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Johnson played for the Charlotte Hornets at the height of their popularity in the mid-'90s, and earned the nickname "Grandmama" after shooting a commercial for Converse. 4 - Lou Gehrig by a sliver over Bobby Orr. Sanders played professional baseball with theNew York Yankees(19891990),Atlanta Braves(19911994),Cincinnati Reds(19941995, 1997, 2001) andSan Francisco Giants(1995). Photo: Wikimedia Commons. Montana became a football great with the San Francisco 49ers, finished his career with the Kansas City Chiefs and compiled a career rap sheet that looks like this: The Hall of Famer lost his index finger in a gruesome farming accident, in which he was putting material into a feed chopper, slipped and got his hand mangled. Wilkins played 11 seasons of NBA basketball with the Atlanta Hawks and was a nine-time NBA All-Star. His nickname suggests as much, as it is indicative of a man who . Often considered the greatest boxer, Ali made a name for himself with his quick footwork, skills, and trash-talking persona. Currently playing for the Cincinnati Bengals, Adam "Pacman" Jones received his nickname as a young child, when it was noted that he could drink his milk as fast as the video game character. The World's Most Entertaining Car Website. Shaquille O'Neal, a Hall of Famer and all-time great, wore Nos. These individuals are synonymous with these names and will always remember their playing days and the monikers we used to make them legends of the lingo. Steelers commentator Myron Cope is responsible for Bettis' legacy as "The Bus," noting a Notre Dame teammates' adjective when calling Bettis "Bussy.". Manager Alfred Lawson chose to put numbers on his teams jerseys in order for fans to easily identify each of th. Twenty-three is the number . Indiana Pacers ( 70) Aaron McKie. John G. Zimmerman/SI. The Dodgers won theWorld Series in 1955and in1959. When the Bears needed a short yardage gain, there was "The Fridge," banging through the line and stumbling into the end zone. He is a two-time NBA MVP and 13-time NBA All-Star selection and is currently ranked second all-time in NBA scoring. (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. 5. When he was not allowed to play with his friends on the peewee team due to his size, he was told he must play with older kids. "Pee wee" was a term used to describe a small marble in Reese's childhood, and it would become his nickname for the remainder of his life. Indiana Pacers ( 19) New York Knicks ( 19) Milwaukee Bucks ( 22, 23) Don May. Professional sports seems to be the perfect breeding ground for bizarre and hilarious nicknames for athletes. Clayton Kershaw. There are so many famous AKAs in the world of sports, and many deserve their place at the top of the heap. Whatever the case may be, the five-time Negro League All-Star, World Series Champion and Hall of Famer was one of the most dominant pitchers of his era, and he wore his moniker with honor. The school's mascot is the Owl and the obvious lack of a vowel letter in his last name was the second half of a legendary nickname. Allyson Felix, Track and Field: 9 medals (6 G, 3 S) Felix is the only female track and field athlete to ever win six Olympic gold medals and her nine medals are tied for the most ever won by a . The high-flyer ranks 13th in career scoring in the NBA and is mentioned nearly every year during the dunk contest and has been a judge in the competition multiple times. Is it still cool to diss her or is it too far gone now? The league quirky tweaks of NFL rules, including a mad dash to midfield to gain possession of the ball, rather than a kickoff. 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. Mario Lemieux is a hero to many hockey fans, but not only because of his contributions to the Pittsburgh Penguins on the ice. 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.". Fans of this era only know his name as the legend, but quotes from players of his day tell the story of Wagner as a dirty player, often clueing infielders and holding baserunners by the jersey as they attempted to round a base. Larry was 1992 NBA Rookie of the Year and a two-time NBA All-Star selection. In the power categories, it's . As owner of the Kansas City A's, Charles O. Finley thought his new pitcher needed a solid nickname, and citing Hunter's giant 'stache which looked like a catfish's whiskers, gave him the nickname "catfish.". 24 See also. Between June 2016 and 2017, LeBron earned $86 million. Here are the nicknames of some of the other Olympians. #23 is now retired by both the Chicago Bulls and North Carolina Tar Heels. Mookie Blaylock could have been the name of a famous band. Wayne Gretzky might be the sport's greatest player, but Red Wings legend Gordie Howe, in many respects, was its most popular. 13, is right above him at the No. Jackie Robisons contribution to baseball and American society are so significant that he holds the honor of being the only player to have his number retired across Major League Baseball. Perkins played the game with pride and a seemingly calm demeanor that earned him the nickname "Big Smooth.". 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.". Grange got his nickname from Chicago American writer Warren Brown, who dubbed the pasty white-skinned red head "The Galloping Ghost," citing his running style at the University of Illinois. In 2005, Traylor failed a physical exam (surprise) and has played overseas ever since. Perry was described as "A man in a white jersey resembling a refrigerator coming through the offensive line." 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. If pressed to name a national sport, Malaysians would say "badminton.". McCovey got his nickname from his slender-but-tall build. Also called "Golden Joe"and "Comeback Joe," Joe Montana earned his nickname for his ability to stay calm under pressure and come through in the clutch with key passes and throwing accuracy. When Stewart entered the NFL, he was moved from quarterback to receiver, but was often placed under center for certain plays by head coach Bill Cowher. If the Cuban pitcher ever wanted to sue the founder of Pilates, he may have a solid case. 15: Carlos Beltran. Unless he attempts a return to baseball, which isn't likely, he will be eligible for the Hall of Fame following the 2012 season and could be a first-ballot Hall of Famer and definitely deserves to be elected. "Sugar" Ray Leonard owes his legendary moniker-alias toSarge Johnson, assistant coach of the U.S. Olympic Boxing Team. Named for his aggressive and controversial driving style, "The Intimidator" is the biggest name in the history of NASCAR and the father of Dale Earnhardt, Jr. His No. Rickey Henderson. Ranker Sports. Birth date: September 12, 1913. After playing for a minor . Payton is no exception and quickly garnered the nickname "Sweetness" for his ability to make plays, and slide through the defense with ease. From Quiz: American Sports Nicknames. Considered one of the best players in professional basketball history, Maravich's life ended and began when he suffered a heart attack while playing a pick-up game in Pasadena, Calif. Maravich was a devout Christian and said shortly before his death he would like to be remembered as a follower of Christ, and not a basketball player. ESPN have announced the top 20 most famous athletes of 2019. Pro Football Hall of Famers by Jersey Numbers Class of 2004 inductee Bob Brown wore #76 with the Eagles, Rams, and Raiders. The left-handed hitting slugger is the current face of the Boston Red Sox franchise and spent many years in a potent lineup with Manny Ramirez. Payton's defense is the stuff of NBA legend. No. When he recorded atriple-doubleof 36points, 18reboundsand 16assists. "When he joined the Cubs, his extravagant wind-up and release and his frequent wild pitches inspiredWrigley Fieldorganists to playThe Troggs'Wild Thingas he came out of the bullpen. One of the greatest athletes the United Kingdom has ever produced, Mo is a world famous distance runner. Parish got his nickname from afictitious Chief Bromden, a silent, giantNative Americancharacter in the filmOne Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Elway possessed an uncanny ability to lead his teams to victory when they trailed late in games. "Go ask Mister October", he said, giving Jackson a nickname that would stick. While attending the University of Michigan, Traylor earned his nickname for his tremendous size, dominance in the paint, and the way "Tractor" just seemed to flow with his last name. . The styleearned him the nickname "Crazy Legs.". Rumor has it, the pitcher wanted to return to the majors in 2008 at the tender age of 49, reports the Boston Globe. At the height of his career, Jordan could take off from the free-throw line and dunk the basketball. However, his nickname doesn't rank very highly on a list of originality and creativity. Grange was drafted by, and finished his career with, the Chicago Bears. For most of his career, Jordan sported the #23, except for one season during which he donned #45 after his return from retirement. However, he only made one broadway appearance, covered here by Wikipedia: "he made his only