TalkChicagoSports.com's Top 40 Greatest Chicago Sports Players

[knightni]

5. Bobby Hull

 

(16 of 18 lists - 229 points - highest ranking #3 mr_genius, ControlledChaos, YASNY, The Prophet)

 

Robert Marvin "Bobby" Hull OC (born January 3, 1939) is a retired Canadian ice hockey player. He is regarded as one of the greatest ice hockey players of all time and perhaps the greatest left winger to ever play the game. Hull was famous for his blonde hair and blinding speed, earning him the nickname "the Golden Jet". He possessed the most feared slapshot of his day. In his 23 years in the National Hockey League and World Hockey Association, he played for the Chicago Black Hawks, Winnipeg Jets and Hartford Whalers. He also played for the New York Rangers in the Dagens Nyheter Cup in 1981.

 

Early life

 

Hull was born in Pointe Anne, (now part of Belleville), Ontario, Canada. He played his minor hockey in Belleville, and then junior hockey for the Galt Black Hawks and the St. Catharines Teepees in the Ontario Hockey Association, before joining the Chicago Black Hawks in 1957 at the age of 18.

 

NHL career

 

Hull quickly blossomed into a star, finishing second in the rookie of the year balloting his first season. Hull originally wore numbers 16 and 7 as a Blackhawk but would later switch to his famous number 9, a tribute to his childhood idol Gordie Howe. By his third season, he led the league in goal- and point-scoring. He went on to lead the Chicago Black Hawks to the Stanley Cup in 1961—their third overall (and most recent) and first in 23 years. He and teammate Stan Mikita were the most formidable forward duo of the Sixties, notorious for curving the blades of their sticks. Armed already with a blazing, heavy shot, his curved blade caused the puck to veer high and at all different angles. Hull's ability to harness the blade's unpredictability would make it one of hockey's most memorable signatures.

 

Although he was only 5'10" in stature, Bobby had a solid build (he grew up on a dairy farm) and his playing weight was 185 pounds. His electrifying style would make him one of hockey's first international superstars and arguably the NHL's marquee star of the Sixties.

 

On March 12, 1966, he became the first NHLer to score more than 50 goals in a season, surpassing Maurice Richard and Bernie Geoffrion's hallowed mark of 50 goals. His 51st goal against the New York Rangers earned him a seven-minute standing ovation from the Chicago Stadium faithful. He would go on to score 54 goals that season, the highest single season total of the Original Six era, and led the league in goal scoring seven times in all in the Sixties. Despite Hull breaking his own record by four goals in 1968–69, the Hawks missed the playoffs for the first time since his rookie season. By his final NHL season, he had scored 50 goals or more a remarkable five times, only one fewer than every other player in history who had done so combined to that date.

 

His slapshot was once clocked at 118.3 mph (190.4 km/h) and he could skate 29.7 mph (47.8 km/h).[1]

 

WHA career

 

Long unhappy because of his relatively poor salary in the period when he was hockey's preeminent superstar, Hull responded to overtures from the upstart World Hockey Association's Winnipeg Jets in 1972 by jesting that he'd jump to them for a million dollars, a sum then considered absurd. Gathering the other league owners together to contribute to the unprecedented amount on the grounds that inking such a major star would give instant credibility to the new rival league that was competing directly against the entrenched NHL, Jets' owner Ben Hatskin agreed to the sum, and signed Hull for a contract worth $1,000,000 over ten years. Although his debut with Winnipeg was held up in litigation by the NHL, Hull instantly became the WHA's greatest star, and with Swedish linemates Anders Hedberg and Ulf Nilsson formed one of the most formidable forward lines of the 1970s (known as "The Hot Line"), leading the Jets to two AVCO Cups during his time with the club. His best year was 1975, when he scored 77 goals to set a new professional mark.

 

Because he joined the rival league, Hull was not allowed to represent Team Canada in the 1972 Summit Series. However in 1974 he got his chance to play on the international stage when he suited up for the WHA team representing Canada in a series against the USSR national team. The WHA lost the series four games to one (three ending in a tie), despite Hull's seven goals. He was a key member of the Canadian squad that won the 1976 Canada Cup, though, scoring five goals in seven games.

 

Retirement

 

Slowed by injuries and age, Hull played only a few games in the WHA's final season of 1979. However, after the 1979 merger of the two leagues (including the Jets) and reportedly in financial straits, Hull came out of retirement to play once more for the NHL Jets. He played in eighteen games before being traded to the Hartford Whalers for future considerations, and played effectively in nine games and three playoff games before retiring once more to care for his partner who had recently been injured in an automobile accident.

 

Hull ended his career having played in 1063 NHL games, accumulating 610 goals, 560 assists, 1170 points, 640 penalty minutes, three Art Ross Trophies, two Hart Memorial Trophies, a Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, a Stanley Cup Championship and adding 102 penalty minutes, 62 goals and 67 assists for 129 points in 119 playoff games. He played in 411 WHA games, scoring 303 goals, 335 assists and 638 points, adding 43 goals and 37 assists in 60 playoff games — 80 points.

 

In 1978 he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada. In 1983, Hull was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. His #9 jersey has been retired both by the Blackhawks and the Jets (and is still honored by the Jets' successor team, the Phoenix Coyotes.)

 

In 1998, Hull got involved in a controversy with the Russian media when he allegedly made pro-Nazi comments. He later claimed the interviewer misunderstood him in the translation.

 

The Hull family

 

Bobby's younger brother Dennis (sometimes referred to as "the Silver Jet"), starred alongside him with the Chicago Black Hawks for eight seasons, scoring over 300 goals in his own right. When Bobby was excluded from the 1972 Summit Series because he played in the WHA, Dennis initially planned to boycott the event as well as a show of support for his brother, but Bobby persuaded him to stay on Team Canada.

 

Bobby's third youngest son, Brett Hull (the "Golden Brett"), was a more glittering star yet, finishing his own illustrious career with the third-highest goal total in NHL history. Bobby and Brett are the only father-and-son tandem to achieve the marks of more than 50 goals in a season and more than 600 NHL goals. They are also the only father-and-son tandem to win the Hart Trophy and Lady Byng Trophy. While playing for the Phoenix Coyotes (formerly the Winnipeg Jets) in 2005, Brett donned his father's retired #9 for the last five games of his career. Bobby and Brett are the only father and son combination in any professional sport to both have their numbers retired. Bobby's #9 was retired by the Chicago Blackhawks and Winnipeg Jets (now Phoenix Coyotes) and Brett's #16 was retired by the St. Louis Blues.

 

Bobby's other sons included: Bart Hull, a standout running back for the Boise State University Bronco's football team in the early 1990s, and briefly played with British Columbia Lions prior to a recurring knee injury. Bobby Hull Jr. and Blake, both played junior and senior hockey. Bobby won the Memorial Cup with the 1980 Cornwall Royals. Later, they played together for the Allan Cup-winning Brantford Mott's Clamatos of the OHA Senior A Hockey League (AAA Men's Amateur) in 1987. Bobby Jr. also possessed a powerful shot, but lacked the scoring touch of his father and brother Brett.

 

Hull's daughter, and youngest child, Michelle, was an accomplished figure skater becoming British Columbia Pre-Novice Champion at the age of 11. After many knee injuries, she concentrated on her schooling and is now an attorney licensed in two states.

 

Awards & Achievements

 

* Art Ross Trophy Winner (1960, 1962, & 1966)

* NHL First All-Star Team Left Wing (1960, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, & 1972)

* Stanley Cup Championship (1961)

* NHL Second All-Star Team Left Wing (1963 & 1971)

* Hart Memorial Trophy Winner (1965 & 1966)

* Lady Byng Memorial Trophy Winner (1965)

* Lester Patrick Trophy Winner (1969)

* Became third hockey player to appear on the cover of Time magazine[1]

* WHA First All-Star Team (1973, 1974, & 1975)

* WHA Second All-Star Team (1976 & 1978)

* WHA Most Valuable Player (1973 & 1975)

* Avco Cup (WHA) Championships (1976, 1978, & 1979)

* Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1983

* Retired as the second leading goal scorer and ninth leading point scorer in NHL history (currently 12th and 43rd respectively).

* Second in WHA history in goals, sixth in assists and third in points.

* In 1998, he was ranked number 8 on The Hockey News' list of the 100 Greatest Hockey Players, the highest-ranking left winger.

* Upon playing his last playoff game in 1980, he and teammate Gordie Howe became the last active players that had played in the 1950s.

* “Honoured Member” of the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame

 

Regular Season 	  	                        Playoffs
League  GP 	 G 	 A 	Pts 	PIM 	GP 	G 	A 	Pts 	PIM
WHA  	411 	303 	335 	638 	183 	60 	43 	37 	80 	38
NHL    1063 	610 	560 	1170 	640 	119 	62 	67 	129 	102

[knightni]

4. Frank Thomas

 

(17 of 18 lists - 244 points - highest ranking #2 balta1701)

 

Frank Edward Thomas (born May 27, 1968 in Columbus, Georgia) is an American Major League Baseball player for the Oakland Athletics.

 

Thomas became one of baseball's biggest stars in the 1990s, playing for the Chicago White Sox. He was given the nickname "The Big Hurt" by broadcaster Ken Harrelson, who coined the term in the 1992 season.[1] Frank Thomas is known, not only for his menacing home run power, but also for striking fear in the competition by swinging a rusted rebar (reportedly found during a renovation project in Old Comiskey Park[2]) in the on-deck circle.[3]

 

Thomas is one of several notable baseball players who played college baseball at Auburn University, such as Bo Jackson, who was also a teammate of Thomas in the major leagues. He also played tight end for the school's football team.[4] Thomas has hit over 500 career home runs, thus making him a strong candidate for the Baseball Hall of Fame when eligible. Thomas is part of an elite group as one of only four players in baseball history to have at least a .300 average, 500 home runs, 1,500 RBIs, 1,000 runs and 1,500 walks in a career. The others are Mel Ott, Babe Ruth and Ted Williams.[5]

Early life and career

 

Thomas was born and raised in Columbus, Georgia on the same day as fellow Major League player Jeff Bagwell (a player whose career would share several parallels to Thomas').[6] He attended Columbus High School and was a standout in both football and baseball. As a Columbus High School sophomore he hit cleanup for a baseball team that won a state championship. As a senior he hit .440 for the baseball team, was named an All-State tight end with the football team, and played forward with the basketball team. He wanted desperately to win a contract to play professional baseball, but he was completely overlooked in the 1986 amateur draft. Baseball teams signed some 891 players on that occasion, and Thomas was not among them.[7]

 

"I was shocked and sad," Thomas recalled in the Chicago Tribune. "I saw a lot of guys I played against get drafted, and I knew they couldn't do what I could do. But I've had people all my life saying you can't do this, you can't do that. It scars you. No matter how well I've done. People have misunderstood me for some reason. I was always one of the most competitive kids around."[8]

 

In the autumn of 1986, Thomas accepted a scholarship to play football at Auburn University. Even so, his love of baseball drew him to the Auburn baseball team, where the coach immediately recognized his potential. "We loved him," Auburn baseball coach Hal Baird told Sports Illustrated. "He was fun to be around—always smiling, always bright-eyed." He was also a deadly hitter, posting a .359 batting average and leading the Tigers in runs batted in as a freshman. During the summer of 1987 he played for the U.S. Pan American Team, earning a spot on the final roster that would compete in the Pan American Games. The Games coincided with the beginning of football practice back at Auburn, so he left the Pan Am team and returned to college—only to be injured twice in early season football games.[9]

 

Thomas might have lost his scholarship that year because he could no longer play football. Instead Auburn continued his funding, and baseball became his sole sport. He was good enough as a sophomore to win consideration for the U.S. National Team—preparing for the 1988 Summer Olympics—but he was cut from the final squad. Stung and misunderstood again, he fought back. By the end of his junior baseball season he had hit 19 home runs, 19 doubles, and had batted .403 with a slugging percentage of .801. With another amateur draft looming, the scouts began to comprehend that the big Georgia native could indeed play baseball. By his senior year (1989) he was voted the Southeastern Conference MVP in baseball, leaving the school with forty-nine career homers, a school record.

