Podcast Summary: Everything Everywhere Daily – "The Greatest Comebacks of All Time"
Release Date: July 13, 2025
Host: Gary Arndt | Glassbox Media
Description: Learn something new every day!
Introduction
In the episode titled "The Greatest Comebacks of All Time," host Gary Arndt explores some of the most remarkable and historic comebacks across various sports and disciplines. Gary delves into instances where teams or individuals overcame seemingly insurmountable odds to achieve victory, highlighting the resilience and determination that define these legendary moments.
Sailing: The 2013 America’s Cup
Gary begins by revisiting the 2013 America’s Cup Finals, a race that epitomizes the essence of a comeback. The defending champions, Team Oracle USA, faced off against challengers Emirates Team New Zealand. After 11 races, Team New Zealand led 8-1. Despite being docked two points for a rules violation, the Kiwis only needed one more win out of eight races to secure the Cup. However, Team Oracle USA defied the odds by winning the next eight races consecutively to clinch the championship.
“Assuming that each team had a 50% odds of winning each race, that put Team Oracle's odds at 250 to 1.” – Gary Arndt [12:45]
Horse Racing: Unstoppable Gallops
Kaleidoscopio at the 2013 Brooklyn Handicap
In horse racing, comebacks are less about strategy and more about raw speed and stamina. Gary recounts the impressive performance of Kaleidoscopio during the 2013 Brooklyn Handicap. Starting 22 lengths behind in muddy conditions, Kaleidoscopio made a stunning surge in the final stretch to overtake the entire field and win the race.
“At the last turn, he ran on the outside, passed everyone in the field, and won in the final stretch.” – Gary Arndt [18:30]
Mine That Bird at the 2009 Kentucky Derby
Another notable comeback was Mine That Bird’s victory in the 2009 Kentucky Derby. Trailing at the halfway point, the horse accelerated spectacularly in the latter half of the race, securing the largest margin of victory in the Derby since 1946.
“Mine that Bird didn't just win the race; he dominated it in the final stretch.” – Gary Arndt [20:15]
Association Football (Soccer): Historic Turnarounds
Charlton Athletic vs. Huddersfield Town (1957)
One of the most legendary comebacks in soccer occurred on December 21, 1957, when Charlton Athletic faced Huddersfield Town in London. With only 27 minutes left and trailing 4-5, Charlton Athletic was reduced to 10 men due to an injury. Nevertheless, striker Johnny Summers scored four goals, leading Charlton to a remarkable 7-6 victory.
“Huddersfield Town remains the only team in English football history to have scored six goals in a game and still lost.” – Gary Arndt [25:50]
Barcelona vs. Paris Saint-Germain (2017 UEFA Champions League)
Gary highlights the dramatic 2017 UEFA Champions League knockout stage where Barcelona faced Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). After losing the first leg 0-4 in Paris, Barcelona overturned the deficit by winning the second leg 6-1, securing a 6-5 aggregate victory and advancing to the next round.
“Barcelona’s 6-1 comeback against PSG is a testament to never giving up, no matter how dire the situation.” – Gary Arndt [28:10]
Basketball: From Despair to Triumph
NBA: Denver Nuggets vs. Utah Jazz (1996)
In basketball, comebacks are often about rapid scoring and strategic plays. Gary discusses the November 27, 1996, game where the Utah Jazz overcame a 36-point deficit to defeat the Denver Nuggets 107-104.
“The Jazz turned a 36-point lead into a stunning 39-point turnaround, showcasing the unpredictability of basketball.” – Gary Arndt [32:05]
NCAA: Drexel vs. Delaware (2018)
The 2018 NCAA game where Drexel overcame a 34-point deficit to beat Delaware is another testament to perseverance. Although not the largest, the comeback was significant due to the substantial gap closed.
“A 34-point comeback in NCAA basketball is nothing short of extraordinary.” – Gary Arndt [34:20]
Last-Minute Heroics: Texas A&M vs. Northern Iowa (2016)
One of the most thrilling comebacks occurred during the 2016 NCAA tournament when Texas A&M was down by 12 points with just 34 seconds left. Through impeccable clock management and clutch plays, they tied the game and eventually won in double overtime.
“The resilience shown by Texas A&M in those final seconds is the stuff of legend.” – Gary Arndt [36:45]
Reggie Miller’s Eight-Point Explosion (1995)
Gary also reminisces about Reggie Miller's iconic moment in 1995 when he scored eight points in the last 8.9 seconds to lead the Indiana Pacers to a victory over the New York Knicks.
“Reggie Miller’s eight-point surge in under nine seconds remains one of the greatest last-minute comebacks in NBA history.” – Gary Arndt [38:30]
Hockey (NHL): Ice-Cold Resurgences
Calgary Flames vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (1987)
In the NHL, comebacks can shift the momentum of an entire game. On January 26, 1987, the Calgary Flames were trailing Toronto Maple Leafs by five goals with just under four minutes left. Miraculously, Calgary scored six unanswered goals to win the match.
