Baker, on the other hand, holds on to his job when Jim Hendry announces the Cubs manager is in no danger of being fired during the season.
QUOTES
“Back to ourselves. No hitting, great pitching and great defense.”
–Paul Konerko, after their 4-2 win over the Mariners.
“Today, I thank the 26 teams for passing me.”
–Dan Marino, during his Hall of Fame induction speech in reference to being the 27th player chosen in the 1983 draft.
“It’s disappointing, obviously, but it doesn’t help to dwell on it. . . . I’m hurt and I’m going to get better. That’s all I can do.”
–Rex Grossman, about his injury, the third of his career.
NUMBERS
$6.75 million
Annual salary the Blackhawks will pay free-agent goalie Nikolai Khabibulin after signing him away from the Tampa Bay Lightning, making him the highest-paid Blackhawk of all time.
36
Days Cedric Benson holds out before signing a five-year contract Aug. 28.
15
Games the White Sox lead their division by on Aug. 1, a season high.
BOLD NAME
Diamondbacks TV analyst and ex-Cub Mark Grace uses multiple expletives during a broadcast. After the game, Grace says he wasn’t aware the microphone was on. The team president blames a faulty “talk-back” button connecting the TV booth to the TV truck.
September
What was once a 15-game lead turns to 1 1/2 when the Sox drop two of three to the Indians and lose another to the Twins. But the Sox get back on track, finishing the season 8-2 and winning the AL Central. The Cubs win six of the first seven games of their 10-game road trip but finish only fourth in the NL Central.
QUOTES
“We still ain’t out of this thing. If we can put some more distance [on .500] then we have a chance. But you have to get to [.500] first to have a chance.”
–Dusty Baker, about his team who wins 6 of their last seven and are 6 1/2 games behind Houston in the wild card race.
“We flat-out stink.”
–Ozzie Guillen, after the Sox lost 7-5 to the last-place Kansas City Royals, dropping them 4 1/2 games ahead of the Cleveland Indians.
“Cedric Benson has nothing to do with my game whatsoever.”
–Thomas Jones, Bears running back, in response to Benson saying his presence is motivating Jones.
NUMBERS
5
Touchdowns Wisconsin running back Brian Calhoun scores in the Badgers’ 56-42 win against Bowling Green.
1
Complete games by Sox pitcher Jose Contreras after his 3-1 win over the Twins.
14,571
Number of fans in attendance for the WhiteSox’s Tuesday night game against the Kansas City Royals during their chase for the division title.
DOUBLE TAKE
Bernie Miklasz, a sports columnist for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, writes, “The head coach should be backed, not backstabbed, by associates”. Rams team executive Samir Suleiman responds by leaving a message on Miklasz’s voice mail saying, “Tell your source I’m not a backstabber, I’m a [expletive] throat-slasher, and he’ll know the difference before it’s all said and done.”
October
Some had never seen one and some waited 88 years to see another, but all Sox fans (and even some Cubs fans) celebrate the Sox’s World Series championship on Oct. 26. After sweeping those “idiots” from Boston and eliminating the Angels, the Sox beat the Astros four games to none, lifting the 30-pound trophy when it’s all said and done. Jermaine Dye, who was acquired before the season from the Oakland Athletics, wins the World Series MVP for his seven hits and three RBIs in 16 at-bats. Unfortunately, the White Sox’s success fails to rub off on the Blackhawks, who begin the season 3-8 under new coach Trent Yawney.
QUOTES
“We never had any egos on this team. I think that was what was really special about this club.”
–Jermaine Dye, World Series MVP, after the Sox won the Series.
“A lot of people have waited a long time for this moment, and I’m happy we were able to give it to them.”
–Ozzie Guillen.
“The third strike is in the dirt, you run.”
–A.J. Pierzynski, about his role in the controversial call in the Angels series.
NUMBERS
0
Postseason at-bats Geoff Blum had before coming on in the 14th inning of Game 3 of the World Series to hit the game-winning home run.
507
Regular-season at-bats Scott Podsednik, Game 2’s home run hero, had gone without hitting a home run.
