It shows that the number 42 signifies a piece of history in baseball. Allyson Felix, Track and Field: 9 medals (6 G, 3 S) Felix is the only female track and field athlete to ever win six Olympic gold medals and her nine medals are tied for the most ever won by a . With more than 36 million social media followers on diverse platforms. "The Glove" was born when Payton's cousin called him during the 1993Western ConferenceFinals series and told him"you're holdingKevin Johnsonlike abaseballin aglove.". Johnston was also the first fullback ever elected to the Pro Bowl, a position officially recognized by the NFL because of Johnston's efforts as a blocker and occasional runner. Jeter is an iconic figure from a club renowned for outstanding players and has stood out among the games all-time greats. He also played for the New York Yankees of the American Football League for just one season before they absolved into the NFL. Gabby Douglas, is an American gymnast who became the first African American in Olympic history to win the individual all-around event at the 2012 Summer Games. https://goo.gl/tX6CcK-~-~~-~~. Birth date: September 12, 1913. These players have left a lasting impression on their respective teams. Very few athletes have earned their nickname quite like Dominique Wilkins. Cosentino, Frank. He was elected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1987, with 76.27 percent of the vote, just over the necessary 75 percent to qualify. Newton was the prime example of how munchies can have devastating effects on your weight and physical appearance. No. He plays for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League and has been the team's captain since 2013.His record list includes the fastest century by an Indian . Famous for wearing the number 23 jersey throughout the entirety of his career, Murphy achieved much while playing, including . Dominique Wilkins. However, many athletes remain inseparable from their on-field persona and the uniform that they wear. In his playing days, Jerome was a six-time Pro Bowl selection and a Super Bowl Champion with the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XL. Penny has attributed his successes in life to his grandma, who raised him up as a child while his mother was away working. These numbers can be passed down from one club legend to the next, as the tradition is in soccer. No list of the best athletes is complete without "The Greatest" Muhammad Ali. 3 spot with 10,335. It has spawned other nicknames involving athletes with the last name "Rodriguez," including the current record holder for most saves in a season, Frankie "K-Rod" Rodriguez. Virat Kohli, nicknamed Chikoo, is a famous Indian international cricketer who is the present captain of the India national team.With a top record on his plate, he is regarded as one of the best batsmen in the world. He built a contraption out of poles that allowed him to carry more bags than his co-workers. The nickname given to Camacho seems born out of synergy, contained in, and rhyming with, his last name. Just as important as his stats to his legacy are the monikers we have come to know and fondly use to remember him. No. Wayne Gretzky is widely considered the best hockey player ever to play the game, in the same conversations with Gordie Howe and Brett Hull. Glen Davis was a big kid. His moniker was given to him by teammates for his dribbling skills and ability to go "coast-to-coast," covering the entire floor from a rebound on defense to a layup on the other end. (Trivia time: Which Buls player wore No. Johnson was elected to theNBA's 50th Anniversary All-Time Team in 1996, is a five-time NBA Champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, a three-time MVP and a 12-time All-Star. Named for his cool demeanor on a basketball court, Gervin played in both the ABA and the NBA, and it has been said at his ABA tryout in Virginia, he made 22-of-25 three-point attempts. This nickname is clever, scores big points for rhyming with the name and personifies Holyfield to the fullest. Jim Browns career in the National Football League only lasted nine seasons, but his impact on the game has lasted through history. The tall glass of water got his famous alias from multiple sources: According to Paige, his nickname originated from childhood work toting bags at the train station. number eight "Pocket Rocket" = Brent Russell, Utility players "Pocket Dynamo" = Gio Aplon, Fullback / Wing " Slaptjips" (Afrikaans for potato chips or french fries) = Pieter Rossouw, Wing "The . Clayton Kershaw. The Hall of Famer battled through segregation to become one of the greatest left-handed hitters in Major League Baseball history. Naim Sleymanolu (Weightlifting)- Pocket Hercules. Jordan adopted the number in high school because his brother wore his preferred #45. Dykstra was a three-time All-Star, World Series champion and Silver Slugger Award winner while playing for the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies. Robinsons #42 will never be worn by another Major League baseball player. How do you rank the best nicknames of all time? Gordon earned his nickname when he burst on to the scene in 1989 at the