Most of '84

THE MOST MOST. The XXIII Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles, of course.

BRIGHTEST INSTANT REPLAY. Of all the solitary catches and hits, baskets and goals, the singular sensation of the sporting year was Boston College's 5-ft. 9 3/4-in. Doug Flutie confirming his legend with two seconds and half a field to go. That one pass in a 47-45 fireworks display at Miami is a trophy for Flutie as tangible as a Heisman.

CREEPIEST EXIT. Apparently convinced that major league teams make a major league city, Indianapolis has been in a positive fever to become some place else. This is certainly understandable, but associating with Robert Irsay--he of the midnight moving vans--seems a curious way to move up in class. One gain: Irsay does not own the Baltimore Colts any more--just the Indianapolis Colts.

GRANDEST CONCESSION. Australian Greg Norman waving a white playoff towel at Fuzzy Zoeller, who the day before had flapped his towel in mock surrender to Norman. The U.S. Open showed the courtliness of golf and brought a grace note of laughter to sport.

MATCHED PAIRS. Torvill and Dean (Jayne and Christopher), the pluperfect English ice dancers, and the twin brothers Mahre (Phil and Steve), who won gold and silver in near mirror performances at the Winter Games.

PRECOCIOUS SOPHOMORES. Passing for a record 48 touchdowns, wonderful Dan Marino of the Miami Dolphins erased George Blanda's and Y.A. Tittle's old 36. Los Angeles Rams Runner Eric Dickerson raised O.J. Simpson's 2,003 yds. to 2,105.

SADDEST FINISH. Swale, a game second-stringer from Woody Stephens' blighted barn, eclipsed the slightly damaged wonder horse Devil's Bag, who was treated to early retirement to protect a $36 million breeding future. Extraordinarily, but without showing extraordinary exertion, Swale won both the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes. Eight days later, probably owing to a heart lesion, he died.

SOREST LOSER. Olympian Mary Decker falling down and not letting up on Zola Budd.

TOUGHEST STAND. The University of Miami foiling a two-point conversion last January and upsetting the great Nebraska.

UNBEATABLE SHORT MAN. Detroit Reliever Willie Hernandez saving 32 of 33 games and becoming the MVP of the Tigers and the American League. On the subject of welcome deliveries, honorable mention to Owner Tom Monaghan, who helicoptered his company's pizzas into Tiger Stadium to feed players and press trapped by rioting Detroiters celebrating the World Series victory.