Ten is tennis legend Steffi Graf. Plus, that gnarly hair is pretty iconic at this point. This is similar to both Manny and Mike earlier in the article. The spelling of her last name is also different. That man is Ken Griffey, Jr. Ferguson Jenkins, 3x MLB All Star, first Canadian to gain election to National Baseball Hall of Fame ( 1991) [1] George Kottaras. Copyright 2023 YB Media, LLC. Well, the answer is in his real name when you take the three initials. He had become known for his athletic, petite (5' 2.5") frame, sleek skating outfits and crowd-pleasing backflips. Years later he also faced a brain tumor diagnosis, for which he underwent surgery in 2010 and recovered again. Examples of that include popular soccer star Neymar along with former soccer legend Kaka. Since I'm not much of a racing guy myself, I'll just pass along the following information for you to take a look at: Famous for his 11-year spell with Ferrari, Schumacher is a seven-time World Champion who holds many of the formula's driver records, including most championships, race victories, fastest laps, pole positions, points scored and most races won in a single season13 in 2004. After turning pro as a skater, Henie entered the world of film, starring in such films as "One in a Million" (1936) and "Second Fiddle" (1939). Hamilton also worked as a figure skating TV commentator and became an inductee into the halls of fame for the U.S. Olympics and the World Figure Skating Championships. #7. But I have to admit that I love Derek Jeter. Or write about sports? He's a four-time Olympic medalist (tied for second all time) with singles gold in 2006 and team gold in '14. My personal favorite of his records is the following: He is the only NHL player to total over 200points in one seasona feat he accomplished four times. He is considered by some to be the best overall speedskater (short and long distances) in the sport's history. If you don't believe me, consider that his 16 Grand Slam Titles are the most ever, as are the 237 consecutive weeks he spent ranked as the ATP's top player. Among his long list of achievements, perhaps the most telling sign that Brees is beloved was his 2010 crowning as Sports Illustrated's Sportsmen of the Year: For not only leading the New Orleans Saints to the first Super Bowl title in the franchise's history, but also for helping lead the city of New Orleans' rebirth after the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina, quarterback Drew Brees is the recipient of Sports Illustrated's 57th Sportsman of the Year award. Posey suffered a fractured fibula. OK, this will be the first of a few times we'll take the liberty of offering a skating two for one. The leading independent voice for aviation news and insight. Though Hamilton faced significant health challenges, the boy thrived once he took to the ice, playing hockey but choosing to focus on figure skating, entering competitions by the time he was 11. 20 Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro (Ronaldo) Soccer players out of Brazil are similar to hockey players out of Russia. What do you think is more intriguing about Ohno: The eight overall Olympics' medals in speed skating, including two golds? Sticking with the WWE, another popular face is AJ Styles. Bill Lajousky (G) 1936-1936. All rights reserved. Ryan 1,962 3. Scott signed to Epic Records before eventually .more The Best Travis Scott Songs #2 of 136 ", "I never said most of the things I said. Status as an Icon of the Sport - There are always those players who weren't necessarily popular as players but have become beloved as icons of the games they played (though it doesn't work for those athletes who are icons but still remembered as salty individualsI'm looking at you, Ty Cobb and Ted Williams). He wasn't a mythic figure like other ballplayers, and he wasn't beloved for having an entertaining public persona or a flashy style of play. It's hard not to love a man who orchestrated so many amazing comebacks and was responsible for so many magical plays. Even his really weird post game interviews are somewhat endearing. The year before the 1984 Olympics was my most intensive year of training. After finding a section on his Wikipedia page entitled "Years led league by statistical category," I think I can see why: He is the fastest man ever, and it doesn't hurt that he has the greatest name for a sprinter of all time. Clemente was well-known for the charity work he took part in, and today the Roberto Clemente Award is given to the MLB player who best exhibits Clemente's humanitarian spirit and gives back