I didn't put a lot of thought into it, and I'm sure I'll wake up one night this week kicking myself that I forgot someone, or have everyone listed in the wrong order. And yet, I have to believe that this list is pretty darn close to what I'd end up with even after a six-week research project, so here goes:
20. Eddie Murray -- What I remember most were his remarkable mutton chops and his afro-so-tall that his cap barely stayed on. He was also the dominant hitter of my baseball-awakening--he was an absolute killer. 3,200 hits, 500 homers, 500 doubles, 1900 RBI.
19. Dennis Eckersley -- Eck was the dominant closer and renaissance man of the 1990's, just like this generation's Mariano Rivera. He began his career as a rock-solid starter, and later helped to define the importance of the modern-day closer. Another one with a great 'stache and long, unruly hair. 197 wins and 390 saves.
18. Rod Carew -- The singles hitter for my hometown team growing up, the Minnesota Twins. Carew was a classy, earnest fellow with reed-like arms and a long, skinny bat that could seemingly make any pitch a hit. 3,000 hits, 100 triples, 350 steals, and a .328 BA, and in 1977 he hit .388!
17. Pete Sampras -- The dominant tennis player of my generation, in fact, he's just about my age. He never caused a sensation like Bjorn Borg, John McEnroe, or Andre Agassi, but nobody won more championships. 762-222 with 64 Singles wins, and 14 Grand Slam singles titles.
16. Wade Boggs -- When I lived in Boston, there were few things I'd rather do than sit in Fenway Park and watch Boggs foul off pitches until he got just the right one--and then smack it for a double. A gritty player, a little self-obsessive--true--but who couldn't love his pre-game chicken-eating ritual? 3,000 hits, 500 doubles, .328 BA, and 4 seasons batting .360 or more!
15. Dwight Gooden -- Gooden was my favorite player of the 1980's, and 
he was destined to be one of the all-time greats. But early success, drugs, and injuries had their toll on "Dr. K," and he flamed out by the time he was 27--though he did hang on and play many more years. He was 132-53 during his first 8 years in the league and just 62-59 over his last 8 years.
14. Big East Coaching Triumvirate: Boeheim, Carnesecca, and Thompson -- Nothing captured the excitement of sports like Big East basketball in the 1980's and early 90's, and nobody represented this time better than the 3 giant personalities coaching the 3 best teams. While Louie C. and Thompson are gone (though John Thompson, Jr. has his dad's old job), Boeheim still reigns for my favorite college team, Syracuse.
13. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar -- Kareem was a monster on the court, so 
dominant, and able to reach those long arms to sky-hook in shot-after-shot, or to grab the rebound. He was good both when he was young and when he was old--and I will always remember his expressionless face in goggles, playing beside the efferevescent Magic Johnson. He's the NBA's all-time leading scorer, a 6-time league MVP, and owner of 6 world championship rings. And don't forget his role in the movie Airplane!
12. George Brett -- Brett was true grit on the diamond, a convivial and inspirational player who worked exceptionally hard for the success that he eventually earned. A prototype of 1980's baseball. 3,100 hits, 300 homers, 1500 RBI, 200 steals, .305 BA.
11. Pat Riley -- The coach. He always looked to me like the best kind of boss--loyal to a fault but eager to win, and passionate about making his players the best they could be. He also seemed to know how to have fun. The coach of Kareem, Magic, Worthy, Ewing, Mourning, O'Neal, and Wade. Riley won four world championships with the Lakers, made the finals with the Knicks, and won the 2006 championship coaching the Heat.
Be sure to read my Top Ten Faves later this week...
I'm on pins and needles here waiting for your top 10. I'm probably going to have to make my own list now. (And there better be at least one Viking in the top 10.)
Posted by: Micah | July 25, 2006 at 08:55 AM
You must not forget my good friend and bridge living bretheren J.R. Richard. He was a menace on the mound in his prime and also when he was trying to protect his portion of the pork and beans.
Posted by: Darnell Lamb | July 26, 2006 at 05:53 PM
Rest assured, Micah--2 Vikings are in the top 10.
Posted by: johnvano | July 27, 2006 at 12:38 PM