Favorite Player of All Time?

My wife and I were having dinner the other day, and for whatever reason, she started asking me about my favorite players of all time in each sport. So, since this blog has taken on a "sports theme" thus far, it seemed like it fit the bill.

Now, bear in mind that there are tons of reasons for a player to be one's favorite. Hell, it doesn't have to be a logical selection at all! The player doesn't have to be any good, though that might have a bearing. Often, that player can hold a special spot in your heart for any reason, logically-sound or not. Maybe it's someone that brings back memories from past success, or just memories of childhood and all the idolization that comes with being a sports fan as a kid. Who knows, and who cares? Here are some favorite of mine. Feel free to chip in and share your own.

The NBA- I've had some favorites from all sorts of teams growing up. I loved MJ when he was up and coming in the league, trying to get past the thuggish Knicks and Pistons before achieving his first round of success against Magic and the Lakers in the early 90's. Robert Horry was a favorite of mine when he burst onto the league as a high-flying dunker who could step out and hit a big 3, guard most anyone on the opposing team, and generally wreak havoc as a regular season "coaster" and playoff phenom. Vernon Maxwell will always have a special place in my heart for being a fearless mofo. That dude could shoot you back into a game, although he was just as likely to shoot you out of it. The fact that he put up 30+ points in the 4th quarter of one game should say it all. He was a relentless defender who usually was at his best against the league's best, and he was a huge reason the Rockets found success against MJ and the Bulls during their best seasons. The bottom line is that he wasn't afraid of anything or anyone, and that bad-ass factor made him easy to love. Conversely, his willingness to jump into the fans to mix it up, or his "quitting" on the team in the 1995 championship season dropped him down a notch or ten in my book.

However, when talking about favorites, it comes down to one guy- Hakeem Olajuwon. For a variety of reasons, "The Dream" is still highly underrated to this day. Even worse, I fear that people are starting to forget about his legacy, despite the way he destroyed Ewing, Robinson and Shaq in the 94 and 95 playoffs. Regardless, for a man of his size, I grew up enjoying him dominate on both ends of the court with quick reflexes and amazing footwork that led to steals and blocks that turned into dreamshakes, jumpers, and dunks on the other end. Quite simply he was a gem of an athlete to watch, and he's the reason I fade away when I shoot from the baseline more often than not. : ) For those of you too young to remember, check out some vids of Hakeem in his prime to see how one man revolutionized the game on the low post.



The MLB- Growing up, believe it or not, I was a huge Barry Bonds fan. Going back to his Pirates days, there was something promising about that team with Van Slyke, Bonilla and Bonds holding down the outfield slots. Much of it was the intrigue Bonds brought to the table as a man who was a 5 tool player and then some. The power, speed, and defense he brought to a game were breath-taking, and despite his growing reputation as a primadonna and playoff failure, I seemed to still stick with him. Until, well, until his head was bigger than a pumpkin, until the BALCO stories, until he continued to be described as a clubhouse cancer. On his best days. I'm not sure exactly who my favorite baseball player of all time is since Bonds' fall from grace. Growing up, I loved Jose Cruz (who didn't love to shout "Cruuuuuuuuuuuuuuz" from the stands of the cavernous Astrodome?), Glen Davis (a solid, if never spectacular first baseman for the Stros back in the day), and ultimately Jeff Bagwell. Bagwell and Biggio brought Houston repeated success in the 90's and 2000's, but their playoff failures still overshadow them. With Bagwell breaking down from superstar MVP to frail utility player in the World Series in 2005, it's hard to not know for sure if he was totally clean. Who knows for sure nowadays? But, his leadership and attitude keeps him in my mind as one of my all-time favorites.


The NFL- Although I've briefly mentioned my love for the hometown Oilers growing up, I can say with certainty that my favorite player doesn't wear Columbia Blue. Sure, I really was a big Ernest Givins fan back in the day. He was a guy who was fearless running across the middle to catch a pass, and even performed an awesome (though injury-creating) somersault to score a TD over Buffalo in Houston one year. Unfortunately, his willingness to take a hit often caused him to get hurt, or fumble, or perhaps both. Check the 2:57 mark on the following video....



As the Oilers became the Titans, I still stuck with them. That was my team, no matter how close or far they played to me. I figured I couldn't afford tickets when they were in Houston, I still couldn't afford tickets if they were in Nashville! And yes, Bud Adams is the devil, but ex-mayor Bob Lanier was no rocket scientist ever. Regardless, Steve McNair and Eddie George were some of the last Oilers to thrive as Titans, leading Tennessee to the Super Bowl against the St. Louis Rams. Both players demonstrated toughness and success through bad times and good, and it was neat to see them take the team on their backs at times and will them to victory. Eddie George might best be remembered as the only Buckeye I've ever liked, while Steve McNair overcame a terrible haircut to gain a reputation as the toughest QB in the league, often overcoming any and every injury to take the field and find a way to help the Titans win. So, those two guys are up there in my list of favorites. Nowadays, I'm a big fan of guys all over the league, including VY, Clinton Portis, Torry Holt, and Brian Westbrook, just to name a few.

But all time, pound for pound, my guy is Barry Sanders. Not only did Barry Sanders seem to defy the laws of physics every time he carried the ball, but he defied what many felt was in his best interest by retiring early. To this day, people argue over who the best running back is, and despite Sanders' belief that it was Jim Brown, just as many people are prone to put his name at the top of the list. Running for years behind a marginal O-line, Sanders was able to turn losses of yards into gains, 1 yard gains into big gains, and big gains into game-breaking TD's. His Achilles Heel was often his success (or lack of) in short yardage situations, but no-one can argue that the excitement Barry Sanders brought to the game was dynamic, and you just never knew when he was going to bust the next big highlight-making run.

I wish he had more playoff success, but he never quite had the necessary supporting cast in Detroit. It's been said that led to much dissatisfaction, and it played a part in him leaving the NFL early. However, some might argue that his decision to leave the game early was one that has only furthered his legacy. While some players hold on too long, Barry left on his own terms, and with years of potential success unfulfilled. Contrast that to players like Emmitt Smith and Earl Campbell who were legends in their own right, and possibly the best ever, but ultimately became shells of their former self on other teams down the stretch of their careers.

All in all, Barry Sanders is my favorite NFL player of all time because he was a guy who you could not ever abandon the tv when his team was playing. You simply never knew if his contribution to Turkey Day would be a TD run for the ages, or at the least, a 10 yard scamper that would move the chains and baffle linebackers and safeties on opposing defenses. If you've never seen him play, consider his ballet-like balance, shiftiness, and refusal to get tackled another blessing to the game and any fans who got to watch him wreak havoc in the NFL and Tecmo Super Bowl back in the day.



I don't know if he's the best ever, but I think he's earned his spot in the conversation. So, who are your favorites? Feel free to leave them in the comments section, and tell me what you think about mine. College favorites will come later. This is long enough as it is! (That's what she said....)

Flipping the Script on my Previous/ First Post Over a Cup of Coffee at Night

So, after seeking some feedback on my first post from a few folks, my friend Alex out in Cali brought up an EXCELLENT piggy-back discussion point from my previous post. His question? Simple, yet sufficiently painful- what are the games/ sports events you would NEVER want to have to see again? In a word- ouch!

1. Frankly, there might not even need to be a rest of the list because this first game takes the cake. My best friends know it if they know me, and this game has most likely taken ten years off my life and 10% of my sanity. I'm talking Bills-Oilers in the 1992 playoffs.

I mean, what the hell, man! The Oilers had a 35-3 lead in the third quarter after Bubba McDowell established his dominace with an INT for a touchdown early in the second half. I still remember hearing the start of that game in our family suburban sitting outside of Toys R Us , and walking up and down the grounds of Memorial City Mall as the first half lead exploded. Even after a second half Buffalo TD pulled the score to 35-10, I remember being disappointed that it was going to look like a close game, and hoping Houston could still put 70 points on the Bills. And then...Frank Reich became Frank Reich, Maryland Terrapin Superstar, and it all fell to pieces. Next I know, Don Beebe is running all over the field (in bounds and out) catching touchdowns while Andre Reed is running out of ways to celebrate his countless scores in the third and fourth quarter. A late Al Del Greco field goal actually allows the Oilers to take the game to overtime, only to allow Warren Moon the chance to throw his OT interception and Buffalo complete their Mortal Kombat-like "finishing" move of the Oilers' franchise. Oh, sure, Houston stomped on my soul just slightly earlier when they blew a playoff game to the Denver Broncos, but there was very little left the following season when a nearly washed up Joe Montana took the Chiefs into the House of Pain and decided the Oilers would never be in the playoffs again. Ever. Sure, we have the Music City Miracle as Titans/ Oilers fans, but it's still not quite the same to me. One day I might be able to let it go. But it won't be today.

