I would have said five years ago that I was happy to have lived through Michael Jordan's years as a Chicago Bull. I think about it and I think about all of what I have lived through in sports accomplishments. Im going to give some of my reasons why I feel this generation of sports is the best of all time. Again, I am NOT 75 years old so comments pertaining to Babe Ruth or Mickey Mantle can be left to yourself. I know they were amazing, but I dont know much about that time. Here are my favorite accomplishments for each sport.
Pro basketball -- Does this really have to be explained? Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. Yes, I know the league is watered down (even more now which is why this Laker's team will not come anywhere near this list). I feel Jordan did not have much help at all. Pippen was good but we saw what he was like when Jordan 'retired' the first time for a couple of years. It was all Jordan. If he wouldnt have retired they would have won 8 straight.
Pro football -- I dont know any real dynasties in my time. As much as I hate to say it, the Dallas Cowboys are as close as it comes. Yes, I was alive for the Pittsburgh Steelers run of 4 straight, but I dont know anything about that. Also Emmitt Smith has broken the rushing record held by Walter Payton (another amazing football player during our generation). I still feel Barry Sanders is the best running back ever and if he wouldnt have retired he would have gotten 20,000 yards easy.
Pro baseball -- The New York Yankees. Disgustingly good. Cubs and Red Sox this year. Please lets get rid of this era of the Yankees.
Pro hockey -- umm....well....there was......uhh....yeah, I dont follow hockey. Next.
Tennis -- Pete Sampras. Best player ever? Rod Laver is the only person who might be able to say he is just as good. I got to see him play live a few times. I'll never forget that. Pete was a god.
Golf -- Tiger Woods. Yes, he doesnt dominate like he did a few years (thats what marriage will do to you), but if he decides to give golf all of his time he will be the best player ever. Statistically.
Bicycling -- I honestly dont know how long this sport has been around but I know Lance Armstrong is freakin amazing. Five straight Tour de France's AFTER testicular cancer. I am in awe of him. I would do anything to be in Paris next month to see him come in for his sixth straight win. Incredible.
My Top 8 Athletes of the past 25 years
1. Michael Jordan -- The best basketball player ever.
2. Pete Sampras -- He didnt have McEnroe's personality but he won a bunch more majors. I dont care if they say his personality was 'stale.' He had it all and dominated for 10 years.
3. Lance Armstrong -- I am not a cyclist and probably never will be but what he has done is phenominal.
4. Brett Favre -- One of the top three quarterbacks of all time and he's in Green Bay.
5. David Beckham -- Manchester United / England midfielder. Now at Real Madrid he is the captain of England heading into the start of Euro 2004 this Sunday.
6. Magic Johnson -- Brought 'Showtime' to Los Angeles. He was a point guard and as a rookie in the NBA Finals vs Philly he started at center when Kareem was injured and dominated. Did you read that? He was a POINT GUARD and started at CENTER as a ROOKIE in the NBA FINALS. I will never fully understand how amazing that was.
7. Tiger Woods -- Hey, I was in Sports Illustrated next to him....had to put him on the list. June 13, 1997....how do i know that?
8. Cal Ripken -- The Streak
Who did I miss? Who do you think should be in the top 8? What dynasties did I forget or do you feel is better than who I listed? Love comments.
ry
2 comments:
David Beckham is probably not in the best 25 players of the last 25 years in his own sport. Some bias must be involved. Seems as though you manu fans always think your players are the best. Might not even be the best player on his own team at any one time. Roy Keane, Giggs, van N.,
Beckham is a media creation with a nice free kick is all.
kim
Wayne Gretzky (did I spell that right?) comes to mind, as does Walter Payton, Larry Bird, and Pete Rose-- I hated the way he destroyed his career, but you can't take away his awesome accomplishments... but my most recent favorite to recall was the summer of Mark & Sammy chasing the homerun record, they did it with such class while retaining a real sense of competition.
Brett Farve, I am from his neck of the woods here in South Mississippi, he is amazing!!
Post a Comment