Willie Mays was simply referred to as “The Catch,” with his famous over-the-shoulder basket catch. In the 1954 World Series Game between the New York Giants and Cleveland Indians, Mays stole Vic Wertz of a guaranteed extra-base hit in the eighth inning that kept the score tied at 2-2.
Right after Mays made the crazy save, he immediately spun around and threw the ball back to the infield as he knew the runners were advancing. The catch was made famous as The Giants went on to win the game in extra innings and the series in four games.
O.J. Simpson in the USC
He was probably regarded as one of the most prolific players in USC's illustrious history, Simpson finished his career as a National Champion, two-time All-American, and Heisman winner. It's incredible to see how basic the Oregon uniforms used to be, a far cry from what they wear today.
He would finish his NFL career as a 5-time Pro Bowler and won many awards. But, it would be his controversial off-field incidents that truly defined O.J. Simpson, a tragic way to remember such an exceptional running back who could have been the face of the NFL for decades.
Wayne Gretzky and the Cup
Wayne Gretzky was, without question, the greatest hockey player. He started off his career by joining a team that became one of the greatest dynasties in NHL history. During nine seasons in the league, he would win four cups.
However, 1988 proved to be the last time that Gretzky would hoist the greatest prize in hockey. He'd give his best over the next 11 years to get back to the summit, but every year fell short. Today, Wayne Gretzky's signature No. 99 has been retired throughout the league, an appropriate tribute to the great one.
Ali's First Fight
After his promising amateur career, Ali took on Tunney Hunsaker, a policeman from West Virginia, in his first-ever professional fight. In front of a local crowd at Freedom Hall in Louisville, Ali won unanimously.
Soon after, the two opponents became good friends, but Ali was remembered as the greatest boxer of all time. In 1981, Ali retired from boxing, and just three years later, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. Ali passed away in Scottsdale Arizona in 1996, after a lengthy and difficult battle with the disease.
Tony Esposito vs. the Soviets
Sports have always been one of the great equalizers - especially against rival countries. Here we see Canadian goalie Tony Esposito during the intense eight-game hockey series that pitted the Soviet Union against Canada in 1972. This heated series symbolically marked the seriousness of the Cold War and was one of the War's signature head-to-head games, except it was fought on ice.
Called the Summit Series, the USSR dominated international hockey because the NHL was banned from playing, putting Canada at a severe disadvantage. Team Canada, led by Tony Esposito, the Hall of Fame goalie who won four games with one tied, while the Soviets won three games.