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Sports Moments That Took Your Breath Away in 2015

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Sports have the ability to bring people together and unite everyone around one event. Sometimes, during sporting events, we are left breathless. These 15 amazing moments from 2015 left us all with our jaws dropped. We will never forget any of these moments from this year in sports.

15. Kobe Bryant Bids Farewell to Philly

Kobe Bryant Bids Farewell to Philly Getty Images
Shortly after Kobe Bryant announced he would retire at season's end, he played his last game in his hometown of Philadelphia against the 76ers. He certainly wasn't efficient, but his 28 points were a nice sendoff during his final game in Philly. The Black Mamba isn't what he once was, but everyone should appreciate his ongoing tour of the league before he hangs up the sneakers.

Shortly after Kobe Bryant announced he would retire at season's end, he played his last game in his hometown of Philadelphia against the 76ers. He certainly wasn't efficient, but his 28 points were a nice sendoff during his final game in Philly. The Black Mamba isn't what he once was, but everyone should appreciate his ongoing tour of the league before he hangs up the sneakers.

14. Todd Frazier Puts On Hometown HR Derby Show

Todd Frazier Puts On Hometown HR Derby Show Getty Images
Speaking of hometown performances, Todd Frazier put on a show for the fans at The Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati, home of his Reds team. Of course, the home fans were thrilled when he won the competition in the first year of its new format. Unfortunately, he won't be able to thrill them next year because he will be playing for the White Sox in 2016.

Speaking of hometown performances, Todd Frazier put on a show for the fans at The Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati, home of his Reds team. Of course, the home fans were thrilled when he won the competition in the first year of its new format. Unfortunately, he won't be able to thrill them next year because he will be playing for the White Sox in 2016.

13. Holly Holm Knocks Ronda Rousey Out

Holly Holm Knocks Ronda Rousey Out Getty Images
Ronda Rousey seemed invincible going into her fight with Holly Holm last month. Almost nobody would've picked against Rousey coming into the fight, but Holm proved everyone wrong. She controlled the fight and when her roundhouse kick connected with Rousey's temple, it was all over. It was such a thrilling fight, a rematch has already been reported as each athlete's next fight.

Ronda Rousey seemed invincible going into her fight with Holly Holm last month. Almost nobody would've picked against Rousey coming into the fight, but Holm proved everyone wrong. She controlled the fight and when her roundhouse kick connected with Rousey's temple, it was all over. It was such a thrilling fight, a rematch has already been reported as each athlete's next fight.

12. The Fight of the Century

The Fight of the Century Getty Images
This fight had the potential to be so much higher up on the list, but Floyd Mayweather Jr. literally pulled some punches. He played a very defensive game and tried to simply dodge Manny Pacqiao while landing his own punches from time to time. That resulted in a very dry fight from the seventh round on. However, the fight still featured the two best boxers in the sport, which is rare, so it thrilled at times and was one of the most anticipated events of the year.

This fight had the potential to be so much higher up on the list, but Floyd Mayweather Jr. literally pulled some punches. He played a very defensive game and tried to simply dodge Manny Pacqiao while landing his own punches from time to time. That resulted in a very dry fight from the seventh round on. However, the fight still featured the two best boxers in the sport, which is rare, so it thrilled at times and was one of the most anticipated events of the year.

11. Steph Curry Steals the Show at NBA Finals

Steph Curry Steals the Show at NBA Finals Getty Images
When the Warriors upended the Cavaliers in the NBA Finals last season, Steph Curry unofficially supplanted LeBron James as the best player in the league. Of course, that has continued this season, but in the Finals, he was simply fantastic. He dominated as the team thrilled audiences at home and fans in the seats and that made the Finals memorable as a whole.

When the Warriors upended the Cavaliers in the NBA Finals last season, Steph Curry unofficially supplanted LeBron James as the best player in the league. Of course, that has continued this season, but in the Finals, he was simply fantastic. He dominated as the team thrilled audiences at home and fans in the seats and that made the Finals memorable as a whole.

10. Max Scherzer is Completely Unhittable

Max Scherzer is Completely Unhittable Getty Images
During one stretch last season, Max Scherzer was practically unhittable. With just one out to go for a perfect game, Scherzer hit Jose Tabata, on a pitch that looked barely off the plate. He recovered from that to claim the perfect game, though. His sheer domination was memorable enough, but the fact he took a perfect game 16 batters into his next outing may have been even more impressive.

During one stretch last season, Max Scherzer was practically unhittable. With just one out to go for a perfect game, Scherzer hit Jose Tabata, on a pitch that looked barely off the plate. He recovered from that to claim the perfect game, though. His sheer domination was memorable enough, but the fact he took a perfect game 16 batters into his next outing may have been even more impressive.

9. Blackhawks Cement Their Dynasty

Blackhawks Cement Their Dynasty Getty Images
Dynasties are rare in sports nowadays, but the Chicago Blackhawks are in the midst of one in the NHL. After winning their third Stanley Cup in six seasons, the latest of which came in 2015, they are definitely a dynasty. As always, they provided thrills and drama as they ousted the Lighting en route to another title.

Dynasties are rare in sports nowadays, but the Chicago Blackhawks are in the midst of one in the NHL. After winning their third Stanley Cup in six seasons, the latest of which came in 2015, they are definitely a dynasty. As always, they provided thrills and drama as they ousted the Lighting en route to another title.

8. Cardale Jones Defies All Odds For Ohio State

Cardale Jones Defies All Odds For Ohio State Getty Images
On their third-string quarterback, it looked like Ohio State was firmly out of the first College Football Playoff field. That was, of course, until they wiped the floor with Wisconsin in the Big 10 Championship, winning 59-0. They just snuck into the playoff and went on to beat Alabama and Oregon, the top two teams in the country, to win the title. The star of the show was Cardale Jones, who stepped right up and played incredibly well in his only three starts.

