This obvious alias comes from the "Wizard of Oz," and is in combination with Smith's shortened first name, "Oz.". Cosentino, Frank. However, it was as a fullback that got him his alias, and it would stick with him long after his playing days were over. All Players To Wear Number 23 | Pro-Football-Reference.com The name stuck throughout Rich Gossage's playing days, and he is affectionately known by the moniker to this day. David Ortiz has his regular season heroics, but Jeter owns October. 19 Most Famous Athletes in the World - Next Luxury From popular baby names to more rare ones, choosing a name from this list is a great choice for sporty girls. Robinson broke Major Leagues Baseball color barrier, becoming the first black man to play in the league since the 1880s. Before these famous images went viral, Oscar De La Hoya was boxing's "Golden Boy," a heavy-hitter with a squeaky-clean image. Marino is one of the most prolific passers in the history of the NFL, amassing 61,361 yards during his seventeen seasons in the league. Return to Top; Players. The ability to play both QB and WR gave Stewart the nickname "Slash," as in quarterback/(slash)receiver. The nickname comes from Wilt's height and slender build and the obvious rhyming of his first name. The lefty was also a six-time Stanley Cup Champion and winner of multiple awards. Rices legendary hands were developed throughout his childhood, when he worked as a brick mason. Players carefully cultivate their public images in order to maximize their value on and off the field of play. Was the famous number 23 of the Chicago Bulls? Possibly one of the most well-known athletes of all-time, George Herman Ruth could have had his nickname "Babe" included with Tiger Woods, Magic Johnson, and Boomer Esiason, but it was just one of many for the 22 year pitcher turned outfielder. Childhood friend and neighbor, Wilber Hines, said he gave Paige the nickname after he was caught trying to steal a bag. He plays for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League and has been the team's captain since 2013.His record list includes the fastest century by an Indian . Following legal troubles, Camacho retired from professional boxing and has since proclaimed himself to be a "born again Christian.". 4 in assists and Nash, another who wore No. 15: Carlos Beltran. One look at the high-flying X-Games star, and it's easy to see why he is called "The Flying Tomato.". Paralympic athletes are a source of hope and optimism for many people. The best of the bunch is Brown, who is a name from the past. Here are the nicknames of some of the other Olympians. Gordon earned his nickname when he burst on to the scene in 1989 at the age of 21, when he went 17-9 in his first full season in the majors. In 2005, Traylor failed a physical exam (surprise) and has played overseas ever since. "Apparently, White Sox broadcaster Ken Harrelson tagged Thomas with the nickname "Big Hurt" because that's exactly what he does to opposing pitchers. James has worn different numbers throughout his career but is probably tied together most with the number 23. Cristiano Ronaldos image is inseparable from his favored #7. It was Mike Bratz, a point guard who played 15 games in the 1982-83 season). When Stewart entered the NFL, he was moved from quarterback to receiver, but was often placed under center for certain plays by head coach Bill Cowher. Our most famous number in sports is the former NBA player Michael Jordan's number 23. 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. Rickey Henderson. Professional sports seems to be the perfect breeding ground for bizarre and hilarious nicknames for athletes. Orenthal James was shortened to O.J., which is an acronym shared by "Orange Juice," and there you have it. Ivan Rodriguez also got his moniker for the same reason. He currently weighs 220 pounds and it's no longer a good past-time to poke fun at his weight, just all the loose skin that now must hang from his neck, arms and thighs. 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. 33 his college number in his lone year alongside . For certain teams, some numbers hold a special place in club lore and the hearts of the fans. Along with Aaron's power, his longevity also is worth noting. It seemed so right to give him the nickname, giventhe man many consider to be the best boxer of all-time is also named "Sugar Ray" (Robinson). "The Great One" is the simplest way to describe his talents, although a more creative moniker would gain more points. 2 - Secretariat. Allyson Felix, Track and Field: 9 medals (6 G, 3 S) Felix is the only female track and field athlete to ever win six Olympic gold medals and her nine medals are tied for the most ever won by a . In the realm of all-time nicknames, it is definitely sweet, but it hits the countdown towards the back, because there isn't much back story here, and he's not actually a hitman. 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. "The Human Highlight Film" has got to be one of the coolest nicknames in sport and it was perfect for Dominique Wilkins. Jon Lieber (Chicago Cubs) 7. This nickname isn't creative at all, but is so synonymous with the Yankees third baseman it deserves a mention on the countdown. He has worn the iconic #7 for Manchester United as well as the Portuguese National Team and his current club Real Madrid. The moniker became the genesis of a shoe deal Iverson signed with Reebok and became almost an alter-ego for the prolific scoring guard. The best players to wear 18 as their jersey numbers are sprinkled across all major sports. No joke here, just a great player and an exceptional man. 