Baseball has often been referred to as America's pastime and, as such, it carries a rich history. Perhaps unlike any other sport, fans and historians alike remember the great players of yesteryear, along with the legendary statistics of the game. 56, .406, 4,191, and 755 are all numbers that even casual baseball fans recognize.
As with any sport, it is difficult to compare players from different eras due to changes in the game and to its athletes. With the recent "steroid era" that Major League Baseball is just now emerging from it makes it even more challenging. But here I have attempted to compile my all-time baseball team.
The roster is comprised of a squad of 25 players, with starters listed first and backups at each position. I've attempted to place personal biases aside (which is why you won't see any '84 Tigers yet so many Yankees on the list) and to examine not only career statistical output, but also how a player compared to his peers during the era in which he played. For this list I've decided to include players from the steroid era if they dominated relative to others that played at the same time.
Any list like this will obviously leave out some worthy candidates. But with only 25 slots, there will be some great players not included. Without any further adieu, here's my roster along with some pertinent statistics & awards: (Note: This list was last updated upon the completion of the 2012 season)
Catcher
Yogi Berra (.285 BA, 2,150 hits, 358 HR, 1,430 RBI, 15-time All-Star, 3 MVP's, 13-time world champion)
Johnny Bench (389 HR, 1,376 RBI, 14-time All-Star, 10 Gold Gloves, 2 MVP's, 2-time world champion)
First Base
Lou Gehrig (.340 BA, 493 HR, 2,721 hits, 1,995 RBI, 7-time All-Star, 2 MVP's, 2,130 consecutive games played, 6-time world champion)
Jimmie Foxx (.325 BA, 534 HR, 2,646 hits, 1,922 RBI, 9-time All-Star, 3 MVP's, 2 world championships)
Second Base
Rogers Hornsby (.358 BA, 2,930 hits, 301 HR, 2 MVP's, 6 batting titles, 1 world championship)
Joe Morgan (2,517 hits, 268 HR, 689 stolen bases, 10-time All-Star, 2 MVP's, 2 world championships)
Third Base
Alex Rodriguez (.300 BA, 647 HR, 1,950 RBI, 2,901 hits, 15-time All-Star, 3 MVP's, 2 Gold Gloves, 10 Silver Sluggers, 1 world championship)
Mike Schmidt (548 HR, 1,595 RBI, 2,234 hits, 12-time All-Star, 10 Gold Gloves, 3 MVP's, 6 Silver Sluggers, 1 world championship)
Shortstop
Honus Wagner (.327 BA, 3,415 hits, 1,732 RBI, 8 batting titles, 722 SB, 1 world championship)
Cal Ripken, Jr. (3,184 hits, 431 HR, 1,695 RBI, 19-time All-Star, 2 MVP's, 2 Gold Gloves, 8 Silver Sluggers, 1 world championship)
Outfielders
Babe Ruth (.342 BA, 714 HR, 2,873 hits, 2,217 RBI, 2-time All-Star, 1 MVP, 94 wins & 2.28 ERA as a pitcher, 7 world championships)
Hank Aaron (.305 BA, 755 HR, 3,771 hits, 2,297 RBI, 25-time All-Star, 1 MVP, 3 Gold Gloves, 1 world championship)
Willie Mays (.302 BA, 660 HR, 3,283 hits, 1,903 RBI, 20-time All-Star, 2 MVP's, 12 Gold Gloves, 1 world championship)
Ted Williams (.344 BA, 521 HR, 2,654 hits, 1,839 RBI, 17-time All-Star, 2 MVP's, .482 OBP)
Ty Cobb (.367 BA, 4,191 hits, 1,938 RBI, 892 SB, 1 MVP, 12 batting titles, 54 steals of home)
Stan Musial (.331 BA, 3,630 hits, 475 HR, 1,951 RBI, 24-time All-Star, 3 MVP's, 3 world championships)
Barry Bonds (.298 BA, 762 HR, 1,996 RBI, 2,935 hits, 514 SB, 14-time All-Star, 7 MVP's, 8 Gold Gloves, 12 Silver Sluggers)
Mickey Mantle (.298 BA, 536 HR, 1,509 RBI, 2,415 hits, 16-time All-Star, 3 MVP's, 1 Gold Glove, 7 world championships)
Pitchers
Walter Johnson (417 wins, 2.17 ERA, 3,508 strikeouts, 110 shutouts, 531 complete games, 2 MVP's, 1 world championship)
