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Which city adds to its list?

 
Published Oct. 22, 2006|Updated Sept. 14, 2009

With the Cardinals playing the Tigers in the World Series, the cities of St. Louis and Detroit can add another chapter to their greatest sports moments. Until the Series is over, however, these are the greatest sports memories for each.

The 1968 Tigers

Led by Denny McLain's 31 victories and Mickey Lolich's three victories in the World Series, the Tigers won the championship in one of baseball's greatest seasons.

Stevie Y's Cup

The Red Wings were known as the "Dead Things" until Steve Yzerman came along. In 1997,he led them to their first Cup in 42 years.

Bad boys

If you're from Detroit, you loved how Bad Boys Bill Laimbeer, Isiah Thomas and Dennis Rodman led the Pistons to back-to-back NBA titles in 1989 and 90.

Barry breaks the record

Despite playing for the one of the worst teams in football, Lions back Barry Sanders rushed for a league-record 2,053 yards in 1997.

Pass the stuffing

In 1934, Lions owner George A. Richards scheduled a Thanksgiving Day game with the Bears. That started an American tradition: the Lions at home on Thanksgiving Day.

Year of the Tiger

The 1984 Tigers started the season 35-5 and went on to win the World Series when Kirk Gibson hit a home run into the upper deck in Game 5.

A run at the Babe

Tigers slugger Hank Greenberg belted 58 homers in 1938, coming within two of Babe Ruth's record.

Louis knocks out Schmeling

Joe Louis, who grew up in Detroit, is knocked out by German Max Schmeling in 1937, but Louis destroys Schmeling in the rematch on June 22, 1938, knocking him out 124 seconds into the fight.

The Bird

In 1976, 21-year-old Mark "The Bird" Fidrych reaches cult status on June 28 when he mows down the Yankees 5-1 in front of more than 51,000 at Tiger Stadium and a national audience on Monday Night Baseball.

Mr. Tiger

On Sept. 24, 1974, in his hometown of Baltimore, Tigers great Al Kaline knocks out his 3,000th hit.Whitey's Rats

Whitey Herzog's Cardinals overcame a 3-2 deficit (and a 3-1 deficit in the sixth inning of Game 7) to win the 1982 World Series.

KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK

In Game 1 of the '68 Series, Bob Gibson struck out a Fall Classic record 17 and tossed a five-hitter in a 4-0 win.

Leading off

Two moments: On Sept. 10, 1974, speedster Lou Brock eclipsed Maury Wills' single-season stolen base record of 104 on his way to 118. On Aug. 13, 1979, Brock's infield single (how fitting) was the 3,000th hit of his career.

The chase

Cardinals slugger Mark McGwire broke one of baseball's hallowed records. On Sept. 8, 1998, McGwire hits his 62nd homer of the season, breaking Roger Maris' single-season record.

Go crazy, folks

Ozzie Smith had never hit a homer from the left-handed batter's box. Until he ripped a Tom Niedenfuer pitch in the bottom of the ninth in Game 5 of the '85 NLCS . "Go crazy, folks," legendary announcer Jack Buck said.

The Greatest Show on Turf

The Rams offense stormed into Super Bowl XXXIV, but it is the defense that held on for the victory, stopping the Titans at the 1-yard line to give the Rams a 23-16 victory.

The Red Baron

St. Louis Blues forward Red Berenson has one of the NHL's greatest nights on Nov. 7, 1968, when he scored six goals as the Blue pounded the Flyers 8-0.

Showing Hart

They didn't even win a postseason game, but the 1975 football Cardinals will always hold a special place in the hearts of the people of St. Louis. Remember the names: Jim Hart. Mel Gray. Dan Dierdorf. Conrad Dobler. Terry Metcalf. Roger Wehrli.

The Man

It's hard to pick out one special moment for Stan "The Man" Musial. Three MVP awards, 24 All-Star Games, seven batting titles, a lifetime .331 average. How do you pick one day?

Golden upset

St. Louis native Leon Spinks had won his first seven pro fights, but no one gave him much of a chance on Feb. 15, 1978, when he fought Muhammad Ali in Las Vegas. In one of the greatest upsets in boxing history, Sprinks won a unanimous decision.