Athletes you would have liked to follow during their prime

[Auggie]

Mine, in no particular order (and certainly not complete):

Babe Ruth: The greatest baseball legend of all time.

Willie Mays: Maybe the greatest baseball players ever. I wish I could have seen him play in the 1950s.

Jim Brown: Caught just the tail end of his career -- I was a little too young to fully appreciate what he could do running the football.

Dick Butkus: Like Jim Brown, Butkus was slightly off my radar.

Joe Louis: Particularly the fights from the mid to late 30's

Ben Hogan, Sam Snead and Byron Nelson: A rivalry akin to Palmer, Nicklaus and Player.

Yours?

[trumad]

1. Ben Hogan--Golf

Jim Brown---Football

Ted Williams--Mickey Mantle--Joe DiMaggio--Lou Gehrig--Baseball

Wayne Gretzky---Hockey

Bill Russell---Basketball

Edward Arcaro--Horseracing

[Awsi Dooger]

13. Ben Hogan was the first name that came to mind

I'm impressed he was been mentioned so often in this thread. There's a mystique about Hogan. Many of the golf writers and players who grew up in his heyday were in absolute awe of him. To this day his books and swing thoughts are treated like gifts from above on golf message boards, vigorously debated.

Besides, the guy was somewhat of a jackass, by all accounts, which only contributed to the aura.

Otherwise:

* Ali in his '60s prime. I don't remember him until his comeback fight against Quarry.

* Brown, Butkus and Sayers from the '60s. I missed Brown altogether and a few years late to see the Bears in their heyday, pre limps.

* Laver during his grand slam run, before the pro/amateur split

* '60s Celtics and UCLA, and Wilt at his peak

* 1950s Oklahoma

* Four Horsemen era at Notre Dame

* College football when the service academies were still dominant, like Blanchard and Davis

* Namath at Alabama, before knee injury

* Babe, but not the one already named. Zaharias.

* '40s horse racing. This should be near the top. All the Triple Crown winners and dominant stables. I have a vague impression that Count Fleet was superior to Citation, but that could be way off base. I don't fully trust anything from history books or old videos, without being there to handicap it myself. During my lifetime plenty of conventional wisdom is outright crap.

* Anything Olympic. I have some memories of both Winter and Summer 1968 but wasn't old enough to fully appreciate until 1972. In particular I'd like to see how Los Angeles 1932 differed from 1984, which I attended

[trumad]

23. I can't believe I forgot Cassius.

plus Marciano as well.

[Auggie]

24. Ali was 29-0 as a pro before being stripped of his title

in 1967 -- I never realized that until you brought it up. His first loss was to Joe Frazier in 1971.

I'm fortunate to have been old and wise enough to follow him through the 1970's.

[Forkboy]

2. Hmmmm

Butkus, for sure.

Gayle Sayers

Jack Nicklaus (though any of the ones you mentioned would have been nice to follow)

Bill Russell

Gordie Howe, Maurice Richard, Bobby Hull, and about 8,000 other old school NHLers

Roberto Clemente (for more than just his sports ability)

Jack Johnson

[Auggie]

3. Jack Johnson would have been really interesting n/t

[KamaAina]

25. I actually did see Gordie Howe in the twilight of his career

with the Whalers (remember them?) in their first NHL season.

[brendan120678]

4. Willie Mays, without a doubt.

It would have been amazing to see "The Catch" in the 1954 World Series.


Second choice would be Bobby Orr.
Who wouldn't have loved to be sitting in Boston Garden to witness "The Goal" in 1970?

[joeybee12]

5. The Babe and Bill Tilden come to mind

probably a lot more...hmmm...

[fishwax]

6. wow, so many

Basketball -- Pete Maravich and Dr. J. I remember the end of Dr. J's career, and I particularly remember watching his last game when I was a kid; he was good even then, but I would have liked to see him in his prime.

Baseball -- Willie Mays

Football -- Jim Brown, Deacon Jones, Dick Butkus

Boxing -- Dempsey, and Louis, and Ali

Tennis -- Bill Tilden and Pancho Gonzales

Golf -- Jack Nicklaus and Ben Hogan

Other -- Pele, Mark Spitz

[Auggie]

8. Deacon Jones came to my mind too

So did Sam Huff.

As with Butkus, they were off my radar. Pro football wasn't my interest until mid teens.

[ProfessorGAC]

41. Oooh! Pistol Pete

I saw him play a game against the Bulls in around 1975 or 6. The Bulls were on the downside of there good years with Love, Walker, Sloan, et al. and the Jazz were crappy, but Pistol was at the height of his powers.