age of 21, when he went 17-9 in his first full season in the majors. Full list of Olympic athletes, including Simone Biles, Naomi Osaka and Michael Phelps. In true legendary boxer style, Ali gave himself the nickname "The Greatest," but also deserves it. Still yet another story says he was named "Satchel" simply for the immense size of his feet, looking like two satchel bags on the end of his ankles. "The Mailman always delivers" was the phrase that followed Malone from his college days until the end of his career and beyond. The two sport star wore #21 on both the football field and baseball diamond, and holds the honor of being the only athlete to hit a home run and score a touchdown in the same week. ESPN have announced the top 20 most famous athletes of 2019. Source: Getty Images His lawyer should have been named "The electric no possibility of victory but still attempting attorney.". Hall of Fame player Alex English deserves some recognition for wearing No. Between June 2016 and 2017, LeBron earned $86 million. While most think the successful Alabama Crimson Tide coach was named "Bear" for his personality, it was actually given to him as a child. Drexler has had his nickname since his days at the University of Houston, named for his speed and athleticism on the court and his pleasant and easygoing nature in his private life. William Perry was a fan favorite with the Chicago Bears from 1985-93, and the team used him on both sides of the ball. The running back/receiver was a three-time Pro Bowl selection and named to the NFL 1950s All-Decade Team. Twenty-three is the number . Hunter is an eight-time All-Star and five-time World Series Champion. "The Human Highlight Film" has got to be one of the coolest nicknames in sport and it was perfect for Dominique Wilkins. Erving electrified crowds with his dunking and leaping abilities, and the nickname seemed divine and easily matched his personality and persona. Williams said he didnt change his number until 1993 because that was his first chance to do it.". He is a two-time NBA MVP and 13-time NBA All-Star selection and is currently ranked second all-time in NBA scoring. He wore the #3 for his entire baseball career and has had that number retired by the New York Yankees. This is one of the most fitting nicknames on the countdown. Iconic NBA players with number 23 jerseys include Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis, all Hall of Fame-level players whose career highlights are among the greatest moments in basketball history. By the 1930s numbers on uniforms were standard practice for Major League Baseball teams and were common in other sports like football and hockey. Quiz Source Hernndez is also known for the enormous leg kick featured in his delivery. Brown played . Venus and Serena Williams. 31.April (Latin origin) meaning "open". 3 Kids seem to believe that stardom carries with it certain "perks," such as that famous athletes get special treatment if they break the law (34%; 39% of teens and 25% of 10-12 year olds) and are Gabby Douglas (Gymnastics)- Flying Squirrel. Truly the champion of the nickname, Ruth is also the symbol of achievement in our nation's greatest past-time. Shaun's nickname is born out of obvious connections. 1 - Oscar Robertson. His stellar play as a defensive lineman, along with his faith, helped him earn his nickname as "The Minister of Defense.". 28) on his jersey, the same number that Vaughn wore in the film. Jackie Robisons contribution to baseball and American society are so significant that he holds the honor of being the only player to have his number retired across Major League Baseball. Hayes earned many nicknames during his playing days, such as "The Judge" and his self-proclaimed "Jedi" alias for his pre-Super Bowl XVIII quotes stating he was "The only true Jedi in the NFL" (Star Wars was immensely popular in the late '70s and early '80s). Elway possessed an uncanny ability to lead his teams to victory when they trailed late in games. His accomplishments on the baseball diamond are virtually unparalleled over the course of a century of baseball history. Rodman earned his moniker with aggressive and often over-the-top defense. Gretzky won four Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers during the 1980s, before he was dealt in a blockbuster deal to the Los Angeles Kings. In many other sports, numbers of club legends are retired from use and placed in the rafters to be revered by generations of fans. 23 Other. For certain teams, some numbers hold a special place in club lore and the hearts of the fans. The obvious alliteration is a testament to his power-hitting prowess and home run tally as a player. This nickname was bound to happen, seeing as how his last name is so closely spelled to "goose," and there were no other candidates that could top it. Marino is one of the most prolific passers in the history of the NFL, amassing 61,361 yards during his seventeen seasons in the league. His other famous nickname, "The Yankee Clipper," also deserves a mention on the countdown. Brown is widely considered one of the greatest running backs of all time, thanks to his brutal yet elegant rushing style. Lists