3
Seconds remaining on the clock when Matt Leinart pushed and spun into the end zone to keep his team undefeated in USC’s 34-31 victory over Notre Dame on Oct. 16
BOLD NAMES
The White Sox make Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin'” their postseason theme song, with A.J Pierzynski blaring the 1981 hit in the clubhouse after his team beats the Angels to advance to the World Series. Pierzynski and his teammates also sing it on the flight home from Anaheim.
November
OK, so the Bears’ offense seems impotent, but the defense is earning comparisons to the ’85 Super Bowl team. Basketball season picks up some steam, with the Illini getting revenge on North Carolina when they win their championship rematch. The Bulls also beat the champs, winning in San Antonio for the first time since 1998. And stirring up “maybe they can win it again” thoughts, the White Sox trade Aaron Rowand for Jim Thome.
QUOTES
“I don’t start every season and say, `Gee, I hope I get hurt in July this season.’ “
–Kerry Wood.
“I would like to apologize to Olin, my teammates and to my family. I realize that this was something very stupid on both our parts. It’s not going to happen again.”
–Fred Miller, the one with the broken jaw, on his fight with Olin Kreutz.
“This team has the characteristics of a championship team. Do we win a Super Bowl? That remains to be seen. But we believe that we can.”
–Muhsin Muhammad, after the Bears’ 13-3 victory over the Carolina Panthers.
NUMBERS
0
Gold Glove winners on the White Sox, marking the seventh straight season in which no Sox player receives the award.
52
Touchdowns for Morris’ John Dergo, a state record, on his way to the Class 6A title.
$60 million
Value of the five-year contract given to Paul Konerko, the biggest in White Sox history.
BOLD NAMES
Like Terrell Owens, Dallas receiver Keyshawn Johnson was kicked off his team, Tampa Bay, in 2003. But Johnson didn’t feel like speaking about Owens, posting a sign that said, “Not my problem.”
December
The Bears’ eight-game winning streak ends in Pittsburgh, but the Bears still hold the division lead. Notre Dame and Penn State’s rebirth in college football is rewarded with invitations to the Fiesta Bowl and the Orange Bowl, respectively. And like last season, the national championship will feature USC, as the Trojans and Heisman winner Reggie Bush face Texas and Vince Young in the Rose Bowl. The Blackhawks show signs of life before struggling, but the Bulls can’t seem to climb up the surprisingly strong Central Division.
QUOTES
“Every position we have is based on performance. If you’re a starter, you have to perform at a certain level to continue to play.”
–Lovie Smith, when asked if he envisions change at quarterback.
“I prayed for someone to step in and watch my back when I first got here. This guy came in 1987.”
–Michael Jordan, during a speech on the night Scottie Pippen’s jersey is retired.
“I’ll be drinking in the hotel bar.”
–Bruce Arena, U.S. soccer coach, when asked what he’ll do if his team advances out of its difficult World Cup group.
NUMBERS
$50,000
Amount the league fines center Olin Kreutz and right tackle Fred Miller for their Nov. 7 altercation at an FBI shooting range.
5
Bulls who have a banner raised in the United Center: Jerry Sloan, Bob Love, Michael Jordan, Phil Jackson and, as of Dec. 10, Scottie Pippen.
8
Consecutive games won by the Bears with rookie Kyle Orton at quarterback.
BOLD NAMES
A.J. Pierzynski appears on a TNA wrestling show and agrees to manage three friends against Simon Diamond’s side. “Being on Oprah (after the Series) was about as good as it gets, but this is right up there,” said Pierzynski.
– – –
Top 10 local stories
As voted by the Tribune sports department
1. Believe it! White Sox win World Series
2. Illini reach NCAA championship game
3. Orton leads Bears to 8 straight wins
4. Bulls make playoffs for first time since ’98
5. Sosa becomes an ex-Cub
6. Notre Dame revival under Weis
7. Ryno enters Hall of Fame
8. Big Hurt, Sox part ways
9. Bulls trade Curry after battle over health
10. Cubs’ collapse
Top 10 national stories
1. Believe it! White Sox win World Series
2. Congress cracks down on steroids
3. Armstrong wins 7th straight Tour
4. Hurricane Katrina fallout
5. Patriots win another Super Bowl
6. USC bids for three-peat
7. Canseco book, Palmeiro lies
8. Roy Williams, UNC win title
9. NHL lockout comes to an end
10. Danica Patrick’s IRL run
(Sports section, Page 1).
