Wooden disapproved so mightily of individual achievement, he wouldn't even allow his players to dunk the ball. Paige is considered one of the best pitchers to play baseball, and it is a crying shame he didn't get a chance to enter the Major Leagues sooner than he did. A list of the greatest athletes to wear the number 22 would be incomplete without one of the NHL's most prolific scorers of the late 1970s/1980s. The durable fire-baller still holds the MLB record for career strikeouts and still fields questions about the day he plunked Ventura and subsequently pummeled him after getting him in a head-lock on the mound. He won two NBA titles with the Houston Rockets and was the NBA MVP in 1994, also with the Rockets. Not every player to wear the #7 has found success with the club, but it has been donned by icons that have had a lasting impact on the beautiful game. 6. Deion Sanders dazzled the nation as he high stepped into the end zone after interceptions and punt returns, frustrating football purists and giving birth to the moniker Prime Time. 99 for years because of an admiration for the football playerMark Gastineau, who also wore No. Rodman was a king on the court when it came down to getting into his opponent's physche. Best Known For: American track and . Rose is the career MLB hits leader, having recorded 4,256 knocks. Before these famous images went viral, Oscar De La Hoya was boxing's "Golden Boy," a heavy-hitter with a squeaky-clean image. He became known as "The Ryan Express" when he came into games because of his fastball that easily topped 100 mph on a routine basis. Jeter was named to fourteen All-Star teams and won the World Series five times during his career with the Bronx Bombers. Jim Thorpe. While most remember him for his playing days in baseball, Williams is also a true American hero, leaving the game twice to enlist in the United States Armed Forces as a Marine Corps pilot. The Celtics' big man averaged 22.5 rebounds in his career; between his mastery of the . A power reliever, he put his full weight behind every pitch, so that he dropped hard to the right, sometimes falling off the mound. Our most famous number in sports is the former NBA player Michael Jordan's number 23. Hall of Famers by Jersey Number. The #7 shirt at Liverpool has a long and storied history that has seen some of the clubs best players wear the number. When the Reading Red Roses took the field in 1907, they changed sports history forever. 23: The Human Rain Delay (Mike Hargrove) Hargrove got the nickname for the many time-consuming adjustments he would make between pitches. It's one of the more unique and popular nicknames of the modern era.". He retired with the most wins of any quarterback in NFL history (which would later be broken by Favre, Brady, and Manning). the bat to Trumper. "Joltin' " refers to his speed and ability to get a jump on the ball off the bat in the outfield and his smart baserunning abilities. Robinson broke Major Leagues Baseball color barrier, becoming the first black man to play in the league since the 1880s. Full list of Olympic athletes, including Simone Biles, Naomi Osaka and Michael Phelps. Reggie White (December 19, 1961 December 26, 2004), was known as a devout Christian and ordained Evangelical Minister. Olajuwon's first name was spelled "Akeem" in his college days at the University of Houston and early into his NBA career. Hernndez is also known for the enormous leg kick featured in his delivery. As if the Venezuelan pitcher needs any more names,Garcs' tongue-in-cheek nickname is a poke at his stature, and friends and teammates commonly refer to him by his moniker. Jackson hit home runs in Game 4 and Game 5 of the Series. As a pass-rusher, Perry dominated offensive backfields and was constantly in the head of opposing quarterbacks. The wily pitcher was a fan favorite despite his volatile personality, and his moniker is indicative of his aggressive pitching style. It has been said that he could run 100 yards in 10 seconds and high jump over six feet. He was part of the Brazilian national teams that won three World Cup championships (1958, 1962, and 1970). In 2005, Traylor failed a physical exam (surprise) and has played overseas ever since. Undoubtedly the most famous athlete in the country, a movie . He followed that up by winning the same titles in the European Athletics Championships in 2014. "Sugar" Ray Leonard owes his legendary moniker-alias toSarge Johnson, assistant coach of the U.S. Olympic Boxing Team. 2 