of nicknames - nickname list articles on Wikipedia McGriff's alias is just one of the many nickname brainchild ideas of ESPN analyst Chris Berman, who noticed the slugger's name resembled that of the National Crime Prevention Council mascot "McGruff.". Grange got his nickname from Chicago American writer Warren Brown, who dubbed the pasty white-skinned red head "The Galloping Ghost," citing his running style at the University of Illinois. One look at the high-flying X-Games star, and it's easy to see why he is called "The Flying Tomato.". Rickey Henderson. Manager Alfred Lawson chose to put numbers on his teams jerseys in order for fans to easily identify each of th. The World Golf Hall of Fame member is a legend in the game, and his "Golden Bear" moniker has led to many endorsements and products that "bear" his name. Birth Year: 1913. Sometimes just called Michael "Air" Jordan, the greatest basketball player to ever live has been called many other things as well. His nickname, Louisiana Lightning, is an all-timer. Nicklaus won 20 major titles before retiring to design golf courses. One of the greatest athletes ever, Usain Bolt is popular by the nickname 'Lightning Bolt'. Robinson was a six-time All-Star, World Series Champion, and the 1949 National League MVP. News on all your favorite celebs, reality TV, and movies. Although Mike Bossy only played 752 games, he . 2 2. What famous athletes wore number 22? Hopkins is known for 51 wins in 59 fights, which include 32 knockouts and one no contest. Sandy Koufax (Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers) 2. Just the mere mention of "The Great One" in reference to hockey brings memories of nearly 900 goals and a memorable trade that landed the hockey star in Los Angeles. He became known as "The Ryan Express" when he came into games because of his fastball that easily topped 100 mph on a routine basis. Any way you slice it, the man could hit, and the "Splendid Splinter" seems to be the most creative nickname ever concocted for the lefty. Simple, yet accurate, this nickname is solid and turned a superb athlete with a common name into a legend. Reese was a 10-time All-Star and two-time World Series Champion with the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers. Return to Top; Players. Jones owes his alias to his family, who constantly told him he was "A chip-off-the-old-block," in reference to his father. (A special thanks to The Sandlot for assisting with this slide), 8Pro Bowlselection (1981,1983,1984,1985,1987,1989,1990,1993), 3 First TeamAll-Proselection (1987,1989,1990), 3 Second Team All-Pro selection (1981,1983,1984), 4Super Bowlchampion (XVI,XIX,XXIII,XXIV). Also nicknamed "The Silver Fox"and just known by the shorter "Duke" Snider, the former Brooklyn Dodgers slugger was often compared to other New York outfielders such as Willie Mays and Mickey Mantle and earned the nickname "The Duke of Flatbush" after an area in New York City called "Flatbush" and his accolades as a hitter. We have to say it: "He'll stomp on a child's testicles, but he won't poop on a pigeon.". mark reinstein/Shutterstock. As far as boxing nicknames are concerned, "The Executioner" isn't very imaginative but still intimidating. The Celtics' big man averaged 22.5 rebounds in his career; between his mastery of the . As if the Venezuelan pitcher needs any more names,Garcs' tongue-in-cheek nickname is a poke at his stature, and friends and teammates commonly refer to him by his moniker. There are many different stories explaining the origin of the "Say Hey" nickname, but the most common descriptions is as follows: When Mays was coming up in the minor leagues, he moved so frequently through the ranks he didn't know very many of his teammates names. He won two NBA titles with the Houston Rockets and was the NBA MVP in 1994, also with the Rockets. Parish got his nickname from afictitious Chief Bromden, a silent, giantNative Americancharacter in the filmOne Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Jerry Rice is unquestionably the greatest wide receiver in the history of the NFL. The nickname literally translated means "The Duke," but his moniker is in reference to a tropical hurricane, which he is said to have brought on his opponents while pitching on the mound. An eight-time Pro Bowl . His #99 is retired throughout the NHL, never to be worn by another player again. He stood 6'-and-a-half inches tall and weighed 225 lbs, a very large size in his time. David Ortiz has his regular season heroics, but Jeter owns October. In this sport, Lee Chong Wei sits on the throne. Quite possibly the athlete with the most nicknames in sports history, Shaquille O'Neal seems to be a fan favorite wherever he goes, and his outgoing personality has earned him numerous sponsorships and TV/Film appearances. Currently playing for the Cincinnati Bengals, Adam "Pacman" Jones received his nickname as a young child, when it was noted that he could drink his milk as fast as the video game character. legendary athlete number 23 nicknamepeinture gris mtallis voiturepeinture gris mtallis voiture famous athletes number 23 nicknamemeat carving knife blank. His legacy will live on in