appearance on Broadway as a cast replacement in a revival ofThe Caine Mutiny Court Martial. Gordie Howe is considered one of the best hockey players in history but is also known for his friendly personality, kind demeanor, longevity as a player and prolific goal-scoring. However, many athletes remain inseparable from their on-field persona and the uniform that they wear. 33 his college number in his lone year alongside . Jackson was also a prolific hitter, and many historians feel he could have broken several records had he not been banned from baseball after the 1920 season. A sporty name from a Paralympic athlete can remind children to never give up. John Cena is number 9 in our list of the top 10 most famous athletes in the world. Robinsons #42 will never be worn by another Major League baseball player. 105 people from all around the world were asked to name who they thought would be the 'most famous athlete of all time'. Was the famous number 23 of the Chicago Bulls? Although Mike Bossy only played 752 games, he . The nickname literally translated means "The Duke," but his moniker is in reference to a tropical hurricane, which he is said to have brought on his opponents while pitching on the mound. Olajuwon's first name was spelled "Akeem" in his college days at the University of Houston and early into his NBA career. The best player on the greatest dynasty in professional sports was Bill Russell. Aaron's nickname epitomizes his performance at the plate. The defensive back has become known for two things: His "bump-and-run" coverage on receivers that earned him the nickname "Molester" for the brutal way he treated receivers coming off the line of scrimmage and for using Stick 'Em on his hands before the league banned the substance and named the rule after Hayes. 32 and 34 for the first 17 of his 19 NBA seasons, before adopting No. His trash talking is the stuff of street legend and his longevity in the league cemented his status as an NBA great. Paralympic athletes are a source of hope and optimism for many people. 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 spent 12 years in the NBA with the Charlotte Hornets and New York Knicks. He overcame an HIV diagnosis and has continued his success off the court in the business world. Ivan Rodriguez also got his moniker for the same reason. During his time with the 49ers, Rice won three Super Bowls and led the league in receiving yardage six times. William Wilson received the nickname "Mookie" as a child, when his mother noticed he was having trouble asking her for more "milk.". Rodman was a king on the court when it came down to getting into his opponent's physche. The tall glass of water is a solid shooter, and therefore, the gun jokes just flow. In the realm of all-time nicknames, it is definitely sweet, but it hits the countdown towards the back, because there isn't much back story here, and he's not actually a hitman. Robinson was a six-time All-Star, World Series Champion, and the 1949 National League MVP. The mobile thrower has nearly 30,000 passing and 4,000 rushing yards to his name. His #32 has been retired by the Cleveland Browns. "The Owl Without A Vowel" only played one season in the NBA with the Philadelphia Warriors (now the Golden State Warriors), but the nickname has stuck with him ever since college. The nickname is cool because it's edgy and impressive, but then when you find out he's a boxer, it just seems kind of lame. Whatever you want to call him, McGriff had a solid career in MLB, playing for seven teams and recording three Silver Sluggers, five All-Star appearances and a 1995 World Series Championship with the Atlanta Braves. "The Snake" was a nickname given to him after the likeness of professional wrestler, Jake "The Snake" Roberts. The nickname given to Camacho seems born out of synergy, contained in, and rhyming with, his last name. The amount of spin generated by the mangled bones and missing pieces of his dominant hand had great effects and led to Brown's legendary moniker. 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 . Rodman earned his moniker with aggressive and often over-the-top defense. This nickname was bound to happen, seeing as how his last name is so closely spelled to "goose," and there were no other candidates that could top it. Douglas, standing at 5' 2", also won . Also nicknamed "The Silver Fox"and just known by the shorter "Duke" Snider, the former Brooklyn Dodgers slugger was often compared to other New York outfielders such as Willie Mays and Mickey Mantle and earned the nickname "The Duke of Flatbush" after an area in New York City called "Flatbush" and his accolades as a hitter. Over the course of his prolific career, he wore the #80 for three different teams, but is best remembered for wearing it in the red and gold of the San Francisco 49ers. Lemieux also overcame Hodgkins Lymphoma, which caused him to miss the entire 1994-95 season. Just as important as his stats to his legacy are the monikers we have come to know and fondly use to remember him. 31.April (Latin origin) meaning "open". The name stuck throughout Rich Gossage's playing days, and he is affectionately known by the moniker to this day. Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons Best Athletes by Number: 66-99. The obvious nickname is the third generation of his birth name. He retired with the most wins of any quarterback in NFL history (which would later be broken by Favre, Brady, and Manning). Gender: Male. (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). 4: Brett Favre, QB Teams: Atlanta Falcons, Green Bay Packers , New York Jets , Minnesota Vikings Can you imagine trying to pass through airport security with his full name on a passport? His nickname is more a basic description of the entity he embodies than a catchy alter-ego. Nicklaus earned the nickname at an early age because of his shock of blond hair and stout build. Venus Williams has seven grand slam titles, of which 5 are at Wimbledon, making her one of the best in the game. It was Mike Bratz, a point guard who played 15 games in the 1982-83 season). 3 Kids seem to believe that stardom carries with it certain "perks," such as that famous athletes get special treatment if they break the law (34%; 39% of teens and 25% of 10-12 year olds) and are LISTING OF PRIMARY NUMBERS IN CAPS; Secondary Numbers in lower case. Elgin Baylor. Orenthal James was shortened to O.J., which is an acronym shared by "Orange Juice," and there you have it. Johnson once said toDave Jacobs, "That kid you got is sweet as sugar," and the nickname stuck. "The Glove" was born when Payton's cousin called him during the 1993Western ConferenceFinals series and told him"you're holdingKevin Johnsonlike abaseballin aglove.". Cocaine usage peaked in the United States 1982 with 10.4 million users. After Milwaukee, Payton played for the Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics and Miami Heat. Our most famous number in sports is the former NBA player Michael Jordan's number 23. Likewise, his relationship with his father remains strong; therefore when Chipper was progressing through the ranks of baseball, he decided to keep the name. Hopkins is known for 51 wins in 59 fights, which include 32 knockouts and one no contest. Although Williams' long mullet locks are long gone, the moniker follows him wherever he goes. Gretzky won four Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers during the 1980s, before he was dealt in a blockbuster deal to the Los Angeles Kings. LeBron James's net worth 2018 is around $485 million. Source: Getty Images Dan Marino, practically reversed the belief that 13 is an unlucky number. "Prime Time" was more than just a nickname for Sanders, it became his alter-ego, and it became difficult to separate the man from the legend. Players could put whatever name they wanted back there, and Smart's "He Hate Me" was the best of them all. Hernndez is also known for the enormous leg kick featured in his delivery. His nickname prompted fraternity members to rename the commonly-practiced act, involving a passed-out friend and a head shaver. He is alsoknown for his 10-year reign asmiddleweightworld champion and setting a record for defending it 20 consecutive times. George Best, Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona, David Beckham, and Cristiano Ronaldo have all sported the #7 during their successful exploits with the club. Johnson was first dubbed "Magic" while playing Everett High School high as a 15-year-old sophomore. The ESPN World Fame 100 is our annual attempt to create a ranking, through statistical analysis, of the 100 most famous athletes on the planet.. We started with Forbes' annual list of the highest . In less than a decade, both MLB catchers will be Hall of Fame members. A household name in the modern game, James has won 3 NBA World Championships, and has been NBA MVP 4 times. Quite possibly the athlete with the most nicknames in sports history, Shaquille O'Neal seems to be a fan favorite wherever he goes, and his outgoing personality has earned him numerous sponsorships and TV/Film appearances. The #7 shirt at Manchester United has been worn by several of the greatest players of all time. The #7 shirt at Liverpool has a long and storied history that has seen some of the clubs best players wear the number. The nickname may not be specific to the Yankees shortstop, but he personifies the alliterative nickname with consistent big hits when needed most. 