SPORTS WIZ TRIVIA
MAY '08

To do its part for the 250th anniversary of the City of Pittsburgh, the Dapper Dan Dinner honored the rich legacy of Pittsburgh sports in three categories. Winners were chosen in an online poll (with over 50,000 ballots submitted), sanctioned by the Dapper Dan folks. The '78 Steelers were named as the best team, Mario Lemieux as the best athlete and Bill Mazeroski's homer as the greatest sports moment. Any controversy was fairly mild (Immaculate Reception? Honus Wagner? '76 Steelers). We could easily compile a book on any three of these, but we'll attempt to still keep it interesting with just ten stumpers.

1. Who was on deck when Maz hit the big one?

2. Without this guy's eighth inning three-run homer, Maz's ninth inning moment of immortality never would have happened. Name that backup catcher.

3. Name the legendary Pittsburgh character who acted as the "doorman" at the Pirates' locker room following that game. Mayor Joe Barr and Bishop John Wright were among those he permitted to enter.

4. One of the great "lost facts" about that game is that it was (and remains) the only game in Series history during which not a single player did what?

5. Mario joined the Pens for the '84-85 season. When did he finally make it to the playoffs?

6. Among Mario's many awards are two for playoff MVP for the Stanley Cup wins. What is that award called?

7. Who was Mario's first coach with the Pens? How about his last?

8. The Steelers 1978 first round draft choice started every game that season including the Super Bowl. Who are we talking about?

9. Jack Lambert, Ron Johnson and Mel Blount were tied for second that season with four interceptions each. Who led the team with six?

10. Houston Oilers coach Bum Phillips once pre-wrote his epitaph as, "He'd have lived a hell of a lot longer if he didn't have to play Pittsburgh six times in two years." How did the Steelers fare in those six games, straddling the '78 and '79 seasons?

Click here to see the answers.