I've been glad i went to that game ever since. He was one of my heroes, because he was the first "white chocolate" guy who played when i was playing organized ball. (Yeah, i'm old enough for that.)

Thanks for reminding me.
GAC

[wilt the stilt]

52. Professor - the other white black guy

Paul Westphal- do you remember his tomahawk dunk? Also, I do remember Pistol playing LSU. He took almost every shot. You should watch Bill Walton reminisce about Pistol on youtube.

[ProfessorGAC]

62. Different Strokes

Pistol predated Westphal. I was in high school in 1970, so Pete was my guy. Westphal was cool, especially since he was ambidextrous. Remember him winning that HORSE event? He could do almost everything with his off-hand, and other guys couldn't. It was a slaughter. But, i never saw him as white chocolate.

I personally couldn't relate to Walton as a player, who also was not even out of college when i was playing ball. He was a big man. I wasn't. So, i related to guards. But, i would like to see that piece on Youtube where he's talking Pete.

And, i know Pete was a gunner. But, i preferred his daring passing and the way he ran the break. When he was a pro, he did a LOT less shooting, but in college he did have his dad as the coach. Pretty convenient i guess.
GAC

[wilt the stilt]

66. GAC- Read "Breaks of the game"

by Halberstam. Black Players considered Westphal to have "black moves" and you find out very interesting information on Walton such as he played guard up to 9th grade and that is why he was such a good passer. Also, one of the most interesting thing that Jack ramsey says that if you didn't stop Bill Bradley then you lost to the Knicks. The Knick offense was centered around Bill Bradley.

[ProfessorGAC]

67. I Think You Misuderstand My Point

I've got nobthing but respect for the other two guys. They just weren't my heroes when i was in HS. Pistol was.
GAC

[wilt the stilt]

51. Here's my Dr. J story

I went to SUNY Farmingdale in 1969. My roommate went to Roosevelt High with Dr.J. My high school in Yonkers sent 3 players to the pros. Dr.J was not highly sought after high school and almost went to SUNY Brockport(My almamater and Ollie north started there). I used to argue with Al parrish(my roommate how if my guy(Charlie Criss) was bigger he would be a pro and he would argue if Dr.J had attended a better school he would be a pro. Dr. J went to UMass which was a third tier basketball school. Both of these guys made the pro's. I would love to tell Dr. J this story.

[lazarus]

7. a more obscure one

I wish I had been able to see more of George Gervin in his prime. I only saw a couple of games live, and virtually none televised. He was an amazing scorer.

Did you know he still has the record for points in a quarter? 33.

[Auggie]

9. Gervin NBA bio:

Only Wilt Chamberlain and Michael Jordan have won more league scoring championships than Gervin's four, and he was the first guard ever to win three titles in a row. His career scoring average of 26.2 points per game is among the game's best as is his combined NBA/ABA total of 26,595 points.

During his career, Gervin recorded a remarkable streak of scoring double figures in 407 consecutive games. He played in 12 straight All-Star Games, including nine in the NBA, and he averaged at least 21 points in each of those dozen years. In his nine NBA seasons with San Antonio, the Spurs won five division titles. He won an All-Star Game MVP Award and twice placed second in voting for the regular-season MVP Award.

But these numbers only begin to tell the story of Gervin's phenomenal pro career, which stretched from the early 1970s through the mid-1980s. To fully appreciate the greatness of "the Iceman" one had to see him rise up for a silky-smooth jump shot from 25 feet, twirl a heavenly finger-roll while soaring through the lane, execute a graceful reverse layup with either hand or explode for a sneaky power dunk between a pair of 7-foot defenders.

Whether he was battling a triple-team or changing directions in midair, Gervin made seemingly impossible shots look as easy as free throws. Despite his penchant for taking challenging shots, Gervin made more than half of his NBA field-goal attempts. Ironically, his effortless style of play prevented him from attaining the celebrity status of more dramatic players such as Julius Erving, Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan.

MORE: http://www.nba.com/history/players/gervin_bio.html

WOW

[lazarus]

10. effortless is the perfect description for Ice

He never broke a sweat, it seemed. Magic once said that Gervin was the toughest guy to defend he'd ever played.

[wilt the stilt]

53. No one is mentioning earl the Pearl Monroe

watch him on Youtube All the moves you see today Earl started including the "spin Move". His prignal name was "magic"

[Auggie]

56. I feel for athletes like Monroe...

and try to imagine what they're thinking when they see the attention and $$$ todays superstars are getting.