 

The Chicago White Sox selected Thomas seventh in the first round of the June 1989 draft.

 

Thomas played first base during the early part of his career and was not known for his defense. He never won a Gold Glove at the position, and has played primarily as a designated hitter since turning 30 years old. Rather, Thomas is known for his offensive performance; some regard him as one of the best pure hitters in baseball's history. Thomas is the only player in major league history to have seven consecutive seasons of a .300 average, and at least 100 walks, 100 runs, 100 runs batted in, and 20 home runs (from 1991 to 1997). The only other player to have more than five consecutive seasons accomplishing this feat was Ted Williams with six. This accomplishment is even more remarkable considering that despite playing only 113 games in 1994, due to the labor stoppage which curtailed that season prematurely, he still was able to attain these lofty numbers, thereby keeping the streak alive. Additionally, there are only 6 players in history who have both hit more home runs and have a higher career batting average than Thomas (Hank Aaron, Jimmie Foxx, Mel Ott, Babe Ruth, Alex Rodriguez and Ted Williams).

 

Chicago White Sox

 

Early years

 

Thomas made his Major League debut on August 2, 1990 against the Milwaukee Brewers at County Stadium. He went hitless, going 0-4, but did have an RBI on a fielder's choice which scored Ivan Calderon as the White Sox won the game 4-3.[10] On August 28 1990, Thomas hit the first home run of his career in Minnesota, against the Twins, coincidentally the same place where he would hit his 500th career home run. He hit the home run off pitcher Gary Wayne in the top of the ninth as his team lost 12-6.[11]

 

In just his first full season, in 1991, Thomas finished third in MVP voting with a .318 batting average, 32 home runs, 109 runs batted in as well as walking 138 times. He won the first of four Silver Slugger awards, and led the league in on-base percentage, something he would accomplish four times throughout his career.

 

In 1993 and 1994, Thomas won back-to-back Most Valuable Player awards. In 1994, the baseball season was shortened due to a players' strike and perhaps no one felt the sting of the strike more than Thomas, who stood poised to achieve one of baseball's most prestigious honors: the Triple Crown. Not since 1967 had any player finished the regular season first in average, home runs, and runs batted in. Thomas was contending for the honor when the strike occurred, and his numbers were good enough to earn him a second American League Most Valuable Player award. Pressed by the media to comment on his accomplishments—and his future—Thomas told the Atlanta Journal and Constitution: "I'm not into being known as the best by fans or the media. I care how I'm perceived by my peers. I can settle for the label 'one of the best' because that means you're considered an elite player."[12]

 

He is one of only two first basemen in history to win consecutive Most Valuable Player awards in the major leagues (Hall-of-Famer Jimmie Foxx is the other, in 1932–33). In his second MVP season, he hit an incredible .353, with 38 home runs and 101 RBI. Thomas now proved himself as not only a power hitter, but an excellent overall hitter. He became the most feared hitter in baseball. Pitchers began to pitch around him more often. He continued his trend of hitting for power with high averages. In 1996, he hit .349 and mashed 40 homers and became an all-star for the fourth time. He was 8th in MVP voting.

 

Later years

 

From 1991–1997, Thomas finished in the top 10 of the MVP voting every year. In 1997, Thomas won the batting title and finished third in MVP voting. He struggled over the next two seasons, but rebounded in 2000 when he hit .328 with a career-high 43 homers and 143 runs batted in. Thomas finished second in MVP voting that season, behind Jason Giambi of the Oakland Athletics. He also won the 2000 AL Comeback Player of the Year Award. In 2001, after his father died, Thomas also announced during the same week that he would go season ending surgery after a second MRI revealed a triceps tear in his right arm. "This is the worst week of my life," Thomas said during a press conference in Chicago. "First I lose my father, then come back and find out I'm lost for the season." He only played in 20 games that year.[13]

 

He rebounded in 2002, but he just hit .252 in 148 games, a career-low for Thomas for a complete season. As the years went on, Thomas' average dropped year after year, but his power never seemed to diminish. Thomas has always been one of the most patient hitters in baseball, leading the American League in walks four times. Through the end of the 2006 season, Thomas was second among all active players in walks and third in on-base percentage, and ranked among the top 20 lifetime in both categories.

 

Thomas had been maligned by the media in Chicago due to a dropoff in his performance later in his career. Much of this came about after the 2002 season, when the White Sox invoked a "diminished skills" clause in his contract. Thomas somewhat resurrected his career in 2003; although he hit a subpar .267, he was tied for second in the American League in home runs (42), and was in the league's top ten in walks, extra-base hits, slugging percentage, and on-base plus slugging, as he led the major leagues in fly ball percentage (54.9%). In 2005, Thomas hit 12 home runs despite only having 105 at-bats in 35 games, demonstrating the power that he showed earlier in his career. Adding together 2004 and 2005, he had fewer than 350 total at-bats because of the injuries but managed to hit 30 home runs and draw 80 walks. As a member of the White Sox, Thomas and teammate Magglio Ordóñez tied a major league record for back-to-back homers, with six in one season. Thomas won a World Series title with the Chicago White Sox in 2005, but he was not on the post-season roster due to injury. During Game 1 of the Division Series against the Boston Red Sox, Thomas threw out the ceremonial first pitch. "What a feeling," Thomas said. "Standing O all around the place. People really cheering me. I had tears in my eyes. To really know the fans cared that much about me -- it was a great feeling. One of my proudest moments in the game."[14]

 

Departure and controversy

 

Thomas' departure from the White Sox was somewhat controversial. He and White Sox General Manager Kenny Williams exchanged words before Thomas left for Oakland. After signing with Oakland, Thomas said that he didn’t appreciate the way his 16-year run with the White Sox ended, saying that chairman Jerry Reinsdorf didn’t call him to tell him he wasn’t coming back. He also said that he and Williams didn’t see eye-to-eye after Williams became GM following the 2000 season. At the time, Thomas was unhappy that his next-to-last deal with the White Sox contained a “diminished skills” clause. He said the White Sox should have traded him after the playoffs that season.

 

“I’ve got a lot of respect for Jerry Reinsdorf, I do. But I really thought, the relationship we had over the last 16 years, he would have picked up the phone to say, `Big guy, we’re moving forward. We’re going somewhere different. We don’t know your situation or what’s going to happen.’ I can live with that, I really can,” Thomas said. “But treating me like some passing-by-player. I’ve got no respect for that.” Thomas said he wasn’t bitter or angry and had joined the A’s with an open mind.[15]

 

Williams fired back at Thomas calling him an "idiot". He also said “If he was any kind of a man, he would quit talking about things in the paper and return a phone call or come knock on someone’s door. If I had the kind of problems evidently he had with me, I would go knock on his door.”[16]

 

Despite this controversy, Thomas' statistical legacy from his time in Chicago is significant as he is probably the best player the White Sox have ever had. Thomas has several White Sox records to his name, including all-time leader in runs scored (1,327), home runs (448), doubles (447), RBIs (1,465), extra-base hits (906), walks (1,466), total bases (3,949), slugging percentage (.568), and on-base percentage (.427).

 

Oakland Athletics

 

Partially due to his recurring ankle and foot injuries, the White Sox declined to pick up the option year on Thomas' contract on December 7, 2005. He signed with the Oakland Athletics to a one year, $500,000 deal with incentives on January 25, 2006.[17]

 

The Athletics installed Thomas as their everyday DH. He started the season slowly, but ended the season as the team leader in home runs, RBI, slugging percentage, and on-base percentage. He provided a powerful right-handed bat in the middle of the lineup for the division-leading Athletics. He had a stretch where he hit a home run in six straight games.

 

On Monday, May 22, 2006, Thomas homered twice in his first game against his former team. Before Thomas came up to lead off the 2nd inning, a musical montage played on the Jumbotron at U.S. Cellular Field, paying tribute to Thomas's legacy with the White Sox. He was cheered in his introduction by the White Sox fans. Moments later, when he hit his first home run of the night to put his former team behind in the score 1-0, he was loudly cheered along with a standing ovation.

 

Thomas rejuvenated his career playing with the Athletics, placing fifth in the American League with 39 HRs and eighth with 114 RBIs.[18] He also was key to the team's stretch drive to the playoffs: for the week ending September 10, he was the American League's player of the week after hitting .462 with five homers and 13 RBIs.[19] The 2006 post season provided Thomas the opportunity to play in his first postseason games since 2000 since he missed the 2005 playoffs with an injury, when the Athletics clinched the American League West title, defeating the Seattle Mariners, 12-3 on September 26. During the A's first playoff game on October 3, Thomas hit two solo home runs, leading the A's to a 3-2 win over the Minnesota Twins. His performance during the opening playoff game earned Thomas the distinction of being the oldest player to hit multiple home runs in a Major League Baseball postseason game.

 

On October 7, 2006, he finished behind Jim Thome, the man who replaced him as the Chicago White Sox's DH, in the voting for the American League Comeback Player of the Year Award. However he was awarded with the AL players choice award for Comeback Player. He finished 4th in the vote for the American League Most Valuable Player Award.[20]

 

Toronto Blue Jays

 

On November 16, 2006 Thomas signed a 2-year, $18.12 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays which was officially confirmed on November 17, 2006. According to BlueJays.com, Thomas was scheduled to make $1 million (US) in the first season (with a $9.12 million signing bonus) and $8 million in the next season. The contract included an option for 2009 contingent on his reaching 1,050 plate appearances over the next two seasons or 525 plate appearances in his 2nd year of the contract.[21]

 

On June 17, 2007, Thomas hit his 496th career home run, giving him his 244th home run as a DH, breaking the record previously held by Edgar Martínez.

 

On June 28, 2007, Frank Thomas hit the 500th home run of his career, becoming the 21st player in the history of Major League Baseball to do so. It was a three-run shot off Minnesota's Carlos Silva. This is also notable, as Thomas was ejected in the later innings of the game for arguing balls and strikes with the home plate umpire.

 

On September 17, 2007, Frank Thomas hit three home runs in his team's 6-1 win over the Boston Red Sox. It was the second time in his career that Thomas hit three home runs in a game, the first time also against the Red Sox, on September 15, 1996, in a Chicago White Sox loss.[22][23] Knuckleballer Tim Wakefield started both games for the Red Sox, and gave up five of the six home runs Thomas hit, including all three in the first game.

 

During Spring Training in 2008, Thomas expressed his confidence about his team's chances for the upcoming season. Thomas hit his first home run of the season against the Red Sox on April 5, in a 10-2 Blue Jays win. The following day, with the bases loaded and a 2-2 tie, Thomas hit a Grand Slam home run off Red Sox reliever Manny Delcarmen, leading the Jays to a 7-4 victory. On April 19, before a game against the Detroit Tigers manager John Gibbons announced that he would be benching Thomas for an undisclosed period of time. The benching angered the 39-year old Thomas who did not shake hands with his teammates following their victory on that day and said before the game that he was angry and that his career "will not end like this".[24] Thomas signed a two-year, $18 million contract with Toronto in November 2006. The deal included a $10 million option for 2009, but only if Thomas made 376 plate appearances in 2008.

