Top 10 Stories of the Decade - #2 Sports & 9/11

Our #2 Story of the Decade revolves around how sports helped a nation to heal and recover from one of the greatest tragedies in the history of the United States. In the wake of the 9/11 terror attacks, we knew our world would never be the same. In the days and weeks after those events, the sports world played a small part in trying to help a nation get through tough times. While 9/11 reminded us that there are many more important things than sports, it was also a reminder of why we love sports.

In truth, this article doesn't need a lot of words. We were there and lived through those events. Those of us who consider ourselves hardcore sports fans leaned on the games on the field to distract us from the world off of it. There are a few moments from sports in the days after 9/11 that will forever stand as testaments to the American spirit and the American sporting landscape.

Jack Buck's Speech

-Perhaps no moment encaptured the feelings of the nation than this historic speech given by legendary Cardinals broadcaster Jack Buck. Buck, ailing from lung cancer, eloquently stated what few could in the days after 9/11. This speech was delivered on September 17, 2001, the first day baseball resumed. Here's the inspiring video...

The President's First Pitch

-As the city of New York rallied around the Yankees, they made a sensational run to the World Series on the back of the famous defensive plays made by Derek Jeter. For once, the nation was rooting for the Yankees as they took on the upstart Diamondbacks. Before Game 3 of the World Series (and the first in NY), President Bush arrived in Yankee Stadium to throw the ceremonial 1st pitch. What followed was one of the defining moments of the decade...

You can't underestimate the importance and symbolism of that moment. For the President of the United States to stand alone on the mound at Yankee Stadium was a huge step so soon after 9/11. Regardless of what you think of the Bush presidency, walking out on that Yankee Stadium mound was a seminal moment after 9/11. And then, to throw a perfect strike and to hear chants of USA echo through Yankee Stadium - I don't think there was a better moment in sports this decade.

The Yankees' dramatic wins in Games 4 and 5 made it seem like fate would reside with the Bronx Bombers. It was such a surreal experience to watch the Yankees win those games on walk-off home runs in New York City. Unfortunately, the Yankees would lose the series to the D-Backs in 7 games. But, winning those games in New York during the 2001 World Series provided just a glimmer of happiness for New York so soon after 9/11.

Pat Tillman

-The Cardinals safety, so known for his fiery play on the field, gave up a multi-million dollar contract with the Cardinals to enlist in the Army during the offseason after the 9/11 attacks. Instead of earning millions, Tillman inspired millions. Sadly, after several tours of duty, Tillman was killed by friendly fire in April 2004. He is immortalized in a statue outside the University of Phoenix Stadium. Pat Tillman was 27.

With the Tiger Woods' scandal, Mike Vick's dogfighting, suffering through Spygate, and witnessing Malice in the Palace, its easy to forget the positives of sport. The days after 9/11 showed us sport in its purest and best form - without the sharpies, popcorn, taunting, self-aggrandizing, violence, cheating, and everything else that has brought sports down this decade. Sports after 9/11 was encouraging and uplifting, just what we needed it to be.

We'll leave you with this montage of clips from various stadiums around the country after 9/11...