The (Long, Complicated, And Sad) History Of The Cleveland Sports Curse | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Sports

The (Long, Complicated, And Sad) History Of The Cleveland Sports Curse

How Cleveland got (and broke) The Curse.

335
The (Long, Complicated, And Sad) History Of The Cleveland Sports Curse
My photo

With the Indian's recent impressive winning streak, Cleveland sports are once again front and center in the professional sports world. However, Cleveland sports are not typically in the limelight for how well they are doing, rather the city has suffered years of heartbreaking losses and poor decisions, resulting in the "Cleveland curse." This curse was a constant presence over the city until 2016 when the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals. Since then the Indians have also stepped up their game, going to the World Series in 2016, and now have a near record breaking winning streak. For those who are unfamiliar with the sad history of Cleveland sports, here are the main event that shaped the sports atmosphere in Cleveland today.

Football

Red Right 88

A playoff game against the Oakland Raiders in which the Cleveland Browns attempted a touchdown pass that was intercepted by the Raiders causing them to win the game and advance to the AFC Championship and eventually the Superbowl.

The Drive

1986 AFC Championship when Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway led his team to a 98-yard drive down the field to beat the Browns and advance to the Superbowl.

The Fumble

Another AFC Championship game against the Broncos, another heartbreak. In 1987 Browns running back Earnest Byer fumbled the ball on the Broncos 1-yard line once again causing the Browns to lose.

The Move

In 1995 Browns owner Art Modell made the decision to relocate the Cleveland Browns to Baltimore sparking controversy and causing Cleveland to be without a football team until 1998.

Basketball

The Shot

In Game 5 of the first round of the 1989 NBA playoffs Michael Jordan hit a game winning shot to put the Bulls ahead by one point to give them the lead against the Cavaliers and win the series.

The Decision

A heartbreaking TV event in which Cleveland's golden boy, Lebron James, announced that he would be moving his talents to play with the Miami Heat.

The Block

The only positive event on this list, in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals Lebron James blocked a layup attempt by Andre Iguodala of the Golden State Warriors which kept the score tied and led to the Cavaliers winning the Championship.

Baseball

The Catch

At the top of the 8th inning of the 1954 World Series Vic Wertz had a hit that would normally be considered a home run but due to the larger field the game was played in, Willy Mays of the New York Giants caught the ball resulting in an out that prevented the Indians from gaining the lead and winning the game.

The Curse of Rocky Colavito

Some believe that the trade of Rocky Colavito to the Detroit Tigers resulted in a curse that has prevented the Indians from winning the World Series ever since.

1997 World Series Game 7

The Indians lost Game 7 of the 1997 World Series during extra innings which was very similar to their loss of the 2016 World Series.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

23315
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

9741
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

7062
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments