As of 1999 . 160 Player Nicknames Trivia Questions, Answers, and Fun Facts Gossage is a nine-time MLB All-Star and won a World Series ring with the 1978 New York Yankees. 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. and the name stuck. Jordan is widely considered to be the greatest basketball player of all-time, with six NBA titles, five MVP awards, and fourteen All-Star Game appearances. He is famous for his blocked shots and on-the-court bouts with Shaquille O'Neal while O'Neal was a member for the Orlando Magic. 35 Unforgettable Nicknames In Sports - 24/7 Wall St. legendary athlete number 23 nicknamepeinture gris mtallis voiturepeinture gris mtallis voiture Reggie White (December 19, 1961 December 26, 2004), was known as a devout Christian and ordained Evangelical Minister. "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. List of sportspeople with nicknames - Wikipedia Top 10 Sports Nicknames of All Time - The Uproar Names that come to mind are Michael Jordan, Ryne Sandberg, Troy Vincent, David Beckham, Bob Gainey, and Ron Lancaster. While Wilt's playing career and infamous personal dealings with women are the stuff of legend, his nickname seems a little weak for his accolades. Geoffrion was elected into the Hall of Fame in 1972, following a stellar career as a right winger with the Montreal Canadians and New York Rangers. Wilkins played 11 seasons of NBA basketball with the Atlanta Hawks and was a nine-time NBA All-Star. Either way, the nickname is very fitting of one of the most dominant strike-out pitchers the game has ever seen. Joel Mason, an Iron River native who was born March 12, 1912 and died Oct. 31, 1995 at the age of 83, was a professional football and basketball player. April Holmes has one gold medal and two bronze . Rodman embraced the nickname and fed off the hype. "The Snake" was a nickname given to him after the likeness of professional wrestler, Jake "The Snake" Roberts. Penny has attributed his successes in life to his grandma, who raised him up as a child while his mother was away working. . He led the league in runs scored, home runs and RBI in separate seasons. Steelers commentator Myron Cope is responsible for Bettis' legacy as "The Bus," noting a Notre Dame teammates' adjective when calling Bettis "Bussy.". We all know Dizzy and Daffy, Crazy Legs, Shoeless Joe, King James, The Great One and Air Jordan. . Photo: Wikimedia Commons. He began to garner the nickname "Iron" for his toughness and seemingly total resistance to go down. the sword to D'Artagnan . Mookie Blaylock could have been the name of a famous band. Robinson's nickname is derived from his service in the United States Navy. 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! WIZARDS OF CRICKET. best sports marketing campaigns of all time 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. 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. 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. 6 during his days with the Boston Celtics. Tales of numbers on uniforms were common in the late 19th century, but the practice did not receive widespread acceptance until the Cleveland Indians and New York Yankees donned them for the 1929 season. He retired as the all-time leader in goals scored with 894 and holds the all-time lead in assists with 1,963. Manager Alfred Lawson chose to put numbers on his teams jerseys in order for fans to easily identify each of the players. Fans of this era only know his name as the legend, but quotes from players of his day tell the story of Wagner as a dirty player, often clueing infielders and holding baserunners by the jersey as they attempted to round a base. Quiz Source 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. Just as important as his stats to his legacy are the monikers we have come to know and fondly use to remember him. The over-sized running back looked like a bus carrying opponents on his back while being dressed in yellow and black. The term has become synonymous with small stature, which Reese also had. Although he personally disliked the nickname, Wooden became known as the "Wizard of Westwood" during his days as UCLA basketball head coach, where he was noted for turning troubled athletes into upstanding stars. Plummer is currently a racquetball champion in his native Idaho and was recently interviewed and quoted as saying he loves his life in his small town. He overcame an HIV diagnosis and has continued his success off the court in the business world. During his time with the 49ers, Rice won three Super Bowls and led the league in receiving yardage six times. As owner of the Kansas City A's, Charles O. Finley thought his new pitcher needed a solid nickname, and citing Hunter's giant 'stache which looked like a catfish's whiskers, gave him the nickname "catfish.". 