2. 2001 Big 12 Championship- CU defeats Texas 35-31.

If you are a Texas fan, you know that the pain is compounded by all the chips falling the right way that day. If UT wins, UT goes on to face Miami for the National Title. (Does UT get thrashed like Nebraska did in that game? Perhaps. Say "yes" if you want to help ease the pain of this loss!) But, seeing it in person doesn't help one digest the steady diet of Chris Simms turnovers. It doesn't help one forget the HORRIBLE "roughing the punter" call the effectively ended the Major Applewhite comeback attempt. It also doesn't help one overlook the injury to Ced Benson that notably negated any rushing attack the rest of the day. No, being there in person sucked, walking out of that building a loser sucked, and seeing it again on tv would...well...suck.

3. 2005 World Series (Astros Swept vs. White Sox)

Did this series really happen? I was too busy chasing after a girl from San Antonio at the time, but I've heard the Astros didn't win a single game in the World Series. Well, I'll be damned. Sounds like it still would've been more entertaining than the girl from San Antonio, but I digress. Getting to the promised land, only to come up short, is not very cool.

4. (UPDATE) I'd be remiss to forget to acknowledge a big loss for my favorite team growing up- the Houston Rockets. The Rockets will always be special to me since they brought home the first championships to Houston in 1994 and 1995. (No, the AFL doesn't count to me. Yes, I realize more people remember the O.J. car chase than the Rockets playing the Knicks, but the Rockets did get a ring before Orenthal found the "real killer," so at least we have that going for us.)

Nevertheless, in 1997, the Rockets led the Jazz 98-91 with under 2 minutes left in Game 6. Charles Barkley was going to lead the Rockets to a game 7 for a shot at a third title, and a chance to finally bring to a forefront the Hakeem vs. Jordan argument. (Hakeem and the Rockets owned the Bulls during the Bull championship years, but that's another story for another day.) However, things came crashing to a messy halt as the Rockets proceeded to blow their lead, and drop the series to the Jazz. The deathblow? John Freaking Stockton, one-half of the dirty Stockton/ Malone tag-team, nails a buzzer-beating three-pointer to suck the wind out of the arena. The Rockets, to this day, have not won a playoff series since that season. Here is the vomit-inducing last two minutes of that game.




5. 1996- Texas loses to Notre Dame in Austin

This is another game I was at, and it was my first taste of loss as a Longhorn. Unfortunately, it came against one of the teams that we all love to hate. But, on this day, Texas snatched defeat from the jaws of victory by shanking a punt worse than humanly possible, and watching James Brown throw a pass that was deflected and ultimately landed in the hands of a Notre Dame defenseman. However, this hit helps me deal with all the negative memories....




6. 1997- UCLA- One BILLION, Texas- 3. (Okay, 66-3, but who's counting?)

This game was hot. This game sucked. This game was hot and it sucked. And I think it's over, and UCLA has finally stopped scoring. On the other hand....

7. OU 63, Texas 14.

Quintin Griffin just scored again. And again. And then quite possibly again. It was sickening....Until I had to see it again in the form of 65-13 in person. Maybe Chris Simms getting creamed by Roy Williams in the end zone wasn't so bad after all compared to those two debacles.

8. (UPDATE) As per the comments left by my friend, Eric, I'm adding the 1999 Black Coaches Classic Game between Texas and NC State.

The game was dominated by the Texas offense...and, more notably, the NC State special teams. To us, it's known as the "Block Party" game, and despite dominating the game on offense, the Horns lose the game 23-20 to start the season with a big clunker. Ughhh....