Cy Young (511 wins, 2.63 ERA, 2,803 strikeouts, 7,354 innings pitched, 740 complete games, 76 shutouts, 1 world championship)
Roger Clemens (354 wins, 3.12 ERA, 4,672 strikeouts, 11-time All-Star, 7 Cy Youngs, 1 MVP, 2 world championships)
Warren Spahn (363 wins, 3.09 ERA, 2,583 strikeouts, 14-time All-Star, 1 Cy Young, 1 world championship)
Christy Mathewson (373 wins, 2.13 ERA, 2,502 strikeouts, 79 shutouts, 434 complete games)
Mariano Rivera (608 saves, 2.21 ERA, 1,119 strikeouts, 12-time All-Star, 3x MLB saves leader, 5 world championships)
Dennis Eckersley (197 wins, 390 saves, 3.50 ERA, 2,401 strikeouts, 6-time All-Star, 1 Cy Young, 1 MVP, 1 world championship)
So there's my all-time 25 man baseball team roster. What changes would you make?
Showing posts with label all-time. Show all posts
Showing posts with label all-time. Show all posts
Friday, November 02, 2012
Monday, March 16, 2009
My All-Time Michigan Wolverine Basketball Team
In honor of Michigan's re-entrance into the NCAA basketball tournament, I have chosen my all-time Michigan Wolverine basketball team. Based on extensive research that took minutes and minutes to compile, I've selected a first team of five players and a bench made up of eight players. I welcome your comments on these selections.
First Team
Cazzie Russell ('64-'66) - Russell is arguably the greatest player to ever don the maize and blue. He was the Big Ten Player of the Year three times; an All-American three times and was the National Player of the Year his senior year. In addition, he led the Wolverines to three Big Ten titles before becoming the #1 pick in the NBA draft and was part of the 1970 New York Knicks title team.
Glen Rice ('86-'89) - This Flint native had the greatest individual season in the history of Michigan basketball. During the '88-'89 season he was named the Big Ten Player of the Year, was a first-team All-American and selected the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA tourney when he led Michigan to the title by averaging over 30 points/game. Rice is the all-time leading scorer in Michigan basketball history and was an NBA All-Star game MVP ('97) and NBA champion in 2000 with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Rudy Tomjanovich ('68-'70) - Possibly known more as a coach who led the Houston Rockets to two NBA titles in the mid-'90s, Tomjanovich is the all-time leader in rebounds and possesses the second highest scoring average/game ever for the Wolverines. He was selected to the All-Big Team three times and was an All-American in 1970. He was named to five All-Star Games during his NBA playing days and is the third leading scorer in Rockets history.
Gary Grant ('85-'88) - One of the most versatile guards to ever play for Michigan, Grant was the point guard during one of the Wolverines most successful eras during the mid-'80's. Grant was the Big Ten Freshman of the Year during his first season and the Big Ten Player of the Year and an All-American his final year. He is the all-time Michigan leader in assists and steals.
Chris Webber ('91-93) - The most talented player on the most infamous Michigan squad ever, Webber was a formidable presence with the "Fab Five." He led the maize and blue to the NCAA championship game in both seasons he played with Michigan and was a Big Ten Player of the Year and an All-American his sophomore year. He sits atop the Michigan record books as the all-time leader in blocks/game. Webber became the #1 pick in the draft and went on to an All-Star career in the NBA. Unfortunately, his (and others of his era) involvement in scandal have tarnished the proud Michigan tradition.