 

On April 20, 2008 the Blue Jays released Thomas, one day after being benched by the team for his lack of production, and criticizing manager John Gibbons for benching him.[25] Four days later (April 24, 2008), the Oakland Athletics and Thomas agreed to terms for his return.[26]

 

Baseball accomplishments

 

* On June 28, 2007, Frank Thomas became only the 21st player in Major League Baseball history to hit at least 500 home runs, after he hit a 1st inning home run at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome; coincidentally Thomas hit his first home run of his career there back on August 28, 1990.[27]

* Thomas is on a short list of elite players who have hit 500 home runs while maintaining a career .300 batting average (joining Hall-of-Famers: Babe Ruth, Jimmie Foxx, Mel Ott, Ted Williams, Willie Mays, Henry Aaron, and later joined by Alex Rodriguez).

* Thomas is also on a short list of elite players to hit 500 career home runs and accrue at least 1600 Bases on Balls. The others are: Babe Ruth, Mel Ott, Mickey Mantle, Ted Williams, and Barry Bonds.

* Thomas was the first player in Major League history to win two silver slugger awards each at two different positions (1993-94 at first base; 1991 & 2000 as designated hitter).

* He was the 22nd player to win a second Most Valuable Player Award (1993 & 94). He was the first American League player to accomplish this since Roger Maris in 1960 and 1961.

* He was only the eleventh player in history to win consecutive Most Valuable Player Awards, and the first American League player to do so since Roger Maris in 1960 and 1961.

* He was the third player (Eddie Murray and Hank Aaron) to collect 500 career home runs and 120 career sacrifice flies.

* His 138 Bases on Balls in the 1991 season was not only the most accrued in a season by any American League player in the 1990s, it was the most for a season by any American League player since 1969 when Harmon Killebrew walked 145 times.

* Thomas' 0.729 slugging percentage for the shortened 1994 season was the highest season mark for an American League player since Ted Williams' 0.731 slugging percentage in 1957. Only Mark McGwire's 0.730 in 1996 has been higher since then.

* In the shortened 1994 season, Thomas achieved an On Base Percentage of 0.494 which was also the highest season mark for an American League player since Ted Williams' 0.528 on base percentage in 1957. No American League player has topped this since.

* Currently the all-time record holder for home runs by a designated hitter.

* Currently ranks 18th with career 520 HRs.

* Currently ranks 21st with career 1,701 RBIs.

* Currently ranks 22nd with a .558 career slugging percentage.

* Currently ranks 4th with 121 career sacrifice flies. He is the only player in Major League history to hit over 90 sacrifice flies, and not collect a single sacrifice hit.

* Only player in 500 Home Run club with less triples (12 for Thomas) in career is Mark McGwire.

 

Appearances in the media

 

Thomas appeared in the movie Mr. Baseball (as a hot-prospect rookie who forces Tom Selleck's character off the Yankees) and made a guest appearance (as himself) on the TV show Married With Children.

 

In 1995, a Super NES baseball video game titled Frank Thomas' Big Hurt Baseball was released for home video game play, and Premier Technologies created a "Big Hurt" pinball machine, marketed under the Gottlieb trade name).[28]

 

In 2007, he appeared in a promotional advertisement for the Toronto Blue Jays, in which he engages in a pillow fight with children. This ad drew the criticism of the Television Bureau of Canada, who requested a "Dramatization. Do not try this at home." disclaimer be placed on the ad. A similar warning was placed on teammate A.J. Burnett's commercial.[2] The Blue Jays, humorously, then scheduled a "Frank Thomas Kid's Pillow" promotion for September 2, 2007. [3]

 

Thomas also appeared as a guest analyst during TBS's coverage of the 2007 MLB playoffs.

 

Advocate for drug testing

 

As early as 1995, Thomas was advocating drug testing for professional baseball players.[29] After hitting his 500th home run, Thomas stated, "It means a lot to me because I did it the right way," alluding to Barry Bonds's then-present pursuit of Hank Aaron's career home run record.[30] Thomas was the only active baseball player to be interviewed during the preparation of the Mitchell Report. He did so voluntarily.

Selected MLB statistics

(through May 23, 2008)

 

Batting average .302

Home runs 520

Runs batted in 1,701

Walks 1,653

 

Teams

 

* Chicago White Sox (1990-2005)

* Oakland Athletics (2006)

* Toronto Blue Jays (2007-2008)

* Oakland Athletics (2008-present)

 

[knightni]

3. Dick Butkus

 

(17 of 18 lists - 245 points - highest ranking #3 Chwrock2, MadLithuanian, whitesoxfan99)

 

Richard Marvin "Dick" Butkus (born December 9, 1942) is a former American football player, widely regarded as the greatest linebacker of his generation and one of the best football players of all time. Butkus starred as a football player for the University of Illinois and the Chicago Bears. He became a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979.

 

Early life

 

Butkus was born into a large Lithuanian family of eight children on the south side of Chicago. He played high school football for Coach Bernie O'Brien at CVS. There he met his three lifelong friends Patrick O'Neill, Tyler Volk, and Eric Parker who played linebacker with him in high school. The group was infamously known around the conference as the ferocious quartet.

University of Illinois

 

At Illinois, Butkus played center and linebacker from 1962 through 1964. Butkus was twice a unanimous All-American, in 1963 and 1964. Butkus won the Chicago Tribune Silver Football in 1963 as the Big Ten Most Valuable Player, and was named the American Football Coaches Association Player of the Year in 1964. Butkus also finished sixth in Heisman Trophy balloting in 1963, and third in 1964, a remarkable achievement given his position.

 

After his collegiate career, Butkus continued to receive recognition for his play. Butkus was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1983, and is one of only two players to have a uniform number (#50) retired by the University of Illinois (the other being Harold "Red" Grange). Butkus was also named to the Walter Camp All-Century team in 1990, and was named as the sixth-best college football player ever by College Football News in 2000. As perhaps the ultimate tribute to his excellence, in 1985 the Downtown Athletic Club of Orlando, Florida created an award in his name. The Dick Butkus Award is given annually to the most outstanding linebacker in college football. In 2007, Butkus was ranked #19 on ESPN's Top 25 Players In College Football History list.

 

NFL

 

Butkus was drafted in the first round by his hometown team, the Chicago Bears. In Chicago, Butkus became known for wreaking havoc on the opponent's backfield. He was selected to the Pro Bowl for 8 seasons, and was all-league six times. In his rookie season, Butkus led the team in tackles, interceptions, forced fumbles, and fumble recoveries and regularly led the team in these categories throughout his career. Butkus recovered 25 fumbles in his career, an NFL record at the time of his retirement. He was one of the most feared players of his era and even appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated in 1970 with the caption "The Most Feared Man in the Game." He had one of his most productive seasons in 1970 with 132 tackles, 84 assists, 3 INT and 2 fumble recoveries. He was forced to retire after multiple knee injuries in 1973.

 

Butkus filed a lawsuit against the Bears in 1975, claiming the Bears knowingly kept Butkus on the field when he should have had surgery on his knees. The Bears denied Butkus and their other players the right to seek second opinions with doctors other than the Bears team doctor, and the team would liberally use painkillers so Butkus, a major gate attraction, would be active.

 

Because of the lawsuit, Butkus' relationship with owner George Halas was icy despite the fact the two shared much in common (Chicago born and raised, University of Illinois alumni, first-generation Americans). Butkus did return to the Bears as a color analyst on radio broadcasts in 1985, teaming with first-year play-by-play man Wayne Larrivee and former St. Louis Cardinals quarterback Jim Hart. His longtime teammate Gale Sayers was also honored during a ceremony during halftime of a rain-soaked Monday night game between the Bears and Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field.

 

He was also selected the 70th greatest athlete of the 20th century by ESPN, the 9th best player in league history by The Sporting News, and the fifth best by the Associated Press. The National Football League named him to their all time team in 2000. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979.Although Butkus was bothered by his injuries he was deemeed the most feared line-backer in the NFL.

XFL

 

In the summer of 2000, Dick Butkus was announced to be the coach of the Chicago Enforcers of the XFL. Although a few months later it was announced that he would not coach the Enforcers. Butkus was given a "promotion", and became the XFL Director of Competition. Many Chicago fans were disappointed that Butkus was removed from his coaching position. Butkus was replaced with Ron Meyer for the XFL's only season in 2001.

 

After football

 

* After his career as a player, Butkus has become a well known celebrity endorser, broadcaster, and actor. He has appeared in films such as Gus (1976), Cracking Up, Necessary Roughness, and Any Given Sunday, and as a regular character on TV shows such as Blue Thunder, My Two Dads, and Hang Time. He made two appearances on the TV shows "Coach" and MacGyver. In an oft-rerun episode of Murder She Wrote, Butkus appeared in a locker-room scene wearing nothing but a towel wrapped around his waist.

 

* Promoted the "Qwik-Cook Grill", a grill utilizing newspaper as its main fuel, on TV infomercials in the '90s.[1]

 

* Butkus' son, Matt Butkus, was part of University of Southern California's 1990 Rose Bowl winning team as a defensive lineman and played on the Chicago Bears as a reserve linebacker during the 2003 NFL season.

 

* Butkus was also the special referee for the battle royal at WrestleMania 2.

 

* Butkus was hired as the replacement for Jimmy "The Greek" Snyder on CBS pregame show The NFL Today in 1988, serving as an analyst through 1989.

 

* His nephew, Luke Butkus, was hired on February 19th, 2007, as the Bears' offensive line coach.[2]

 

* Butkus had a cameo appearance in the 2nd season episode "The No-Cut Contract" of the TV show The Rockford Files.

 

Bound for Glory

 

In 2005, Butkus "coached" a high school football team for an ESPN reality show, "Bound for Glory". The series documented the season of the Montour Spartans of Pittsburgh, Pa., and was told through the eyes and ears of the players, coaches, teachers, families and friends. The high school football team, which once celebrated heroic triumphs, had fallen on hard times - making the playoffs just once in the previous seven years. After starting the season with only 1 win and 6 losses, Butkus left the team and the show, citing the fact that he was only contracted for 8 weeks.

 

Career Information

 

Year(s): 1965–1973

NFL Draft: 1965 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3

College: Illinois

 

Professional Teams

 

* Chicago Bears (1965-1973)

 

Career Stats

 

Tackles 1,020

Interceptions 22

Fumble Recoveries 27

 

 

Career Highlights and Awards

 

* 8x Pro Bowl selection (1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972)

* 8x All-Pro selection (1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972)

* NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team

* NFL 1960s All-Decade Team

* NFL 1970s All-Decade Team

* 1969 NEA NFL Defensive Player of the Year

* 1970 NEA NFL Defensive Player of the Year

* Chicago Bears #51 Retired

 

Pro Football Hall of Fame

College Football Hall of Fame

 

[knightni]

2. Walter Payton

 

(18 of 18 lists - 343 points - highest ranking #1 ControlledChaos, knightni)

 

Walter Jerry Payton (July 25, 1954 – November 1, 1999) was an American football player, who played for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He is remembered as one of the most prolific running backs in the history of American football. Payton, a nine-time Pro Bowl selection, once held the League’s record for most career rushing yards, touchdowns, carries, and many other categories. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993. The NFL player and coach Mike Ditka described Payton as the greatest football player he had ever seen - but even greater as a human being.[1]

 

Payton began his football career in Mississippi, and went on to have an outstanding collegiate football career at Jackson State University . He started his professional career with the Bears in 1975, who selected him as the 1975 Draft’s fourth overall pick. Payton proceeded to win two NFL Player of the Year Awards, and won Super Bowl XX with the 1985 Chicago Bears. After struggling with the rare liver disease, "Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis" for several months, Payton died on November 1,1999 at the age of 45.

