This argument was inspired by a breakfast argument with an old friend. The premise of the argument was who was the greatest athlete ever for each uniform number. It actually became a pretty interesting conversation. Some are obvious - Babe Ruth at 3, Michael Jordan at 23, Wayne Gretzky at 99. Others are more fun: Jim Brown vs. Magic Johnson, Gordie Howe vs. Ted Williams.
This is the first part of my list: Numbers Zero through nine. For this discussion, zero and double zero are considered the same number. As usual, I am too lazy to completely check my facts, so any corrections would be appreciated.
O or OO: This game down to two names: Jim Otto or Robert Parish. If I could get Bob Cousy to publicly read this list and say “Wobet Pawish” I would give it to the Chief. Alas, that ain’t gonna happen so I gotta go with Jim Otto by a nose. We had trouble coming up with another prominent zero, and only considered Gilbert Arenas. I thought Orlando Woolridge was 0, my buddy thought he was 5. He wasn’t going to make the list, so I did not bother to check it out.
1: Oscar Robertson, the 2nd greatest point guard who ever lived in some circles. He had stiff competition, including Jacques Plante, Sadurah Oh, and Warren Moon. I don’t think any of them are the 2nd best at what they did, so I go with the Big O.
2. Moses Malone, basically in a tie with Derek Jeter. I’ll give it to Moses just because I think Jeter is a bit of a pretty boy. Plus, I resent that he keeps winning gold gloves that he does not deserve. I hated Moses when he was playing, and like Jeter, so this pick also proves my integrity. By the way, my spellcheck tells me to change his name to Derek Jester, for what that is worth.
3. I thought that this was obvious: Babe Ruth. Then Sully pointed out that Babe Ruth only started wearing that number in 1929 (the Yankees did not assign numbers until then), and from that point on, he was merely a very good player, not the dominant force he was in the 20s. There is a valid argument for Bronco Nagurski. Good point, but screw it…this is my list. The Babe it is.
4.) Bobby Orr, the greatest hockey player who ever lived seems an obvious selection to a Boston sports fan my age (we all worshipped Bobby as a kid). But, let’s not dismiss Lou Gehrig and Brett Favre, the greatest iron men in their particular sports. Bobby was more spectacular, and as his best was better than the others, but their longevity has to be considered. Favre we can eliminate because he threw too many picks and cost his team games. So it’s Orr vs. Gehrig. Tough call, I’ll show my regional and generational bias and go with Bobby…but respect anyone who puts Gehrig here.
5.) Right now, it’s Joltin’ Joe Dimaggio, who has the record that won’t be broken in my lifetime (hits in 56 straight games). Assuming he is not on the juice, and that he continues for several more years, Albert Pujolos will replace him. Baseball dominates this number: Johny Bench, Brooks Robinson, and George Brett all wore #5, and those are just the players off the top of my head.
6.) Bill Russell, the greatest athlete who ever lived. No debate.
7.) John Elway, Mickey Mantle, Phil Esposito, and David Beckham (I am told). I don’t have the respect for Mantle others seem to. While Ted Williams did two tours of duty in WW2, Mantle claimed a medical hardship and did not go….but managed to lead the league in homers and steals while on a hardship. John Elway was burdened by not having a running game most of his career, and teeth larger than those of Ba-Ba-Booey, so I’m going to give it to him. Sorry, Phil.
8.) Kobe Bryant. Gotta give it to him. Right now, the 2nd or 3rd best scoring guard ever. Jordan is first, and there is an argument for Jerry West as #2, but Kobe is right there. Apologies to Cal Ripken and Yogi Bera. I almost got in a fight with Carl Yastremski a few years ago when he cut me in line at Best Buy, so I don’t apologize to him.
9.) Ted Williams or Gordie Howe? I can’t decide, but I suspect I’m going to be accused of being a homer with the Boston athletes, so I’ll go with Mr. Hockey (though, as I pointed out in another post, he was supposed to be a big tough guy, but he’s smaller than me and the Fabulous Moolah). Nobody tell my dad.
Who did I miss, who did I overlook? I’ll do 10 - 19 if there is enough buzz to justify the effort.