I remember what a huge star he was. I'm sure he was paid well during his prime. But no where near what he'd get today in salary, bonuses, and endorsements -- and media exposure.

[1gobluedem]

17. He still holds the scoring record at Eastern Michigan University too

Despite only having played two years.

I work at EMU, they are quite proud of him here.

[lazarus]

18. extra cool

I had forgotten he came from EMU. I had that Nike poster of his, sitting on a throne made of ice, back in high school. I'd pay real money for one now.

[SidDithers]

37. Oscar Robertson...

The Big O. He had a triple double season in 1961-62. Averaged 30 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists for the entire year.

Sid

[lazarus]

49. someone looked at the stats recently

Apparently, NBA teams have many fewer possessions now than they did in the days of the Big O. If you scale up LeBron's stats to match Robertson's possessions-per-game, he would be averaging a triple double.

But Robertson was sick. Nobody else managed it.

[wilt the stilt]

54. That is because of the 3 point shot.

there are hardly any fast break teams because everyone is holding for the 3 pointer. We are watching fabulous athletes playing a white man's game.

[lazarus]

57. yep

I hate the three point shot. I'd like to them do away with it, as well as some other changes that are desperately needed.

[MrCoffee]

11. Franz Beckenbauer

The man invented the sweeper position.

[RT Atlanta]

12. David Pearson & Neil Bonnett

both from Nascar.

I missed Pearson's peak years (with his duels with Petty) and I caught the tail end of Neil's career.

[Capt. America]

14. Ty Cobb

[joeybee12]

21. Can you imagine that kind of guy in today's world of media-over-exposure? n/t

[MadBadger]

15. Arnold Palmer

[Awsi Dooger]

16. Good pick

I should have mentioned Arnie. By the time I followed him the major heyday was long gone.

[Kingofalldems]

19. Walter Johnson

The Big Train.

[BulletproofLandshark]

20. Jerry West

Jim Brown
Wilt Chamberlain
Sammy Baugh
Bob Gibson
Jim Thorpe
Ali
Nolan Ryan
Bobby Orr
Gordie Howe
Maurice Richard

[taterguy]

22. David Thompson

One of the most amazing things I've seen. 6'4" (maybe) Thompson blocks Bill Walton's shot, without a running start.

Took place a couple years before I started watching the NCAA Tourney

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whIPLxAXGc4

[lazarus]

29. He could jump out of the gym

Amazing vertical leap, and an amazing athlete.

[wilt the stilt]

55. saw that game. DT had ups. n/t

[H2O Man]

26. Charles "Sonny" Liston

I would have enjoyed being in his training camp and near his corner for fights.

[MrCoffee]

28. Good choice

If I was to pick a boxer, it would have to be Joe Frazier.

[trumad]

43. Are you back from surgery?

How did it go...???

[H2O Man]

45. Friday at 8 am .....

It's been a curious experience, with plenty of "hurry up and wait!" involved. But, in 22 hours, they'll be getting started.

I had posted a response to your OP on GD. Thanks for that.

[H2O Man]

46. One minute

after posting this, I had a call .... now the surgery is on Tuesday.

Dang. I was ready. This shit is getting old.

[flvegan]

27. Carl Yastrzemski.

I was lucky enough to catch his last years (from around 1977 to his retirement in 1983). Would have loved to have been able to follow him through his prime.

[Jack Rabbit]

30. For me, that's easy . . .

I drink, I smoke, I gamble, I chase girls. But postal chess is a vice I've never acquired. -- Mikhail Tal

Please click here.

[devilgrrl]

31. Jean Béliveau and Bobby Orr

[Poiuyt]

32. Jesse Owens

I'm old enough to have seen many great athletes - Jim Brown, Jim Taylor, and Gale Sayers, Bart Starr and Johnny Unitas, Dick Butkus and Ray Nitschke, Hank Aaron and Warren Spahn.

Unfortunately, while thinking about this post, it made me realize that athletes today are much better than their predecessors, but that sports in general is worse. Yes, they can run faster, jump higher, lift more. But where is the passion, the real passion for the sport like there was 30 years ago? What does it say about sports when the most important person in an athlete's life is not his or her coach or any of their teammates, but rather their agent (or pharmacist).

[cherokeeprogressive]

33. I'm thinking of someone who never actually got to SEE his prime. He would have put up scary numbers

Bo Jackson

[trumad]

38. I got a chance to see Bo in his prime

both on the baseball and football field.

