CNNSI.com's Year in Sports 2002 reviews the top stories and most memorable moments of the past 12 months. We also salute the year's champions and say goodbye to those we lost.

Plus, who does Peter King name as the most underrated player in the NFL? What does Tom Verducci find most annoying about baseball? Sports Illustrated's writers weigh in with an abundance of picks for the year's Ups and Downs.

Start by reading what SI's Frank Deford has to say about a sports year that tossed a bone to just about everyone -- from the big dogs to the underdogs.

• SI's Phil Taylor: Do we still have a national pastime?
• SI's Kostya Kennedy: A year for the aged
• Your Choice Poll: What was the top play of the year? The biggest flop? Cast your vote in our Year in Sports poll.