2003: The Chicago Cubs were just only five outs away from a National League pennant, and a World Series date with either the Boston Red Sox or the New York Yankees. In the top of the 8th, Luis Castillo of the Florida Marlins hit what seemed like an innocent foul ball... until spectator Steve Bartman interfered with the ball, preventing the Cubs from making the catch. No problem, the Cubs still needed a double play to slam the door on the Marlins for good. Sure enough, that's what happened, and shortstop Alex S. Gonzalez booted it, starting an eight run Marlin rally. The Marlins would win Game Seven the next night.
Any work stoppage applies here: the NHL lockouts in 1994 and 2004, the MLB strike in 1994, 1999 and 2011 NBA lockout, 1987 NFL strike and 2011 lockout.
August 9th, 1988: Wayne Gretzky is traded to the Los Angeles Kings from the Edmonton Oilers along with Marty Mc Sorley and Mike Krushelnyski for Jimmy Carson, Martin Gelinas, three first round picks, and cash. NDP leader Nelson Riis even wanted the Canadian government to block the deal from taking place.
In another wham episode, the Oilers won the Stanley Cup two years later without Gretzky.
The death of Dale Earnhardt at the 2001 Daytona 500.
July 1999 - Barry Sanders announces his retirement while within striking distance of breaking the all-time rushing record.
The 2007 Fiesta Bowl, lowly Boise State defeats superpower Oklahoma with a series of trick plays.
Eight months later, lowly Appalachian State defeats superpower Michigan on a blocked field goal on the final play.
