Top 10 Philly Sports Moments of 2013

Roy Halladay Roy Halladay was one of many Philly sports figured who officially waved goodbye in 2013. So too did Allen Iverson, Donovan McNabb and Andy Reid wave a fond farewell.
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Before Sunday night’s 24-22 Eagles’ victory over Dallas to clinch the NFC East Division title, it was hard to call 2013 a great sports campaign for any of the four area major sports squads. But looking deeper back at the year that was, there were moments that will never be forgotten, and several seeds planted for future success.

All four major sports teams miss playoffs until Eagles Sunday win

After 19 years of competitiveness the Eagles, Sixers, Phillies and Flyers all missed the post season in the same calendar year for the first time since 1993-94. The Eagles bucked the trend with their 10-6 season, ending a very treacherous and forgettable stint for the teams we love.

Philly coaching carousel

Out were Andy Reid, Charlie Manuel, Doug Collins and Peter Laviolette. In were Chip Kelly, Ryne Sandberg, Brett Brown and Craig Berube.

Merion hosts U.S. Open for the ages

In the 2013 U.S. Open Championship, the course, and Philadelphia, was the star, with the tough test creating a fantastic finish that saw Justin Rose take the crown, and Phil Mickelson fall just short yet again.

LaSalle basketball reaches sweet 16

Almost an afterthought, the 2012-13 Explorers won their play-in game against Boise State, upset No. 4 Kansas State and downed fellow Cinderella Mississippi before faltering in the Sweet 16 against Wichita State.

Nick Foles breaks onto the scene

With Chip Kelly’s offense running like clockwork, quarterback Nick Foles secured his job as Eagles starter thanks in part to an NFL record tying seven touchdown performance against the Raiders in Week 9.

McNabb retires, Reid returns

An early-season loss to the Chiefs was made memorable when the Eagles honored six time pro-bowler Donovan McNabb prior to Andy Reid’s return to the Linc.

Snow Bowl 2013

Eight inches of snow and a potent Lions team were unable to stop LeSean McCoy as the Eagles running back compiled 217 yards in a 34-20 victory over the Lions in Week 14.

Sixers make draft splash

On draft day 2013, the Sixers swung for the fences, trading away stud point guard Jrue Holiday and drafting Michael Carter-Williams and Nerlens Noel in the first round, looking to rebuild for the future.

Lee knocks in four, strikes out 14

In one of the most impressive performances ever by a Phillies pitcher, Cliff Lee had four RBI in a win against the Marlins on September 16. He also wrung up 14 fish from the hill.

Halladay hangs it up

After giving the Phillies a perfect game, post season no hitter and Cy Young award in 2010, ace hurler Roy Halladay called it quits after a fruitful 16 year big league career.