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. Fan Fuel: Greatest players to wear No. 22 - Sportsnet.ca Over the course of his prolific career, he wore the #80 for three different teams, but is best remembered for wearing it in the red and gold of the San Francisco 49ers. Also called "The Boilermaker," Jeffries was a world heavyweight boxing champion just before the turn of the 20th century. The #7 shirt at Liverpool has a long and storied history that has seen some of the clubs best players wear the number. Jim Umbricht (Houston Astros) 10. Dominique Wilkins. Top 13 athletes to wear No. 13 | Sports | marshallnewsmessenger.com Hall of Famers by Jersey Number. Salley was also a co-host for "Best Damn Sports Show Period," alongside Tom Arnold and Chris Rose. Payton is no exception and quickly garnered the nickname "Sweetness" for his ability to make plays, and slide through the defense with ease. Simple, yet accurate, this nickname is solid and turned a superb athlete with a common name into a legend. Andre Dawson's nickname, "The Hawk," was given to him by an uncle when Andre was very young. 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. The countdown has begun for when the New York Yankees will retire the #2 of their recently retired shortstop, Derek Jeter. Barkley had a stellar professional basketball career and continues to be a force on the celebrity sports scene. Full Site Menu. The wily pitcher was a fan favorite despite his volatile personality, and his moniker is indicative of his aggressive pitching style. 13, is right above him at the No. No list of the best athletes is complete without "The Greatest" Muhammad Ali. NBA & ABA Players Who Wore Uniform Number 23 Brown is widely considered one of the greatest running backs of all time, thanks to his brutal yet elegant rushing style. He is the most dominating boxer in the history of the sport and is synonymous with boxing legend. His stellar play as a defensive lineman, along with his faith, helped him earn his nickname as "The Minister of Defense.". Troy Aikman and Johnston remain close friends, having won three Super Bowls together. 35 Unforgettable Nicknames In Sports - 24/7 Wall St. His #99 is retired throughout the NHL, never to be worn by another player again. 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. Load," and "Round Mound of Touchdown," in reference to one of Charles Barkley's many monikers. By the 1930s numbers on uniforms were standard practice for Major League Baseball teams and were common in other sports like football and hockey. 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. Each time he reached a new team, he would shout out "Say hey, man" in order to get his teammates attention, and the name stuck with him wherever he went. Hunter is an eight-time All-Star and five-time World Series Champion. Every year, LeBron James earns around $25 million in salary from the Cleveland Cavaliers and roughly $55 million from endorsements. Mlkvy received his nickname while attending Temple University. 23 Other. McGriff's alias is just one of the many nickname brainchild ideas of ESPN analyst Chris Berman, who noticed the slugger's name resembled that of the National Crime Prevention Council mascot "McGruff.". Players could put whatever name they wanted back there, and Smart's "He Hate Me" was the best of them all. In 21 total fights, Jeffries had 18 victories and 14 knockouts, with just one loss and two draws. Oh yeah, he also played basketball for five NBA teams in 15 years and won four NBA championships with three different teams. 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. When he was younger, Bryant agreed to wrestle a captive bear, and the nickname was given to him by his siblings (Paul was the 11th of 12 children). "The Snake" was a nickname given to him after the likeness of professional wrestler, Jake "The Snake" Roberts. Is it still cool to diss her or is it too far gone now? The tall glass of water is a solid shooter, and therefore, the gun jokes just flow. Moses Malone . Most recently, Suarez brought the shirt some disgrace with his on-field antics, but he also helped Liverpool mount their best title challenge in over a decade. 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. A lot of these athletes have worn other numbers as well. As far as nicknames go, this one isn't much fun, but at least it's better than "Baby Shaq.". 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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. Reese was a 10-time All-Star and two-time World Series Champion with the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers. As far as boxing nicknames are concerned, "The Executioner" isn't very imaginative but still intimidating. LISTING OF PRIMARY NUMBERS IN CAPS; Secondary Numbers in lower case. The obvious alliteration is a testament to his power-hitting prowess and home run tally as a player. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Can you imagine trying to pass through airport security with his full name on a passport? His moniker was also his calling card, but these days, it's just his his curse. The term has become synonymous with small stature, which Reese also had. Robinson was a six-time All-Star, World Series Champion, and the 1949 National League MVP. As time passes, these athletes will be remembered for the accomplishments achieved while wearing their preferred numbers. Fans chose to note his pitching by nicknaming him "The Rocket," for the perception of a rocket mounted on his shoulder, in reference to his arm and the velocity of his pitches. Birth date: September 12, 1913. These individuals are synonymous with these names and will always remember their playing days and the monikers we used to make them legends of the lingo. 5. The 29 Most Decorated Female U.S. Olympians Of All Time - Team USA Currently playing for the Cincinnati Bengals, Adam "Pacman" Jones received his nickname as a young child, when it was noted that he could drink his milk as fast as the video game character. He was a two-time NBA Champion(1994,1995) and member of the1988NBA All-Rookie Team. Shaquille O'Neal, a Hall of Famer and all-time great, wore Nos. Hall of Fame player Alex English deserves some recognition for wearing No. 3 spot with 10,335. Perkins played the game with pride and a seemingly calm demeanor that earned him the nickname "Big Smooth.". "Real Deal Holyfield" followed Evander throughout his boxing career, as he captured cruiserweight and heavyweight division championships and defeated Mike Tyson twice, losing chunks of both ears the second time around in the famous 1997 bout. 