Reserves (in alphabetical order):
Louis Bullock
Bill Buntin
Rickey Green
Juwan Howard
Phil Hubbard
Bennie Oosterbaan
Rumeal Robinson
Jalen Rose
Roy Tarpley
Henry Wilmore
First Team
Cazzie Russell ('64-'66) - Russell is arguably the greatest player to ever don the maize and blue. He was the Big Ten Player of the Year three times; an All-American three times and was the National Player of the Year his senior year. In addition, he led the Wolverines to three Big Ten titles before becoming the #1 pick in the NBA draft and was part of the 1970 New York Knicks title team.
Glen Rice ('86-'89) - This Flint native had the greatest individual season in the history of Michigan basketball. During the '88-'89 season he was named the Big Ten Player of the Year, was a first-team All-American and selected the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA tourney when he led Michigan to the title by averaging over 30 points/game. Rice is the all-time leading scorer in Michigan basketball history and was an NBA All-Star game MVP ('97) and NBA champion in 2000 with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Rudy Tomjanovich ('68-'70) - Possibly known more as a coach who led the Houston Rockets to two NBA titles in the mid-'90s, Tomjanovich is the all-time leader in rebounds and possesses the second highest scoring average/game ever for the Wolverines. He was selected to the All-Big Team three times and was an All-American in 1970. He was named to five All-Star Games during his NBA playing days and is the third leading scorer in Rockets history.
Gary Grant ('85-'88) - One of the most versatile guards to ever play for Michigan, Grant was the point guard during one of the Wolverines most successful eras during the mid-'80's. Grant was the Big Ten Freshman of the Year during his first season and the Big Ten Player of the Year and an All-American his final year. He is the all-time Michigan leader in assists and steals.
Chris Webber ('91-93) - The most talented player on the most infamous Michigan squad ever, Webber was a formidable presence with the "Fab Five." He led the maize and blue to the NCAA championship game in both seasons he played with Michigan and was a Big Ten Player of the Year and an All-American his sophomore year. He sits atop the Michigan record books as the all-time leader in blocks/game. Webber became the #1 pick in the draft and went on to an All-Star career in the NBA. Unfortunately, his (and others of his era) involvement in scandal have tarnished the proud Michigan tradition.
Reserves (in alphabetical order):
Louis Bullock
Bill Buntin
Rickey Green
Juwan Howard
Phil Hubbard
Bennie Oosterbaan
Rumeal Robinson
Jalen Rose
Roy Tarpley
Henry Wilmore
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Who Are The Greatest Athletes of All-Time?
My hometown newspaper, The Port Huron Times Herald, is going to be doing a series on the top 50 athletes to ever come out of St. Clair County, Michigan - the county in which I grew up. Although there haven't been very many notable athletes to come out of that part of Michigan, there have been several people that have played at the professional level. I'm interested to see which people I competed against or was able to see play that will make the list.
But the thought of this type of ranking got me thinking - just who are the greatest athletes ever? I've done a little research and have come up with my top 10 athletes of all-time. I chose athletes that not only dominated in their primary sport, but also had demonstrated ability in at least one other sport at a high level. Here they are in descending order:
10. Vincent (Bo) Jackson - Although his baseball and football careers were cut short due to a hip injury, Bo Jackson exhibited his vast athletic abilities during his relatively short pro career. The first person to play in the All-Star games in two different major sports, Jackson was a punishing running back for the Raiders and possessed a devastating combination of power and speed for the Royals and White Sox.
9. Rafer Johnson - Johnson excelled in the decathlon during the late 1950's and took home the gold medal at the 1960 Rome Olympics. His athleticism spread to the football field where he was offered a football scholarship to UCLA (which he eventually declined) and the basketball court, where he was a starter on the UCLA basketball team. Johnson was also a student leader with Campus Crusade for Christ at UCLA in the early days of the ministry there.
