The Top 10 Legendary Sports Stories

Whether the moment came from a professional game or high school, every sports fan has a story to share. SportsNation did something great and listed the top 10 legendary sports stories submitted by ESPN.com users. Below are just three of the entries, but make sure to check out the entire list by clicking here.

“ROBERTO CLEMENTE THROWS OUT BOBBY BONDS WITH AN AMAZING HUCK FROM DEEP RIGHT FIELD. It was either 1971 or 1972, and I attended an S.F. Giants night game at Candlestick Park. At some point in the game with the Giants batting and Bonds on first, a Giant crushed a sure double off the fence in right. Clemente played the carom perfectly. Bonds, one of the NL’s fastest, took off like a shot, his goal being third base. Clemente unleashed a seed to nip Bonds at third and he was called out. While such plays were de rigueur for Clemente, it was a Hall of Fame play to witness. I was 13 years old at the time and it was the greatest defensive play I’ve seen live at an MLB venue. I am 50 now.”- Jon Leonoudakis

“In the summer of 1988, I was covering the Triple-A Nashville Sounds for the now-defunct Nashville Banner. In August of that season, I witnessed no-hitters in consecutive games on consecutive days. Randy Johnson (yes, that Randy Johnson) threw a no-hitter for Indianapolis, but Johnson lost the decision 1-0. Nashville’s Lenny Harris drew a first-inning walk, stole a base and later scored on a groundout. The run stood up as Nashville’s Keith Brown tossed a two-hitter. I remember Indianapolis had to pinch-hit for Johnson in the eighth inning and Pat Pacillo pitched the bottom of the eighth. The next day, Nashville pitcher Jack Armstrong happened upon Johnson prior to that day’s game. Johnson told Armstrong, “Don’t throw a no-hitter and lose.” Armstrong took Johnson’s advice. He threw a no-hitter and won 4-0. Armstrong’s no-hitter was nearly a perfect game; the only blemish was a walk to the fabulously named Razor Shines. You can look it up.”- Mike Waters (Syracuse. N.Y.)

“I witnessed a pitcher strike out the same batter twice in a row on six pitches, (literally the same person, consecutively for the second and third outs of the inning). It was the bottom of the first inning in a significant high school game, with one out and the all-region shortstop at the dish. This guy was by far the best player on the field and was hitting in the 3-hole as he had all year. He proceeded to look foolish on three straight pitches (very unusual) and made his way back to the dugout. It was then called to the umpire’s attention that he had batted out of order. He was penciled in to bat fourth this game and no one caught it. He went right back up to the plate to bat in the correct order and again struck out on three straight pitches. This guy had just struck out two times in a row, on six pitches, and the pitcher was his first cousin. He only struck out four times that entire season and two of them came not only in the same inning, but on consecutive at-bats.” - Doug (Athens, Ga.)