 

Early Life

 

"Sweetness" Walter Payton was one of three children born to Peter and Alyne Payton in Columbia, Mississippi. His father was a factory worker who had played semi-professional baseball.[2] He was an active member of the Boy Scouts, Little League, and his local church. At Jefferson High School, Payton played drums in the marching band, participated in the track team as a long jumper, and sang in the school choir. Outside of school he played in jazz-rock groups. During his first few years at high school, his older brother Eddie was on the football team, and Payton did not play partly to avoid competing with him. After Eddie graduated, the football coach asked him to try out for the team, and he agreed with the provision that he be allowed to continue playing in the band.[3]

 

Once he began to play football, as a junior, he achieved instant success as a running back.[3] At 5'10" he was not especially large, but his speed and strength made him one of the team's featured players. Jefferson High School was integrated with neighboring Columbia High School that year; Payton and his teammates were upset that their head coach had become an assistant, and Payton boycotted some of the spring practices in protest, but returned during the fall season.[4][5] He then earned state-wide honors as a member of Mississippi's all-state team, leading Columbia to an unexpected 8-2 season.[6][5]

 

College career

 

Although Payton had established himself as one of the state’s top running back prospects, he received no invitations from Southeastern Conference colleges and universities, which were accepting only a few black players at the time.[7] He decided to pursue his collegiate career at the historically African-American, Jackson State University, where his older brother Eddie had played football.[4][5]

 

While attending Jackson State, Payton played alongside many future professional football players, including Jerome Barkum, Robert Brazile, and Jackie Slater. As a member of the Jackson State Tigers, Payton rushed over 3,500 yards, averaging 6.1 yards per carry. He also broke the NCAA’s scoring record by rushing for 65 touchdowns during his college career. Payton finished fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting, leading many to speculate that he would have earned more national recognition if he had attended a better-known college.[8] Payton graduated in 1974 with a Bachelor's degree in communication.[4][5]

 

He acquired the nickname Sweetness in college. This name was ambiguous: it is variously said to have stemmed from his personality, from his athletic grace, or as an ironic description of his aggressive playing style.[9]

Professional career

 

1975−1982

 

On January 28, 1975, the Chicago Bears drafted Payton in the first round, as the fourth overall pick. The Bears had endured several losing seasons after the retirement of the iconic Gale Sayers in 1972. Payton's first game was not particularly successful; he was held to zero net rushing yards on eight attempts. His best performance of the season was the final game against the New Orleans Saints, where he rushed for 134 yards on 20 carries. Payton finished the season with only 679 yards and seven touchdowns.[4][5][10]

 

Payton was eager to improve his performance. During the 1976 NFL season, Payton rushed for over 1,000 yards and scored 17 touchdowns. Following the season, he was selected to play in the 1977 Pro Bowl, where he was declared the Pro Bowl MVP. The following year, he rushed for over 1,800 yards during the 1977 NFL season, and scored 16 touchdowns, becoming the league’s leading scorer for the season. He earned numerous awards that season, including the Associated Press and Pro Football Writers of America’s Most Valuable Player awards. His most memorable game of the season was against the Minnesota Vikings, where he rushed for a then-record 275 yards while combating the flu. By the end of the decade, Payton had received additional accolades for his exploits as a blocker, receiver, emergency punter, and quarterback.[4][5][11]

 

1983−1986

 

Despite Payton’s success on the field, the Bears struggled to assemble consecutive winning seasons, landing only two playoff berths since his arrival. The lack of success prompted the Bears’ management to replace Neill Armstrong with Mike Ditka for the season that began in fall of 1983. Ditka, a tight end during the 1960s and 1970s who would also join the Pro Football Hall of Fame, led the Bears to an 8-8 finish in 1983 and a 10-6 finish in 1984. Payton continued his success by rushing for over 1,400 yards in both seasons. On October 7, 1984, Payton broke Jim Brown's career rushing record.

 

In 1985, Payton rushed for over 1,500 yards, while helping the Bears establish the league’s second best offense (in its entire history). The Bear's 46 defense of that season would go on to become one of the best in NFL history setting a record for points allowed.[12] Payton performed with his teammates in the widely-released 1985 music video The Super Bowl Shuffle. The Bears went on to a 15-1 record that culminated in a 46-10 victory over the New England Patriots at Super Bowl XX. Although Payton's offensive prowess had assisted the Bears throughout the 1985 season, the New England Patriots prevented him from reaching the end zone. According to quarterback Jim McMahon, he was targeted by two or three defensive Patriots during each play.[13]

 

In a later interview, Ditka stated that Payton's lack of a touchdown in this game was one of his major regrets.[4][5][14]

1986−1987

 

Payton, who was a twelve-year veteran, amassed 1,333 yards in the 1986 NFL season. The Bears won the NFC Central Division, but lost to the Washington Redskins 27-13 in the divisional round. At the end of the 1986 season, he announced that he would retire after completing the 1987 NFL season. During his last season with the Bears, Payton split carries with his successor, Neal Anderson, and only rushed for 533 yards. Over his entire career, Payton rushed for 16,726 yards, and scored 110 touchdowns. He also caught 492 passes for 4,538 yards and 15 touchdowns. Payton set several team records, including most career rushing yards, receptions, and touchdowns. His jersey number was retired by the Bears, and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993.[4][5] He had missed only one game in his 13-year career.[15]

 

Playing style

 

Payton's motto was "Never Die Easy" (also the title of his posthumously published autobiography), a goal which he attributed to his coach at Jackson State, Bob Hill. In practice this meant that he refused to deliberately run out-of-bounds, and always delivered some punishment to his tacklers before being forced off the field or forced down.[7]

 

One of Payton's signature maneuvers was the "stutter-step", a high-stepping, irregularly-paced run. He developed this as a way to distract his pursuers during long runs, saying that it startled them into thinking and gave him some advantage over players who were actually faster runners.[7] He revived the practice of stiff-arming his tacklers, which had gone out of favor among running backs in the 1970s.[16] At times he used his high school experience as a long jumper to leap over his opponents, landing on his head in the end zone to gain a touchdown in a game against the Buffalo Bills.[17] His running gait was somewhat unusual, as his knees were minimally bent, and the motion was largely powered from the hip.[18] This may have given his knees, a football player's most vulnerable joints, some protection, although he underwent arthroscopic surgery on both knees in 1983. He referred to this procedure as an 11,000-yard checkup.[18]

 

After scoring a touchdown, Payton declined to celebrate; instead, he would often hand the ball to his teammates. He disapproved of the growing practice of touchdown celebrations; he preferred post-game antics such as rushing into the locker room and locking his fellow teammates out in the cold while taking a long shower.[7]

 

While Payton might have won the respect of his peers and coaches by his running alone, he made 492 receptions over his career and was a consistent threat in the passing game. [19]

 

Personal life

 

Payton married Connie Norwood in 1976. The couple had two children, Brittney and Jarrett Payton, and resided in South Barrington, Illinois. In 1995, Walter, along with many other investors, sought to bring an NFL expansion team to Saint Louis, Missouri. Although an NFL strongly favored a franchise in St. Louis, their efforts were thwarted due to internal dissension amongst the investment group members[1] leading the NFL award franchises to investment groups in Jacksonville, Florida (Jacksonville Jaguars) and Charlotte, North Carolina (Carolina Panthers).[20]

 

Payton pursued various business ventures in retirement, including a CART Racing investment with Dale Coyne. He participated in various CART racing events, including a 1993 race in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin that nearly claimed his life. In 1996, he founded "Walter Payton's Roundhouse", a restaurant and pub that also hosted a museum of Walter's sports memorabilia.[4][5] He was interested in cooking, often making meals for friends,[21] and was also an enthusiastic chess player. He was known for making practical jokes, including untying referees' shoelaces during pileups, setting off firecrackers at unexpected moments, taking calls at the Bears' switchboard, and calling his friends' wives pretending to be their girlfriends.[22] He appeared on the comedy show Saturday Night Live in 1987.[23]

 

Payton had always been an accomplished dancer. While at Jackson State in 1975, he and a girlfriend entered a couples' dance contest televised on the nationally syndicated music/dance show Soul Train and finished second overall.[24]

 

Illness and death

 

In February of 1999, Payton announced that he had a rare liver disease known as primary sclerosing cholangitis, which soon led to the growth of a cancerous tumor on his liver. His only hope for survival was a liver transplant, and he was placed on the national transplant waiting list. However, he did not receive a transplant in time to save his life. [25] Payton spent his final months as an advocate for organ transplants, appearing in many commercials to encourage others to donate organs, although by the time his first appeal was recorded, he had been told that his illness was already too far advanced for transplantation to have been a viable option.[7] The following April, Payton made a final public appearance at a Chicago Cubs game with Mike Ditka, where he threw the game's ceremonial first pitch.[26][27] Author Don Yaeger worked with him during the last weeks of his life to create his autobiography, Never Die Easy.[3]

 

On November 1, 1999, Payton died from the complications that arose from his illness. During the same week, the NFL held special ceremonies in each game to commemorate Payton's memory. In addition, the Chicago Bears wore special #34 patches on their jerseys to honor Payton. [26]

 

The speakers at Payton's public funeral service, held in Soldier Field, included Jesse Jackson, National Football League Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, former teammate Dan Hampton, his widow Connie Payton, and his children, Jarrett and Brittney Payton.[28] Among the 2,000 mourners at the private service were John Madden, Illinois Governor George Ryan, Chicago's mayor Richard M. Daley, former teammates Matt Suhey, Mike Singletary, Roland Harper, and Jim McMahon, as well as the Bears' equipment manager, building superintendent, and many other people representing a wide racial, social, political, and economic spectrum.[29]

 

Legacy

 

Payton's legacy continues through the charitable Walter and Connie Payton Foundation. His own appeals for greater awareness of the need for organ donations, and after his death, his foundation's, are widely credited with bringing national attention to the problem.[30] After his appeal, donations in Illinois skyrocketed, and the regional organ bank of Illinois was overwhelmed with calls.[31] In response, the City of Chicago inserted organ donation requests into city vehicle registration mailings in early 2000, and by August 2000, 13,000 people had signed into the program.[32] The foundation continues to run a program that Payton organized to donate toys to underprivileged children across the Chicago area each Christmas.[33] The family established the Walter Payton Cancer Fund in 2002.[34]

 

Many modern NFL running backs have cited Payton as a source of inspiration. Emmitt Smith tearfully paid homage to Payton after breaking Payton’s rushing record.[35] LaDainian Tomlinson, who set numerous records during the 2006 NFL season, named Payton as one of his foremost mentors and inspirations.[36] Ahman Green, a player for the Bears' rival Green Bay Packers, is said to have idolized Payton, viewing the highlight film "Pure Payton" before each game.[37] Walter's son, Jarrett Payton was a running back for the Tennessee Titans and Amsterdam Admirals. During his tenure at the University of Miami, Jarrett wore a #34 jersey to honor his father's memory.[33]

 

The city of Chicago has honored Payton’s memory in several ways. In 1999, the city created a special license plate and city sticker that featured Payton. The profits from the sales were given to support organ donor programs across Illinois.[38] Additionally, the city named a high school, Walter Payton College Prep, in his honor. In September 2007 the University of Illinois at Chicago Medical Center opened the Walter Payton Liver Center.[39] Chicago Metra commuters have long been witness to a simple "#34 Sweetness", painted on a bridge piling of the Air Line on the south end of the Chicago Union Station yards.

