The Greatest Photographs in Sports History

Great sports moments happen in an instant. We can often predict what players will be great or what games may be unforgettable, but we can never truly be sure as to when great sports moments will take place. It could be Game 7 of the World Series or the third game of an NBA season. Catching athletes in these times of triumph is part luck and part skill. Photographers take thousands of pictures per night at a given sporting event in hopes of finding that "million dollar shot." It's amazing to think that the flash of a bulb helps to remind us of some of the finest moments in the history of sport.

Here is a select number of those photos that will forever transcend our athletic culture and help to reaffirm our love of competition each time we see them.

Tigers Woods 2001 Masters

Tiger Woods tees off at Augusta in the final round of the 2001 Masters

The Miracle on Ice

The 1980 Olympic gold medal was given to the United States after they beat Finland in the final round. This photograph was taken after the United States defeated The Soviet Union, who many considered to be the greatest hockey team in the world at the time.

Nolan Ryan's Fists of Fury

46 year old Nolan Ryan gave 25 year old Robin Ventura a beating that he may never forget on August 4th 1983. Not only could Ryan throw pitches with great speed and force, but he could do the same with his fists.

Wilt Chamberlin's 100 Point Game

On March 2nd, 1962 Wilt Chamberlin scored 100 points against the New York Knicks. This iconic photo was taken immediately after the game.

Ali vs Liston

First round, first minute Muhammad Ali knocked out Sonny Liston on May 26th 1965.

Tyree's Super Bowl Grab

David Tyree made one of the greatest catches you will ever see when the Giants faced the Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. The fourth quarter catch helped to cap a Giants come from behind victory. Unfortunately, one catch does not mean long term success, as Tyree is no longer in football.

Lou Gehrig's Farewell Speech

On July 21st 1939, The New York Yankees held "Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day". Gehrig gave one of the most memorable speeches in the history of sports and declared himself to be "one of the luckiest men on the face of the earth." Gehrig passed on a few months later, but his speech will never be forgotten.