In the 1980s, former Aggies coach Jackie Sherrill created a kickoff coverage team composed of regular students, each of whom wore the No. 12. To this day, regular students try out for the honor of winning a place on the squad.","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Sections/Personal/Chiappetta%2C%20Mike/Slideshows/Traditions/AandM12thMan.hlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "David J. Phillip", "ASSOCIATED PRESS", "273", "370", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spts_BestTraditions[i++] = new Array("","Army Navy parade","The Army-Navy parade
Each year, the two service academies get together and renew their annual rivalry on the gridiron, but not until after several thousand cadets and midshipmen march into the stadium in one of the most regal spectacles in sports.","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Sections/Personal/Chiappetta%2C%20Mike/Slideshows/Traditions/ArmyNavyMarch.hlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Damon J. Moritz", "U.S. Navy", "273", "404", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spts_BestTraditions[i++] = new Array("","Curtain calls","Curtain calls - Major League Baseball
When you're sitting in the nosebleed seats, it's not easy to communicate with your favorite player, but an entire stadium can send a message, as Albert Pujols and others have heard and answered with a tip of the cap after a clutch performance.","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Sections/Personal/Chiappetta%2C%20Mike/Slideshows/Traditions/CurtainCalls.hlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Tom Gannam", "ASSOCIATED PRESS", "273", "350", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spts_BestTraditions[i++] = new Array("","Cutting down the net","Cutting down the nets - NCAA basketball
Everyone loves a souvenir, and championship teams in the NCAA don't just get a ring and a trophy, they all get a piece of the net from the court on which they experienced their moment of euphoria.","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Sections/Personal/Chiappetta%2C%20Mike/Slideshows/Traditions/CuttingDownNets.hlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Mark J. Terrill", "AP", "273", "340", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spts_BestTraditions[i++] = new Array("","Derby Hat Parade","The Kentucky Derby Hat Parade - Horse racing
The run for the roses still exhibits its southern charm by the show of women who dress to impress, always topped off by a stylish head accoutrement.","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Sections/Personal/Chiappetta%2C%20Mike/Slideshows/Traditions/DerbyHatParade.hlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Darron Cummings", "ASSOCIATED PRESS", "273", "377", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spts_BestTraditions[i++] = new Array("","Lambeau leap","The Lambeau Leap - Green Bay Packers
Other teams now celebrate a touchdown with the same jump into the arms of their adoring fans, but it originated in Green Bay, where its fans' adoration of the team borders on religion. Ironically, it was a defensive player - safety LeRoy Butler - who first made the leap, though it was popularized by wide receiver Robert Brooks.","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Sections/Personal/Chiappetta%2C%20Mike/Slideshows/Traditions/LambeauLeap.hlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Mike Roemer", "ASSOCIATED PRESS", "273", "427", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spts_BestTraditions[i++] = new Array("","Jersey swap","Jersey swap - Soccer
After a display of competitive fire on the pitch, players often swap their shirts as a sign of respect, a tradition started in the 1950s but popularized by the legendary Pele.","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Sections/Personal/Chiappetta%2C%20Mike/Slideshows/Traditions/ExchangeJerseys.hlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Aris Messinis", "ASSOCIATED PRESS", "273", "424", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spts_BestTraditions[i++] = new Array("","Gatorade shower","Gatorade shower - NFL
First started in the mid-1980s by the New York Giants, the Gatorade shower has become the symbol of a major victory in the NFL, usually saved for playoff wins.","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Sections/Personal/Chiappetta%2C%20Mike/Slideshows/Traditions/GatoradeBaths.hlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Douglas C. Pizack", "ASSOCIATED PRESS", "273", "366", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spts_BestTraditions[i++] = new Array("","Green jacket","The Green Jacket - The Masters
In the 1930s, Augusta National club members wore green blazers so fans watching the tournament could easily find sources of information about the club. Today, the green jacket means an exlusive place in the pantheon of names who've won the Masters major title.","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Sections/Personal/Chiappetta%2C%20Mike/Slideshows/Traditions/GreenJacket.hlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Amy Sancetta", "ASSOCIATED PRESS", "273", "415", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spts_BestTraditions[i++] = new Array("","Hat tricks","Hat trick - NHL