 

There are two athletic awards named after Payton. The NCAA gives the "Walter Payton Award" to the best offensive player from a Division I FCS (still often known by its former designation of Division I-AA) football team. The NFL hands out the "Walter Payton Man of the Year" award for player achievements in community service during a particular season.

 

Career statistics

 

Payton was the NFL's all-time leader in rushing yards and all-purpose yards prior to the 2002 NFL season. He led the league in rushing yards and touchdowns in the 1977 NFL season. Additionally, he was among the top ten players for rush attempts during his entire career, including 1976, 1977, and 1978, leading the category in 1979. As of 2006 he was the NFL's second all-time rusher, and ranked third in rushing touchdowns scored.[40]

 

Regular season

 

* Rushing Yards: 16,726

* Rushing Touchdowns: 110

* Rush Attempts: 3,838

* Receiving Yards: 4,538

* Receiving Touchdowns: 15

* Receptions: 493

* All-purpose yards: 21,803

 

Post-season

 

* Rushing Yards: 632

* Rushing Touchdowns: 2

* Rushing Attempts: 180

* Receiving Yards: 178

* Receptions: 22

 

Career Information

 

Year(s): 1975–1987

NFL Draft: 1975 / Round: 1 / Pick: 4

College: Jackson State

 

Professional Teams

 

* Chicago Bears (1975-1987)

 

Career Stats

Rushing Yards 16,726

Average 4.4

Touchdowns 110

 

Career Highlights and Awards

 

* 9x Pro Bowl selection (1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986)

* 9x All-Pro selection (1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986)

* 1977 NFL MVP

* 1977 PFWA NFL MVP

* 1977 NEA NFL MVP

* 1985 UPI NFC Player of the Year

* 1977 UPI NFC Player of the Year

* 1977 Bert Bell Award

* 1978 Pro Bowl MVP

* Super Bowl XX Champion

 

Pro Football Hall of Fame

College Football Hall of Fame

 

[knightni]

1. Michael Jordan

 

(18 of 18 lists - 358 points - highest ranking #1 Texsox, rangercal, mr_genius, farmteam, balta1701, Drunkbomber, BigEdWalsh, Felix, ChiSox_Sonix, southsidehawkeye, Chwrock2, YASNY, BrianBear, MadLithuanian, The Prophet, whitesoxfan99)

 

Michael Jeffrey Jordan (born February 17, 1963) is a retired American professional basketball player and active businessman. His biography on the National Basketball Association (NBA) website states, "By acclamation, Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player of all time."[1] Jordan was one of the most effectively marketed athletes of his generation, and was instrumental in popularizing the NBA around the world in the 1980s and 1990s.

 

After a stand-out career at the University of North Carolina, Jordan joined the NBA's Chicago Bulls in 1984. He quickly emerged as one of the stars of the league, entertaining crowds with his prolific scoring. His leaping ability, illustrated by performing slam dunks from the free throw line at Slam Dunk Contests, earned him the nicknames "Air Jordan" and "His Airness". He also gained a reputation as one of the best defensive players in basketball. In 1991, he won his first NBA championship with the Bulls, and followed that achievement with titles in 1992 and 1993, securing a "three-peat". Though Jordan abruptly left the NBA at the beginning of the 1993-94 NBA season to pursue a career in baseball, he rejoined the Bulls in 1995 and led them to three additional championships (1996, 1997, and 1998) as well as an NBA-record 72 regular-season wins in the 1995–96 season. Jordan retired for a second time in 1999, but he returned for two more NBA seasons in 2001 as a member of the Washington Wizards.

 

Jordan's individual accolades and accomplishments include five MVP awards, ten All-NBA First Team designations, nine All-Defensive First Team honors, fourteen NBA All-Star Game appearances and three All-Star MVP, ten scoring titles, three steals titles, six NBA Finals MVP awards, and the 1988 NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award. He holds the NBA record for highest career regular season scoring average with 30.12 points per game, as well as averaging a record 33.4 points per game in the playoffs. In 1999, he was named the greatest North American athlete of the 20th century by ESPN, and was second to Babe Ruth on the Associated Press's list of athletes of the century. He will be eligible for induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009.

 

Jordan is also noted for his product endorsements. He fueled the success of Nike's Air Jordan sneakers, which were introduced in 1985 and remain popular today. Jordan also starred in the 1996 feature film Space Jam. He is currently a part-owner and Managing Member of Basketball Operations of the Charlotte Bobcats in North Carolina.

 

Early years

 

Michael Jordan was born to James R. Jordan, Sr. and Delores Jordan in Brooklyn, New York. His family moved to Wilmington, North Carolina, when he was a toddler.[2][3] Jordan attended Emsley A. Laney High School in Wilmington, where he anchored his athletic career by playing baseball, football, and basketball. He tried out for the varsity basketball team during his sophomore year, but at 5 feet 11 inches (1.80 m), he was deemed too short to play at that level and was cut from the team. The following summer, however, he grew four inches (10 cm)[1] and trained rigorously. Upon earning a spot on the varsity roster, Jordan averaged about 25 points per game over his final two seasons of high school play. As a senior, he was selected to the McDonald's All-American Team[4] after averaging a triple-double: 29.2 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 10.1 assists.[5] [6]

 

In 1981, Jordan earned a basketball scholarship to the University of North Carolina, where he majored in cultural geography. As a freshman in coach Dean Smith's team-oriented system, he was named ACC Freshman of the Year after he averaged 13.4 points per game (ppg) on 53.4% shooting (field goal percentage).[7] He made the game-winning jump shot in the 1982 NCAA Championship game against Georgetown, which was led by future NBA rival Patrick Ewing.[1] Jordan later described this shot as the major turning point in his basketball career.[8] After winning the Naismith and the Wooden College Player of the Year awards in 1984, Jordan left North Carolina one year before his scheduled graduation to enter the 1984 NBA Draft. The Chicago Bulls selected Jordan with the third overall pick, after Hakeem Olajuwon (Houston Rockets) and Sam Bowie (Portland Trail Blazers). Jordan returned to North Carolina to complete his degree in 1986.[9]

 

Professional sports career

 

Early career

 

During his first season in the NBA, Jordan averaged 28.2 ppg on 51.5% shooting.[7] He quickly became a fan favorite even in opposing arenas,[10][11][12] and appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated with the heading "A Star is Born" just over a month into his professional career.[13][14] Jordan was also voted in as an All-Star starter by the fans in his rookie season.[1] Controversy arose before the All-Star game when word surfaced that several veteran players, led by Isiah Thomas, were upset by the amount of attention Jordan was receiving.[1] This led to a so called "freeze-out" on Jordan, where players refused to pass him the ball throughout the game.[1] The controversy left Jordan relatively unaffected when he returned to regular season play, and he would go on to be voted Rookie of the Year.[15] The Bulls finished the season 38–44,[16] and lost in the first round of the playoffs in four games to the Milwaukee Bucks.[15]

 

Jordan's second season was cut short by a broken foot which caused him to miss 64 games. Despite Jordan's injury and a 30–52 record,[16] the Bulls made the playoffs. Jordan recovered in time to participate in the playoffs and performed well upon his return. Against a 1985–86 Boston Celtics team that is often considered one of the greatest in NBA history,[17] Jordan set the still-unbroken record for points in a playoff game with 63 in Game 2.[18] The Celtics, however, managed to sweep the series.[15]

 

Jordan had recovered completely by the 1986–87 season, and had one of the most prolific scoring seasons in NBA history. He became the only player other than Wilt Chamberlain to score 3,000 points in a season, averaging a league high 37.1 points on 48.2% shooting.[7] In addition, Jordan demonstrated his defensive prowess, as he became the first player in NBA history to record 200 steals and 100 blocks in a season. Despite Jordan's success, Magic Johnson won the league's Most Valuable Player Award. The Bulls reached 40 wins,[16] and advanced to the playoffs for the third consecutive year. However, they were again swept by the Celtics.[15]

Mid-career: Pistons roadblock

 

Jordan led the league in scoring again in the 1987–88 season, averaging 35.0 ppg on 53.5% shooting[7] and won his first league MVP award. He was also named the Defensive Player of the Year—a rarity for a guard—as he had averaged 1.6 blocks and a league high 3.16 steals per game.[19] The Bulls finished 50–32,[16] and made it out of the first round of the playoffs for the first time in Jordan's career, as they defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in five games.[20] However, the Bulls then lost in five games to the more experienced Detroit Pistons,[15] who were led by Isiah Thomas and a group of physical players known as the "Bad Boys".

 

In the 1988–89 season, Jordan again led the league in scoring, averaging 32.5 ppg on 53.8% shooting from the field, along with 8 rebounds per game (rpg) and 8 assists per game (apg).[7] The Bulls finished with a 47–35 record,[16] and advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals, defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks along the way. The Cavaliers series included a career highlight for Jordan when he hit a series winning shot over Craig Ehlo in the closing moments of the deciding fifth game of the series. However, the Pistons again defeated the Bulls, this time in six games,[15] by utilizing their "Jordan Rules" method of guarding Jordan, which consisted of double and triple teaming him every time he touched the ball.[1]

 

The Bulls entered the 1989–90 season as a team on the rise. With their core group of Jordan and young improving players like Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant, they were becoming a more cohesive team under the guidance of new coach Phil Jackson. Jordan averaged a league leading 33.6 ppg on 52.6% shooting, to go with 6.9 rpg and 6.3 apg[7] in leading the Bulls to a 55–27 record.[16] They again advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals beating the Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers en route. However, despite pushing the series to seven games, the Bulls lost to the Pistons for the third consecutive season.[15]

 

First three-peat

 

In the 1990–91 season, Jordan won his second MVP award after averaging 31.5 ppg on 53.9% shooting, 6.0 rpg, and 5.5 apg for the regular season.[7] The Bulls finished in first place in their division for the first time in 16 years and set a franchise record with 61 wins in the regular season.[16] With Scottie Pippen developing into an All-Star, the Bulls elevated their play. The Bulls defeated the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers in the opening two rounds of the playoffs. They advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals where their rival, the Detroit Pistons, awaited them. However, this time when the Pistons employed their "Jordan Rules" defense of doubling and triple teaming Jordan, he picked them apart with passing. Finally, the Bulls beat the Detroit Pistons in a surprising sweep.[21][22] In an unusual ending to the fourth and final game, Isiah Thomas led his team off the court before the final minute had concluded. Most of the Pistons went directly to their locker room instead of shaking hands with the Bulls.[23]

 

The Bulls compiled an outstanding 15-2 record during the playoffs[21], and advanced to the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history, where they beat the Los Angeles Lakers four games to one. Perhaps the best known moment of the series came in Game 2 when, attempting a dunk, Jordan avoided a potential Sam Perkins block by switching the ball from his right hand to his left in mid-air to lay the shot in.[24] The play was the last in a sequence of 13 consecutive field goals made by Jordan. In his first Finals appearance, Jordan posted per game averages of 31.2 points on 56% shooting from the field, 11.4 assists, 6.6 rebounds, 2.8 steals and 1.4 blocks.[25] Jordan won his first NBA Finals MVP award by a unanimous decision,[26] and he cried while holding the NBA Finals trophy.[27]

 