8. Dave Winfield - Most well-known for his versatility on the baseball field, Winfield demonstrated a graceful mix of power and speed during his Hall of Fame career for such teams as the Padres, Yankees and Twins. But Winfield also started for the Minnesota Golden Gophers basketball team in college and, because of his obvious athletic talents, was drafted by the Vikings in the NFL draft -- even though he never played football in college. No other athlete has ever been drafted in all three major professional sports.
7. Jackie Joyner-Kersee - Arguably the greatest female track and field athlete in U.S. history, Joyner-Kersee's top event was the heptathlon where she won an Olympic silver in 1984 and golds in 1988 and 1992. She also excelled at the long jump and won a total of six Olympic medals - the most ever by a female U.S. track and field athlete. In addition to her dominance in track and field, she also was a member of the basketball team at UCLA.
6. Jackie Robinson - Everyone knows Robinson as the trailblazer who broke Major League Baseball's color barrier with the Dodgers in 1947, but few know that his athletic pursuits extended to several other sports. In fact, some felt baseball, in which he enjoyed a Hall of Fame career, was his weakest sport. Robinson also earned varsity letters in college in basketball, football and track and field.
5. Michael Jordan - Jordan redefined basketball success with the Chicago Bulls during the 1980's and '90's. Possessing the skill and competitiveness needed to succeed in what is arguably the most athletic sport in existence, Jordan dominated the NBA by winning ten scoring titles and six NBA titles (including six NBA Finals MVP's.) During his first retirement from basketball, he played professional baseball for a short time.
4. Babe Didrikson Zaharias - Considered by many to be the greatest female athlete ever, Zaharias outshone her competitors on the golf course, basketball court, baseball diamond and on the track and field. She won three medals (two gold, one silver) at the 1932 Los Angeles Olympic games and was an All-American basketball player. She achieved her greatest success on the golf course where she won a total of 82 tournaments, including 17 straight wins at one point.
3. Wilt Chamberlain - It could be argued that Wilt "The Stilt" is the most dominating presence to have ever played professional basketball. He averaged 50 points/game over the course of a full NBA season and famously scored 100 points in a single game. He averaged nearly 23 rebounds a game over his career. As a college student at Kansas, Chamberlain shone in track & field and, after his basketball career was over, he played professional volleyball.
2. Jim Brown - Remembered for his Hall of Fame career as a running back for the Cleveland Browns, Brown was a punishing runner who led the NFL in rushing all but one of his nine seasons in the league. While at Syracuse, Brown was an All-American in lacrosse and earned letters in basketball and track & field. If that wasn't enough, he was given the opportunity to play for the New York Yankees and became a movie star after retiring from the NFL.
1. Jim Thorpe - In an era when Native Americans were all but dismissed by mainstream society, Jim Thorpe became a legend due to his athletic dominance. His abilities almost seem unbelievable in this day and age. He was an Olympic gold medalist in the pentathlon and decathlon. He had a Hall of Fame career as a football player and helped to found the NFL. He played professional baseball and also played on a barnstorming basketball team. Considering the challenges that he must have encountered, his accomplishments are all the more impressive.
So that's my list. Who would you include?
But the thought of this type of ranking got me thinking - just who are the greatest athletes ever? I've done a little research and have come up with my top 10 athletes of all-time. I chose athletes that not only dominated in their primary sport, but also had demonstrated ability in at least one other sport at a high level. Here they are in descending order:
10. Vincent (Bo) Jackson - Although his baseball and football careers were cut short due to a hip injury, Bo Jackson exhibited his vast athletic abilities during his relatively short pro career. The first person to play in the All-Star games in two different major sports, Jackson was a punishing running back for the Raiders and possessed a devastating combination of power and speed for the Royals and White Sox.
