Philadelphia sports fans are known for their passion, but that passion is often accompanied by heartbreak. Over the past 60 years, the city has endured numerous devastating losses, leaving a legacy of “what ifs” and painful memories. Here’s a look at nine of those collapses, and what immediately followed.

1964 Phillies: From First to Worst

Leading the National League by 6½ games with just 12 games remaining, the 1964 Phillies suffered a catastrophic collapse. A 10-game losing streak, sparked by a stolen home plate by Cincinnati’s Chico Ruiz, cost them the pennant. The St. Louis Cardinals ultimately secured the NL’s postseason berth and went on to win the World Series against the Yankees in seven games.

1965 Phillies: Black Friday to Sour Saturday

The year following the infamous collapse, the Phillies faced further turmoil. A batting practice fight between reigning Rookie of the Year Dick Allen and veteran first baseman Frank Thomas created a toxic atmosphere. This led to Thomas’ release and a racially charged environment, contributing to an 11½ game deficit and a 26-year playoff drought.

1968 Sixers: The Celtics Strike Back

The 1968 Philadelphia Sixers became the first NBA team to squander a 3-1 series lead in the NBA Finals, losing to their rivals, the Boston Celtics. Two of the three losses occurred at home in the Spectrum, dashing their hopes for back-to-back titles.

1968 Sixers: The Chamberlain Trade

Following the devastating loss to the Celtics, a fractured relationship between Wilt Chamberlain and the Sixers’ front office led to his trade to the Los Angeles Lakers. The Sixers would then endure nine years without winning a playoff series.

1977 Phillies: A Ninth-Inning Nightmare

In Game 3 of the 1977 NLCS against the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Phillies relinquished a 5-3 lead in a disastrous ninth inning, losing 6-5. Manager Danny Ozark’s decision not to use a defensive replacement for Greg Luzinski contributed to the self-inflicted wounds. Tommy John defeated Steve Carlton the following day, and the Phillies, despite 93 years of baseball, remained without a playoff series victory. They lost to the Dodgers again the following year.

1980 Eagles: Vermeil's Whimper

At the height of the Dick Vermeil era, the 12-4 Eagles were upset by the 9-7 Oakland Raiders in the playoffs. The Eagles appeared tight and overwhelmed, falling short of championship aspirations. Vermeil resigned after the 1982 season following a 3-6 record and a wild-card loss the previous year.

1981 Sixers: Another 3-1 Lead Lost

The Sixers once again blew a 3-1 series lead, this time to the Boston Celtics in the 1981 Conference Finals. Despite holding an 89-82 lead with just over five minutes remaining, they lost 91-90, plagued by missed shots and turnovers. However, Philadelphia would eventually overcome this heartbreak, reaching the conference finals the following year and winning the championship in 1983.

1993 Phillies: Carter's Walk-Off

The 1993 World Series saw the Phillies leading 14-9 in the eighth inning of Game 4. The Toronto Blue Jays rallied with six runs, turning the tide and taking a 3-1 series lead. Despite Curt Schilling’s shutout in Game 5, Joe Carter’s iconic home run in Game 6 secured the championship for Toronto, and the Phillies wouldn’t return to the postseason for 14 years.

2011 Phillies: A Bitter End

The Phillies couldn’t capitalize on a 2-1 series lead against the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2011 NLDS, losing the final two games as their offense faltered. Chris Carpenter shut them out 1-0 in the deciding game. A symbolic end to their five-year division title streak occurred when Ryan Howard tore his Achilles tendon running to first on the final out, and the Phillies haven’t returned to the playoffs since.