The Athletic NY Sports Hall of Fame

[SnakeTom]

The Athletic did a poll of their writers that cover NY teams to do a Top 25 list of the greatest players that played for NY teams. This list includes the NY area (NJ & Long Island Included) and only for the period that the athlete played in NY. For example Willie Mays is #18 because most of his career was in California otherwise he would have been #2, #3 or #4. Since there is no sports to talk of currently I'll post the top 25 for discussion but not the article nor their reasoning. Personally I disagreed with some of their exclusions from the list. Lets hear your thoughts:

1. Babe Ruth
2. Jackie Robinson
3. Mickey Mantle
4 LT
5 Gehrig
6 DiMaggio
7 Seaver
8 Yogi
9. Walt Frazier
10 Brodeur
11 Jeter
12 Nameth
13 Messier
14 Ewing
15 Mariano Rivera
16 Christy Matthewson
17 Willis Reed
18 Willie Mays
19 Lunquist
20 Eli Manning
21 Potvin
22 Leetch
23 Bossy
24 Strahan
25 Steinbrenner

Tom K

 

[SnakeTom]

Others receiving votes

Duke Snider (20 points), David Wright (17 points), Mike Piazza (13.5 points), Julius Erving (12.5 points), Bill Parcells (11.5 points), Casey Stengel (11 points), Joe Torre (11 points), Jacob deGrom (9.5 points), Lou Lamoriello (6.5 points), Reggie Jackson (6.5 points), Scott Stevens (6.5 points), Jason Kidd (6 points), Darryl Strawberry (6 points), Dwight Gooden (6 points), Frank Gifford (5.5 points), Don Maynard (5.5 points), Spike Lee (5 points), Marv Albert (5 points), Pee Wee Reese (4.5 points), Althea Gibson (4 points), Don Mattingly (4 points), Whitey Ford (4 points), Phil Simms (4 points), Billy Smith (4 points), Bryan Trottier (4 points), Earl Monroe (3.5 points), Bill Torrey (2.5 points), Clark Gillies (2.5 points), Emlen Tunnell (2 points), Curtis Martin (2 points), Tina Charles (1.5 points), Mel Hein (1.5 points), Joan Payson (1.5 points), John McEnroe (1.5 points), John McGraw (1 point), Mel Ott (1 point), Teresa Weatherspoon (0.5 points).

 

[its haLL baLL]

I haven't read the article, but if this is based purely on their athletic accomplishments while in NY then how can you possibly have this career:

https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/robinja02.shtml

ahead of these careers:

https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/dimagjo01.shtml
https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mantlmi01.shtml

 

[SnakeTom]

One of my thoughts:

This lists grossly under represents players from Brooklyn. One of the most dominant teams in baseball for over a decade before they were stolen by a West Coast City. How can the Duke, Campy or Gil not be included.

It is also obvious to me that many of the voters probably never saw any of the players pre 1970. In any poll of this type recent players have a big advantage for this reason.

TK

 

[hbkmyr]

Scott Stevens is vastly underrated. 3 Stanley Cups and a Conn Smythe.

 

[Pirate6711]

I haven't read the article, but if this is based purely on their athletic accomplishments while in NY then how can you possibly have this career:

https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/robinja02.shtml

ahead of these careers:

https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/dimagjo01.shtml
https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mantlmi01.shtml

His impact on the game and society obviously was taken into account. The number 42 isn't retired by all of baseball only because Jackie Robinson was a good baseball player.

 

[HallLine69]

Attempting to do a list like this is --imho-- utter insanity. Impossible to compare and contrast these great athletes.

 

[SnakeTom]

In Jackie Robinson's case they obviously factored in his impact on the game. But remember he was also a great player. He came up at age 28 because of the color line but he was Rookie of the Year, an MVP and won a batting title one year at .342. He also transformed the way the game is played with stolen bases. But as you say as a player only he probably should not be at #2.

Tom K

 

[Vegas pj]

No HOFer Andy Robustelli NY football Giants? Voters overall are clueless - Spike Lee got votes for what using the players entrance and getting caught? Geez.

 

[SnakeTom]

What about Roy Campanella? His career was shortened on both ends due to the color line and a terrible motor vehicle crash yet he won 3 MVP's in a 10 year career, held the single season HR record for catchers yet received no votes ???