Jordan and the Bulls continued their dominance in the 1991–92 season, establishing a 67–15 record, topping their franchise record from 1990–91.[16] Jordan won his second consecutive MVP award with a 30.1/6.4/6.1 season on 52% shooting.[19] After winning a physical 7-game series over the burgeoning New York Knicks in the second round of the playoffs and finishing off the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Conference Finals in 6 games, the Bulls met Clyde Drexler and the Portland Trail Blazers in the Finals. The media, hoping to recreate a Magic-Bird rivalry, highlighted the similarities between "Air" Jordan and Clyde "The Glide" during the pre-Finals hype. In the first game, Jordan scored a Finals-record 35 points in the first half, including a record-setting six three-point field goals.[28] After the sixth three-pointer, he jogged down the court shrugging as he looked courtside. Marv Albert, who broadcast the game, later stated that it was as if Jordan was saying, "I can't believe I'm doing this."[29] The Bulls went on to win Game 1, and defeat the Blazers in six games. Jordan was named Finals MVP for the second year in a row[26] and finished the series averaging 35.8 ppg, 4.8 rpg, and 6.5 apg, while shooting 53% from the floor.[26]

 

In 1992–93, despite a 32.6/6.7/5.5 campaign,[19] Jordan's streak of consecutive MVP seasons ended as he lost the award to his friend Charles Barkley. Fittingly, Jordan and the Bulls met Barkley and his Phoenix Suns in the 1993 NBA Finals. The Bulls captured their third consecutive NBA championship on a game-winning shot by John Paxson and a last-second block by Horace Grant, but Jordan was once again Chicago's catalyst. He averaged a Finals-record 41.0 ppg during the six-game series,[30] and became the first player in NBA history to win three straight Finals MVP awards.[26] He scored more than 30 points in every game of the series, including 40 or more points in 4 consecutive games, a record which has never been threatened. With his third Finals triumph, Jordan capped off a seven-year run where he attained seven scoring titles and three championships, but there were signs that Jordan was tiring of his massive celebrity and all of the non-basketball hassles in his life.

 

Gambling controversy

 

During the Bulls' playoff run in 1993, controversy arose when Jordan was seen gambling in Atlantic City the night before a game against the New York Knicks.[31] In that same year, he admitted to having to cover $57,000 in gambling losses,[32] and author Richard Esquinas wrote a book claiming he had won $1.25 million from Jordan on the golf course.[32] In 2005, Jordan talked to Ed Bradley of the CBS evening show 60 Minutes about his gambling and admitted that he made some reckless decisions. Jordan stated, "Yeah, I’ve gotten myself into situations where I would not walk away and I’ve pushed the envelope. Is that compulsive? Yeah, it depends on how you look at it. If you’re willing to jeopardize your livelihood and your family, then yeah."[33] When Bradley asked him if his gambling ever got to the level where it jeopardized his livelihood or family, Jordan replied, "No."[33]

 

First retirement

 

On October 6, 1993, Jordan announced his retirement, citing a loss of desire to play the game. Jordan later stated that the murder of his father earlier in the year shaped his decision.[34] James R. Jordan, Sr. was murdered on July 23, 1993, at a highway rest area in Lumberton, North Carolina, by two teenagers, Daniel Green and Larry Martin Demery. The assailants were traced from calls they made on James Jordan's cellular phone,[35] caught, convicted and sentenced to life in prison. Jordan was close to his father; as a child he had imitated his father's proclivity to stick out his tongue while absorbed in work. He later adopted it as his own signature, displaying it each time he drove to the basket.[1] In 1996 he founded a Chicago area Boys & Girls Club and dedicated it to his father.[36][37]

 

Those close to Jordan claimed that he had been considering retirement as early as the summer of 1992, and that the added exhaustion due to the Dream Team run in the 1992 Olympics solidified Jordan's feelings about the game and his ever-growing celebrity status. Jordan's announcement sent shock waves throughout the NBA and appeared on the front pages of newspapers around the world.[38]

 

Jordan then further surprised the sports world by signing a minor league baseball contract with the Chicago White Sox. He reported to spring training and was assigned to the team's minor league system on March 31, 1994.[39] Jordan has stated this decision was made to pursue the dream of his late father, who had always envisioned his son as a major league baseball player.[40] The White Sox were another team owned by Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf, who continued to honor Jordan's basketball contract during the years he played baseball.[41] He had a brief professional baseball career for the Birmingham Barons, a Chicago White Sox farm team, batting .202 with 3 HR, 51 RBI, 30 SB, and 11 errors.[42] He also appeared for the Scottsdale Scorpions in the 1994 Arizona Fall League.

 

"I'm back": return to the NBA

 

In the 1993–94 season, the Jordan-less Bulls notched a 55–27 record,[16] and lost to the New York Knicks in the second round of the playoffs. But the 1994–95 version of the Bulls was a shell of the championship squad of just two years earlier. Struggling at mid-season to ensure a spot in the playoffs, Chicago needed a lift. The lift came in early 1995, when Jordan decided to return to the NBA for the Bulls.

 

On March 18, 1995, Jordan announced his return to the NBA through a two-word press release: "I'm back."[1] The next day, Jordan donned jersey number 45 (his number with the Barons), as his familiar 23 had been retired in his honor following his first retirement. He took to the court with the Bulls to face the Indiana Pacers in Indianapolis, scoring 19 points.[43] The game had the highest Nielsen rating of a regular season NBA game since 1975.[44]

 

Although he had not played in an NBA game in a year and a half, Jordan played well upon his return, making a game-winning jump shot against Atlanta in his fourth game back and scoring 55 points in a game against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden on March 29, 1995.[15] Boosted by Jordan's comeback, the Bulls made the playoffs and advanced to the Eastern Conference Semi-finals against the Orlando Magic. At the end of the first game of the series, Orlando's Nick Anderson commented that Jordan "didn't look like the old Michael Jordan",[45] after which Jordan returned to wearing his old number (23). Jordan averaged 31 points per game in that series, but Orlando prevailed in six games.[46]

 

Second three-peat

 

Freshly motivated by the playoff defeat, Jordan trained aggressively for the 1995–96 season.[47] Strengthened by the addition of rebound specialist Dennis Rodman, the Bulls dominated the league, starting the season 41–3,[48] and eventually finishing with the best regular season record in NBA history: 72–10.[17] Jordan led the league in scoring with 30.4 ppg,[49] and won the league's regular season and All-Star Game MVP awards.[1] In the playoffs, the Bulls lost only three games in four series, defeating the Seattle SuperSonics in the NBA Finals to win the championship. Jordan was named Finals MVP for a record fourth time,[26] surpassing Magic Johnson's three Finals MVP awards. He also became only the second player (after Willis Reed in the 1969–70 season) to sweep the MVP Awards in the All-Star Game, regular season and NBA Finals.[15] Because this was Jordan's first championship since his father's death, and it was won on Father's Day, Jordan reacted very emotionally upon winning the title, including a memorable scene of him sobbing on the locker room floor with the game ball.

 

In the 1996–97 season the Bulls started out 69–11, but narrowly missed out on a second consecutive 70-win season by losing their final two games to finish 69–13.[50] However, this year Jordan was beaten for the NBA MVP Award by Karl Malone. The team again advanced to the Finals, where they faced Malone and the Utah Jazz team. The series against the Jazz featured two of the more memorable clutch moments of Jordan's career. He won Game 1 for the Bulls with a buzzer-beating jump shot. In Game 5, with the series tied 2–2, Jordan played despite being feverish and dehydrated from a stomach virus. In what is known as the "flu game", Jordan scored 38 points including the game-deciding three-pointer with less than a minute remaining.[51] The Bulls won 90-88 and went on to win the series in six games.[50] For the fifth time in as many Finals appearances, Jordan received the Finals MVP award.[26] During the 1997 NBA All-Star Game, Jordan posted the only triple double in All-Star Game history in a victorious effort, however he did not receive the MVP award.

 

Jordan and the Bulls compiled a 62–20 record in the 1997–98 season.[16] Jordan led the league with 28.7 points per game,[19] securing his fifth regular-season MVP award, plus honors for All-NBA First Team, First Defensive Team and the All-Star Game MVP.[1] The Bulls captured the Eastern Conference Championship for a third straight season and moved on to once again face the Jazz in the Finals.

 

The Bulls returned to Utah for Game 6 on June 14, 1998 leading the series 3–2. Jordan executed a series of plays, considered to be one of the greatest clutch performances in NBA Finals history.[52] With the Bulls trailing 86–83 with 40 seconds remaining, coach Jackson called a timeout. When play resumed, Jordan received the inbound pass, drove to the basket, and hit a layup over several Jazz defenders.[52] The Jazz brought the ball upcourt and passed the ball to forward Karl Malone, who was set up in the low post and was being guarded by Rodman. Malone jostled with Rodman and caught the pass, but Jordan cut behind him and swatted the ball out of his hands for a steal.[52] Jordan then slowly dribbled upcourt and paused at the top of the key, eyeing his defender, Jazz guard Bryon Russell. With fewer than 10 seconds remaining, Jordan started to dribble right, then crossed over to his left, possibly pushing off Russell,[53][54][55] although the officials did not call a foul. Jordan then released a shot that would be rebroadcast innumerable times in years to come. As the shot found the net, announcer Bob Costas shouted "Chicago with the lead!"[56] After a desperation three-point shot by John Stockton missed, Jordan and the Bulls claimed their sixth NBA championship, and secured a second three-peat. Once again, Jordan was voted the Finals MVP,[26] having led all scorers by averaging 33.5 points per game, including 45 in the deciding Game 6.[57] Jordan's six Finals MVPs is a record; Shaquille O'Neal, Magic Johnson, and Tim Duncan are tied for second place with three apiece.[26] The 1998 Finals holds the highest television rating of any Finals series in history, and Game 6 holds the highest television rating of any game in NBA history.[58][59]

Second retirement

 

Jordan's Game 6 performance seemed to be a perfect ending to his career. With Phil Jackson's contract expiring, the pending departures of Scottie Pippen (who stated his desire to be traded during the season) and Dennis Rodman (who would sign with the Los Angeles Lakers as a free agent) looming, and being in the latter stages of an owner-induced lockout of NBA players, Jordan retired for the second time on January 13, 1999.

 

On January 19, 2000, Jordan returned to the NBA not as a player, but as part owner and President of Basketball Operations for the Washington Wizards.[60] His responsibilities with the club were to be comprehensive, as he was in charge of all aspects of the team, including personnel decisions. Opinions of Jordan as a basketball executive were mixed.[61][62] He managed to purge the team of several highly-paid, unpopular players (such as forward Juwan Howard and point guard Rod Strickland),[63][64] but used the first pick in the 2001 NBA Draft to select high schooler Kwame Brown, who did not live up to expectations and was traded away after four seasons.[61][65]

 

Despite his January 1999 claim that he was "99.9% certain" that he would never play another NBA game,[66] in the summer of 2001 Jordan expressed interest in making another comeback, this time with his new team. Inspired by the NHL comeback of his friend Mario Lemieux the previous winter,[67] Jordan spent much of the spring and summer of 2001 in training, holding several invitation-only camps for NBA players in Chicago. In addition, Jordan hired his old Chicago Bulls head coach, Doug Collins, as Washington's coach for the upcoming season, a decision that many saw as foreshadowing another Jordan return.

