What if A-Rod signed for the Crimson Sox? What if Chris Wondolowski had scored THAT purpose on the World Cup? And what if Charlie Ward selected the NFL over the NBA? How three of sport’s greatest fork-in-the-road moments might have had VERY totally different outcomes

Sure sports activities occasions all the time come to thoughts when trying again on what might’ve been. One little motion or change could not have made concrete info we all know at present to look totally different, proper? Unsuitable. Alex Rodriguez in a Crimson Sox uniform practically occurred till Main League Baseball vetoed the deal. Chris Wondolowski can be a family identify in sport. And the way about Charlie Ward suiting up for the New York Jets?   These are three ‘nearly’ moments with 10-, 20-, and 30-year anniversaries in 2024. Right here, DailyMail.com breaks down every to see how sports activities would look totally different if every turned actuality… Chris Wondolowski’s nationwide staff profession is greatest recognized for his miss on the 2014 World CupChris Wondolowski’s miss turns 10 — July 1, 2014 There is not any occasion in sports activities the place an athlete’s actions are extra beneath a microscope than the World Cup. 4 years in between each world spectacle with 270 minutes assured to each nation that participates. For the USA males’s nationwide staff on the 2014 World Cup, one other look within the knockout rounds put a ton of strain on these chosen, and the Yanks’ held powerhouse Belgium with out a purpose in regulation. With the People’ second-ever fashionable look within the World Cup quarterfinals with in attain, the silver-platter alternative fell to the toes of Wondolowski. A Jermaine Jones header positioned Wondolowski six yards from purpose with the equal of a lay-up to place the USA into the ultimate eight. He missed, crusing the ball over the crossbar and sending the sport to further time. Two Belgian objectives later and the People had been on a airplane residence from Brazil as a substitute of going through eventual event runners-up Argentina within the quarterfinals.  Wondolowski was extremely completed on the membership degree, together with a file 171 MLS goalsWhat if that Wondolowski shot goes in? First, loads of you would not should Google who I am speaking about. He is recognized throughout the soccer neighborhood, however that is it. Likelihood is higher you understand the names Landon Donovan or Christian Pulisic. And for these saying US Soccer is in the identical spot it’s now after a blowout by the hands of Argentina, be mindful Costa Rica made the quarterfinals of this similar World Cup. The US taking down Lionel Messi and mates would’ve quickly grown the game in America. And the present golden era can be much more affluent. As an alternative, Wondolowski’s miss despatched the US down a path the place it did not make the 2018 World Cup due to the senior staff’s indecisiveness when determining its identification.  Alex Rodriguez practically becoming a member of the Boston Crimson Sox turns 20 — February 15, 2004One of the extra dominant durations of baseball that will get utterly forgotten is Alex Rodriguez’s three seasons with the Texas Rangers. They weren’t the staff to deliver Rodriguez to superstardom or to win him championships. They had been the staff to make him the cornerstone of the franchise, and had been possibly the one staff to present Rodriguez that highlight alone.Rodriguez’s wishes to play for a successful staff and Texas’ present state did not combine, resulting in an authentic commerce to the Boston Crimson Sox, the New York Yankees’ archrival. Heading to Arlington would’ve been a major Manny Ramirez and a 19-year-old Jon Lester.  Alfonso Soriano and Joaquin Arias stick with the Yankees.Does that domino impact cease the Crimson Sox from reversing the curse? I do not suppose so. The offensive manufacturing from Rodriguez would’ve trumped Ramirez, and any swap within the lineup to make one much less spot within the infield accessible would’ve been a essential evil.  Alex Rodriguez performed for the Texas Rangers from 2001-03 earlier than being traded to the YankeesThe 2004 ALCS between the Crimson Sox and Yankees nonetheless is very contentious, however Rodriguez and Bronson Arroyo as teammates would’ve been must-see realizing their historical past now. I additionally imagine Rodriguez will get some kind of decide out into his contract with the Crimson Sox and finally makes his option to the Yankees anyway, presumably after the 2007 World Collection. Rodriguez was born in Manhattan and taking part in for the Yankees or Mets was all the time a pure match. The acquisition of Lester course corrects the Rangers’ path a number of seasons later of back-to-back pennants greater than Ramirez. Texas all the time had an excellent hitter in its lineup for many of the final 4 many years. And it solely gained a World Collection final month. The Rangers had some aces over time in Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels, but the committee method with a set of above-average pitchers labored greatest. Lester match into that class. Texas wins the 2011 World Collection with Lester, and that is the one change within the championship ripple impact.   Rodriguez performed for the Yankees for 12 seasons after leaving Texas and retired in 2016Charlie Ward drafted by the New York Knicks turns 30 — June 29, 1994 There have been just a few Heisman Trophy winners to by no means play within the NFL, most not too long ago with 2003 winner Jason White. Ward listened to hypothesis about his draft standing and did not need to enter the method if he wasn’t a decide within the first spherical.  He had a mid-round projection and opted to play within the NBA as a substitute, the place the New York Knicks took him with the twenty sixth general decide. Ward had a stable NBA profession from 1994-2005, however the questions exist on how he would’ve fared if he went to the NFL.  Ward by no means averaged above 10.5 factors per sport with Florida State’s basketball staff Ward gained the Heisman Trophy in 1993 with the Seminoles, and by no means performed a snap within the NFL Charlie Ward performed soccer and basketball at Florida State, choosing an NBA careerWard would’ve completely been drafted, in contrast to White, and at his greatest, can be seeing success like we see from Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts at present. It is potential Ward would’ve flamed out, however his general athleticism would’ve given him a number of possibilities within the NFL. Let’s hold Ward in the identical tv market the place he performed for a majority of his profession, and he might’ve led the New York Giants or Jets to success at a time when each franchises weren’t doing something particular. Ward would’ve been a greater match for at present’s NFL with a real pocket passer changing into rarer. He little question would’ve discovered success on the flip of the century. 



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