Greatest Sports Finishes Compiled in New Book

There is specialist for almost everything in sports these days. Enter author Howard G. Peretz – the foremost authority on the most thrilling finishes in sports history.
Peretz has created a contemporary designed publication that captures in an entertaining manner the greatest sports finishes of all time. They are ranked by sport, and ranked overall.

His new book, The Sports Finish Index: The Essential Sports Reference Guide, is available at www.SportsFinishIndex.com. ($17.95 plus $5.95 shipping).

The overall greatest sports finish of all time may surprise readers. It’s from the 1972 Olympics. Employing an “SFI Score” (composed of point awarded for “magical moment,” last play outcome, importance, surrounding environment – i.e. media hype – and comeback/upset), the 1972 Gold Medal basketball game between the U.S. and the Soviet Union outshined others in the overall Top 10, such as the Bobby Thomson home run, David Tyree helmet catch, the Bill Mazeroski home run, Jim Valvano NCAA triumph, the Cardinals deciding win over the Texas Rangers in 2011, the Boise State win over Oklahoma in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl, the Ice Bowl, the Kerri Strug Olympic moment and the Colts-Giants 1958 NFL Championship.

In addition to those listed, there are more than 200 others ranked by sport. This book provides a great conversation starter for people who love “the thrill of victory” in the final moments. The book covers 1908-2013, from the “Merkle Boner” to the Alabama-Auburn Iron Bowl. More familiar ending included are: Natural, Havlicek Steals the Ball, The Immaculate Reception, Matteau! Matteau ! Matteau!, Hail Flutie, The Steve Bartman Incident and Miracle On Ice.

There are also numerous hidden gems, including Globetrotters defeat the championship Lakers, Miracle on Grass, Chicken Soup Game, Miracle on Manchester, The Cookie Game and the Snowplow Game.

In addition to pro baseball, basketball, football and hockey, the book includes NCAA football and basketball, the Olympics, golf, soccer, America’s Cup, the WNBA, NCAA women’s sports and tennis.

Howard G. Peretz, 75, is the author of the 1999 book, It Ain’t Over ‘Til the Fat Lady Sings, a compilation of the then 100 greatest finishes. Fifteen years later, that edition was due for an update, and this is it.