Philadelphia has always been a city passionate about its sports teams. Through highs and lows, year after year, we, the Philly faithful, cheer our teams on, regardless how painful that may be.
Nineteen Hundred and Seventy Two. A memorable year. The Godfather dominated at the box office, Fiddler on the Roof, A Clockwork Orange, and Cabaret were among the year’s best films. All In the Family was the #1 TV show in America. Nights in White Satin by the Moody Blues, Roundabout by Yes, and American Pie by Don McLean took over the radio waves.
1972, the year of the Rat, was also the year Pong, Grease, Ziggy Stardust, ABBA, and HBO’s debut. The year the Miami Dolphins went 17-0. The year Richard Nixon kept the White House by taking 49 of 50 states in the election. The year the world was introduced to the Atkins Diet. It was also the year terrorists murdered 11 members of the Israeli Olympic team at the Munich Olympics.
While we watched that tragedy unfold on our TV sets each night, Steve Carlton, in his first season with the Phillies, was quickly making everyone forget about Rick Wise. Carlton would go on to win 27 games and his first Cy Young Award in 1972. Carlton won 27 of the Phillies 59 wins. A truly remarkable feat. It was the city’s only sports bright spot that year.
While the Oakland A’s were winning the World Series, the Dolphins were perfect, the Lakers were the toast of the NBA, and the Boston Bruins were hoisting the Stanley Cup, Philadelphia sports was mired in historic futility. 1972 was the worst sports year for any North American city.
Ever.
Anywhere. Continue reading
