So before I go and actually read through Ryan's and have any other influence on my final decision, I think I'll go ahead now and post my favorite all-time players for each sport. Believe me, this takes some doing to be THAT GUY. Honestly, there are players too numerous to mention that have captured my attention; inspired me; drawn my interest for one reason or another.
Ever since I can remember, I have been a sports fan. My earliest sports memory is the 1979 World Series between Pittsburgh and Baltimore. Willie Stargell and Dave Parker were my first heroes and probably two guys who, through my pre-teen years, were "the greatest athletes, period." But times change. We grow and learn. It really is quite a task to figure this out.
So, here goes...
DENNIS ECKERSLEY
I mentioned the '79 Pirates, and then during my teenage years it was Mark McGwire. From there, I became a Barry Bonds follower. I am totally jaded and turned off by the steroids scandal that has plagued sports. Consequently, I am left with a few less heroes than before. So those former heroes of mine all take a back seat to who I am left to consider now the *favorite* of all time. Not necessarily the *greatest.* Big difference.This would have to be someone who, for me, was great on and off the field. For me, it has to be someone not necessarily that I've seen in person, but someone who has been a ballplayer during my lifetime. And that same criteria will apply for each of the sports I choose.
I'd like it to be a hometown hero, too, but I'm afraid that isn't always possible. Nevertheless, someone who I will consider my favorite baseball player has to be Hall of Fame closer Dennis Eckersley. And that means a lot coming from me. That's coming through tears of agony from the historic loss to L.A. in Game 1 of the long-awaited World Series trip for the mighty A's. The Eck was lights out. Dude won the MVP and Cy Young as the freaking CLOSER! But still, my spirits were crushed and I felt totally doomed when Kirk Gibson essentially put out any hopes for a World Championship.
Dennis Eckersley redeemed himself the following year, making the final out on a groundout that he easily made, followed by a huge fist pump near first base at Candlestick Park as the A's swept the Giants. I was able to get the Eck's autograph and see him up close at plenty of ballgames. He was one of the *nice guys* on the team, I thought. And he was simply automatic in the 9th inning.
And as for Gibson, I remember when Eck was being inducted and was asked about that fateful night. To paraphrase his reply, 'I'll be entering the Hall of Fame this weekend. Will Gibson?' Attaboy, Dennis. Way to get that final out, baby!
JOE MONTANA
Easy.
Well, semi-tough.
While I absolutely LOVED Steve Young's character and tenacity and championship / Hall of Fame resume, it's tough to argue with four Super Bowls and perhaps one of, if not THE greatest play of all time. I mean, there have been PLENTY of receptions throughout the years, but only one is referred to as "The Catch." So, my hat's off to my favorite football player of all time: Joe Montana. Eat your heart out, Tom Brady!
MICHAEL JORDAN
For basketball, this one is as easy as it gets. Lots of great basketball players. But clearly only one favorite: MJ. I mean, what wasn't there to like? He gave 100% all the time. Once he overcame the Detroit Pistons "Jordan Rules" he was on his way to six NBA titles. That's simply incredible. And to do it without a big man makes it even THAT much more impressive to me. So, MJ it is.
WAYNE GRETSKY
He is without equal in the history of the National Hockey League and my favorite player of all time. Besides having an inspiring life story, I really try to live by his motto, "You miss 100 percent of every shot you don't take." The guy has his own wing of the Hall of Fame with four Stanley Cups, nine (I said 9!!!) Hart Trophies (MVP), and ten (you heard me) Art Ross Trophies (scoring titles). What more needs to be said?
RONALDHINO
I have never in my life witnessed a better soccer star than Ronaldhino. I'm sure there are soccer experts who'd love to assemble a greater cast of players. But for my money, I am going with Ronaldhino. He is simply magic whenever he gets a foot on the ball. He makes Swiss cheese of every opponent. I have followed him as he has played a starring role on the Champions League finals for Barcelona, and in the World Cup for Brazil. Among his many achievements and accolades, Ronaldinho is a two-time winner of the FIFA World Player of the Year, European Footballer of the Year and FIFPro World Player of the Year awards.
JASON KIDD
I could not stand this guy in high school. I still remember bumping into him at Fremont High School the morning I took the SATs. It was his fourth attempt to get a passing score and I think he just made it through. Plus, he knocked my high school out of the playoffs in convincing fashion and was he humble about it? Hell no! He was throwing mid-court passes behind his back off the backboard for alley-oops. Well, something like that. I was not a fan. That is, until he signed with CAL.
When I arrived at school in Rexburg, ID, for my freshman year of college, I warned all the guys in my apartment complex to look out for #5 at CAL. And they let me have it! "No way. Bobby Hurley is much better." The debate never simmered, and as luck would have it, the Golden Bears actually had to face Duke in the NCAAs. The great showdown between Jason Kidd (my man!) and Bobby Hurley (everyone else's). And did I EVER let those suckers know all about it in the morning. You bet I did. 82-77 Bears!
So....that's the end of my journey. Those are my picks.
What do you think, Ryan?
OK, now I'm off to read your blog!
~ Alex
1 comment:
I've always had an affinity for the Pirates. Not sure why, but kinda liked them growing up, and still like them at times now. I think part of it is pity over their small market funds to put together a good team since the end of the Bonds-Bonilla-Van Slyke-Drabek era. Regardless, Clemente has always been a player than has intrigued me. I've got a book on him that I'm reading now, though I've been pulled away from it by other books for the time being.
As for the rest of your list....
I've always hated Eck. Seemed pretty pompous and obnoxious to me, but maybe you have to be as a closer. I've never liked Montana, but part of that is because I despise the Niners and the Cowboys. I respect the hell out of him, though. I never followed much hockey, but everyone loves Gretzky. Can't fault you for that. MJ? Loved him, and easily consider him the best ever. Wasn't as big of a fan later in his career, but I think it's cuz I was fighting for respect for my Rockets on a national level.
Jason Kidd- unfortunately, I didn't get to see much west coast basketball back in the day when I was younger, but I remember that Duke-Cal game vividly. With Laettner gone, it was on Hurley's shoulders (and Grant Hill, too, perhaps?) to carry that team. They got down BIG, stormed back, but then ran out of gas. Lamond Murray was on that team, too, correct? Kidd was extremely impressive, though. Who did that squad eventually lose to in the tourney? I don't recall at the moment. But I've often liked Cal, too, in recent years. B-ball and football. Speaking of, who is your favorite college football player of all time? Do you have one?
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