9. Rafer Johnson - Johnson excelled in the decathlon during the late 1950's and took home the gold medal at the 1960 Rome Olympics. His athleticism spread to the football field where he was offered a football scholarship to UCLA (which he eventually declined) and the basketball court, where he was a starter on the UCLA basketball team. Johnson was also a student leader with Campus Crusade for Christ at UCLA in the early days of the ministry there.
8. Dave Winfield - Most well-known for his versatility on the baseball field, Winfield demonstrated a graceful mix of power and speed during his Hall of Fame career for such teams as the Padres, Yankees and Twins. But Winfield also started for the Minnesota Golden Gophers basketball team in college and, because of his obvious athletic talents, was drafted by the Vikings in the NFL draft -- even though he never played football in college. No other athlete has ever been drafted in all three major professional sports.
7. Jackie Joyner-Kersee - Arguably the greatest female track and field athlete in U.S. history, Joyner-Kersee's top event was the heptathlon where she won an Olympic silver in 1984 and golds in 1988 and 1992. She also excelled at the long jump and won a total of six Olympic medals - the most ever by a female U.S. track and field athlete. In addition to her dominance in track and field, she also was a member of the basketball team at UCLA.
6. Jackie Robinson - Everyone knows Robinson as the trailblazer who broke Major League Baseball's color barrier with the Dodgers in 1947, but few know that his athletic pursuits extended to several other sports. In fact, some felt baseball, in which he enjoyed a Hall of Fame career, was his weakest sport. Robinson also earned varsity letters in college in basketball, football and track and field.
5. Michael Jordan - Jordan redefined basketball success with the Chicago Bulls during the 1980's and '90's. Possessing the skill and competitiveness needed to succeed in what is arguably the most athletic sport in existence, Jordan dominated the NBA by winning ten scoring titles and six NBA titles (including six NBA Finals MVP's.) During his first retirement from basketball, he played professional baseball for a short time.
4. Babe Didrikson Zaharias - Considered by many to be the greatest female athlete ever, Zaharias outshone her competitors on the golf course, basketball court, baseball diamond and on the track and field. She won three medals (two gold, one silver) at the 1932 Los Angeles Olympic games and was an All-American basketball player. She achieved her greatest success on the golf course where she won a total of 82 tournaments, including 17 straight wins at one point.
3. Wilt Chamberlain - It could be argued that Wilt "The Stilt" is the most dominating presence to have ever played professional basketball. He averaged 50 points/game over the course of a full NBA season and famously scored 100 points in a single game. He averaged nearly 23 rebounds a game over his career. As a college student at Kansas, Chamberlain shone in track & field and, after his basketball career was over, he played professional volleyball.
2. Jim Brown - Remembered for his Hall of Fame career as a running back for the Cleveland Browns, Brown was a punishing runner who led the NFL in rushing all but one of his nine seasons in the league. While at Syracuse, Brown was an All-American in lacrosse and earned letters in basketball and track & field. If that wasn't enough, he was given the opportunity to play for the New York Yankees and became a movie star after retiring from the NFL.
1. Jim Thorpe - In an era when Native Americans were all but dismissed by mainstream society, Jim Thorpe became a legend due to his athletic dominance. His abilities almost seem unbelievable in this day and age. He was an Olympic gold medalist in the pentathlon and decathlon. He had a Hall of Fame career as a football player and helped to found the NFL. He played professional baseball and also played on a barnstorming basketball team. Considering the challenges that he must have encountered, his accomplishments are all the more impressive.
So that's my list. Who would you include?
Friday, July 04, 2008
The Top Sports Movies of All-Time
It is supposed to be the dog days of summer, but in Michigan, where we're visiting for the summer, it feels more like autumn. And for sports fans, this is a fairly hum-drum time of year. It's almost two months until the football season. The NBA season is complete. Hockey's done. The baseball season isn't even to the All-Star game yet. We do have the Olympics to look forward to, but that's not until a number of weeks.
