You Lose, Winner Trivia Quiz

Answer: Jerry West

He also managed to win the "Most Outstanding Player" award in the 1959 NCAA Men's Division I tournament despite a second place finish for his team. His inclusion on the USA's 1960 Olympic Men's basketball team helped the nation win a gold medal. Over the course of his NBA career, he led the Lakers to nine Finals appearances, although he only managed to hoist the trophy once. Known as "Mr. Clutch" for his incredible playoff performances, his 60-foot buzzer-beater to force overtime in game three of the 1970 NBA Finals against the New York Knicks is considered one of the most memorable moments in NBA Finals history. You may recognize Mr. West if you are familiar with the NBA's logo, its silhouette is based on a photo of him.

Answer: Chuck Howley

Howley went on to help the Cowboys win Super Bowl VI the next year. These events came after he had left the NFL in 1960 due to a knee-injury. After a year of working in a gas station, he returned to the NFL as a Cowboy, and spent the next 12 years playing in blue and silver. Of the seven turnovers forced in Super Bowl V, Howley was responsible for three of them, including two interceptions and a forced fumble.

His amazing athleticism led Coach Tom Landry to admit that he was one of the few players allowed to deviate from defensive schemes because, "People like Chuck can often do this and get away with it because of their outstanding athletic ability." The same athletic ability allowed him to play five sports at a collegiate level- football, wrestling, one-meter diving, track and field (sprinting), and gymnastics.

Answer: Bobby Richardson

1960 marked Richardson's third trip to the World Series of his eventual seven attempts with the Yankees. In the end, he won in 1958, 1961, and 1962. However the 1960 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates marked the only time he was named most valuable player. Considering he batted in over 20% of his teams total runs, including a grand slam home run in the third game, it was definitely deserved.

His place in the late 1950's and 1960's dynasty of the Yankees was perhaps overshadowed somewhat by his big name teammates, his solid defensive performances and consistent at-bats (he struck out at a rate of once every twenty attempts or so) have ensured his name is placed with theirs as one of the premier baseball players of the 20th century.

Answer: Detroit Red Wings

The 1966 Stanley Cup final was in some ways defined by Roger Crozier. He led his team to the finals with the most games played and most shutouts of any goalie in the league during the regular season. He then helped his team win the first two games of the best of seven series. Game three saw the Red Wings overwhelmed by their opponents' brilliant offense, but hope remained until the next match, during which Crozier suffered an injury to his leg during another loss, tying the series. Overcoming the pain, Crozier played in game five anyway, and held Montreal to just two goals in regulation. Detroit had managed two goals as well, pushing the match into overtime. It was here that Montreal managed to eke out a win, albeit not without controversy. The game-winning goal saw Henri Richard lose his footing as he was heading toward Crozier, and fly directly into him. The puck went in, and despite pleas from Detroit that Richard had used his hand to push the puck in, the goal stood.
The heartbreaking end to the match was only slightly salved by the Conn Smythe trophy which marked Crozier as the first winner from the losing team.
The award could technically go to players who did not reach the playoff finals. However, in the first 50 years of its existence it never has.

Answer: Ron Hextall

Ron won the award in his first season as an NHL pro. He also snagged the Vezina Trophy, for best goalie during the regular season, that same year. Known for his aggressive nature, it was not uncommon to see Hextall involved in any brawl that might break out during the course of a game.

This includes several penalties for raucous behavior during his rookie season Stanley Cup appearance. He did manage to make it back to the finals stage once more towards the end of his career, in 1997, but his Flyers (whom he had left for several years from 1992-1994) were swept by the Detroit Red Wings 4-0. Though not quite as prolific as the other members of this quiz, he was a rock for his teams throughout his career, with his goals allowed actually trending downward as his career went forward.

In the end, Hexy, as he was affectionately called by fans, proved to be a stalwart goalie entirely deserving of his trophy win despite his team's loss.

Answer: Boomer Esiason

Boomer played ten of his fourteen season with the Cincinnati Bengals. He ended his career with them in 1997, after having spent the previous four years with the New York Jets (1993-95) and the Arizona Cardinals (1996). Four Pro Bowl appearances gild his resume further, as one of the best MVP-caliber players to never win a Super Bowl.
His casting career has kept him close to the game, broadcasting such events as Monday Night Football and the Super Bowl, as well as hosting NFL-related shows such as 'Inside the NFL'.

Answer: Eric Lindros

Eric Lindros is widely regarded as one of the most dominant NHL players to never hoist the Stanley Cup. His regular season MVP award, six All-Star appearances, not to mention 865 points over the course of 13 years in the league speak for themselves. He did manage to win a championship in the OHL, a junior league, in 1990.

His Olympic Gold Medal representing Canada in 2002, along with his silver medal from the 1992 Olympic Games further solidify his image as one of the NHL's greatest players never to win a professional championship.

Answer: Charles Barkley

Sir Charles was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in 1984. Shorter than many of the forwards he faced, though still a healthy 6'4", Barkley relied on strength and positioning to become one of the most memorable players in the NBA. As the second person to notch 23,000 points, 4,000 assists, and 12,000 rebounds in his career belt (The first being Wilt Chamberlain), Charles Barkley is undoubtedly one of the best basketball players without an NBA Championship.

Answer: Ted Williams

Ted Williams was arguably the best hitter in baseball history. His first triple crown came in 1942, the year before he left baseball for World War 2. Upon his return, he earned his first AL MVP award in 1946. This was also the year he lost to the Cardinals in the World Series.

The next season gave rise to his second and final triple crown, making one wonder what sort of accolades he'd have earned had the prime of his career not been interrupted by civil duty. Even so, he was elected into the MLB Hall of Fame on his first try in 1966, and he'll remain a legitimate contender as one of baseball's best players to never win a World Series (and in general) so long as the topic continues being discussed.

Answer: Dan Marino

Dan Marino is widely considered one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. Unlike his peers John Elway and Brett Favre, Marino never managed to win a Super Bowl. His record-breaking 1984 year was the only season he even made it to the game, where Joe Montana won his second title with the San Francisco 49ers. He retired holding the record for most passing yards, pass attempts, pass completions, and touchdowns, but admitted to his lust for a Super Bowl ring. In the movie "Little Nicky" he even asks for one from Satan.

His more enduring acting role, though, was in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, where he was the object of hatred for a villainous punter who blames Marino for losing them a Super Bowl with his questionable kick holder mechanics. That was 1994. By the time he retired in 1999, Marino had to have wondered if there was a similarly strange plot to prevent him from winning a championship. Still, Dan the Man can be considered one of the premier quarterbacks the NFL has ever seen, even without a championship ring.