Bill Russell defends Hal Greer throughout the Celtics-76ers Eastern Division Finals matchup in 1968. AP Photo/File

Anytime a group tends to make a comeback to grab an improbable win, it has the energy to develop an indelible memory for some fans.

However not each and every comeback occurs on the greatest of stages, or if it does, memory of it can fade more than time.

For Boston fans, the reality that nearby teams have won so often — particularly in the final two decades — has produced it tougher to catalogue every single particular comeback in the region’s collective memory.

And though the term “forgotten” is inherently subjective, its application is employed in context: Boston College fans of a specific age will undoubtedly recall the Eagles’ comeback against Alabama football in 1984, but lots of extra recall (or know of) Doug Flutie’s well-known win against Miami later in the season (therefore the Boston College-Alabama inclusion in this list).

So as readers continue to vote in Boston.com’s bracket of Boston’s greatest sports comebacks — and as exciting as reflecting on the 2004 American League Championship Series or Super Bowl LI can be — let’s also take a moment to appear back on a couple of comebacks that haven’t garnered as significantly historical interest more than the years.

1946 Red Sox vs. Athletics

In the very first game of an April doubleheader, the Philadelphia Athletics led 7- immediately after 3 innings, and 11-five heading into the final half inning.

Just after functioning the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth, Johnny Pesky drew a stroll, plating a run, and Ted Williams drove in two extra with a single to appropriate field. Later in the inning (with two outs), George Metkovich clobbered a 3-run household run to tie the game. Williams at some point won the game for Boston on a stroll-off single in the 10th.

1972 Northeastern men’s rowing wins at Eastern Sprints

Possessing under no circumstances won the annual Eastern Sprints championship, Northeastern was not anticipated to challenge in 1972. And when Harvard, the pre-race favorites, surged to an early lead, every little thing seemed to be going to script.

However in the final meters, the Huskies produced a late dash for the line, passing other supposedly stronger boats, and at some point eclipsing Harvard for the win.

“I believe that this is the greatest thrill of my life,” mentioned a shocked but elated Northeastern coach Ernie Arlett afterward in an interview with The Boston Globe. The Huskies would go on to repeat in 1973.

1968 Eastern Division Finals: Celtics vs. 76ers

Though three-1 series comebacks are nevertheless far from standard, just before the Celtics pulled it off in the 1968 Eastern Division Finals, such a issue had under no circumstances occurred in the NBA.

Boston, led by player-coach Bill Russell, dropped 3 of the very first 4 games of the series against Wilt Chamberlain and the 76ers. Facing elimination, the Celtics somehow rallied to win 3 in a row, having revenge on Philadelphia for the 1967 playoff elimination. Russell, John Havlicek, and Sam Jones at some point guided the Celtics to but a further championship immediately after surviving the 76ers’ scare.

1984 Boston College vs. Alabama

At the outset of his well-known 1984 Heisman Trophy-winning season, Doug Flutie and Boston College faced a 31-14 deficit in Alabama.

The Eagles remained undaunted and gradually started to operate their way back into the game. More than the final 22 minutes and 20 seconds, Boston College scored 24 unanswered points to pull off a 38-31 win.

From the Boston Globe’s sports section immediately after Boston College’s comeback win against Alabama in 1984. – Globe Archives

1990 Adams Division Semifinal Game four: Bruins vs. Whalers

Just after the Whalers unexpectedly took two of the very first 3 games in the very first-round playoff matchup, the Bruins appeared on the verge of falling into a three-1 series hole when Hartford took a five-two lead heading into the third period.

Boston responded in style, ripping off 4 consecutive objectives (two coming from center Dave Poulin) to come away with a thrilling six-five win.

1999 Patriots vs. Colts

Prior to the classic battles among Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, Drew Bledsoe showed what a classic Patriots-Colts game could appear like.

Manning and Indianapolis orchestrated a brilliant very first half, chalking up a 28-7 halftime lead. Bledsoe and New England gradually pushed their way back into the game in the second half. A pair of Ben Coates touchdown catches in the fourth quarter tied the game, and Adam Vinatieri — in a scene that would develop into familiar in future years — won it with 35 seconds remaining on a 26-yard field purpose.

2020 Revolution vs. D.C. United

On a rainy November evening at Gillette Stadium in 2020, the Revolution have been bogged down immediately after a pair of early D.C. objectives.

Needing a win to retain pace in the playoff race, New England battled back, at some point tying the game in the second half. Just after managing to take a three-two lead, the Revolution gave up a tying purpose of their personal, appearing to squander the likelihood at the comeback.

In the finish, New England forward Teal Bunbury’s second purpose of the evening (coming in the 84th minute) place the Revolution more than the leading in a dramatic four-three win.

Loading…