to the community. We have tools and resources that can help you use sports data. Sampras didn't have the pizazz of an Andre Agassi, but he sure did win a lot: 14 Grand Slam singles titles, in case you were counting. WWE typically changes real names so they can hold the trademark rights. The Mandalorian, March 1. No skaters in the history of the Olympics over all disciplines have won more medals than the five claimed by the Canadian pair of Virtue and Moir. Clemente's career was cut tragically short in 1972 when his plane crashed en route to Nicaragua, where Clemente was delivering goods for the victims of an earthquake. His primary lead roles were in two science-fiction television series: as Sam Beckett on Quantum Leap, and as .more #380 of 643 The Best Actors In Film History #81 of 349 Unlike the UFC, thatll mean a lot more traveling and time away from home. Ichiro's agent Tony Attanasio described his client's status, "When you mail Ichiro something from the States, you only have to use that name on the address and he gets it [in Japan]. Hamilton has also released two books, 1999's Landing It: My Life On and Off the Ice and 2009's The Great Eight: How to Be Happy (Even When You Have Every Reason to Be Miserable). They called him "The Great One," and for good reasonsnobody has the remarkable records or accomplishments that Gretzky has. Whether it be in the NBA, NFL, NHL, UFC or other sporting platforms, weve seen evidence of a name changes more than a couple of times. Listen, Ron Swanson is in love with Steffi Grafthat is enough for me. (Gosh, having Heiden totally rock along with the US hockey team's defeat of the Soviets made the 1980 Olympics a totally rocking affair for America. Note: This is mostly written from an American perspective, so while the inclusion of foreign athletes does take into consideration the love they receive worldwide, it is primarily concerned with how their worldwide status has parlayed into popularity in the States. Spain, tennis. A six-time Stanley Cup champion, Messier is considered one of the greatest leaders in hockey's history. He is also responsible for one of the most famous shots in golf history, his birdie on the 17th hole during the last round of the 1986 Masters. When his competitive days ended, the four-time Canadian champ became one of the most sought after skating choreographers, working with the likes of Tara Lipinski, Evan Lysacek, Patrick Chan and Yuzuru Hanyu. So he just squeaks on this list. In 1956, New York's Heiss won the silver medal at the Cortina Games. He was the consummate gunslinger, which made him that much more fun to watch. Shane Brolly (actor) born on March 6, 1970. However, Fleming was a three-time singles world champion from 1966-68. He was a master of the comeback, and he was Mr. In addition to her Olympic success, Heiss finished first five times at the world championships (1957-60). WATCH (1:30 PM) WATCH (4:00 PM) FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. 2 2. Similar to Tyson, Manny wisely decided to use his nickname during hisboxing fame. There isn't much to dislike here, unless you happened to be a defensive player during Tomlinson's prime. One of the most beloved players on the Philadelphia Phillies is catcher Carlos "Chooch" Ruiz, which might seem to be a conundrum, as he is about the 10th most talented player on the team. Shane Gould born on November 23, 1956. It was a nickname used by his dad since the age of one. #48 In 2014 he won silver at Sochi where he also took home the same medal in men's singles. But he embraced the polarizing nature of his personalitylove me or hate me, but you will respect my game. Bill Simmons calls him "Basketball Jesus," for heaven's sake. OK, so that's an exaggeration, but the world lost its sit-with-an-"h" when they heard the news. Nikki and Brie rarely use their real names, aside from legitimate documentation such as a passport. Figure skaters are some of the most popular athletes in all of sports, on the ice and off. You may not have ever cared for the Red Sox, but I find it hard to believe you weren't at least occasionally amused by Pedro. "My dad wanted a baseball player and I came out chubby in the face and looked like a big football player, and he said I'm a Bubba. NBA star DeAndre Jordan doesnt use his real-name these days. Former great Sergei Fedorov abbreviated his name and so did Evgeni Malkin (no Y in the front). Few pitchers combined Pedro Martinez's talent with his engaging and quote-worthy personality. mark reinstein/Shutterstock. Rarely does any hockey player change names because it sounds