2006
Photograph By Ron Vesely/Getty Images
A.J. Pierzynski's enthusiasm after scoring a run did not go over well with Cubs catcher Michael Barrett, who punched Pierzynski in the jaw at the Cell. It would be the defining memory of the rivalry between the clubs. The Bears, meanwhile, lost to Steve Smith and the Carolina Panthers in a divisional playoff game. The Bulls lost to the Heat in the first round while the Cubs fired Dusty Baker and hired Lou Piniella and signed Alfonso Soriano to an eight-year deal. The Hawks took Jonathan Toews third overall.