The coolest traditions are always ones involving fans. This one stems from an Ontario hat shop that in the 1950s offered a free hat to any home player scoring three goals in a game. Soon after, fans decided to get into the act, offering the player their hats as well by throwing them onto the ice.","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Sections/Personal/Chiappetta%2C%20Mike/Slideshows/Traditions/HatTricks.hlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Danny Moloshok", "ASSOCIATED PRESS", "273", "372", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spts_BestTraditions[i++] = new Array("","Spilling the milk","Celebratory Milk - Indy 500
Most every major champion in pro sports celebrates with champagne, with the exception of the Indy 500 winner, who follows the 70-year tradition of chugging milk after taking the checkered flag.","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Sections/Personal/Chiappetta%2C%20Mike/Slideshows/Traditions/Indy500Milk.hlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Darron Cummings", "ASSOCIATED PRESS", "273", "423", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spts_BestTraditions[i++] = new Array("","Champage Tour De France","Champagne Ride to Paris - Tour de France
OK, maybe it's not the most established tradition on the list, but the only thing cooler than celebrating after winning a championship is celebrating while you win it. Lance Armstrong and others have toasted their victories in the event before crossing the finish line.
","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Sections/Personal/Chiappetta%2C%20Mike/Slideshows/Traditions/ChampageTourDeFrance.vlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Christophe Ena", "ASSOCIATED PRESS", "358", "273", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spts_BestTraditions[i++] = new Array("","Kissing the bricks","Kissing the bricks - NASCAR
One of the newer traditions on the list occurs at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where winners of the Brickyard 400, along with their team, get down on their knees and kiss the bricks at the finish line.","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Sections/Personal/Chiappetta%2C%20Mike/Slideshows/Traditions/KissingTheBricks.hlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Doug Mcschooler", "ASSOCIATED PRESS", "273", "412", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spts_BestTraditions[i++] = new Array("","ND sign","\"Play like a Champion Today\" - Notre Dame
Because of the long and storied Notre Dame tradition, many believe the sign has been above the stairway to the field for decades, but in fact, former coach Lou Holtz had it commissioned during his run at South Bend. Still, it has fast become synonymous with the Irish program as players touch it on the way to the field for good luck.","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Sections/Personal/Chiappetta%2C%20Mike/Slideshows/Traditions/NDSign.hlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Joe Raymond", "ASSOCIATED PRESS", "273", "396", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spts_BestTraditions[i++] = new Array("","Dotting the \"i\"","Dotting the \"i\" - The Ohio State University band
One of the greatest traditions in college sports takes place without a single athlete on the field. When the Ohio State University band performs and takes their signature \"Script Ohio\" formation, one honored member gets to dot the \"i\". The tradition dates back to the 1930s.","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Sections/Personal/Chiappetta%2C%20Mike/Slideshows/Traditions/OhioStateI.hlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Karl Kuntz", "ASSOCIATED PRESS", "273", "483", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spts_BestTraditions[i++] = new Array("","NASCAR burnouts","The burnout - NASCAR
Though not performed by every driver in a winning race, a burnout gives the winner a few more seconds to soak in the moment and the fans one more whiff of burnt rubber.
","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Sections/Personal/Chiappetta%2C%20Mike/Slideshows/Traditions/NASCARBurnouts.hlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Steve Helber", "ASSOCIATED PRESS", "273", "444", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spts_BestTraditions[i++] = new Array("","No-hit, no-talk","No-hit, no-talk - Baseball
Perhaps it's just as much superstition as tradition, but when a pitcher is throwing a no-hitter, he suddenly loses all his friends, and normally chatty dugouts go mum. Nary a peep is said until he gives up that fateful first hit or he completes the no-hitter.","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Sections/Personal/Chiappetta%2C%20Mike/Slideshows/Traditions/PitcherNoNo.vlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "Duane Burleson", "ASSOCIATED PRESS", "358", "257", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spts_BestTraditions[i++] = new Array("","Playoff beards","Playoff beards - Hockey
The wolfman tradition is believed to have been started by the 1980s New York Islanders, and given their success (four straight Stanley Cups), you can see why other teams followed their lead by refusing to shave during their playoff runs.