7 - Mickey . But who makes it into Australia-only top 10? He has been inducted into the Pro and College Football Hall of Fames as well as the Atlanta Falcons ring of honor. 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). Erving electrified crowds with his dunking and leaping abilities, and the nickname seemed divine and easily matched his personality and persona. This obvious alias comes from the "Wizard of Oz," and is in combination with Smith's shortened first name, "Oz.". Best Athletes by Number: 66-99. While attending the University of Michigan, Traylor earned his nickname for his tremendous size, dominance in the paint, and the way "Tractor" just seemed to flow with his last name. The nickname given to Camacho seems born out of synergy, contained in, and rhyming with, his last name. There are a couple of stories regarding the origin of Randy Johnson's nickname. 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. Deion Sanders dazzled the nation as he high stepped into the end zone after interceptions and punt returns, frustrating football purists and giving birth to the moniker Prime Time. 50 - Jamie Moyer One of the most flammable pitchers in the league in his 20s, Moyer looked like he might wash out of baseball after spending the . The 1998 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse reported that cocaine was used by 3.8 million Americans. A six-time NBA All-Star broke into the league in 1989 with the Seattle SuperSonics and got his nickname, according to Wikipedia.org: "after Sonics announcerKevin Calabrosaw a poster with the name and found it fitting to add to his radio broadcasts.". 1 1. Usain Bolt (11%) and Pel (11%) then completed the Top 5. Die-hard Seattle Mariners fans remember the smooth delivery and fantastic catch phrases of broadcaster Dave Niehaus and the way he would refer to Johnson as "The Big Unit" instead of his actual name for the entire duration of the tall lefty's playing days in Seattle. Rod "He Hate Me" Smart was the shining star of the Vince McMahon's XFL, which lasted all of one season. PDF Do As I Say, Not as I Do? - KFF Applicants are ranked on creativity, unique jargon and consideration of prominence. Baseball stars have had success with the number as well with Don Mattingly, Ryne Sandberg, and Zach Greinke thriving with the number 23 in . He amazed hockey fans from the moment he stepped onto the ice with the Edmonton Oilers in 1978. It has been said that Floyd actually fell asleep several times during games in his career, and his hooded eyelids certainly didn't help refute the claims. ESPN announce top 20 most famous male athletes of 2019 Jones owes his alias to his family, who constantly told him he was "A chip-off-the-old-block," in reference to his father. This nickname is clever, scores big points for rhyming with the name and personifies Holyfield to the fullest. His nickname suggests as much, as it is indicative of a man who . David Ortiz has his regular season heroics, but Jeter owns October. The wily pitcher was a fan favorite despite his volatile personality, and his moniker is indicative of his aggressive pitching style. ESPN World Fame 100 - Top Ranking Athletes Let's start with the two most simple nicknames: Mike and MJ. John G. Zimmerman/SI. Before these famous images went viral, Oscar De La Hoya was boxing's "Golden Boy," a heavy-hitter with a squeaky-clean image. "The Human Highlight Film" has got to be one of the coolest nicknames in sport and it was perfect for Dominique Wilkins. 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. In Oakland, he had been known as "Jax" and "Buck.". The obvious alliteration is a testament to his power-hitting prowess and home run tally as a player. He collided with teammate Tim Raines, and other teammates shouted, "You're a big unit.". Cristiano Ronaldos image is inseparable from his favored #7. The best athlete to wear every number | Yardbarker Top 10 Runners in the World - SportsRec Glen Davis was a big kid. While playing on youth baseball teams, Andre would attack the ball like a hawk, while teammates would shy away. Was the famous number 23 of the Chicago Bulls? Famous for wearing the number 23 jersey throughout the entirety of his career, Murphy achieved much while playing, including . He followed that up by winning the same titles in the European Athletics Championships in 2014. Jim Umbricht (Houston Astros) 10. However, it was as a fullback that got him his alias, and it would stick with him long after his playing days were over. This list rewards creativity, and while Ali is the greatest boxer ever, his nickname isn't the most creative moniker in sports. A list of the greatest athletes to wear the number 22 would be incomplete without one of the NHL's most prolific scorers of the late 1970s/1980s. Nicklaus won 20 major titles before retiring to design golf courses. Carry on with the slideshow, and impress your friends with your newfound street cred. His nickname, Louisiana Lightning, is an all-timer. 