Top 10 Chicago Sports Stories Of 2013
(CBS) What a year it's been in for the Chicago sports landscape.
We've seen coaches fired, coaches hired, superstars lost for the season, legends retire and a Stanley Cup championship.
Before we turn the calendar to 2014, let's recount the Top 10 Chicago Sports Stories Of 2013, in no particular order.
-- Blackhawks Win Stanley Cup: In an almost improbable comeback, the Chicago Blackhawks scored two goals in 17 seconds to defeated the Boston Bruins 3-2 for their second Stanley Cup title since 2010.
-- Lovie Smith Fired: After nine seasons with the Bears, head coach Lovie Smith was fired after going 10-6 and failing to make the playoffs.
-- Bears Hire Marc Trestman: In a move that shocked most of the NFL landscape, GM Phil Emery selected the CFL's Marc Trestman to be the Bears new head coach.
-- Derrick Roses Returns/Injures Other Knee: Derrick Rose's return to the NBA was short lived, as the former MVP suffered another season-ending knee injury just 10 games into the 2013-14 season.
-- Brian Urlacher Retires: After 13 seasons with the Bears, future Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher officially announced his retirement from the NFL.
-- Notre Dame Destroyed In National Championship: Following an undefeated regular season, the Fighting Irish were embarrassed by Alabama 42-14 in the BCS title game.
-- Manti Te'o's Dead Girlfriend Hoax: Deadspin broke the news to the country that Manti Te'o's girlfriend, who 'died' of leukemia, never actually existed.
-- Cubs Fire Sveum/Hire Renteria: After two seasons on the North Side, the Cubs fired manager Dale Sveum and hired Rick Renteria.
-- NIU Earns BCS Bowl Berth: For the first time ever, undefeated NIU earned a trip to the Orange Bowl, where they were beaten by Florida State.
-- Bears Draft Kyle Long: In a move that confused most, the Bears drafted OL Kyle Long in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft. Long had started just four games at Oregon.
-- City Approves Wrigley Field Renovations: The planned $500 million Wrigley Field renovation will soon be a reality following city council approval. Aldermen approved the plan that will allow the Ricketts family to build a large video board in left field, additional signage inside the park as well as a hotel and office building.