","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Sections/Personal/Chiappetta%2C%20Mike/Slideshows/Traditions/PlayoffBeards.hlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "Bill Kostroun", "ASSOCIATED PRESS", "273", "248", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spts_BestTraditions[i++] = new Array("","Thanksgiving Day football","Thanksgiving Day football
It began as a gimmick in the 1920s to get people into the stadiums, but today it is a staple of the holiday along with turkey and stuffing. The Lions have been hosting a Thanksgiving Day game since 1934 and the Dallas Cowboys have done it since 1966.
","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Sections/Personal/Chiappetta%2C%20Mike/Slideshows/Traditions/ThanksgivingFootball.vlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Paul Sancya", "ASSOCIATED PRESS", "358", "270", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spts_BestTraditions[i++] = new Array("","Throwing back HRs","Throwing back opposition HRs - Cubs fans
In every American ballpark, if you catch a home run ball, it's a souvenir you keep for life. But there's one exception to that: Wrigley Field, where for years, fans have been tossing the balls back onto the field.
","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Sections/Personal/Chiappetta%2C%20Mike/Slideshows/Traditions/ThrowingBackHR.hlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Jeff Roberson", "AP", "273", "357", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spts_BestTraditions[i++] = new Array("","Nabisco splash","Splashdown - Kraft Nabisco LPGA
In 1988, after finishing the last hole of the tournament and becoming the first female golfer to pass the $2 million earnings mark, Amy Alcott raced into a lake near the 18th hole, starting a trend that has continued up to this year's winner, Lorena Ochoa.","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Sections/Personal/Chiappetta%2C%20Mike/Slideshows/Traditions/NabiscoSplash.hlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Reed Saxon", "ASSOCIATED PRESS", "273", "425", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spts_BestTraditions[i++] = new Array("","Presidential 1st pitch","Presidential first pitch - MLB
Sure, there are more important events on the Presidential schedule than attending a baseball game, but it's pretty cool that the most powerful man in the world makes the time to show up and kickstart the season in America's pastime.","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Sections/Personal/Chiappetta%2C%20Mike/Slideshows/Traditions/Pres1stPitch.hlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Roberto Borea", "ASSOCIATED PRESS", "273", "368", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spts_BestTraditions[i++] = new Array("","Victory laps","Victory laps - track & field
With some races over in nearly a blink of the eye, it seemed almost unfair that these athletes would put in years of preparation for such a short payoff. Solution: a celebratory run around the stadium, often with your country's flag in tow.","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Sections/Personal/Chiappetta%2C%20Mike/Slideshows/Traditions/VictoryLaps.hlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Amy Sancetta", "ASSOCIATED PRESS", "273", "420", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spts_BestTraditions[i++] = new Array("","Take me out to the ballgame","The Seventh-Inning Stretch - Baseball
Each team has their own way to do it, but the seventh-inning stretch is an institution at ballparks across the U.S. Legendary broadcaster Harry Caray put his stamp on it by leading the team's faithful in a chorus of \"Take Me Out to the Ball Game.\"","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Sections/Personal/Chiappetta%2C%20Mike/Slideshows/Traditions/Sing7thInn.hlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "ASSOCIATED PRESS", "273", "364", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spts_BestTraditions[i++] = new Array("","Stanley Cup tour","The Stanley Cup World Tour - NHL
In most leagues, you work all year to win a title, then after a few precious moments with the trophy in the locker room, you immediately hand the reward over to the team owner. But in the NHL, each player gets to take the Cup home for a day to parade around as he sees fit.
","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Sections/Personal/Chiappetta%2C%20Mike/Slideshows/Traditions/StanleyCupTour.hlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Brian Clarkson", "ASSOCIATED PRESS", "273", "382", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
// END editorial data