Tom K

 

[lr591902]

I haven't read the article, but if this is based purely on their athletic accomplishments while in NY then how can you possibly have this career:

https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/robinja02.shtml

ahead of these careers:

https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/dimagjo01.shtml
https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mantlmi01.shtml

Because breaking the color barrier occurred in Brooklyn and that was the greatest accomplishment on the list.

 

[TheHall87]

It is also obvious to me that many of the voters probably never saw any of the players pre 1970. In any poll of this type recent players have a big advantage for this reason.

Attempting to do a list like this is --imho-- utter insanity. Impossible to compare and contrast these great athletes.

Plain and simple this is content to make up for the lack of day-to-day sports coverage. It's meant to generate clicks and conversation and that's fine.

I agree totally with Tom's point about many voters having never seen certain players play live, their accomplishments are there for all to see and evaluate as best as possible. If you are a subject matter expert, you're expected to be aware of its history as well.

 

[its haLL baLL]

His impact on the game and society obviously was taken into account. The number 42 isn't retired by all of baseball only because Jackie Robinson was a good baseball player.

Because breaking the color barrier occurred in Brooklyn and that was the greatest accomplishment on the list.

I'm not disagreeing with any of this. Based on the results of the poll and the introduction in the article I thought that they were ranking the 25 best careers from the local teams and that was the only criteria, which is why I disagreed with the rankings.

If this is about more than just athletics then I obviously have no issue with Robinson at #2. And after seeing that Spike Lee received votes I clearly misunderstood the purpose of the poll, so my apologies.

 

[lr591902]

I'm not disagreeing with any of this. Based on the results of the poll and the introduction in the article I thought that they were ranking the 25 best careers from the local teams and that was the only criteria, which is why I disagreed with the rankings.

If this is about more than just athletics then I obviously have no issue with Robinson at #2. And after seeing that Spike Lee received votes I clearly misunderstood the purpose of the poll, so my apologies.

No apology necessary everyone is entitled to their opinion on a list like this.

 

[SnakeTom]

The votes received by Spike Lee also puzzles me. BTW what position did Steinbrenner play? I guess each voter defined the task & criteria as they so chose. Regardless it makes for interesting conversation.

Tom K

 

[lloyde dobler]

I’m not an expert on the sport, but based on how big it was for generations, not a single boxer even getting a single vote?

And if Spike Lee could get 5, how about at least one for a guy like Angel Cordero?

 

[SHUHoopsFan]

Mike Richter 0 votes?

 

[Section112]

Scott Stevens should be on that list of top 25. Messier is way too high on that list and you could argue he did great things on the Rangers but played for many other teams too and maybe should not be on the list at all.

And how does Mel Ott not get on the list or have more votes (lifetime 300+ hitter, 511 HRs and played 20+ yrs and managed for another 6 or 7).

 

[SnakeTom]

The argument against the boxers is that they did not represent the city.

TK

 

[Seton75]

One of my thoughts:

This lists grossly under represents players from Brooklyn. One of the most dominant teams in baseball for over a decade before they were stolen by a West Coast City. How can the Duke, Campy or Gil not be included.

It is also obvious to me that many of the voters probably never saw any of the players pre 1970. In any poll of this type recent players have a big advantage for this reason.

TK

Campy should be on the list. I can see Gil and Duke just missing, in terms of bb, but not in terms of impact on NYC.

Steinbrenner, lol. If the guy didnt get suspended, his last success would have been in the early 80s. Jeter over Mariano is silly. No Mel Ott is astounding. Jeter higher than Mays and Mattewson, even a Dodger fan cant agree wity that...lol

 

[Halldan1]

My top ten, biased I'm sure by players I saw


1. Babe Ruth - No Brainer

2. Lou Gehrig - His stats and games played steak were amazing

3. Mickey Mantle - Most gifted athlete I have ever seen. His combination of speed and strength when he played (50's/60s) was just so far ahead of his time

4 Lawrence Taylor - Greatest NFL player I have ever seen in person

6 Joe DiMaggio - My dad's hero.

7 Tom Seaver - Unhittable when he was on and he was on most of the time.

8 Yogi Berra - Don't laugh. He never looked the part, but his baseball achievements have him right up there with Johnnie Bench as the greatest catcher in MLB history

9. Walt Frazier - All you had to do was watch the winner take all championship game 7 against Jerry West, Elgin Baylor and Wilt Chamberlain.