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McGriff's alias is just one of the many nickname brainchild ideas of ESPN analyst Chris Berman, who noticed the slugger's name resembled that of the National Crime Prevention Council mascot "McGruff.". He did however appear in summerstock productions ofDamn YankeesandFiddler on the Roof.". Which got us thinking about the greatest athletes . Gossage is a nine-time MLB All-Star and won a World Series ring with the 1978 New York Yankees. That brings his total annual income to roughly $80 million. The Yankees great still holds the record for consecutive games with at least one hit with a 56-hit streak in 1941. During and following his boxing career, Tyson is known for his unusual and often frightening quotes and taunts and also several run-ins with law enforcement. Over the course of his entire sixteen season NFL career, John Elway became regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks in history. Oh yeah, he also played basketball for five NBA teams in 15 years and won four NBA championships with three different teams. The NBA big man grew up in the small community ofGans, Okla., and attended Oklahoma State University. Bettis is certainly a large man, weighing 252lbs while standing only 5'11" tall. Thomas was a dominant hitter and an icon during his playing days with the Chicago White Sox. 23: The Human Rain Delay (Mike Hargrove) Hargrove got the nickname for the many time-consuming adjustments he would make between pitches. Jim Umbricht (Houston Astros) 10. Name: Jesse Owens. He has been inducted into the Pro and College Football Hall of Fames as well as the Atlanta Falcons ring of honor. However, it was as a fullback that got him his alias, and it would stick with him long after his playing days were over. . We all know Dizzy and Daffy, Crazy Legs, Shoeless Joe, King James, The Great One and Air Jordan. Before these famous images went viral, Oscar De La Hoya was boxing's "Golden Boy," a heavy-hitter with a squeaky-clean image. There's no inventive story here: "Dr. J" was given to Julius Erving by a high school friend, who watched him play and likened his smoothness with the ball and ability to score like the precision of a doctor performing surgery. Kuko is considered one of the best wingmen to ever play the game, and therefore might be the only man on the planet capable of gettingFranck Ribry a real date. While his nickname is creative, it is also a prime example of racial prejudice and bigotry. According to Parish, former Celtics forwardCedric Maxwellgave Parish this nickname because of hisstoicnature. Cosentino, Frank. Either way, the nickname is very fitting of one of the most dominant strike-out pitchers the game has ever seen. Lists of nicknames - nickname list articles on Wikipedia Robinson's nickname is derived from his service in the United States Navy. In 1993, Williams started wearing the No. 3 has become a symbol of pride for NASCAR fans everywhere, and he is remembered as being fearless while winning seven Sprint Cup Championships and four IROC Championships in 677 races spanning 27 years. 5 - Joe DiMaggio. Sometimes, the new moniker comes from an inside joke with . Whether they describe physical appearance, a catch phrase, or an extreme and unique ability, these nicknames follow their host, even beyond the grave. 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. Troy Aikman and Johnston remain close friends, having won three Super Bowls together. The best players to wear 18 as their jersey numbers are sprinkled across all major sports. Erving electrified crowds with his dunking and leaping abilities, and the nickname seemed divine and easily matched his personality and persona. The world's 50 highest-paid athletes collected an astounding $2.97 billion before taxes and agents' fees over the last 12 months, smashing last year's record total by 8%more than $200 . We even remember his name, as "Babe" Ruth, instead of George Ruth. Cristiano Ronaldos image is inseparable from his favored #7. Each sprin application of binomial distribution in civil engineering eames replica lounge chair review eames replica lounge chair review Jackson spent 12 years in the majors with thePhiladelphia Athletics(19081909),Cleveland Naps/Indians(19101915) andChicago White Sox(19151920). As of 1999 . 