It's during these times that I enjoy kicking back and enjoying a good movie when there are not too many games to choose from. If you're like me and you're a fan of both movies and sports, then you might like this list I've created of my favorite sports movies of all-time. To offer a disclaimer, these are movies that are not only good, but that I've seen a number of times. So there are some great sports-themed movies (Breaking Away, Raging Bull and Seabiscuit come to mind) that didn't make the list simply because I've only seen them once.
So without any further adieu, here's the list...
10. Miracle (2004) - A great film that chronicles the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team that upset the vaunted Russians and went onto win the gold medal. An inspiring story with a real-life Hollywood movie ending, the cast is led by a stellar acting performance by Kurt Russell, who plays coach Herb Brooks. Those that remember the real hockey game can't help but relish this movie.
Favorite Scene - When Coach Brooks quietly celebrates by himself in a back hallway after his team has done the unthinkable and actually beat the Soviet Union.
9. The Karate Kid (1984) - What kid from the 80's has not stood on a post and done the iconic "crane kick" from this movie? The Karate Kid tells the story of young Daniel who is bullied by new classmates and gets mentored by the wise Mr. Miyagi, marvelously played by Pat Morita. The film culminates with a classic fight scene where Daniel must overcome an injury to defeat the despised Johnny from the Cobras.
Favorite Scene - When Mr. Miyagi finally demonstrates to Daniel-san that all that "wax on, wax off" stuff has a purpose behind it and Daniel "gets it."
8. The Rookie (2002) - Dennis Quaid does a marvelous job portraying small town Texas high school teacher and coach Jimmy Morris. Morris's dream of becoming a pitcher in the major leagues never panned out and years later accepts a challenge from the varsity team he coaches to try out for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Remarkably, he makes it to "The Show" is this movie from Disney based on a true story. A great family film.
Favorite Scene - When Morris calls his young son from a pay phone to let him know that he has finally made it to the majors.
7. Caddyshack (1980) - This is one of the funniest movies ever made. Caddyshack follows the antics of the members, groundskeepers and caddies of an-upscale country club. It showcases Bill Murray and Chevy Chase at their finest and Ted Knight is hilarious as well. There are just too many classic lines in this movie to list here.
Favorite Scene - When Ty (Chase) visits Carl (Murray) in his "dwelling" while taking in a late nine at Bushwood. Every line of this scene is memorable.
6. Field of Dreams (1989) - Though some accuse this film of being a bit schmaltzy, the story of a man longing for the carefree love of baseball from his youth and the regrets of his relationship with his father hit home for many people. Though one of the many baseball-themed movies starring Kevin Costner, I think this is one of his best performances. Plus, any movie with Darth Vader (James Earl Jones) is good in my book.
Favorite Scene - When Ray (Costner) gets to play catch one more time with his deceased father.
5. Hoop Dreams (1994) - The only documentary on this list, Hoop Dreams tells the story of two kids, William Gates and Arthur Agee, with dreams of playing in the NBA. The film follows them throughout high school and the challenges they and their families face growing up in the inner-city of Chicago. You can't help but pull for both William and Arthur as the movie moves along and see the many obstacles they face along the way.
Favorite Scene - When Arthur and his father engage in a battle of one-on-one on the court that brings out a little more than his dad expected.
4. Rocky (1976) - This is the movie that put Sylvester Stallone on the map. Though I doubt that there are many that haven't seen this film, it follows Rocky Balboa, a small-time Philadelphia fighter who gets a shot at the heavyweight title. Rocky's budding relationship with Adrian is what makes this movie so endearing and his accomplishment of going the distance with the champ is what makes this film a winner. I doubt there is a more beloved figure in American cinematic history than Rocky Balboa.
Favorite Scene - The ending, of course. After the conclusion of Rocky's fight with Apollo, his embrace with Adrian at center ring can't help but make you feel good.