college basketball and the hearts of his students forever. Orenthal James was shortened to O.J., which is an acronym shared by "Orange Juice," and there you have it. . Usain Bolt (11%) and Pel (11%) then completed the Top 5. The #7 has been passed down from Kevin Keegan to Kenny Daglish to Luis Suarez, and many others have held the honor of wearing the most iconic number for one of Englands most decorated football clubs. Elway retired following two consecutive Super Bowl wins and appeared in five Super Bowls. The program will chronicle Tyson's love for pigeon racing. All players are Canadian unless indicated otherwise. Montana became a football great with the San Francisco 49ers, finished his career with the Kansas City Chiefs and compiled a career rap sheet that looks like this: The Hall of Famer lost his index finger in a gruesome farming accident, in which he was putting material into a feed chopper, slipped and got his hand mangled. Wilkins played 11 seasons of NBA basketball with the Atlanta Hawks and was a nine-time NBA All-Star. Jeter was the cornerstone of the Yankees during their tremendous success in the 1990s and 2000s. Mario Lemieux is a hero to many hockey fans, but not only because of his contributions to the Pittsburgh Penguins on the ice. . The nickname "Spider" is a reference to Salley's fear of arachnids, which, according to him, was conquered during his time on the 2009 reality television showI'm a CelebrityGet Me out of Here! James has worn different numbers throughout his career but is probably tied together most with the number 23. The tall glass of water is a solid shooter, and therefore, the gun jokes just flow. There's no inventive story here: "Dr. J" was given to Julius Erving by a high school friend, who watched him play and likened his smoothness with the ball and ability to score like the precision of a doctor performing surgery. Paige is considered one of the best pitchers to play baseball, and it is a crying shame he didn't get a chance to enter the Major Leagues sooner than he did. Steve Carlton (Philadelphia Phillies) 3. 7 - Mickey . There are those names that just seemsoright. Muhammad Ali. Eighty-eight years ago this week, the New York Yankees became the first professional sports team to permanently wear numbers on their uniforms. As time passes, these athletes will be remembered for the accomplishments achieved while wearing their preferred numbers. LISTING OF PRIMARY NUMBERS IN CAPS; Secondary Numbers in lower case. The high-flyer ranks 13th in career scoring in the NBA and is mentioned nearly every year during the dunk contest and has been a judge in the competition multiple times. There have been many outstanding athletes to dawn the number 23. In related news, the US Congress prosecuted a rocket for perjury for the first time in history. 3 - Babe Ruth. Jim Umbricht (Houston Astros) 10. Cristiano Ronaldos image is inseparable from his favored #7. Load," and "Round Mound of Touchdown," in reference to one of Charles Barkley's many monikers. But those come from the big four traditional sports: baseball, football, basketball and hockey. Every year, LeBron James earns around $25 million in salary from the Cleveland Cavaliers and roughly $55 million from endorsements. 2 Deion Sanders, CB, Florida State (1985-88) Focus on Sport/Getty Images. Unique lists featuring pop culture, entertainment and crazy facts. Although Williams' long mullet locks are long gone, the moniker follows him wherever he goes. There's something about being a football player while making a living in Chicago that attracts nicknames like a moth to a flame. Not only is Wei a three-time Olympic silver medalist, he is also the first badminton player to have kept the #1 world ranking for three years. The Yankees great still holds the record for consecutive games with at least one hit with a 56-hit streak in 1941. "The Owl Without A Vowel" only played one season in the NBA with the Philadelphia Warriors (now the Golden State Warriors), but the nickname has stuck with him ever since college. Rose is the career MLB hits leader, having recorded 4,256 knocks. His #13 is retired by both the Pittsburgh Panthers and the Miami Dolphins, and he is the greatest quarterback to ever wear the number. His nickname is more a basic description of the entity he embodies than a catchy alter-ego. Payton's defense is the stuff of NBA legend. Malone was known for his consistency and durability and for teaming up with a sprightly white guy in short shorts all those years as a member of the Utah Jazz. The Rock is just too famous of a nickname to not put on this list. Johnson played for the Charlotte Hornets at the height of their popularity in the mid-'90s, and earned the nickname "Grandmama" after shooting a commercial for Converse. 6 during his days with the Boston Celtics. He was a larger than life figure that was known for crushing home runs and winning seven World Series titles. The Rams and Jets QB also did several endorsement commercials during his playing days, including this one for pantyhose, no joke. In any event, Mays is one of the best players to grace a Major League field and will forever be known as, "The Say Hay Kid.".