The truth is, I could probably keep going. Maybe it's just as easy to think of the huge losses as it is to think of the amazing comebacks and "can't miss" events. For every game that I could watch over and over until my wife disconnects the tv, there are some games out there that would be Chinese water torture to watch again. It's okay, though. Those games help me appreciate the wins that much more, especially the captivating ones.



Honorable Mention

1983- UH vs. NC State - Phi Slamma Jamma can't seal the deal vs. a much less talented NC State team that sat back, watched UH brick free throws, and donate them a national championship.

1993 Michigan vs. UNC- The Webber Timeout game. Umm...yeah.



1986- Houston Astros vs. NY Mets- Game 6. Fantastic game in MLB history. Not quite the desired ending for Houston fans.



2000 Super Bowl- Titans vs. Rams- As a life-long Houston Oilers fan, my heart followed the team to Tennessee. And the way they valiantly came back to tie the surprising Rams gives me some solace. But still....Could Dyson have just somehow made it that one last yard? Each time I see it I think, "Maybe this time he gets there...." Not so much. : (

My first post, and an on-going debate

So, with it being summer time again, a good chunk of my time is now spent on the computer (hence, this blog) and watching tv. Or, at the very least, trying DESPERATELY to find something worthwhile on the tv. And, as many of you might agree, what is worthwhile on tv is certainly something relative to our own personal taste, or lack thereof. Well, one thing I enjoy is watching old football and basketball games on DVD or cable. It helps me get excited about the upcoming seasons in the fall, it helps me learn something new about those particular games, teams, or even particular plays or sets. Often, it helps me remember details about particular games that may have faded over time. Hell, for nostalgia's sake, it allows me to reminisce upon a time when my favorite team may have been better, what my life was like at the time of a particular season, or just giggle while I relive an OU team getting ravished by playground trickeration.... For instance, where were YOU when this great moment in college football history went down?



Me? Generally speaking, I was running up and down the halls of Moore Hill on the campus of UT with my "new" friend Eric and countless other random Longhorns celebrating the demise of the Nebraska dynasty at the time and the rise of Texas in the "new" Big 12 conference. (1997 would be a much different story....)

But I guess the point I'm getting to is that some people find watching old games ridiculous. I've heard things like, "You know who wins....What's the point?" I find that an incredibly short-sighted and surface-level argument, insinuating that all sports watchers care about is the bottom line, victory or loss. If that were the case, there'd be a bunch more miserable sports fans out there because each sport only crowns one champion each year, and the rest are all "losers," second place through last place. (Except for college football on occasion, but that's a tired discussion I'll save for later.) I'd argue that sports fans care about the progress of their team, seeing how their favorite players gel with teammates or improve over time. I'd argue that sports fans are all about "hope," and that failure now may still be the building block and character established for better times. Not that losing doesn't piss me off, and I'm not a huge "moral victory" guy. But it certainly isn't always about the W or L.

So, why would I watch a game again if I've seen it before, even once? Well, I think I've addressed that to death by now. But my question is, how is it any different than watching a movie more than once? Don't you know how it's going to end? Don't you know the jokes that the actors are going to recite, and the plot twists that are going to occur during the movie if you've seen it before? What do you get out of watching it again? Why, for that matter, would anyone ever listen to a cd more than once, or read a book over and over again if they know the ins and outs of it by experiencing it before.

Perhaps it inspires you. Perhaps you might learn something new. Perhaps it speaks to your passions in life in a way that some just don't understand. Perhaps it isn't all about the movie, but rather remembering what life was like when you first saw that movie- not necessarily better or worse, but just different and worth remembering. The answer isn't the same for all of us, that's for sure. But to me, it's no different. Watching an old game I've seen a billion times before, listening to my favorite album over and over again, or watching a movie I've seen seemingly infinite times, and knowing the good guys win (or not) and exactly how it occurs. But what do you think? I'm curious to hear if others think watching sports games over and over is silly, or if opinions tend to side with me on this one.

Oh, and for the record, I still get goose bumps seeing "Steeler Roll Left" work perfectly on the Corn Huskers, but why wouldn't it with Priest Holmes and Ricky Williams in the backfield? But, I think it's also about me getting one of my first big tastes of the beauty and pageantry of college football.