Written by Richard Hanes

---

 

When reflecting back on 2011 one could say that it was not a very good one to be a Cleveland fan.  The Cavs lost an NBA record 26 straight games.  The Browns became known as the “Factory of Sadness.”  The Tribe teased, but fizzled out in the 2^nd half of the season.  The Buckeyes were surrounded by controversy that eventually cost Jim Tressel his job and the Buckeyes a bowl game in 2012.  Even in all of this chaos I was able to find 10 moments in 2011 that made it worth-while being a fan in The CLE.  This is my top 10.  You might agree.  You might not, but here they are from #10-#1.

 

10.)  The Green Bay Packers defeat The Steelers in Super Bowl

So maybe this moment doesn’t specifically relate to a Cleveland team, however anytime the Steelers make the big game their opponents is wearing Brown and Orange as far as I’m concerned.  Luckily the Packers were able to deny Pukesburgh and win their 4^th Super Bowl.  This allowed me to sleep a little better for the first half of 2011.

9.)  Baron Davis debuts as a Cav in MSG

There weren’t many good moments for the Cavs in 2011, but their 119-115 win over the Knicks in MSG on March 4^th was one of them for me.  Baron Davis made his Cavalier debut and led a 4^th quarter rally that stunned the new look Knicks at home.  Davis scored nine points for the Cavs down the stretch including a dagger 3 that put that Cavs up 4 with 10 seconds to play.  I can still remember Davis walking back towards the Cavs bench and pointing at them with both arms and screaming.  It was an awesome moment during a season void of success.

8.)  MoMass makes a play vs. Miami

The Factory of Sadness wasn’t quite operational yet when MoMass made a game winning TD grab against the Dolphins with less than a minute to play.  It was still September and that play elevated the Browns record to 2-1.  That was really the last truly positive play of the Browns 2011 season.  Since then the Browns have only won two of twelve contests and they even made one of those wins (Seahawks) feel more like a loss.

7.)  Braxton’s Prayer is Answered

As with most Cleveland teams the Buckeyes were also down in 2011.  Losses to Miami (FL), MSU, and Nebraska put the Buckeyes at 3-3 for the first time in ages.  Some sports writers thought they could easily have been looking at 3-5 as they traveled to Illinois in mid-October.  Ohio State was able to beat the Illini and carry some of that momentum into a Saturday showdown with the Wisconsin Badgers under the lights in the shoe.  The Buckeyes battles in a highly entertaining 2^nd half, but looked like they were about to blow another game as Wisconsin scored late to make it 29-26.  After a huge 42-yard kick return by Hall the Buckeyes found themselves with good field position.  Four plays later Braxton Miller heaved a forty yard TD pass to a wide open Devin Smith.  This sent 105,511 Buckeyes fans home happy.

6.)  Urban Warfare

In late November Urban Meyer accepted the job as THE Ohio State head football coach and turned around much of the negative energy that had been surrounding the team since the departure of Jim Tressel.  Meyer brought with him the promise of top level recruiting classes and an exciting offense.  Over the next few weeks Meyer was able to land a number of top recruits and immediately impact the future of the Buckeyes football program.  2012 will be a tough year as the Buckeyes have been banned from the bowls, but 2013 could be lucky for Columbus.

5.)  The Dallas Mavericks win the 2010-2011 NBA Championship

The Mavaliers or Cavricks (whichever you prefer) took down the Miami Heat in six games to the delight of many Cavalier fans.  Not only did we get to see King James be denied his title, we saw him melt down and disappear late in games.  Numerous 4^th quarter jokes ensued and this has allowed me to sleep a little bit better for the 2^nd half of 2011.

4.)  Cavs 2011 Draft – “What’s Not to Like?”

As I have already mentioned the 2010-2011 Cavs season was brutal.  The trade for Baron Davis though and the NBA Draft Lottery Selection night was a bright spot.  As we all know the Cavs acquired an unprotected 1^st round pick back from the Los Angeles Clippers for taking on Baron Davis and his hefty salary.  On the night when the ping pong balls decided the draft order it was the Clippers pick that landed the Cavs the #1 overall choice in the 2011 NBA Draft.  The rest of course is history.  Welcome to Cleveland Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson.  What’s Not to Like?

3.)  Cleveland Cavaliers 102 – Miami Heat 90

On December 2^nd, 2010 LeBron James returned to the Q and venom was showered down upon him and his teammates from the Cleveland faithful.   James and the Heat promptly ran the Cavs out of the Q in a 118-90 beat down in which many of the Cavs regulars were criticized for seemingly joking around with LeBron while getting punched in the mouth on the court.  After a season of failure the Cavs enacted some revenge in the form of a 102-90 win over the same Heat on March 29^th, 2011.  LeBron had a triple-double but that wasn’t enough as JJ Hickson and Anthony Parker led the Cavs past the Heat and gave Cavs fans everywhere a little of vindication.  P.S. F You LeBron.  Signed Cleveland

2.)  Santana Slam!

What If?  That was the slogan for the Tribe in 2011.  They played some fantastic marketing spots on TV and Radio that conjured memories of past Indian Summers.  I still get sports goose bumps when I listen to those ads.  Those ads seemingly were also affecting the product on the field as the Tribe was off to an amazing 16-8 start on April 29^th, 2011.  This also happened to be the night before my wedding.  I was with the guys from my wedding party drinking and playing cards in a hotel room up in Port Clinton, OH.  We were going to go out and get some drinks and celebrate my last night as a bachelor.  The Tribe was battling the Tigers and they were able to tie the game in the 7^th inning at 5.  As the 9^th inning rolled around the cab was waiting for us, we were hammered, but I was sticking around to watch the bottom of the 9^th.  The Tribe loaded the bases, Santana punished a Joaquin Benoit offering for a Grand Slam, and I started off my wedding weekend right.

1.)  Pronk-Off! 

It was July 7^th, 2011.  Tribe was getting smoked by the Blue Jays.  I was at the game with three friends.  We stayed for the entire game and were rewarded big time.  I recount the entire evening here.

http://www.burningriversports216.blogspot.com/2011/07/believeland-batmagic-rolltribe.html

If you’re a Cleveland fan it is a must read.  

As we wind down 2011 let’s all raise a glass of our favorite indulgence and cheers to a better 2012.  Let’s toast to more memories on the shores of Lake Erie and keep one thing in mind. 

What if 2012 is better than 2011?  Even in a horrible sports year for Cleveland fans ten great memories were created.  2012 will be better.  Here’s to the memories we haven’t shared yet and to the championship we will eventually experience together!

Happy New Year Cleveland.