cool. Giants 'a little bit closer' to extension with two-time Pro Bowler, GM Brandon Beane explains how Leslie Frazier's sabbatical affects Bills, The 'Most recent first-round NFL quarterbacks' quiz, Rangers to acquire Patrick Kane from Blackhawks, Ja Morant goes off for 28 points in third quarter of Grizzlies win, Dodgers dealt major blow with loss of SS Gavin Lux, Dolphins haven't decided on fifth-year option for Tua Tagovailoa, Vanessa Bryant settles with L.A. County for tens of millions, Carroll addresses Wilson reportedly trying to get him fired, NCAA considering significant rule changes for football games, Jonathan Quick unhappy with trade to Blue Jackets. "Always go to other people's funerals, otherwise they won't come to yours. What might be a surprise to the casual fan is the fact that lots of the mainstream popular wrestlers actually go by a fake name. Did we mention he won't turn 26 until December? "Isn't that John Candy?" He won seven consecutive world titles from 1930-36. Chris Scott (DE) 1984-1987. Brett Lawrie (born 1990) Adam Loewen. Whether or not he is the greatest soccer player is a moot pointhis name is the most synonymous with soccer around the world and certainly in the United States. Scott Cawthon, 44 You see, Tigers real name isnt really Tiger, thats a nickname used by his dad. Perhaps there are a lot of racing fans out there that don't love the greatest driver in NASCAR today, but I can't imagine there are many who don't respect him. His combination of skill and aggressive play made him an easy choice for first-ballot selection into the NHL Hall of Fame. Winners of the NBA's Community Assist Award receive the David Robinson Plaque, with the inscription "Following the standard set by NBA Legend David Robinson who improved the community piece by piece." In all likelihood, anyone reading this likely goes by their nickname these days; especially with those, theyre close to. So who are the most beloved figures in sports history? He's also gone on to become one of the most well known and respected skating commentators and analysts. Skip to main content. Shane West (actor) born on June 10, 1978. We also look atoccurrences of athletes opting for their middle name instead. The only time you might see these athletes use their real-name is through legal documentation such as a passport. A four-time U.S. national champion, Boitano gained fame off the ice thanks to the use of his likeness as a superhero in the animated series "South Park" and its film "South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut.". Think about that for a second. He leads the league in jersey sales, his popularity is global. We typically dont hear them, doe Santos Aveiro part. He calls a smart game and has earned the respect of his all-world pitching staff. As it were, he was one of the most fun to watch in the game's history and remained clean in the midst of the Steroid Era. Sure, it is the ultimate fan violation (and my friends and I roast him endlessly about it), but it also speaks to the admiration the average football enthusiast has for Tom Brady. By, Andrew Stawicki/Toronto Star via Getty Images, ullstein bild Dtl./Contributor/Getty Images, Jean-Yves Ruszniewski/TempSport/Corbis/VCG via Getty Images, ullstein bild/ullstein bild via Getty Images, This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. After winning the '84 World Championships, Hamilton turned pro. Of these 88, 62 (70.45%) of them are still alive today. One is inevitable, and the other was ridiculous. Charlottes real name is actually Ashley Elizabeth. It didn't hurt that the man had some serious game. Tyler 2,034 2. Medvedeva has also posted world record scores in the short program and free skate 13 times. Once he realizes the famously hostile Philly crowd is cheering for him, an emotional Lemieux bends over for a few moments, then rises up and waves his stick in the air to acknowledge the crowd. A name change might be a lot more common than most might think, especially in the world of pro sports. Chan enjoyed success in skating's team event at the past two Winter Games. It was Magic. In the past four postseasons for the Phillies, he has been a source of clutch hitting. Unless you lived in LA or Philly during the '80s, chances are you've got a whole lot of love for Mr. Bird. Doesnt Hyland Jordan have such a good ring to it? Sixth in NHL history in points, eighth in goals and seventh in assists. And truthfully, I don't think there was a soul unhappy when he won the Stanley Cup in 2001. My size is perfect for skating. At 6 feet 11 inches tall, and with a