By Daniel Ledbetter
Happy Fourth of July! It’s a been a good year since the last time we all kicked back, fired up the grills and shot off some fireworks (no, not Memorial Day, the Fourth of July last year). What better way to celebrate America than to take a look back at some of the top American sports moments since the last Independence Day?
1. American Pharoah wins the Triple Crown
American Pharoah became the first horse in 37 years to win the Triple Crown after taking the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness and the Belmont. He may have a foreign word in his name, but at least it’s spelled wrong, because that’s how America rolls.
2. Team USA reaches the World Cup round of 16
We made it out of the “Group of Death” and did so in spectacular fashion. If not for a late-game error against Portugal, we had a chance to win it. The boys in blue did good last summer, and they really brought the nation together. It was a lot of fun to watch and next time around will be even better (or should be, at least).
3. USA Baseball no-hits Cuba
Three college pitchers from the SEC combined to no-hit the Cuban baseball team just this past week. Freedom-loving America no-hitting communist Cuba in baseball. That’s about as ‘Merica as it gets.
4. Women’s National Team reaches Women’s World Cup Final
Our girls made it back to the finals for the second straight time, again facing off against Japan. The game isn’t until the July 5, but maybe we can keep the patriotism rolling all weekend long. It looks like the country will have collective freedom hangover to go along with our regular hangovers on Monday.
5. The Floyd Mayweather/Manny Pacquiao fight
You’re probably scratching your head why this one made the list, and it’s not exactly because it was an American event. No, it’s because of the outcome. Not only did an American fighter win it, but both boxers made an absurd amount of money for doing absolutely nothing. That’s living the American dream.
More from Gamedayr:
