NBATV was replaying highlights of the dunk contests from years past all week and I stumbled upon the 1997 Dunk Contest from Gund Arena. I remember attending the All Star Saturday night as a youngster but remembered few details from the night. I was reminded during this week’s replay of Cleveland Cavalier Bob Sura’s participation in that dunk contest.
Despite, his home arena advantage, Sura pathetically finished tied for last with Ray Allen in the then 6 man contest. This was perhaps one of the least memorable All Star weekend moments in Cleveland history. 1997 as a whole, however, was a memorable year for Cleveland when it came to All Star games. The Gateway area sports complex played host to both the MLB and NBA all star games as Cleveland was put on the national stage. On this NBA All Star weekend, I thought I would reminisce about the top 5 memorable Cleveland-related All Star moments.
5. Six Browns Make Pro Bowl - The Pro Bowl is an all star game where little, if any, memorable moments are made. All Star contests are exhibitions but the NFL drastically changes its rules creating a game that is not actually football. Playing in the pro bowl game is secondary simply to being named “pro bowler.” Since the reincarnation of the Browns in 1999, the roster has rarely been filled with pro bowlers. But in 2007, the Browns had a franchise record tying 6 players named to the all star team including Derek Anderson, Braylon Edwards, Kellen Winslow, Joe Thomas, Josh Cribbs, and Ryan Pontbriand. Nothing noteworthy, aside from DA’s less than stellar performance, happened on the field but having 6 pro bowlers named after such a dearth of all stars this decade was a memorable moment and the Browns have to be included somewhere on this list.
4. Mark Price Lights Up 1993 All Star Weekend – In 1992, Mark Price won his first three point contest. The typically reserved Price came out in the media and criticized the NBA for allowing 3-time defending champion Craig Hodges to compete even though he was not on an NBA roster at the time. Hodges comically wore a generic NBA jersey but Price still ended his reign and took home the 3-pt contest championship – one that Cavs fans felt was bound to happen at some point. After capturing his first 3 pt title, he came back the next year in 1993 and lit up All Star Saturday night. Price scored a then final round record 24 points to wipe out the field. On Sunday, he joined teammates Larry Nance and Brad Daugherty in the ASG and was the 2nd-leading scorer for the East off the bench, behind only MJ. Price made the 1993 ASWeekend one of the most exciting in Cavs history and many came away from that weekend thinking the Cavs were the favorites to take home the title. He rarely claimed the spotlight but those back-to-back all star weekends he came out on the national stage and put on a show.
3. Ray Fosse trucked by Pete Rose – It is one of the most memorable moments in MLB All Star game history but for all the wrong reasons as it relates to Cleveland fans. Ray Fosse’s career was altered when Pete Rose had a “Charlie Hustle” moment and decided to run over the catcher in an exhibition game. Rose won the game on the play but also separated the shoulder of the Tribe catcher. Rose took a lot of heat from other MLB players for this dangerous play and many cite this as “ending Fosse’s career.” But Fosse came back to play 41 games in the 2nd half of the season and make the All Star roster the following year. Cleveland fans, however, still claim he was never the same after the injury which resulted from this infamous All Star Game moment.
2. LeBron Wins ASG MVP – The Cavaliers had never had an ASG MVP until, as is the case with so many other records, LeBron came along and won the 2006 ASG MVP in Houston. Non Cleveland fans criticized the decision to name him MVP but he was the high scorer on the winning roster. He scored 29 points on 21 shots – both highs for the East Roster. Hometown favorite Tracy McGrady scored 36 on 26 shots and many felt he should have been named MVP as leading scorer in the host city. But the East got the two point win and LBJ came away with the Cavs first ASG MVP. It would be an easier decision two years later in New Orleans when LeBron nearly went for a triple double with 27-8-9 in the East’s win (although some argued for Ray Allen who got hot in the final two mins and lead the East from long range).
1. Sandy Alomar Homers at Jacobs Field – While the NBA All Star Game MVP has been a player from the host city on several occasions, in 1997 Sandy Alomar became the first MLB All Star to win the MVP in his home ballpark (a game that dates back to 1933). It was one of the more memorable moments in this Golden Era of Jacobs Field and Tribe baseball. Between his hitting streak, carrying the Tribe over Mo Rivera’s Yankees in the ALDS, and his ASG MVP, Alomar owned 1997 for the Tribe. With the game tied, Alomar hit a line shot into the bleachers in the bottom of the 7th. The two-run homer would be the game winner as no more runs crossed the plate. I was in attendance and remember the Jake simply exploding as soon as the ball left his bat. It was one of the louder moments in Jacobs Field History and the noise was perhaps eclipsed in 1997 only by his 9th inning homer off Rivera to tie the game and stave off ALDS elimination. It is not only one of the great Cleveland moments, but also one of the best MLB mid summer classic moments.
Honorable Mention – Cavs’ Mike Mitchell Steals Show in 1981 ASG in Richfield, Cliff Lee Starts 2008 MLB All Star Game at Yankee Stadium, Charles Nagy Starts 1996 All Star Game in Philadelphia, Six Indians Named to 1995 All Star Roster Adding to Tribe Renaissance, Len Barker Pitches Two Hitless Innings in 1981 ASG at Municipal Stadium Two Months After Perfect Game