In our final article, we take a look at some of the worst sports cities in North America based on their championship records. Some cities, for reasons that are beyond you and me, simply suck at winning the big game or are completely terrible and can’t even make it to the big game at all. Here are some of those franchises listed in no particular order( we believe you’ll be surprised by a few).
The Ugly
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Philadelphia have some of the most devoted fans in all of sports. Unfortunately, this article isn’t about how devoted your fans are to your favorite team or city but how well your teams do when it counts the most – winning the big game. Philadelphia racks up an impressive 13 championship finals appearances. This number might be deceiving though because the city’s overall record out of 13 is a staggering 2-11. That’s right folks. Since 1980, the city of Philadelphia has only won twice in 13 appearances. No wonder why the fans are so passionate in that North-Eastern State. If you were to count rioting and lynchings as being passionate about a city than Philadelphia ranks as #1. I would be pissed off too if my city only won twice in 13 appearances. The NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers have made it 4 times to the Stanley Cup Finals since 1980 and have lost all 4 times.The NFL’s Eagles have had multiple chances in the post-season but haven’t been nearly as successful as they should be. They haven’t won 1 Super Bowl and hold a 0-2 record in the big game since 1980. MLB’s Philadelphia Phillies have at least done marginally better by winning at least 1 World Series in that time span and hold a 1-2 record overall. The NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers were the one bright spot winning an NBA Title in 1983 against the Los Angeles Lakers thanks to the help of Hall Of Famers Julius Erving and Moses Malone. They would make it back 3 times with their most recent finals appearance being in 2001 but haven’t won another championship since that amazing 1983 year. Philadelphia has little trouble making it to the big game. The answer to that city’s troubles is to simply win one more game or series and finish #1 instead of the runner-up position.
Buffalo, New York.
Buffalo holds a dismal record of 0-5. The NFL’s Buffalo Bills have made it to the Super Bowl 4 times since 1980 and have yet to win it once. The Bills also had the opportunity to go to the Super Bowl 4 years in a row with the same collection of players and failed all 4 times. For some teams, the third attempt was lucky but for the Bills not even 4 times in a row was any luck to them. The NHL’s Buffalo Sabres made it to the Cup Finals in 1999 before losing in triple overtime in game 7 thanks to a goal by Dallas’ Bret Hull. The goal was considered controversial because Hull’s skate was considered to be in the crease at the time of the goal which wouldn’t make the goal stand. The goal is considered to be one of the top 5 worst officiating calls in sports history. This again led no championship for Buffalo who have yet to see a single championship in that city since 1980. (more…)