On their third-string quarterback, it looked like Ohio State was firmly out of the first College Football Playoff field. That was, of course, until they wiped the floor with Wisconsin in the Big 10 Championship, winning 59-0. They just snuck into the playoff and went on to beat Alabama and Oregon, the top two teams in the country, to win the title. The star of the show was Cardale Jones, who stepped right up and played incredibly well in his only three starts.

7. USWNT Wins the World Cup

USWNT Wins the World Cup Getty Images
For a record third time, the USWNT won the World Cup, earning Abby Wambach a title in her final international contest. It was an inspiring run as the team came together and stepped up in the biggest of moments. Unfortunately, women's sports don't get enough attention in this country, but this team's run made the entire nation take notice, even if just for a moment.

For a record third time, the USWNT won the World Cup, earning Abby Wambach a title in her final international contest. It was an inspiring run as the team came together and stepped up in the biggest of moments. Unfortunately, women's sports don't get enough attention in this country, but this team's run made the entire nation take notice, even if just for a moment.

6. Wisconsin Hands Kentucky First Loss in Final Four

Wisconsin Hands Kentucky First Loss in Final Four Getty Images
Kentucky seemed like a team destined to go undefeated last season, but they ran into a team with revenge on their minds. The Wildcats beat Wisconsin in the Final Four last season and the Badgers didn't forget about it. In one of the most memorable college basketball games in some time, Wisconsin shocked Kentucky 71-64. In the process, they ensured that the best team in college basketball all season didn't even get to play in the national championship game.

Kentucky seemed like a team destined to go undefeated last season, but they ran into a team with revenge on their minds. The Wildcats beat Wisconsin in the Final Four last season and the Badgers didn't forget about it. In one of the most memorable college basketball games in some time, Wisconsin shocked Kentucky 71-64. In the process, they ensured that the best team in college basketball all season didn't even get to play in the national championship game.

5. Royals Pull Off Thrilling World Series Win

Royals Pull Off Thrilling World Series Win Getty Images
There has never been a more clutch baseball team than the 2015 Kansas City Royals. After winning the American League pennant last season, they were nearly bounced from the ALDS in four games. That was until they turned their magic on and came back to beat the Astros in Games 4 and 5. After that, they became late-inning magicians, riding that momentum all the way to a well-deserved World Series title.

There has never been a more clutch baseball team than the 2015 Kansas City Royals. After winning the American League pennant last season, they were nearly bounced from the ALDS in four games. That was until they turned their magic on and came back to beat the Astros in Games 4 and 5. After that, they became late-inning magicians, riding that momentum all the way to a well-deserved World Series title.

4. Jose Bautista Bat Flip

Jose Bautista Bat Flip Getty Images
It became controversial afterward, but Jose Bautista's bat flip was incredible in real time. His release of every emotion in one moment following a momentous three-run homer in Game 5 of the ALDS had all the makings of a great sports moment. That bat, flying in the air, is seemingly frozen in time for us all to remember.

It became controversial afterward, but Jose Bautista's bat flip was incredible in real time. His release of every emotion in one moment following a momentous three-run homer in Game 5 of the ALDS had all the makings of a great sports moment. That bat, flying in the air, is seemingly frozen in time for us all to remember.

3. American Pharoah Wins the Triple Crown

American Pharoah Wins the Triple Crown Robert Mackson, USA Today Sports
In 1978, Affirmed won the Triple Crown in horse racing and no other horse had accomplished that feat until this year. American Pharoah completed the first two legs of the Triple Crown heading into the third and final race, The Belmont Stakes. Somehow, the outcome was never in doubt as American Pharoah sprinted to a dominant victory and horse racing history.

In 1978, Affirmed won the Triple Crown in horse racing and no other horse had accomplished that feat until this year. American Pharoah completed the first two legs of the Triple Crown heading into the third and final race, The Belmont Stakes. Somehow, the outcome was never in doubt as American Pharoah sprinted to a dominant victory and horse racing history.

2. Malcolm Butler Seals Super Bowl Title For Patriots

Malcolm Butler Seals Super Bowl Title For Patriots Getty Images
Another moment that seemed frozen in time was when Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler picked off Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson on the goal line in the closing moments of Super Bowl 49. It gave Tom Brady and the Patriots their fourth Super Bowl in 15 years and created the best Super Bowl moment since Tracy Porter's pick-six to give the Saints a Super Bowl win.

Another moment that seemed frozen in time was when Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler picked off Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson on the goal line in the closing moments of Super Bowl 49. It gave Tom Brady and the Patriots their fourth Super Bowl in 15 years and created the best Super Bowl moment since Tracy Porter's pick-six to give the Saints a Super Bowl win.

1. Michigan State Pulls Off a Miracle

Michigan State Pulls Off a Miracle Getty Images
If it weren't for this moment, Michigan State would not be playing in the College Football Playoff next month. Essentially, Michigan just had to get the punt off at the end of the game to win the rivalry matchup, but they botched it and the Spartans sprinted to the end zone with the ball as the crowd in Ann Arbor stood in shock. It was this year's version of the 2013 Iron Bowl and will live on in history in both the rivalry and in college football overall.

If it weren't for this moment, Michigan State would not be playing in the College Football Playoff next month. Essentially, Michigan just had to get the punt off at the end of the game to win the rivalry matchup, but they botched it and the Spartans sprinted to the end zone with the ball as the crowd in Ann Arbor stood in shock. It was this year's version of the 2013 Iron Bowl and will live on in history in both the rivalry and in college football overall.

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