A Look Back at 2004

The year 2004 was a memorable year for sports fans. Many new records were born, curses were lifted, and we had surprise teams win championships.

Here’s a look back on some of those events.

Superbowl 38, New England Patriots taking on the Jacksonville Panthers. For the second time in two years, Adam Vinatieri kicked a game-winning field goal. New England won 32-29.

Superbowl.com: Deja two: Vinatieri, Patriots do it again

March madness came, and MSU went out early. Michigan wasn’t even invited, instead accepting an NIT invitation. Michigan, who had played very well against non-conference teams, decided to take the opportunity to get as many games in as they could. Michigan went all the way, defeating Rutgers 62-55 in the championship game.

CollegeHoopsNet.com: MICHIGAN NIT WRAP-UP

Remember that league called “NHL”? There was once a team called the Tampa Bay Lightning. They won the last Stanley Cup against a Calgary team that knocked off all the big dogs in the west, including the Detroit Red Wings. Tampa Bay took the series in seven games to claim their first crown.

USAToday.com: Tampa Bay fends off Calgary, wins first Stanley Cup

The NBA finals came, and the favorites to be in the finals were the Spurs and the Pacers. Unfortunately, they ran into the Lakers and the Pistons, who went on to play for the title. Detroit dominated games one, three, four, and five to win their first title since the Bad Boys era. Not only was the nation shocked, the Lakers fired their coach, and four starters left town.

ESPN.com: Motown is Titletown

Remember when the Tigers signed Pudge? What a great day that was. Pudge was awarded a four year, $40 million contract by the Detroit Tigers, and brought in as the cornerstone of a new winning era in Detroit. We’re still waiting for that era to get going, but they are on their way. Pudge hit .334, and the Tigers won 72 games – 29 more than the previous year.

MSNBC.com: Tigers sign Pudge for 4 years, $40 million

Speaking of the Tigers, another certain short stop that was traded for had a break out year. Carlos Guillen came in, hit .318, and drove in 97 runs. I remember watching the sports news just before midnight on December 31, 2003, and the rumors were the Tigers were going to trade for him. I was very excited about Guillen. I now see why. We should also keep Rich Aurilia in our memories. If it wasn’t for him snubbing the Tigers, we would have a bum instead of a player.

HollandSentinel.com: Tigers acquire ex-Seattle shortstop

And while we’re on the topic of baseball, how about the Boston Red Sox? Boston got themselves down 3-0 in the ALCS against the Yankees, and never lost a game after that. They took care of the Yankees in seven, and then went on the break the curse with a 4-0 sweep of the St Louis Cardinals.

Boston.com: YES!!!

Lance Armstrong, who was named 2004 A.P. Sportsman of the year, wrapped up his sixth win in a row at the Tour de France. Armstrong beat cancer just a few years ago, and will make a decision in 2005 if he will go for seven wins.

SI.com: Lance wins No. 6 in swirl of red, white, blue

Other notable memories are Michigan going to the Rose Bowl – and losing --, Jeff Smoker coming back from drug rehab, Steve Yzerman being helped off the ice in what could be his final NHL game, and the Lions drafting Kevin Jones and Roy Williams.

There are a lot more memories than just the ones I’ve listed. Unfortunately, I’d have to find a publisher and author a book to list them all. 2004 was a great year for sports, and 2005 should be equally as good, or better.

What are some of your favorite memories?