Famous Game Winning Plays

Sporting contests often are decided by a moment of brilliance. Whether it's a desperation touchdown heave, a walk-off home run, a buzzer-beating shot or a last-minute goal, game-winning plays are just part of what makes sport so exciting.

  1. Doug Flutie's Hail Mary

    • Doug Flutie's Hail Mary touchdown pass to Gerry Phelan that led Boston College past the University of Miami was one of the most memorable plays in college football history. The game was rescheduled from September to November 23, 1984, the day after Thanksgiving Day, so it could be televised nationally. Boston College took a 41-38 lead with just under four minutes remaining, but Melvin Bratton's fourth touchdown of the game put the Hurricanes back in front with 28 seconds left. Starting on the 20-yard line, Flutie led the Eagles just inside Miami territory with six seconds to go. On the final snap, Flutie launched a 60-yard pass into a stiff wind that sailed over defensive back Darrell Fullington and Reggie Sutton and into Phelan's arms to give Boston College a stunning 47-45 victory.

    Kirk Gibson's World Series Home Run

    • Kirk Gibson's pinch-hit home run off Dennis Eckersley in the ninth inning of Game 1 of the 1988 World Series was the outfielder's only at-bat in the series. Hobbled by knee and hamstring injuries, Gibson came off the bench with the Los Angeles Dodgers down to their final out and trailing by a run. With Mike Davis on base after a walk, Gibson fell behind in the count and fouled off several pitches before hitting a backdoor slider over the right-field fence to give the Dodgers a dramatic 5-4 victory over the Oakland Athletics.