July 9, 1999 -- The Buffalo Destroyers had spent more than a year trying to break into the minds of Western New York's sporting consciousness. It was about at this point when it was easy to wonder when, and not if, those efforts would end.
The Destroyers lost to San Jose, 52-46, on this date to fall to 0-11 for the season. Little had gone right during the season, as could be guessed, as the team turned over its roster in furious fashion to find some sort of winning combination.
The team at least came close to winning its first game on this day. The Destroyers trailed the San Jose SabreCats, 52-46, in the San Jose Arena. The Cats recovered an onside kick with 34 seconds left to apparently wrap the game up.
However, Buffalo defensive lineman John Dewitt recovered a fumble to give his team one last chance to win it. The Destroyers had a couple of more chances but couldn't end their season-long winless streak.
The Destroyers wound up the season 1-13, the worst record in the league. They lost all six of their games in their division, including two to eventual league champion Albany.
--- Budd Bailey
This Birthday in Buffalo Sports History: O.J. Simpson, Bills running back - 1947; Kelly Holcomb, Bills quarterback - 1973.
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