pick in the draft", "Philadelphia Eagles Media Guide bio 2013", "Pitt's 'Shady' McCoy shines in South Bend spotlight", "Get to Know Gary Player, Golf's Legendary Black Knight", "Big Phil feeling huge pressure at Hazeltine", "Our Exclusive Ranking: 75 Best Rivalries in Golf (#11-20)", "Gulf Times Qatar's top-selling English daily newspaper Sport", "Final Round: Rookie Reavie closes like seasoned veteran", "How Golfer Retief Goosen Played His Way Into the Hall of Fame", "Beethoven breezes for Holy Bull | Kentucky Derby 135", "Lester Piggott to open New Wiltshire Stand at Salisbury", http://www.cbc.ca/archives/categories/sports/hockey/the-legendary-9-maurice-rocket-richard/a-heros-funeral.html, "Mogilny, Reichel, Roberts combo on fire", "Ovechkin, Caps look to build off Game 5 momentum against Flyers", "Kovalchuk, Avery Fuel Rivalry; Did Kovy Go Too Far? 88. Source: Getty Images HIGHLAND PARK, IL - OCTOBER 21: A gate with the number 23 controls access to the home of basketball legend Michael Jordan on October 21, 2013 in Highland Park, Illinois. Just the mere mention of "The Great One" in reference to hockey brings memories of nearly 900 goals and a memorable trade that landed the hockey star in Los Angeles. There are those names that just seemsoright. New York Mets fans began referring to Dykstra for his "tough-as-nails" approach to the game, and it was later shortened to just "Nails.". Like English . Penny has attributed his successes in life to his grandma, who raised him up as a child while his mother was away working. Robinson was a six-time All-Star, World Series Champion, and the 1949 National League MVP. His tall and skinny build makes him look like a satchel tree. We even remember his name, as "Babe" Ruth, instead of George Ruth. News on all your favorite celebs, reality TV, and movies. Very few athletes have earned their nickname quite like Dominique Wilkins. However, it was as a fullback that got him his alias, and it would stick with him long after his playing days were over. Comment below!JOIN THE TOTALPROSPORTS TEAM and SUBSCRIBE! Either way, the nickname stuck, as did the movie. The nickname "Spider" is a reference to Salley's fear of arachnids, which, according to him, was conquered during his time on the 2009 reality television showI'm a CelebrityGet Me out of Here! In any event, Mays is one of the best players to grace a Major League field and will forever be known as, "The Say Hay Kid.". His #32 has been retired by the Cleveland Browns. One of the greatest athletes ever, Usain Bolt is popular by the nickname 'Lightning Bolt'. Coolest Nicknames From Non-Traditional Sports. Floyd's nickname is used to describe the consistent look on his face, and how his complexion reminds on-lookers of someone who looks tired or "sleepy.". He currently weighs 220 pounds and it's no longer a good past-time to poke fun at his weight, just all the loose skin that now must hang from his neck, arms and thighs. He appeared in six postseasons with the Dodgers (1949, 195253, 195556, 1959), facing theNew York Yankeesin the first five and theChicago White Soxin the final. He played professional football in the NFL with theAtlanta Falcons(19891993),San Francisco 49ers(1994),Dallas Cowboys(19951999),Washington Redskins(2000) andBaltimore Ravens(20042005). Barkley had a stellar professional basketball career and continues to be a force on the celebrity sports scene. No. In 1993, he signed the most lucrative contract in NBA history (at that time) to play for the Hornets, a 12-year, $84 million deal. Often considered the greatest boxer, Ali made a name for himself with his quick footwork, skills, and trash-talking persona. Jerry Rice is unquestionably the greatest wide receiver in the history of the NFL. This is one of the most fitting nicknames on the countdown. Wagner recorded over 3,400 hits in his career with theLouisville Colonels(18971899), andPittsburgh Pirates(19001917), in a time known as the "Dead Ball" era when pitchers reigned supreme. Players could put whatever name they wanted back there, and Smart's "He Hate Me" was the best of them all. He is also one of the most dominant. How do you rank the best nicknames of all time? Johnston was also the first fullback ever elected to the Pro Bowl, a position officially recognized by the NFL because of Johnston's efforts as a blocker and occasional runner. Shaquille O'Neal, a Hall of Famer and all-time great, wore Nos. Return to Top; Players. Fans chose to note his pitching by nicknaming him "The Rocket," for the perception of a rocket mounted on his shoulder, in reference to his arm and the velocity of his pitches. number eight "Pocket Rocket" = Brent Russell, Utility players "Pocket Dynamo" = Gio Aplon, Fullback / Wing " Slaptjips" (Afrikaans for potato chips or french fries) = Pieter Rossouw, Wing "The . 