The Best Stories of Year That Could Have Been

Mark Meyers, who handles public relations for the L.A. Sports Council, called to say that nominations have been forwarded to members voting on the annual list of “Ten Best Sports Stories” in L.A. and Orange counties.

I couldn’t help but think what a difficult task they have in paring the list during a year in which we became the envy of the sports world.

Consider the possibilities:

1. Jan. 4: UCLA beats Florida State in the Fiesta Bowl to win the national championship.

The potent offense was hardly a revelation. The Bruins, however, won due to their resurgent defense. That surprised some people around the country, but those who watched UCLA’s earlier shutout of Miami had seen it coming.

UCLA fans were even prouder when team captains revealed afterward that they had uncovered handicapped-parking abuse among a few teammates and demanded an investigation by the athletic department.

2. March 27: UCLA reaches the Final Four.

The Bruins couldn’t advance beyond the semifinals because of their youth and inexperience, but that is bound to change next season when virtually every player returns. That includes Baron Davis, who announced that he’s staying for his junior year because of the value he places on academics.

The only stipulation, he said, is that Coach Steve Lavin remove the black jerseys from the team’s fashion repertoire.

3. May 6: The Clippers announce new management.

After years of seeing his team gain in value but lose on the court, Clipper owner Donald Sterling said the losing won’t stop until he divorces himself from basketball decisions. He maintains 90% interest in the franchise but turns over day-to-day operations to Bob Daly.

4. Sept. 18: Oscar De La Hoya defends his welterweight title.

When it became clear after the ninth round that he was dominating his fight in Las Vegas with Felix Trinidad Jr., De La Hoya’s handlers advised him to take no chances.

De La Hoya had other ideas. It took him until this year to rid himself of the “Chicken De La Hoya” reputation. He wasn’t about to leave himself open for that kind of derision again. He was more aggressive than ever in the last three rounds, revealing his tremendous stamina and courage.

Afterward, he also rewarded Trinidad for his courage, offering a rematch:

“Don King and Bob Arum will want to argue about money, but we, the fighters, control our careers.”

5. Sept. 27: Angel season ends on a positive note.

After it was established that Terry Collins’ contract extension was as good as the paper it was written on, the team surged to within a couple of games of a playoff berth. All the Angels won this season was respect.

6. Oct. 6: The NFL announces an expansion team for Los Angeles.

Houston made a record $700-million bid, at least $150 million more than prospective L.A. owners, the Michael Ovitz-Ron Burkle and the Ed Roski-Eli Broad teams, were prepared to offer. But they were pleasantly surprised when the NFL announced that it wanted to be part of the resurgence in downtown Los Angeles, voting unanimously for the Coliseum.

“It’s not about money,” Commissioner Paul Tagliabue said.

7. Oct. 16: Jim Murray Center opens.

In a stunning announcement, builders of Los Angeles’ new arena, Phil Anschutz and Roski, reveal they have withdrawn from their agreement with Staples and will name the facility after the late Times sports columnist.

“San Diego had the integrity to tell Qualcomm no and leave Jack Murphy’s name on the stadium there,” Roski said.

8. Nov. 19: USC clinches Rose Bowl berth with a victory over UCLA.

Picking up where the Bruins left off the season before, USC remained undefeated. Controversy ensued when the Trojans failed to gain an invitation to the national championship game. But they did not impress bowl championship series computers because of the strength of their schedule, which included too many Pacific 10 teams.

Nonetheless encouraged, Trojan fans started an e-mail campaign to Times sportswriters in support of a contract extension for Paul Hackett. “It’s equally important to us,” one said, “that Trojan football players now rank among the nation’s highest in academic standards.”

9. Oct. 27: Dodgers sweep the Yankees in the World Series.

Just as Kevin Malone said when he committed to an $80-million payroll, the Dodgers would see Roger Clemens in the World Series. They beat him in Game 4.

After earning the right to brag, Malone now says he was kidding with all those bold preseason predictions.

“I said I would be the new Sharif in town,” he insisted, laughing. “Don’t you think I look a little like Omar in ‘Funny Girl?’ ”

10. Nov. 29: Carmen, Act V.

Battery charges are dropped, causing a judge to lift the restraining order keeping Dennis Rodman and Carmen Electra apart. Who said it wouldn’t last?

Meyers said the Sports Council’s list will be announced late this month.

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Randy Harvey can be reached at his e-mail address: randy.harvey@latimes.com.