3. Rudy (1993) - Sean Astin delivers an inspiring performance as Rudy Ruettiger, an undersized and underskilled man who wants to live out his childhood dream of playing for the Notre Dame football team. A true story, Rudy could have been so much better if only the producers do as they do with so many true stories and changed its setting from South Bend to Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan. Could you imagine Rudy in the winged helmet at the Big House with "The Victors" playing? Couldn't get any better than that!
Favorite Scene - When Fortune (Charles S. Dutton), Rudy's friend and mentor, sees Rudy get the chance to play for the Fighting Irish. His clap and fist pump and quiet celebration after Rudy's play as he leaves the stadium always gives me goose bumps.
2. Hoosiers (1986) - I have possibly seen this movie more than any other in my lifetime. The trials and rise of the Hickory Huskers, led by coach Norman Dale (Gene Hackman), is as good of a feel-good story as there is. During basketball season when I was in high school, I must have watched this film at least a dozen times each season. And for those that knew me back then, you'll know that my nickname was Jimmy Chitwood, after the sharpshooting guard for the Huskers. This movie was based on the story of the 1954 Milan team that won the Indiana high school championship.
Favorite Scene - When Jimmy gets up to speak at the townhall meeting being held to decide whether Coach Dale will continue on as the Hickory coach.
1. Jerry Maguire (1996) - Even beyond sports flicks, I think this might be my favorite movie ever. Jerry Maguire stars Tom Cruise as a sports agent that suddenly gets a conscience and learns about what is truly important in life. In addition to Cruise's Oscar nominated performance, Cuba Gooding, Jr. won an Oscar for his turn as NFL receiver Rod Tidwell and this is Renee' Zellweger's breakout role. There are so many things to love about this film. It's a drama and comedy. It deals with romance and sports. It focuses on friendship, marriage and parenthood. And it addresses race and greed. One of the aspects that I enjoy most is that it features an African American male as a devoted and loving husband and father.
Favorite Scene - When Rod and Jerry share an emotional hug after Rod's huge Monday night game.
So those are my favorite sports flicks. Any that you think should have made the list?
It's during these times that I enjoy kicking back and enjoying a good movie when there are not too many games to choose from. If you're like me and you're a fan of both movies and sports, then you might like this list I've created of my favorite sports movies of all-time. To offer a disclaimer, these are movies that are not only good, but that I've seen a number of times. So there are some great sports-themed movies (Breaking Away, Raging Bull and Seabiscuit come to mind) that didn't make the list simply because I've only seen them once.
So without any further adieu, here's the list...
10. Miracle (2004) - A great film that chronicles the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team that upset the vaunted Russians and went onto win the gold medal. An inspiring story with a real-life Hollywood movie ending, the cast is led by a stellar acting performance by Kurt Russell, who plays coach Herb Brooks. Those that remember the real hockey game can't help but relish this movie.
Favorite Scene - When Coach Brooks quietly celebrates by himself in a back hallway after his team has done the unthinkable and actually beat the Soviet Union.
9. The Karate Kid (1984) - What kid from the 80's has not stood on a post and done the iconic "crane kick" from this movie? The Karate Kid tells the story of young Daniel who is bullied by new classmates and gets mentored by the wise Mr. Miyagi, marvelously played by Pat Morita. The film culminates with a classic fight scene where Daniel must overcome an injury to defeat the despised Johnny from the Cobras.
Favorite Scene - When Mr. Miyagi finally demonstrates to Daniel-san that all that "wax on, wax off" stuff has a purpose behind it and Daniel "gets it."
8. The Rookie (2002) - Dennis Quaid does a marvelous job portraying small town Texas high school teacher and coach Jimmy Morris. Morris's dream of becoming a pitcher in the major leagues never panned out and years later accepts a challenge from the varsity team he coaches to try out for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Remarkably, he makes it to "The Show" is this movie from Disney based on a true story. A great family film.
Favorite Scene - When Morris calls his young son from a pay phone to let him know that he has finally made it to the majors.