One of the greatest athletes I've ever seen.

[depakid]

34. Ardivas Sabonis in the NBA during his prime would have been awesome.

[taterguy]

35. I saw Sabonis live in 1988, exhibition game in the Dean Dome

The dude absolutely destroyed UNC.

The Heels were kind of sort of making a comeback.

Sabonis bombed one from deep.

Can your seven footer do this?

I think not.

[depakid]

40. The guy could also pass like a point guard

Portland would have won at least two championships with this guy in the early 90's.

[wilt the stilt]

50. Walton is considered the greatest passing center

of all time and he could pass like a point guard because he played guard until 10th grade. read "Breaks of the game" and you find that out. Sarbonis never had Walton's athletic ability.

[SidDithers]

36. Ted Lindsay and Gordie Howe...

they were some fuckin' tough.

Could throw Maurice Richard in there too.

Sid

[MrSlayer]

39. Ted Williams and Rocket Richard.

It would also have been cool to witness the Jesse Owens Olympics live.

[wilt the stilt]

42. I saw most of the players mentioned

I was born in 1951 and was involved with sports since '59. Willie Mays was at his peak in the sixties. I saw Mazeroski's home run. I saw the famous Havlicek steal on TV. I remember Sayers vividly as well as Jim Brown and Dic Butkus. I actually watched golf and remember Nicklaus, Palmer and Player. Billy casper wasn't bad either. My dad took me to Ebbets field and I was in the clubhouse in the Polo groundson Stan Musial night( we knew the coaches and trainer for the cardinals very well) I remember UCLA with Lew Alcindor and of course Walton. I remember Bobby Orr and he revolutionized the role of the defenseman. I guess I was lucky to see it all. I also saw Bob Beamon's 29' 2 ' jump.

[trumad]

44. Sweet history of Sports there...

[wilt the stilt]

47. Thanks, Trumad

I also saw all the big bands of the sixties including Joplin, Cream, The Who before Tommy, Led zepplin's second tour of the U.S. except Hendrix( I had tickets to Band of Gypsy's at the Fillmore but it was snowing and I figured I would catch him the next time. oops) and the closing of The Fillmore east with the Allmans. I went to Woodstock and attended the four biggest events that a liberal would be proud to attend. Woodstock,the first and second marches on Washington against the war and Obams inauguration.

[trumad]

48. Saw many bands at the Fillmore West in SF...

Joplin, Cream, the Who before Tommy was just a couple of years before I was old enough to go to concerts on my own.

I do love the Fillmore.

[wilt the stilt]

60. I saw Clapton 2 days ago

and I took my son. He was great. 6th time I've seen him including Blind faith

[Forkboy]

58. Nice.

Man, I would loved to have seen all that. I was born in 67, so even Orr was wrapping it up just as I was old enough to appreciate him. When I was around 10 a friend had all kinds of Chicago Bears footage from the late 60's, and we watched that over and over. Ed O'Bradovich, Butkus, Sayers...I had been a purely hockey kid up to that point, but seeing that stuff is why I'm still a football fan today.

But there's been some great athletes in the meantime. Wayne Gretzky, Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Bo Jackson (would have been one of the all time greats in NFL without the injury, in my mind), Joe Montana and Jerry Rice, Mario Lemieux, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. There's been some good stuff. :)

[Auggie]

59. That's what got me thinking about this.

We've seen some incredible talent in our lifetimes.

:toast:

[wilt the stilt]

61. The thing about Sayers

is that even today his moves are unique and he would be just as great today.

[bluescribbler]

63. Old fart here

I'm old enough to have seen all of the basketball players named in this thread. Saw Russel's Celtics beat Wilt's Lakers at the Gahden in 1968. On my 12th birthday, Dad took me and a friend to my first Celt's game. Russ, Cooz, Heinsohn, Ramsey, et.al.

So the hoopsters I wish I could have seen would be:

George Mikan. Perhaps the prototype of the modern center, if he didn't invent the hook shot, he certainly perfected it.

Arnold, "Red", Auerbach. Yep, he did play pro ball long before there was an NBA. I figure he must have been pretty good to have been able to coach successfully all those great players.

[Auggie]

65. "The Mikan Rule:"

Mikan became so dominant that the NBA had to change its rules of play in order to reduce his influence such as widening the lane from six to twelve feet ("The Mikan Rule").

More from Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Mikan

[damyank913]

64. Lou Gehrig, The Babe, Ted Williams & Sammy Baugh