With the current state of the world, we’re all experiencing various degrees of sports emptiness on the high school, collegiate and professional level.

While we don’t have the present, we still have the past. Thanks to the Internet, we can read and watch to fill our sports void.

Since 1984, I have covered sports in the greater Philadelphia, Lehigh Valley, and the New York/New Jersey areas.

From my youthful days in the 1970s to the present, here’s my Philadelphia version of the most memorable events, teams, and individuals over the past 50 years.

No. 1

Eagles win 2018 Super Bowl

This was debatable with the Phillies title, but it was well overdue for Eagles’ fans. It was a magical run that resurrected Nick Foles’ career and laid claim to the “Philly Special.” The Eagles beat Oakland convincingly on Christmas night in the final regular season game to clinch home field throughout the playoffs.

No. 2

Phillies win 1980 World Series

This was another long-awaited event for a group of long-suffering fans. There was plenty of drama among a memorable cast lead by manager Dallas Green. Along with winning the title at the Vet, there also was the victory parade at now defunct JFK Stadium - a pair of events that to this day are still renowned to Philadelphia fans

No. 3

Flyers win 1974 and 1975 Stanley Cups

Recently, I watched most of the Flyers’ ’75 win over Buffalo for their second consecutive cup. The “Broad Street Bullies” is one chapter of Philly sports that continues to wax nostalgically, and remains a period to cherish. “Only the Lord saves more than Bernie” was a popular slogan about then stalwart goalie Bernie Parent.

No. 4

Sixers win 1983 NBA Championship

This title is probably most forgotten among Philly fans. Lead by Moses Malone and Dr. J, the Sixers posted a luminous 65-17 regular season record and a stellar 12-1 postseason mark. Don’t forget Malone’s famous postseason “fo, fo, fo,” prediction.

No. 5

Villanova wins 1985 NCAA title

This was a true David vs. Goliath matchup as Villanova upset Georgetown with Patrick Ewing. The Wildcats, seeded eighth in the Midwest region, had a magical run, beating North Carolina in the regional final before knocking off Memphis State in the National Semifinals. They needed a near-perfect game to upset the heavily-favored Hoyas in the National Championship game, and got it, shooting a sizzling 78.6 from the field. Ironically, the game was played on April 1 - no joke.

No. 6

Phillies defeat Astros in 1980 NLCS

It is considered to be one of - if not the best - league championship series in history. The Phillies and Astros each won of a pair of 10-inning classics, with the Phillies taking the clincher, 8-7. In that game, Philadelphia rallied from a 5-2 deficit behind a five-run eighth inning.

No. 7

Stars come to Philadelphia

Pete Rose, Dr. J and Eric Lindros made huge impacts on their respective teams. Rose’s signing by the Phillies was one of the key factors that helped them win the 1980 title. His style and leadership made a difference. Julius Erving was acquired by the 76ers in October 1976, and proceeded to lead the team to four NBA Finals appearances and one championship. Lindros, who joined the Flyers in 1992, became their sixth-all-time leading scorer, but he had a deteriorating relationship with GM Bob Clarke and was shipped to the Rangers after the 1999-2000 season.

No. 8

Sixers-Blazers 1977 NBA Finals

In one of the league’s classics, the Sixers won the first two games, but Bill Walton, along with the unheralded Bobby Gross and Lionel Hollins, led a four-game Portland run to win the series in six. Many believe the series turned in Game Two when Darryl Dawkins got into a scuffle with Gross and Maurice Lucas. Dawkins accidentally hit Doug Collins around the eye and he needed four stitches. During the scuffle, Dr. J sat still upright on the floor.

No. 9

Veterans Stadium opens in 1971

The Phillies finally made the move to a new stadium, like many of their counterparts, christening Veterans Stadium on April 10, 1971. It was a major breakthrough and upgrade from Connie Mack Stadium. The highlights of Opening Day included Mike Ryan catching the ceremonious first ball that was dropped from a helicopter; Jim Bunning delivering the first pitch to Montreal’s “Boots” Day; and Phils’ leadoff hitter Larry Bowa singling up the middle for the first hit. It was an exciting time despite the team resembling a Triple-A club at the time as they finished with a 67-95 record.

No. 10 (tie)

Darryl Dawkins signs with Sixers

Dawkins became the second high school player drafted by an NBA team when he was chosen by the Sixers in 1975 and signed a seven-year $1 million deal with the Sixers in 1975. “Chocolate Thunder,” recognized for his elaborate dunks and broken backboards, also played for the Nets, Jazz, and Pistons.

No. 10 (tie)

Philadelphia Bell/WFL

In 1974, the Philadelphia Bell was one of the initial franchises of the aspiring World Football League. Their games were played at JFK and Franklin Field. The Bell’s most memorable player was St. Joseph University graduate and wide receiver Vince Papale, who later became a local legend with the Eagles.