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. Michael Jordan's #23. Jordans incredible career has inspired hundreds of athletes to wear #23, including LeBron James. "Three Fingers" Brown was able to throw many pitches that could not be achieved by a man with a full hand. But those come from the big four traditional sports: baseball, football, basketball and hockey. Wayne Gretzky is widely considered the best hockey player ever to play the game, in the same conversations with Gordie Howe and Brett Hull. 10 Tiger Woods Image Credit- PGA Tour. By the 1930s numbers on uniforms were standard practice for Major League Baseball teams and were common in other sports like football and hockey. The name stuck throughout Rich Gossage's playing days, and he is affectionately known by the moniker to this day. Chamberlain is still holds the NBA record for points scored in a single game, and the paper he is holding is the number of points he dropped on the New York Knicks in 1962 as a member of the Philadelphia Warriors. Every year, LeBron James earns around $25 million in salary from the Cleveland Cavaliers and roughly $55 million from endorsements. When he recorded atriple-doubleof 36points, 18reboundsand 16assists. Players carefully cultivate their public images in order to maximize their value on and off the field of play. Ranker Sports. The Dodgers won theWorld Series in 1955and in1959. The nickname stuck throughout his career and separated his fairly common name from the rest of the herd. 79 - Rosey Brown. However, many athletes remain inseparable from their on-field persona and the uniform that they wear. CR7, as he is known to many fans around the world, is possibly the greatest player among this current generation of footballers. List of Top 100 Athletes in the World and their Net worth (2023) Shaun's nickname is born out of obvious connections. The Rock is just too famous of a nickname to not put on this list. 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. Robinson possessed tremendous self-control, enduring racial slurs, death threats, and hostile fans around the country. Oh yeah, he also played basketball for five NBA teams in 15 years and won four NBA championships with three different teams. Along with Aaron's power, his longevity also is worth noting. HIGHLAND PARK, IL - OCTOBER 21: A gate with the number 23 controls access to the home of basketball legend Michael Jordan on October 21, 2013 in Highland Park, Illinois. But when the band was told they couldn't use his name as their band moniker, they adopted his other nickname and became known as "Pearl Jam," a name that also has rumors to its origins. He was also the second most prolific passer in NFL history, with 51,475 career passing yards, despite only leading the NFL in passing yardage once. Mario Lemieux is a hero to many hockey fans, but not only because of his contributions to the Pittsburgh Penguins on the ice. Kirilenko's nickname is fairly obvious but still cool because it's the same as the name of a firearm. Load," and "Round Mound of Touchdown," in reference to one of Charles Barkley's many monikers. Coolest Nicknames From Non-Traditional Sports | Stadium Talk Smith spent 11 years in the NBA with the Sacramento Kings (19871990),Atlanta Hawks(1990),Houston Rockets(19901996),Detroit Pistons(1996),Orlando Magic(19961997) andDenver Nuggets(1997). Jackson spent 12 years in the majors with thePhiladelphia Athletics(19081909),Cleveland Naps/Indians(19101915) andChicago White Sox(19151920). What was your favorite jersey number that numerous legends wore? The styleearned him the nickname "Crazy Legs.". It was Mike Bratz, a point guard who played 15 games in the 1982-83 season). Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban recognized these qualities and made Johnson head coach of the team in 2004, before Avery moved on to the New Jersey Nets in 2010. The Yankees great still holds the record for consecutive games with at least one hit with a 56-hit streak in 1941. New York Mets fans began referring to Dykstra for his "tough-as-nails" approach to the game, and it was later shortened to just "Nails.". 