didnt play in the crossover era
What does that mean?
didnt play in the crossover era
What does that mean?
I posed a similar question (more centered to 'current' rather than 'historical') a while back to a group... One of my friends made a very compelling case for Ashton Eaton, who I was admittedly pretty unfamiliar with.
In terms of athletes that I've been able to consciously watch compete in my lifetime (so dating back to the early/mid-90s), I think a strong case could be made for Jon Jones. In terms of pure athleticism, he likely deserves a mention in the conversation.
I posed a similar question (more centered to 'current' rather than 'historical') a while back to a group... One of my friends made a very compelling case for Ashton Eaton, who I was admittedly pretty unfamiliar with.
The board is anti-Wilt. But he would qualify to be near the top of the list. In addition to his basketball legend, he is also a beach volleyball legend. Many credit him with helping to popularize the sport.
He also high jumped nearly 7' in sneakers without any training. He just showed up and jumped.
The board is anti-Wilt.
that was training for the other sports...good for heart health.....
I'm surprized no one - especially RJ - has mentioned Wilt Chamberlain. Now, here is a man who amassed all sorts of racords in different sports, formal and informal.
And Winfield is the only athlete drafted by four different pro leagues (MLB, NBA, ABA, and NFL).
All things considered, I would have to go with Jim Brown. His credentials are staggering. He was one of the greatest NFL running backs of all time, an All-American lacrosse player who was one of the finest ever, averaged 38 points per game in high school basketball and lettered in hoops at Syracuse, finished fifth in the 1956 national decathlon championship, was offered a minor-league deal by the Yankees, and could have been a pro boxer after he retired.
Thorpe is up there but not #1. I would give him best athlete for his era. Even if some of his competitions were integrated, all of the records set by him and his contemporaries have been completely smashed. Bo and Deion would smoke Thorpe in the 100, 200, 400 or long jump. No way in hell could Thorpe tackle Bo or play centerfield like Bo or Deion.
Thanks for coming out, Jim, but Indians are mascots these days for a reason.
#1 Bo Jackson
#1A Deion Sanders
Can't buy this argument based on eras. It is like saying that Barack Obama is a better public speaker than Abraham Lincoln because of teleprompters or that JK Rowling is a better writer than William Faulkner because she sold more books. . Greatness lies in how you do within your generation, now how you do against a previous generation.