7. Caddyshack (1980) - This is one of the funniest movies ever made. Caddyshack follows the antics of the members, groundskeepers and caddies of an-upscale country club. It showcases Bill Murray and Chevy Chase at their finest and Ted Knight is hilarious as well. There are just too many classic lines in this movie to list here.
Favorite Scene - When Ty (Chase) visits Carl (Murray) in his "dwelling" while taking in a late nine at Bushwood. Every line of this scene is memorable.
6. Field of Dreams (1989) - Though some accuse this film of being a bit schmaltzy, the story of a man longing for the carefree love of baseball from his youth and the regrets of his relationship with his father hit home for many people. Though one of the many baseball-themed movies starring Kevin Costner, I think this is one of his best performances. Plus, any movie with Darth Vader (James Earl Jones) is good in my book.
Favorite Scene - When Ray (Costner) gets to play catch one more time with his deceased father.
5. Hoop Dreams (1994) - The only documentary on this list, Hoop Dreams tells the story of two kids, William Gates and Arthur Agee, with dreams of playing in the NBA. The film follows them throughout high school and the challenges they and their families face growing up in the inner-city of Chicago. You can't help but pull for both William and Arthur as the movie moves along and see the many obstacles they face along the way.
Favorite Scene - When Arthur and his father engage in a battle of one-on-one on the court that brings out a little more than his dad expected.
4. Rocky (1976) - This is the movie that put Sylvester Stallone on the map. Though I doubt that there are many that haven't seen this film, it follows Rocky Balboa, a small-time Philadelphia fighter who gets a shot at the heavyweight title. Rocky's budding relationship with Adrian is what makes this movie so endearing and his accomplishment of going the distance with the champ is what makes this film a winner. I doubt there is a more beloved figure in American cinematic history than Rocky Balboa.
Favorite Scene - The ending, of course. After the conclusion of Rocky's fight with Apollo, his embrace with Adrian at center ring can't help but make you feel good.
3. Rudy (1993) - Sean Astin delivers an inspiring performance as Rudy Ruettiger, an undersized and underskilled man who wants to live out his childhood dream of playing for the Notre Dame football team. A true story, Rudy could have been so much better if only the producers do as they do with so many true stories and changed its setting from South Bend to Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan. Could you imagine Rudy in the winged helmet at the Big House with "The Victors" playing? Couldn't get any better than that!
Favorite Scene - When Fortune (Charles S. Dutton), Rudy's friend and mentor, sees Rudy get the chance to play for the Fighting Irish. His clap and fist pump and quiet celebration after Rudy's play as he leaves the stadium always gives me goose bumps.
2. Hoosiers (1986) - I have possibly seen this movie more than any other in my lifetime. The trials and rise of the Hickory Huskers, led by coach Norman Dale (Gene Hackman), is as good of a feel-good story as there is. During basketball season when I was in high school, I must have watched this film at least a dozen times each season. And for those that knew me back then, you'll know that my nickname was Jimmy Chitwood, after the sharpshooting guard for the Huskers. This movie was based on the story of the 1954 Milan team that won the Indiana high school championship.
Favorite Scene - When Jimmy gets up to speak at the townhall meeting being held to decide whether Coach Dale will continue on as the Hickory coach.
1. Jerry Maguire (1996) - Even beyond sports flicks, I think this might be my favorite movie ever. Jerry Maguire stars Tom Cruise as a sports agent that suddenly gets a conscience and learns about what is truly important in life. In addition to Cruise's Oscar nominated performance, Cuba Gooding, Jr. won an Oscar for his turn as NFL receiver Rod Tidwell and this is Renee' Zellweger's breakout role. There are so many things to love about this film. It's a drama and comedy. It deals with romance and sports. It focuses on friendship, marriage and parenthood. And it addresses race and greed. One of the aspects that I enjoy most is that it features an African American male as a devoted and loving husband and father.
Favorite Scene - When Rod and Jerry share an emotional hug after Rod's huge Monday night game.
So those are my favorite sports flicks. Any that you think should have made the list?
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