No 3 point line
12-17 from the field
12-12 from the line
19 assists
7 rebounds
36 points
With fellow superstar Willis Reed injured and contributing next to nothing in the game


10. Patrick Ewing - Would be higher but could never get past Michael Jordan and the Bulls


HM
Derek Jeter - Too bad we'll never find out who the moron is that didn't make him an unanimous member of the HOF

Mariano Rivera - Games greatest reliever

Joe Namath - Based on notoriety, his importance to the NFL/AFL meager, and his Super Bowl victory

 

[SnakeTom]

It is hard to do projections like this on players from different era's. Hell even in the same era we can argue all day on who was better Mantle or Mays. And no matter which one you gave the nod to you would be right. But what seems impossible to me is ranking players from different sports. How can you rank a baseball player vs a hockey player? Not being a hockey fan I can't. But same goes for baseball vs football or hoops.

Tom K

 

[Pirate64]

Bradley, DeBuschere sp and The St John’s Wonder 5.
Mark Bavaro.

 

[SnakeTom]

Just as an aside Jackie Robinson & Campy were both great & deserve to be on the list ,but the best player on the Brooklyn's was the Duke.

Tom K

 

[SnakeTom]

As I said in another post how does one distinguish between Mays and Mantle, but the same goes for Berra & Campanella.with the only difference being that Yogi's career lasted longer for non baseball related reasons. Both were great players and each won the MVP award 3 times in essentially the same years between 1951 and 1955. Campy was better behind the plate & had more power but Berra was the more consistent hitter for a longer period. Both rank among the top 5 catchers ever.

Tom K

 

[Seton75]

Just as an aside Jackie Robinson & Campy were both great & deserve to be on the list ,but the best player on the Brooklyn's was the Duke.

Tom K

I get the feeling Campy was best, just based on his MVPs. But I have no clue. Campy's stats for a catcher were outstanding.

 

[MBF72]

His impact on the game and society obviously was taken into account. The number 42 isn't retired by all of baseball only because Jackie Robinson was a good baseball player.

If other-than-baseball contributions are considered, one could make a good argument that he is no. 1. If other than football-characteristics are considered, then, LT is too high.

 

[MBF72]

Interesting post and list, Tom.

If as you say with Mays that play in NY is an important key, then Seaver and Messier are too high, and Willis is much too low. And Willis behind Ewing? Ewing higher than Mariano? I'd put LT in top ten, but not ahead of Yogi, DiMaggio, and Gehrig.

 

[Vegas pj]

Just as an aside Jackie Robinson & Campy were both great & deserve to be on the list ,but the best player on the Brooklyn's was the Duke.

Tom K

Fortunately, I have an autographed ball signed by him along with Bob Feller and a host of others (not including the multitude of balls from living in KC and having players as neighbors or coaching kids of players)

 

[Vegas pj]

My top ten, biased I'm sure by players I saw


1. Babe Ruth - No Brainer

2. Lou Gehrig - His stats and games played steak were amazing

3. Mickey Mantle - Most gifted athlete I have ever seen. His combination of speed and strength when he played (50's/60s) was just so far ahead of his time

4 Lawrence Taylor - Greatest NFL player I have ever seen in person

6 Joe DiMaggio - My dad's hero.

7 Tom Seaver - Unhittable when he was on and he was on most of the time.

8 Yogi Berra - Don't laugh. He never looked the part, but his baseball achievements have him right up there with Johnnie Bench as the greatest catcher in MLB history

9. Walt Frazier - All you had to do was watch the winner take all championship game 7 against Jerry West, Elgin Baylor and Wilt Chamberlain.

No 3 point line
12-17 from the field
12-12 from the line
19 assists
7 rebounds
36 points
With fellow superstar Willis Reed injured and contributing next to nothing in the game


10. Patrick Ewing - Would be higher but could never get past Michael Jordan and the Bulls


HM
Derek Jeter - Too bad we'll never find out who the moron is that didn't make him an unanimous member of the HOF

Mariano Rivera - Games greatest reliever

Joe Namath - Based on notoriety, his importance to the NFL/AFL meager, and his Super Bowl victory

I thought I was old, but if you saw Babe or Lou you're really old.

 

[Vegas pj]

It is hard to do projections like this on players from different era's. Hell even in the same era we can argue all day on who was better Mantle or Mays. And no matter which one you gave the nod to you would be right. But what seems impossible to me is ranking players from different sports. How can you rank a baseball player vs a hockey player? Not being a hockey fan I can't. But same goes for baseball vs football or hoops.
Tom K

Imagine comparing "football" players who played for the Red Bulls or Jets.