1. However, many athletes remain inseparable from their on-field persona and the uniform that they wear. He pitched parts of 11 seasons with theMinnesota Twins(1990,1993),Florida Marlins(1995),Chicago Cubs(1995) andBoston Red Sox(1996-2002). However, steroids will likely only be a small blip on his write-up when his playing days are over, and it seems America will remember him for his philanthropy and for coming through in the clutch. George Best, Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona, David Beckham, and Cristiano Ronaldo have all sported the #7 during their successful exploits with the club. . The program will chronicle Tyson's love for pigeon racing. After Milwaukee, Payton played for the Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics and Miami Heat. The legendary coach lived to be 99-years-old, passing away last June. He hit 40 or more home runs in five consecutive seasons (195357) and averaged 42 home runs, 124RBI, 123 runs and a .320 batting average between 1953-1956. No joke here, just a great player and an exceptional man. Kukowas a member of the Chicago Bulls dynasty of the late '90s, where he gained his nickname for his superb play and country of origin. The over-sized running back looked like a bus carrying opponents on his back while being dressed in yellow and black. (Featuring @ann76 as Author)", "Wereldtitel Van Dijk met Specialized-Lululemon", "March 31, 2007 Sarasota Herald Tribune article", United States Olympic Committee document confirming Harris's first name (page.44 *.pdf file. "Go ask Mister October", he said, giving Jackson a nickname that would stick. The Yankees great still holds the record for consecutive games with at least one hit with a 56-hit streak in 1941. (A special thanks to The Sandlot for assisting with this slide), 8Pro Bowlselection (1981,1983,1984,1985,1987,1989,1990,1993), 3 First TeamAll-Proselection (1987,1989,1990), 3 Second Team All-Pro selection (1981,1983,1984), 4Super Bowlchampion (XVI,XIX,XXIII,XXIV). It has spawned other nicknames involving athletes with the last name "Rodriguez," including the current record holder for most saves in a season, Frankie "K-Rod" Rodriguez. His nickname suggests as much, as it is indicative of a man who . Aaron's nickname epitomizes his performance at the plate. Following legal troubles, Camacho retired from professional boxing and has since proclaimed himself to be a "born again Christian.". Coincidentally, Roberts adapted his nickname from former Oakland Raiders QB Ken Stabler, who was nicknamed "The Snake" for his ability to slither through opponents when scrambling. At the height of his career, Jordan could take off from the free-throw line and dunk the basketball. Publish date: May 25, 2009. . Rumor has it, the pitcher wanted to return to the majors in 2008 at the tender age of 49, reports the Boston Globe. His accomplishments on the baseball diamond are virtually unparalleled over the course of a century of baseball history. Each sprin Baseball stars have had success with the number as well with Don Mattingly, Ryne Sandberg, and Zach Greinke thriving with the number 23 in . The ever-flamboyant star has also had his run-ins with the law but will go down as a tremendous athlete with a killer nickname. The nickname got so huge that Simpson's offensive line became known as "The Electric Company," since "Juice" isalso a colloquial synonym for electricity or electrical power. During theWorld Seriesagainst theDodgers, Munson was interviewed and suggested that Jackson, because of his past postseason performances, might be the better interview subject. Surprisingly, no one calls him "Kazaam," but that could be because they are afraid of being sit on by a 7'1", 325 lb man. The big man spent his best NBA days with the Los Angeles Lakers and the Seattle SuperSonics, but he was also on the 1985 NBA All-Rookie First Team roster with the Dallas Mavericks. As of 1999 . Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons DiMaggio was given the nickname "The Yankee Clipper" by Yankees announcer Arch McDonald in 1939, when he likened DiMaggio's speed and range in the field to the then-new Pan American airliner. August 10, 2021 9:00 am.