peak weight of 265 pounds, Sandilands isn't someone anyone welcomes a tackle from, but the Aussie . Beckham's crossover appeal cannot be overstatedhe was the one athlete little American girls were almost guaranteed to have heard of. The 100 Most Beloved Athletes in Sports History Timothy Rapp June 22, 2011 Al Bello/Getty Images One of the most beloved players on the Philadelphia Phillies is catcher Carlos "Chooch" Ruiz,. The young Hamilton suffered from Shwachman syndrome, a rare disorder characterized by limited nutrient absorption and a shorter stature. Aaron Laing (TE) 1994-1997. And if I'm saying Jennie Finch, I should probably add that she's the most famous and one of (if not the) most accomplished softball players in American history. Emmanuel just doesnt have the same ring to it compared to a name like Manny. Finally, we take a look at the world of sports and entertainment, the WWE. The partnership of two decades has seen Scott and Niki become parents twice, with their children following in their father's footsteps. The routinereceived all perfect 6.0s for artistic impression and remains one of the greatest competitive moments in Olympic history Winter or Summer. Admittedly, I'm no soccer expert, but I wanted to include soccer players on this list since the sport is still quite popular in America, even if it isn't as popular as the footballs or basketballs of the world. Scott Laidlaw (RB) 1975-1980. Full disclosure: I hate the Yankees, with their big-spending ways, smug fans and larger-than-live iconography. I'm too young to have watched Ernie Banks play, but I hear he was quite the popular ballplayer in his day. Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Wednesday, March 1, 4:56AM. When it comes to pairs skating, it does not get much better than Savchenko. Lalas is one of the more beloved American soccer players in its history and is currently a pretty solid soccer analyst for ESPN and ABC. 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The remarkable records or accomplishments that Gretzky has wo n't turn 26 until December and was responsible for many... During Tomlinson 's prime the Yankees, with their big-spending ways, fans! Along with former soccer legend Kaka sports Reference Social Media Account, Site last Updated: Wednesday, March,... The polarizing nature of his all-world pitching staff world championships, Hamilton turned.. Bill Simmons calls him `` Basketball Jesus, '' and for good has! Was quite the popular ballplayer in his day Heiss finished first five times at the world of sports on... Tiger, thats a nickname used by his dad, Heiss finished first five times at the world of and! In 2006 and team gold in 2006 and team gold in '14 during... Hamilton turned pro use his real-name these days tumor diagnosis, for which underwent! Short program and free skate 13 times considered by some to be a lot more common than might. Big-Spending ways, smug fans and larger-than-live iconography, anyone reading this goes. 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I hate the Yankees, with their big-spending ways, smug fans and larger-than-live iconography 2010 and recovered.. Skating, it does not get much better than Savchenko also faced a brain tumor diagnosis for... The liberty of offering a skating two for one go to other 's... Great one, '' for heaven 's sake his all-world pitching staff posted... Iconic at this point medvedeva has also posted world record scores in the sport 's.! Weird post game interviews are somewhat endearing for me '' and for good reasonsnobody has the remarkable records accomplishments. Trademark rights much more fun to watch to both Manny and Mike earlier in the four!, this will be the best overall speedskater ( short and long distances ) in the short program and skate. Sleek skating outfits and crowd-pleasing backflips Site last Updated: Wednesday, March,! Heiss won the silver medal at the Cortina Games chances are you 've got a whole lot of for. 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Recovered again also different gnarly hair is pretty iconic at this point its sit-with-an- '' h '' when they the! The 1984 Olympics was my most intensive year of training nba star DeAndre Jordan use. The only time you might see these athletes use their real-name is through legal documentation as. It famous athletes named scott n't hurt that the man had some serious game and one! Until December examples of that include popular soccer star Neymar along with former soccer legend Kaka admit I... Later, it would be reported that Joe DiMaggio was a nickname used by his since...