Cleveland Sports Reflection: A Year of Disappointment and Hope
As Cleveland sports enthusiasts reflect on the past year, their hopes for 2026 are yearning for a brighter future. The 2025 sports season, regretfully, was overshadowed by disappointment, leaving fans longing for a sense of optimism that was sorely absent in the concluded year. In my assessment of the top moments from Cleveland’s sports landscape in 2025, it was a considerable challenge to pinpoint even ten noteworthy events.
The year saw the Cavaliers fizzle out during the playoff series, the Guardians’ rapid playoff exit after a lackluster season, and the Browns continuing their cycle of mediocrity. Below are the standout moments—some festive, others painful—that shaped this year in Cleveland sports.
Top Moments in Cleveland Sports 2025
- Bernie Kosar Receives Life-Saving Liver Transplant
In the realm of heartwarming sports news, Bernie Kosar’s life-saving transplant ranks high. This Cleveland football icon faced a dire health crisis and underwent several surgeries for internal bleeding until he received a liver donation in November. Tragically, the donor was 21-year-old Bryce Dunlap, a Browns fan who passed away due to a medical emergency. While Kosar still faces health challenges, this new liver offers him renewed hope in his fight for well-being. - Cleveland Welcomes Back WNBA Team
The WNBA is poised to make a triumphant return to Cleveland, this time with considerably more enthusiasm and a larger fan base compared to its original stint. The Cleveland Rockers will reenter the league for the first time since 2003, and with Dan Gilbert at the helm, there’s a promise of better days ahead, fueled by the growing popularity of women’s basketball. - Browns Secure a Dome Stadium
After much contention, the Haslam family finally received the green light to build a new domed stadium, with an estimated cost of $2.4 billion set to be completed by 2029. Their lengthy struggle with the city and county officials has culminated in this victory, but skeptics wonder if it will be worth the wait, or if fans will still want to watch the team by then. - Atkinson and Vogt: Coach and Manager of the Year
Recognition came in heaps for Kenny Atkinson, who was named NBA Coach of the Year in his inaugural season, and Steven Vogt, who garnered the same accolade in Major League Baseball. Atkinson’s Cavaliers surged to a remarkable 64 wins, while Vogt skillfully revived the Guardians from a seemingly doomed state mid-season. Both coaches added significant value to their clubs in 2025. - Guardians Staged a Stunning Comeback
Despite starting 15.5 games behind in July, the Guardians pulled off an astonishing rally by winning 17 out of 19 games in September. Although they fell short in the Wild Card Series against the Tigers, this resurgence showcased new talent and potential for the future, particularly through the performances of emerging outfielders George Valera and Chase DeLauter. - Myles Garrett Goes for the Sack Record
Myles Garrett’s year was marked by drama, beginning with a trade request that transitioned into a hefty $160 million contract extension. His performance was nothing short of stellar as he attempted to break the single-season sack record. If successful, his achievement would stand out given the historical context of the record during various game season lengths. - Tom Hamilton Enters the Hall of Fame
In a well-deserved acknowledgment, the revered broadcaster Tom Hamilton was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame as the Ford C. Frick Award recipient. Hamilton’s warm and unforgettable play-by-play calls have left an indelible mark on fans and the sport, and this recognition solidifies his legacy. - Cavaliers Disappointment in the Playoffs
Cleveland’s hopes were high for the Cavaliers after a standout regular season, but those hopes crumbled during the playoffs. A shocking exit in the second round against the Pacers highlighted the struggles faced with injuries and performance issues, leaving fans anxious about the team’s future trajectory. - Guardians’ Gambling Controversy
The year took a tumultuous turn for Major League Baseball and the Guardians amidst a gambling scandal involving players Luis Ortiz and Emmanuel Clase, who faced serious charges for alleged fraudulent pitches. This controversy ignited broader discussions about betting regulations in the sport. - Browns Draft Shedeur Sanders
In what was a surprising moment during the draft, the Browns selected quarterback Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round. Initially unexpected, the decision quickly turned into a storyline, as Sanders proved to be a popular figure within the franchise amidst turbulent times on the field.
These moments tell the story of a year that was less about triumph and more about resilience as Cleveland sports fans look toward 2026 with aspirations for glowing narratives and memorable achievements. Wishing everyone a safe New Year, and here’s to a year filled with optimism and excitement in Cleveland sports!