28) on his jersey, the same number that Vaughn wore in the film. Fisk held the MLB record for games played at the catcher position (2,226) until Rodriguez broke it in 2009 with the Texas Rangers. James has worn different numbers throughout his career but is probably tied together most with the number 23. > All Players To Wear Number 23. It has been said that he could run 100 yards in 10 seconds and high jump over six feet. Dominique Wilkins. There have been many outstanding athletes to dawn the number 23. Payton is also likely the best player to ever play at Oregon State University, with A.C. Green, Brent Barry and Corey Benjamin in the discussion. Jordan is widely considered to be the greatest basketball player of all-time, with six NBA titles, five MVP awards, and fourteen All-Star Game appearances. 2. Each time he reached a new team, he would shout out "Say hey, man" in order to get his teammates attention, and the name stuck with him wherever he went. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in each of his nine NFL seasons, led the league in rushing eight times, and earned four MVP awards. With a common name like Ed Jones, inserting "Too Tall" seemed like an easy way to separate the man and make him an individual. Bryant would grow up to be one of the most prominent figures in college sports and one of the most successful coaches in college football history, winning six national titles. He holds the world record for 100 metres, 200 metres and 4 100 metres relay and is the only sprinter to win Olympic 100 m and 200 m titles at three consecutive Olympics (2008, 2012 and 2016). Salley was also a co-host for "Best Damn Sports Show Period," alongside Tom Arnold and Chris Rose. The thumb is not called a "finger," and therefore doesn't count. Elway retired following two consecutive Super Bowl wins and appeared in five Super Bowls. He stood 6'-and-a-half inches tall and weighed 225 lbs, a very large size in his time. Fracisco Cordova (Pittsburg Pirates) 8. His accomplishments on the baseball diamond are virtually unparalleled over the course of a century of baseball history. What famous athletes wore number 22? 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. Muhammad Ali. The eccentric cross-dresser earned his play in NBA history as a Champion with the Chicago Bulls, and as a psycho, after kicking a camera man in the jewels, drawing a record number of technical fouls, tearing his jersey off before leaving the court when ejected, wearing a dress for a promotion on multiple occasions, piercing every area of his body and dating Carmen Electra. Most recently, Suarez brought the shirt some disgrace with his on-field antics, but he also helped Liverpool mount their best title challenge in over a decade. During theWorld Seriesagainst theDodgers, Munson was interviewed and suggested that Jackson, because of his past postseason performances, might be the better interview subject. Nothing more creative for a boxer than "Hitman?" The #7 has been passed down from Kevin Keegan to Kenny Daglish to Luis Suarez, and many others have held the honor of wearing the most iconic number for one of Englands most decorated football clubs. In many other sports, numbers of club legends are retired from use and placed in the rafters to be revered by generations of fans. He is the most dominating boxer in the history of the sport and is synonymous with boxing legend. He used the technique of crouching with his left arm out to fight opponents, and experienced many successes. Brown played . "Babe" Ruth: "The Great Bambino/The Sultan of Swat". "The Human Highlight Film" has got to be one of the coolest nicknames in sport and it was perfect for Dominique Wilkins. 6 also crosses over to baseball. He won both the 5,000 and 10,000 meters in the 2012 London Olympics. 3 spot with 10,335. Poor preparation, missing an important detail, or completely offend a certain segment of the audience. Author: SI Staff. Jones owes his alias to his family, who constantly told him he was "A chip-off-the-old-block," in reference to his father. The Rams and Jets QB also did several endorsement commercials during his playing days, including this one for pantyhose, no joke. This moniker has nothing to do with Smith on a personal level, other than his ability to make spectacular plays and do back flips off the turf. "Three Fingers" Brown was able to throw many pitches that could not be achieved by a man with a full hand. When Magic Johnson was drafted with the first overall pick in the 1979 NBA Draft, he had to change his #33 from Michigan State, which belonged to the legendary Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.