23 Other. 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. Sometimes just called Michael "Air" Jordan, the greatest basketball player to ever live has been called many other things as well. Kemp retired in 2003 and now the only thing falling from the sky in Kemp's world are illegitimate children, as he has 11 of them from nine different women last time we checked. Muhammad Ali. News on all your favorite celebs, reality TV, and movies. The obvious nickname is the third generation of his birth name. However, "His Airness" seems to be the most creative, citing his incredible leaping ability. The world's 50 highest-paid athletes collected an astounding $2.97 billion before taxes and agents' fees over the last 12 months, smashing last year's record total by 8%more than $200 . The number is currently vacant at the club, just waiting for the next legend to don the famous #7. Shaquille O'Neal, a Hall of Famer and all-time great, wore Nos. Lemieux also overcame Hodgkins Lymphoma, which caused him to miss the entire 1994-95 season. Best Known For: American track and . So, Jordan divided it in half and wore #23. He has worn the iconic #7 for Manchester United as well as the Portuguese National Team and his current club Real Madrid. Really? While sporting the #66, he helped the Penguins lift the Stanley Cup twice, won three Hart Trophies, and earned six Art Ross Trophies as the leagues leading scorer. 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. Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons Hall of Famers by Jersey Number. Also called "The Baddest on the Planet," Mike Tyson won his first 19 professional bouts by knockout12 of them occurring in the first round. 23 before Michael Jordan? The Celtics' big man averaged 22.5 rebounds in his career; between his mastery of the . ", The NBA Hall of Fame member and current TNT studio analyst is also known as"Sir Charles.". ), "The Mountain Bike Hall of Fame Hall of Fame Inductees". How do you rank the best nicknames of all time? 99 (he originally wore the No. Another aspect of the game that set it apart from traditional American football were the names on the back of the jerseys. Over the course of his entire sixteen season NFL career, John Elway became regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks in history. 13, is right above him at the No. Mlkvy received his nickname while attending Temple University. 3 has become a symbol of pride for NASCAR fans everywhere, and he is remembered as being fearless while winning seven Sprint Cup Championships and four IROC Championships in 677 races spanning 27 years. Triskaidekaphobic football fans dreaded the Sundays when Marino and the Miami Dolphins rolled into town, because it usually meant their defense was in for a long day. White was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006 and was a 13-time Pro Bowl selection. Over 75 years after Ruth's professional baseball career ended, he is still regarded as the best baseball player to ever live. This is one of the most fitting nicknames on the countdown. Turns out the nickname is a motivational tool to remind Eldrick to fight for his dreams and accomplishments.". Chicago Sports: The legendary number 23 for each team - Da Windy City For the fourth year running, Cristiano Ronaldo took the crown as the world's most famous sporting icon in ESPN's World Fame 100. Wayne Gretzky might be the sport's greatest player, but Red Wings legend Gordie Howe, in many respects, was its most popular. Kukowas a member of the Chicago Bulls dynasty of the late '90s, where he gained his nickname for his superb play and country of origin. Also known as simply "A.I.," Iverson became known as "The Answer" in his first tour of duty with the Philadelphia 76ers. "The Glide" is a member of the Hall of Fame and captured the 1995 NBA championship with the Houston Rockets. He then cemented his status as a hockey legend when he secured ownership of the Penguins and stopped them from moving to Kansas City. Full list of Olympic athletes, including Simone Biles, Naomi Osaka and Michael Phelps. Whatever you want to call him, McGriff had a solid career in MLB, playing for seven teams and recording three Silver Sluggers, five All-Star appearances and a 1995 World Series Championship with the Atlanta Braves. This nickname isn't creative at all, but is so synonymous with the Yankees third baseman it deserves a mention on the countdown. This is a list of sportspeople with nicknames. 