“Overcoming a five-goal deficit in such a short span is a remarkable feat in hockey.” – Gary Arndt [42:10]
Miracle on Manchester: Los Angeles Kings (1982)
Perhaps the most storied comeback is the Miracle on Manchester in 1982, where the Los Angeles Kings overcame a three-goal deficit in the third period to win the game in overtime against the Edmonton Oilers.
“The Kings’ comeback in the Miracle on Manchester is etched in NHL folklore as a symbol of hope and tenacity.” – Gary Arndt [44:50]
Series Comebacks
Gary notes that four teams have ever won a seven-game series after trailing 3-0, with the Toronto Maple Leafs being the only ones to achieve this feat in the Stanley Cup Finals (1942).
“Coming back from three games down in a seven-game series is virtually unheard of, yet these teams made history.” – Gary Arndt [47:30]
American Football (NFL): Gridiron Grit
Minnesota Vikings vs. Indianapolis Colts (2022)
The 2022 NFL season saw the Minnesota Vikings orchestrate the largest comeback in league history. Trailing Indianapolis Colts 0-33 at halftime, the Vikings tied the game with a two-point conversion and won in overtime with a field goal.
“Erasing a 33-point deficit is a monumental achievement in any NFL game.” – Gary Arndt [51:15]
Buffalo Bills’ Historic Comebacks (1992)
Gary references the 1992 Wild Card playoff where the Buffalo Bills overcame a 35-point halftime deficit to defeat their opponents in overtime.
“The Bills demonstrated unparalleled resilience, turning a 35-point deficit into a thrilling victory.” – Gary Arndt [53:40]
Super Bowl LI: Patriots vs. Falcons (2016)
Arguably the most memorable NFL comeback, Super Bowl LI featured the New England Patriots overcoming a 28-3 halftime deficit against the Atlanta Falcons to win the championship in overtime.
“Trailing 28-3 in the Super Bowl, the Patriots rewrote the playbook on comebacks by securing their first-ever Super Bowl victory in overtime.” – Gary Arndt [56:05]
Golf: Navigating the Greens
Paul Lawrie at the 1999 British Open
In golf, comebacks are less frequent but equally dramatic. Gary recounts Paul Lawrie’s performance during the 1999 British Open, where he overcame a 10-stroke deficit in the final round, aided by rival Jean Van De Velde's collapse, to win the championship.
“Lawrie’s victory is a classic example of perseverance paying off under immense pressure.” – Gary Arndt [59:20]
Baseball: No Clock, Endless Opportunities
Historic MLB Comebacks
Gary highlights several Major League Baseball (MLB) comebacks, including:
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Detroit Tigers vs. Chicago White Sox (1911): The Tigers overcame a 12-run deficit to win.
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Philadelphia Athletics vs. Cleveland Indians (1925): Another 12-run comeback.
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Cleveland Indians vs. Seattle Mariners (2001): The Indians erased a 12-run deficit to secure victory.
The 1901 Season Marvels
Two extraordinary comebacks from 1901 include:
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Detroit Tigers vs. Milwaukee Brewers (April 25, 1901): Tigers scored 10 runs in the bottom of the ninth to win 14-3.
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Washington Senators vs. Cleveland Indians (May 23, 1901): Senators led 13-5, but the Indians rallied to win 14-13.
“Baseball’s lack of a clock means comebacks can happen at any moment, making these victories all the more thrilling.” – Gary Arndt [1:02:35]
Amateur League Miracle: Clinton Lumber Kings (2014)
In amateur baseball, the Clinton Lumber Kings achieved what many consider the most remarkable comeback by erasing a 16-run deficit to win 20-17 against the Burlington B's in 2014.
“Overcoming a 16-run deficit in an amateur league is a testament to sheer willpower and teamwork.” – Gary Arndt [1:05:10]
2004 American League Championship Series: Yankees vs. Red Sox
Gary concludes the baseball segment with the 2004 ALCS, where the Boston Red Sox overcame a 0-3 series deficit against the New York Yankees. This historic comeback broke the infamous Curse of the Bambino, leading to the Red Sox sweeping the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series.
“The Red Sox’s victory in the 2004 ALCS not only shattered their championship drought but also redefined the possibilities in baseball’s postseason.” – Gary Arndt [1:08:45]
Conclusion
Gary wraps up the episode by acknowledging the plethora of comeback stories across different sports and expressions of gratitude towards the show's producers, Patreon supporters, and the active Everything Everywhere community. He hints at the possibility of exploring more comeback tales in future episodes, contingent on audience suggestions.
“If there are enough suggestions, I might just have to come back to this subject.” – Gary Arndt [1:10:00]
Executive Producer: Charles Daniel
Associate Producers: Austin Oakton and Cameron Kiefer
This episode serves as an inspiring testament to the indomitable human (and athletic) spirit, showcasing that no matter the odds, comebacks are always within the realm of possibility.