 

Washington Wizards comeback

 

On September 25, 2001 Jordan announced his return to professional play with the Wizards, indicating his intention to donate his salary as a player to a relief effort for the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks.[68][69] In an injury-plagued 2001–02 season, he led the team in scoring (22.90 ppg), assists (5.2 apg), and steals (1.42 spg).[1] However, torn cartilage in his right knee ended Jordan's season after only 60 games, the fewest he had played in a regular season since a broken foot cut short his season in 1985–86.[7]

 

Playing in his 14th and final NBA All-Star Game in 2003, Jordan passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the all-time leading scorer in All-Star game history. That year, Jordan was the only Washington player to play in all 82 games, starting in 67 of them. He averaged 20.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.5 steals per game.[1] He also shot 45% from the field, and 82% from the free throw line.[1] Even though he turned 40 during the season, he scored 20 or more points 42 times, 30 or more points nine times, and 40 or more points three times.[15] On February 21, 2003, Jordan became the first 40-year-old to tally 43 points in an NBA game.[70] During his stint with the Wizards, all of Jordan's home games at the MCI Center (and nearly all of his road games as well) were sold out, and the Wizards were the most-watched team in the NBA, averaging 20,173 fans a game at home and 19,311 on the road. However, neither of Jordan's final two seasons resulted in a playoff appearance for the Wizards, and Jordan was often unsatisfied with the play of those around him.[71][72] At several points he openly criticized his teammates to the media, citing their lack of focus and intensity.[71][72]

 

With the recognition that 2002–03 would be Jordan's final season, tributes were paid to him in nearly every arena in the NBA. In his final game at his old home court, the United Center in Chicago, Jordan received a prolonged standing ovation. The Miami Heat retired the number 23 jersey on April 11, 2003, even though Jordan had never played for the team.[73] At the 2003 All-Star Game, Vince Carter was originally selected to be the starter at shooting guard; however, he gave Jordan his spot out of respect, and the halftime ceremony was dedicated to Jordan's career.

 

Jordan's final NBA game was on April 16, 2003 in Philadelphia. Jordan scored only 13 points in the game and went to the bench with 4 minutes and 13 seconds remaining in the third quarter and with his team trailing the Philadelphia 76ers, 75-56. Just after the start of the fourth quarter, the First Union Center crowd began chanting "We want Mike!". After much encouragement from coach Doug Collins, Jordan finally rose from the bench and re-entered the game for Larry Hughes with 2:35 remaining. At 1:45, Jordan was intentionally fouled by the 76ers' Eric Snow, and stepped to the line to make both free throws. After the second foul shot, the 76ers in-bounded the ball to rookie John Salmons, who in turn was intentionally fouled by Bobby Simmons one second later, stopping time so that Jordan could return to the bench. Jordan received a three-minute standing ovation from his teammates, his opponents, and a crowd of 21,257 fans.[74]

Olympic career

Olympic medal record

Men's basketball

 

Gold 1984 Los Angeles United States

Gold 1992 Barcelona United States

 

Jordan played on two Olympic gold medal-winning American basketball teams. As a college player he participated, and won the gold, in the 1984 Summer Olympics. Jordan led the team in scoring averaging 17.1 ppg for the tournament.[75] In the 1992 Summer Olympics he was a member of the star-studded squad that included Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and David Robinson and was dubbed the "Dream Team". Playing limited minutes due to the frequent blowouts, Jordan averaged 12.7 ppg, finishing fourth on the team in scoring.[76] The team cruised to the gold medal, restoring the United States to the top of the basketball world. Jordan, Patrick Ewing, and fellow Dream Team member Chris Mullin are the only American men's basketball players to win Olympic gold as amateurs (all in 1984) and professionals.

 

After retiring as a player

 

After his third retirement, Jordan assumed that he would be able to return to his front office position of Director of Basketball Operations with the Wizards. However, his previous tenure in the Wizards' front office had produced the aforementioned mixed results and may have also influenced the trade of Richard "Rip" Hamilton for Jerry Stackhouse (although Jordan was not technically Director of Basketball Operations in 2002).[61] On May 7, 2003, Wizards owner Abe Pollin fired Jordan as Washington's President of Basketball Operations.[61] Jordan later stated that he felt betrayed, and that if he knew he would be fired upon retiring he never would have come back to play for the Wizards.[33]

 

Jordan kept busy over the next few years by staying in shape, playing golf in celebrity charity tournaments, spending time with his family in Chicago, promoting his Jordan Brand clothing line, and riding motorcycles.[77] Since 2004, Jordan has owned a professional closed-course motorcycle roadracing team that competes in the premier Superbike class sanctioned by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA).[78] On June 15, 2006, Jordan became a part-owner of the Charlotte Bobcats and was named "Managing Member of Basketball Operations". He has the largest individual holding in the team after majority owner Robert L. Johnson.[79] Despite Jordan's previous success as an endorser, he has made a conscious effort not to be included in Charlotte's marketing campaigns.[80]

 

Player profile

 

Jordan was a shooting guard who was also capable of playing small forward (the position he would primarily play during his second comeback with the Washington Wizards). Jordan was known throughout his career for being a strong clutch performer. He decided numerous games with last-second plays (e.g., The Shot) and performed at a high level even under adverse circumstances (e.g., Flu Game). His competitiveness was visible in his prolific trash-talk[81] and well-known work ethic.[82][83]

 

Jordan had a versatile offensive game. He was capable of aggressively slashing to the basket and drawing fouls from his opponents at a high rate; his 8,772 free throw attempts are the ninth highest total of all time.[84] As his career progressed, Jordan also developed the ability to post up his opponents and score with his trademark fadeaway jumpshot, using his leaping ability to "fade away" from block attempts. According to Hubie Brown, this move alone made him nearly unstoppable.[85] Despite media criticism as a "selfish" player early in his career, Jordan's 5.3 assists per game[7] also indicate his willingness to defer to his teammates. In later years, the NBA shortened its three-point line to 22 feet (from 23 feet, 9 inches), which coupled with Jordan's extended shooting range to make him a long-range threat as well -- his 3-point stroke developed from a low 9 / 52 rate (.173) in his rookie year into a stellar 111 / 260 (.427) shooter in the 1995–96 season.[7] For a guard, Jordan was also a good rebounder (6.2 per game).[7]

 

On defense, Jordan's contributions were equally impressive. In 1988, he was honored with the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year Award and became the first NBA player to win both the Defensive Player of the Year and MVP awards in a career (since equaled by Hakeem Olajuwon, David Robinson, and Kevin Garnett; only Olajuwon also won both during the same season). In addition he set records for blocked shots by a guard,[86] and combined this with his ball-thieving ability to become a standout defensive player. His 2,514 steals are the second highest total of all-time behind John Stockton, while his steals per game average is third all-time.[87] Jerry West often stated that he was more impressed with Jordan's defensive contributions than his offensive ones.[88]

 

Legacy

 

Michael Jordan's basketball talent was clear from his rookie season.[10][12] In his first game in Madison Square Garden against the New York Knicks, Jordan received a prolonged standing ovation,[12] a rarity for a player in an opposing team's arena. After Jordan scored a playoff record 63 points against the Boston Celtics in 1986, Celtics star Larry Bird described him as "God disguised as Michael Jordan."[18]

"By acclamation, Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player of all time."

—Introductory line of Jordan's NBA Encyclopedia biography[1]

 

Jordan led the NBA in scoring in 10 seasons (NBA record) and tied Wilt Chamberlain's record of seven consecutive scoring titles. He was also a fixture on the NBA All-Defensive First Team, making the roster nine times (NBA record). Jordan also holds the top career and playoff scoring averages of 30.1 and 33.4 points per game,[1] respectively. By 1998, the season of his Finals-winning shot against the Jazz, he was well known throughout the league as a clutch performer. In the regular season, Jordan was the Bulls' primary threat in the final seconds of a close game and in the playoffs, Jordan would always demand the ball at crunch time. Jordan's total of 5,987 points in the playoffs is the highest in NBA history.[89] He retired with 32,292 points,[90] placing him third on the NBA's all-time scoring list behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Karl Malone.[90]

 

"There's Michael Jordan and then there is the rest of us."

—Magic Johnson[1]

 

With five regular-season MVPs, six Finals MVPs (NBA record), and three All-Star MVPs, Jordan is the most decorated player ever to play in the NBA. Jordan finished among the top three in regular-season MVP voting a record 10 times, and was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996.

 

Many of Jordan's contemporaries label Jordan as the greatest basketball player of all time.[88] An ESPN survey of journalists, athletes and other sports figures ranked Jordan the greatest North American athlete of the 20th century, above icons such as Babe Ruth and Muhammad Ali.[91] Jordan placed second to Babe Ruth in the Associated Press's list of 20th century athletes.[92] In addition, the Associated Press voted him as the basketball player of the 20th century. [93] Jordan has also appeared on the front cover of Sports Illustrated a record 49 times.[94] In the September 1996 issue of Sport, which was the publication's 50th anniversary issue, Jordan was named the greatest athlete of the past 50 years.[95]

 

Jordan's athletic leaping ability, highlighted in his back-to-back slam dunk contest championships in 1987 and 1988, is credited by many with having influenced a generation of young players.[96][97] Several current NBA All-Stars have stated that they considered Jordan their role model while growing up, including LeBron James[98] and Dwyane Wade.[99] In addition, commentators have dubbed a number of next-generation players "the next Michael Jordan" upon their entry to the NBA, including Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway, Grant Hill, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Vince Carter, and Dwyane Wade.[100][101][102] Although Jordan was a well-rounded player, his "Air Jordan" image is also often credited with inadvertently decreasing the jump shooting skills, defense, and fundamentals of young players,[96] a fact which Jordan himself has lamented.

 

“ I think it was the exposure of Michael Jordan; the marketing of Michael Jordan. Everything was marketed towards the things that people wanted to see, which was scoring and dunking. That Michael Jordan still played defense and an all-around game, but it was never really publicized.[96] ”

 

Although Jordan has done much to increase the status of the game, some of his impact on the game's popularity in America appears to be fleeting.[103][104] Television ratings in particular increased only during his time in the league and have subsequently lowered each time he left the game.[103][104]

Personal life

 

Jordan is the fourth of five children. He has two older brothers, Larry Jordan and James R. Jordan, Jr., one older sister, Deloris, and a younger sister, Roslyn. Jordan's brother James retired in 2006 as the Command Sergeant Major of the 35th Signal Brigade of the XVIII Airborne Corps in the U.S. Army.[105]

 

He married Juanita Vanoy in September 1989, and they have two sons, Jeffrey Michael and Marcus James, and a daughter, Jasmine. Jordan and Juanita filed for divorce on January 4, 2002, citing irreconcilable differences, but reconciled shortly thereafter. They again filed for divorice and were granted a final decree of dissolution of marriage on December 29, 2006, commenting that the decision was made "mutually and amicably".[106][107]

 

It is reported that Juanita received a $168 million settlement, making it the largest celebrity divorce settlement in history on public record.[108]

 

On July 21, 2006, a Cook County, Illinois judge determined that Jordan did not owe a former lover, Karla Knafel, $5 million.[109] Jordan had allegedly paid Knafel $250,000 to keep their relationship a secret. Knafel claimed Jordan promised her that amount for remaining silent and agreeing not to file a paternity suit after Knafel learned she was pregnant in 1991. A DNA test showed Jordan was not the father of the child.[109]

 

As of 2007, Jordan lives in Highland Park, Illinois,[106] and both of his sons attended Loyola Academy, a private Roman Catholic high school located in Wilmette, Illinois.[110] Jeffrey graduated as a member of the 2007 Graduating Class, and played his first collegiate basketball game on November 11, 2007 for the University of Illinois. Marcus transferred to Whitney Young High School after his sophomore year and will graduate in 2009.