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. 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 . His other famous nickname, "The Yankee Clipper," also deserves a mention on the countdown. Ranking the greatest athletes of all-time by jersey number 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. His #99 is retired throughout the NHL, never to be worn by another player again. Also called "Golden Joe"and "Comeback Joe," Joe Montana earned his nickname for his ability to stay calm under pressure and come through in the clutch with key passes and throwing accuracy. These two sisters dominate women's tennis, changing the sport from one of finesse and skill into one characterizing violent power. Rices legendary hands were developed throughout his childhood, when he worked as a brick mason. In related news, the US Congress prosecuted a rocket for perjury for the first time in history. Sometimes, the new moniker comes from an inside joke with . Floyd's nickname is used to describe the consistent look on his face, and how his complexion reminds on-lookers of someone who looks tired or "sleepy.". The legend became the Baseball Hall of Famer in 1962. When the Bears needed a short yardage gain, there was "The Fridge," banging through the line and stumbling into the end zone. LISTING OF PRIMARY NUMBERS IN CAPS; Secondary Numbers in lower case. His nickname is more a basic description of the entity he embodies than a catchy alter-ego. Newton once weighed as much as 400 pounds and was said to be even bigger than William "The Fridge" Perry, therefore earning him the nickname "The Kitchen.". The nickname seems to describe his abilities perfectly, and Jordan and the moniker are now inseparable. There's something about being a football player while making a living in Chicago that attracts nicknames like a moth to a flame. 3 spot with 10,335. Mo Farah. Jeter was named to fourteen All-Star teams and won the World Series five times during his career with the Bronx Bombers. 25 Best Baseball Nicknames in History - MLB.com Grange was drafted by, and finished his career with, the Chicago Bears. The Best Athletes Who Wore #23 - Ranker Chicago Bulls: What is Michael Jordan's best nickname? As far as boxing nicknames are concerned, "The Executioner" isn't very imaginative but still intimidating. "Pee wee" was a term used to describe a small marble in Reese's childhood, and it would become his nickname for the remainder of his life. Cocaine usage peaked in the United States 1982 with 10.4 million users. Aside from being a vegan, Salley is known for several other odd mannerisms and goofy antics. He hit 40 or more home runs in five consecutive seasons (195357) and averaged 42 home runs, 124RBI, 123 runs and a .320 batting average between 1953-1956. Birth Country: United States. Childhood friend and neighbor, Wilber Hines, said he gave Paige the nickname after he was caught trying to steal a bag. What athlete is number 23? | Dependable No. His accomplishments on the baseball diamond are virtually unparalleled over the course of a century of baseball history. An eight-time Pro Bowl . No list of the best athletes is complete without "The Greatest" Muhammad Ali. legendary athlete number 23 nickname - ilbbs.com 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.". Source: Getty Images However, Newton underwent verticalgastrectomy,in February 2010,a surgical operation that removes up to 75 percent of a patient's stomach and staples the remainder. He holds the world record for 100 metres, 200 metres and 4 100 metres relay and is the only sprinter to win Olympic 100 m and 200 m titles at three consecutive Olympics (2008, 2012 and 2016). 13 Most Popular Number In Sports [2023 Update] - Players Bio In 1993, he signed the most lucrative contract in NBA history (at that time) to play for the Hornets, a 12-year, $84 million deal. The Pro Football Hall of Famer has 16,726 career yards, along with 110 TDs on the ground. Why he's here: When you start to look through MLB records for switch-hitters, you begin to put Beltran's stellar career in perspective. Venus Williams has seven grand slam titles, of which 5 are at Wimbledon, making her one of the best in the game. He still embraces the persona of the Rock to this day, and the nickname is too perfect. Gervin would go on to be a nine-time NBA All-Star and be elected to the Pro Basketball Hall of Fame. ESPN have announced the top 20 most famous athletes of 2019.