It was the year of the franchise.

Heavyweights pretty much dominated the scene at every turn in 2009.

The New York Yankees won their 27th World Series.

The Los Angeles Lakers claimed their 15th NBA title.

The Pittsburgh Steelers rallied for their sixth Super Bowl triumph.

(The 23-time champ Montreal Canadiens clearly didn't get the memo as the Pittsburgh Penguins nicked the Detroit Red Wings for their third Stanley Cup instead.)

North Carolina flexed its Atlantic Coast Conference muscle in the NCAA Final Four while Florida won its second BCS title in two years before passing the baton to Southeastern Conference rival Alabama, which aims for its record 13th national title next week.

Franchise players stole the stage as well. Jimmie Johnson raced to a record fourth consecutive NASCAR title. Roger Federer made the finals of every Grand Slam, completed his career set at the French Open and won his record 15th major at Wimbledon.

Heck, even Lance Armstrong unretired and helped push an ungrateful teammate to a victory in the Tour de France.

Source: Augusta Chronicle