It is the most tired and overused trope in romantic comedies. Guy meets girl then guy falls in love. Guy and girl have good times. Something happens to rip girl and guy apart. Something else happens yadda yadda yadda, girl and guy reunite in the final act. Sure, the window dressing might be different but the general themes are the same.
For years, the Pittsburgh Pirates found themselves bucking this trend as the ones that got away usually stayed away. Far away from the cesspool that was the Pirates for most of the 20 year streak. The names are numerous – Jason Bay, Jason Schmidt, Brian Giles…we could go on and on.