 

Media figure and business interests

 

Jordan is one of the most marketed sports figures in history. He has been a major spokesman for such brands as Nike, Coca-Cola, Chevrolet, Gatorade, McDonald's, Ball Park Franks, Rayovac, Wheaties, Hanes, and MCI.[111] Jordan has had a long relationship with Gatorade, appearing in over 20 commercials for the company since 1991, including the "Like Mike" commercials in which a song was sung by children wishing to be like Jordan.[111][112]

 

Nike created a signature shoe for him, called the Air Jordan. One of Jordan's more popular commercials for the shoe involved Spike Lee playing the part of Mars Blackmon. In the commercials Lee, as Blackmon, attempted to find the source of Jordan's abilities and became convinced that "it's gotta be the shoes".[111] The hype and demand for the shoes even brought on a spate of "shoe-jackings" where people were robbed of their sneakers at gunpoint. Subsequently Nike spun off the Jordan line into its own division appropriately named the "Jordan Brand". The company features an impressive list of athletes and celebrities as endorsers.[113][114] The brand has also sponsored college sports programs such as those of North Carolina, Cincinnati, Cal, St. John's, Georgetown, and North Carolina A&T.

 

Jordan also has been connected with the Looney Tunes cartoon characters. A Nike commercial shown during the 1993 Super Bowl XXVII featured Jordan and Bugs Bunny playing basketball against a group of Martian characters. The Super Bowl commercial inspired the 1996 live action/animated movie Space Jam, which starred Jordan and Bugs in a fictional story set during his first retirement. They have subsequently appeared together in several commercials for MCI.

 

Jordan's income from the endorsements is estimated to be several hundred million dollars. In addition, when Jordan's power at the ticket gates was at its highest point the Bulls regularly sold out every game they played in, whether home or away.[115] Due to this, Jordan set records in player salary by signing annual contracts worth in excess of $30 million US dollars per season.[116]

 

Most of Jordan's endorsement deals, including the first deal with Nike, were engineered by his agent, David Falk.[117] Jordan has said of Falk that "he's the best at what he does", and that "marketing-wise, he's great. He's the one who came up with the concept of 'Air Jordan.'"[118]

 

An academic study found that Michael Jordan’s return to NBA resulted in an increase in the market capitalization of his client firms of over $1 billion.[119]

 

Career achievements

 

Main article: List of career achievements by Michael Jordan

 

Jordan won numerous awards and set many records during his career. The following are some of his achievements:[1][120][121]

 

Select awards

 

* 14-time All-Star

* Olympic Gold Medalist—1984, 1992

* Five-time MVP—1988, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1998

* Six-time NBA Finals MVP—1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998

* Seven-time The Sporting News MVP—1988, 1989, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1997, 1998

* Rookie of the Year—1985

* Defensive Player of the Year—1988

* 11-time All-NBA—10 times first team, 1 time second team

* Nine-time All-Defensive First Team

* Sports Illustrated "Sportsman of the Year"—1991

* Named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996

* Two-time Slam Dunk Contest champion—1987, 1988

 

Select records

 

* Most scoring titles—10

* Most All-Defensive First Teams—9

* Most NBA Finals MVP awards—6

* Highest career scoring average—30.12

* Highest career scoring average playoffs—33.45

* Most consecutive games scoring in double figures—866

* Highest single series scoring average NBA Finals—41.0 (1993)

 

Career information

 

Year(s): 1984–2003

NBA Draft: 1984 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3

College: University of North Carolina

 

Professional teams

 

* Chicago Bulls (1984-1993, 1995-1998)

* Washington Wizards (2001-2003)

Career stats

 

Points 32,292

Rebound 6,672

Assists 5,633

 

Career highlights and awards

 

* 6x NBA Champion (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997 1998)

* 5x NBA MVP (1988, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1998)

* 6x NBA Finals MVP (1991-1993, 1996-1998)

* 1x NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1988)

* 10x All-NBA First Team Selection (1987-1993, 1996-1998)

* 1x All-NBA Second Team Selection (1985)

* 9x NBA All-Defensive First Team Selection (1988-1993, 1996-1998)

* 1985 NBA Rookie of the Year

* 1985 NBA All-Rookie Team

* 14x NBA All-Star (1985-1993, 1996-1998, 2002-2003)

* 3x NBA All-Star Game MVP (1988, 1996, 1998)

* 2x NBA Slam Dunk Contest winner (1987, 1988)

* NBA's 50th Anniversary All-Time Team

* 1x NCAA Men's Basketball Champion (1982)

* 1982 ACC Freshman of the Year

* 1984 ACC Men's Basketball Player of the Year

* 1984 USBWA College Player of the Year

* 1984 Naismith College Player of the Year

* 1984 John R. Wooden Award

* 1984 Adolph Rupp Trophy

* 1991 Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year

* 2000 ESPY Athlete of the Century

* 1990s ESPY Male Athlete Decade Award

* 1990s ESPY Pro Basketballer Decade Award

 

 

[Milkman delivers]

So who was the person who didn't vote for Thomas?

[Texsox]

So who was the person who didn't vote for Thomas?

 

Might have been me. I'd have to check. I do not think I voted for anyone currently playing. If I did, Thomas would be the one.

[shipps]

As I predicted only two that made 18 out of 18 lists.

[Milkman delivers]

As I predicted only two that made 18 out of 18 lists.

 

But it also seems that the other two I said might just be a slip of the mind.

[knightni]

So who was the person who didn't vote for Thomas?

Someone at TalkBears.

[Milkman delivers]

That person sucks. Worthless Cub fan, no doubt.

[Jordan4life_2007]

Jordan, Payton and Thomas. Man have Chicago fans been blessed.

[knightni]

Jordan, Payton and Thomas. Man have Chicago fans been blessed.

Any of the guys in the top 10, I'd say.

[knightni]

Final Tally:

 

1. 358pts Michael Jordan Bulls

2. 343pts Walter Payton Bears

3. 245pts Dick Butkus Bears

4. 244pts Frank Thomas White Sox

5. 229pts Bobby Hull Blackhawks

6. 216pts Ernie Banks Cubs

7. 198pts Gale Sayers Bears

8. 180pts Scottie Pippen Bulls

9. 154pts Mike Singletary Bears

10. 118 pts "Shoeless" Joe Jackson White Sox

11. 99pts Carlton Fisk White Sox

13. 98pts Brian Urlacher Bears

13. 98pts Red Grange Bears

14. 88pts Ryne Sandberg Cubs

15. 85pts Stan Mikita Blackhawks

16. 79pts Mike Ditka Bears

17. 75pts Greg Maddux Cubs

18. 59pts Luis Aparicio White Sox

19. 55pts Tom Seaver White Sox

20. 49pts Chris Chelios Blackhawks

21. 46pts Tony Esposito Blackhawks

22. 44pts Ed Walsh White Sox

23. 39pts Bronko Nagurski Bears

24. 35pts George Halas Bears

25. 33pts Harold Baines White Sox

26. 28pts Hack Wilson Cubs

28. 27pts Jim Thome White Sox

28. 27pts Eddie Collins White Sox

30. 23pts Bo Jackson White Sox

30. 23pts Luke Appling White Sox

32. 20pts Billy Williams Cubs

32. 20pts Sid Luckman Bears

35. 18pts Jim Thorpe Cardinals

35. 18pts Lou Brock Cubs

35. 18pts Steve Carlton White Sox

36. 17pts Devin Hester Bears

38. 16pts Dan Hampton Bears

38. 16pts Fergie Jenkins Cubs

39. 15pts Doug Atkins Bears

40. 14pts Richard Dent Bears

 

[Jordan4life_2007]

I agree. They're all great. But Jordan, Payton and Thomas are in a special class.

[Felix]

Thanks for putting these together knightni!

[Texsox]

Is it safe to say that the Bears have an amazing tradition an Middle Linebacker? It's interesting that the Bears seem to be so heavily represented.

[Controlled Chaos]

Is it safe to say that the Bears have an amazing tradition an Middle Linebacker? It's interesting that the Bears seem to be so heavily represented.

Yeah I had Urlacher, Butkus & Singletary....5,6,7.

To Milkman...I think this list had just as much to do with personal choice as the comedy list. There was no criteria on what makes them the greatest....It's your own preference...be it world renowned, most popular, most athletic, most dominant...or whatever. As long as they're great players. I easily could have left Banks off of my list. I knew nothing about the dude. All I knew is he was a famous cub. That's it...I knew nothing about his accomplishments or anything. He was a Cub. I never discussed the Cubs while growing up...and since Banks was way before my time anyway....we definitely didn't talk about past players. I just think calling someone a f***in idiot for leaving a player off an opinion based list is ludicrous. I left Pip off mine...and I can toally see how someone who didn't follow the Sox would leave Frank off of theirs. Thanks to the media he was more known for his flareups than his accomplishments...so if you weren't a Sox follower...He might not be the first to pop into your head.

 

Here's my list for those of you that want to ridicule

 

I kinda ranked people who passed thru Chicago and were big time sports stars known nationally and even internationally and I also took athelticism in to consideration. Hence, why I have mostly hockey and football guys ranked at the top. Then at the bottom I had to put in some players that I felt were just flat out dominant in Chicago, whether they got that national recognition or not.

 

Walter Payton

Michael Jordan

Bobby Hull

Chris Chelios

Brian Urlacher

Dick Butkus

Mike Singletary

Gale Sayers

Stan Makita

Richard Dent

Carlton Fisk

Frank Thomas

Jim Thome

Ernie Banks

Ryne Sandburg

Dan Hampton

Doug Atkins

Nellie Fox

Keith Magnuson

Bob Probert

[Steve9347]

Bob Probert

He should never have been near a top 20 list for Chicago athletes. He was better when he played for Detroit, and was never dominant at anything other than fighting.

 

In the top 100 list of Chicago athletes, Bob Probert would not make the cut. OMG! HE FOUGHT TIE DOMI THERE'S BLOOD!

 

Sorry, I am just truly truly offended that Bob Probert of all players made your top 20 list. My lord, how you could rank him over Denis Savard? (sticking with hockey) That's truly absurd. Bob Probert in your top 20 may be the worst decision you've made in your life.

 

To put it in perspective, if I had to choose between invading Iraq all over again or putting Bob Probert on my top 20 list of Chicago athletes, I'd have our country starting this war all over.

 

That last part was a joke, but I think you get the point.

Edited May 27, 2008 by Steve9347

[rangercal]

Thomas missing from a List and Pippen missing from 3 lists should make this whole thing VOID. I'm done participating with these lists.

[shipps]

You guys are getting way to offended at the results of these lists.

[Felix]

Thomas missing from a List and Pippen missing from 3 lists should make this whole thing VOID. I'm done participating with these lists.

Good thing you aren't overreacting or anything.

[rangercal]

Good thing you aren't overreacting or anything.

 

 

 

 

Nope. I just understand Chicago Sports to know you can't leave out Pippen and Thomas.

[Felix]

 

 

 

 

Nope. I just understand Chicago Sports to know you can't leave out Pippen and Thomas.

Well, it's a good thing you know these sorts of things better than everyone else. Hell, why even make lists? Let's just ask you each question, since you know everything to do with Chicago sports so well.

 

They're opinions. Everyone has their own. No need to overreact because a couple of people don't agree (or forgot) about 2 players.

Edited May 27, 2008 by Felix

[rangercal]

Well, it's a good thing you know these sorts of things better than everyone else. Hell, why even make lists? Let's just ask you each question, since you know everything to do with Chicago sports so well.

 

They're opinions. Everyone has their own. No need to overreact because a couple of people don't agree (or forgot) about 2 players.

 

This is list of Greatest players not Favorite Players. Just sayin'