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. the sword to D'Artagnan . His nickname prompted fraternity members to rename the commonly-practiced act, involving a passed-out friend and a head shaver. 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. The nickname is cool because it's edgy and impressive, but then when you find out he's a boxer, it just seems kind of lame. 4 - Lou Gehrig by a sliver over Bobby Orr. 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. Also known as simply "A.I.," Iverson became known as "The Answer" in his first tour of duty with the Philadelphia 76ers. Lists of nicknames - nickname list articles on Wikipedia 6 during his days with the Boston Celtics. Boyd played parts of nine seasons in the majors, and compiled a career 78-77 record, with 799 strikeouts. Pele | Biography, World Cups, & Facts | Britannica "When he joined the Cubs, his extravagant wind-up and release and his frequent wild pitches inspiredWrigley Fieldorganists to playThe Troggs'Wild Thingas he came out of the bullpen. Magics versatility allowed him to play all five positions on the court, and he earned three MVP Awards in both the regular season and NBA Finals. The Best Athletes Who Wore #23 - Ranker There are so many famous AKAs in the world of sports, and many deserve their place at the top of the heap. The multi-sport star was perhaps one of the biggest self-promoters the sports world has ever seen but also a very talented individual. The two sport star wore #21 on both the football field and baseball diamond, and holds the honor of being the only athlete to hit a home run and score a touchdown in the same week. Undoubtedly the most famous athlete in the country, a movie . "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. What was your favorite jersey number that numerous legends wore? Ranker Sports. What famous athletes wore number 22? Jerry Rice is unquestionably the greatest wide receiver in the history of the NFL. 99. The Canadian ice hockey legend got his moniker from his thundering slap shot, which was said to echo through stands and arenas like a sonic boom. Whatever the case may be, the five-time Negro League All-Star, World Series Champion and Hall of Famer was one of the most dominant pitchers of his era, and he wore his moniker with honor. Wayne Gretzky might be the sport's greatest player, but Red Wings legend Gordie Howe, in many respects, was its most popular. . 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.". 7 - Mickey . Mario Lemieux is a hero to many hockey fans, but not only because of his contributions to the Pittsburgh Penguins on the ice. White was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006 and was a 13-time Pro Bowl selection. Howe is a PR dream, the face of the NHL and a legend in the realm of professional hockey. In the postseason, no one is more dominant in baseball than Jeter. One of the greatest athletes the United Kingdom has ever produced, Mo is a world famous distance runner. Sandy Koufax (Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers) 2. But we know him best for the TV personality aspect. He is best known for his unusual running style, which some say he developed running cross legged over four square cement sidewalk blocks in his home town. Photo: Wikimedia Commons. 3 - Babe Ruth. DiMaggio was given the nickname "The Yankee Clipper" by Yankees announcer Arch McDonald in 1939, when he likened DiMaggio's speed and range in the field to the then-new Pan American airliner. Not only is Wei a three-time Olympic silver medalist, he is also the first badminton player to have kept the #1 world ranking for three years. The most frequent answer was Michael Jordan (23%), followed by Cristiano Ronaldo (15%) in second, and Muhammad Ali (12%) in third. The Rock is just too famous of a nickname to not put on this list. Whether they describe physical appearance, a catch phrase, or an extreme and unique ability, these nicknames follow their host, even beyond the grave. While playing on youth baseball teams, Andre would attack the ball like a hawk, while teammates would shy away. Indiana Pacers ( 70) Aaron McKie. 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 bat to Trumper. The nickname given to Camacho seems born out of synergy, contained in, and rhyming with, his last name. Ryan recorded 5,714 strikeouts, 324 wins and a TKO of Robin Ventura in his 27-year career. What athlete is number 23? | Dependable Michael Jordan's best nickname. 2 Deion Sanders, CB, Florida State (1985-88) Focus on Sport/Getty Images. 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. Grange got his nickname from Chicago American writer Warren Brown, who dubbed the pasty white-skinned red head "The Galloping Ghost," citing his running style at the University of Illinois. The durable fire-baller still holds the MLB record for career strikeouts and still fields questions about the day he plunked Ventura and subsequently pummeled him after getting him in a head-lock on the mound. News on all your favorite celebs, reality TV, and movies. The Hall of Famer battled through segregation to become one of the greatest left-handed hitters in Major League Baseball history. McCovey got his nickname from his slender-but-tall build. His tall and skinny build makes him look like a satchel tree. Jeter is an iconic figure from a club renowned for outstanding players and has stood out among the games all-time greats. Toggle the table of contents . 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. 13 Most Popular Number In Sports [2023 Update] - Players Bio Williams said he didnt change his number until 1993 because that was his first chance to do it.". He was a two-time MVP, an . 5 Best players to wear No. Coincidentally, Roberts adapted his nickname from former Oakland Raiders QB Ken Stabler, who was nicknamed "The Snake" for his ability to slither through opponents when scrambling. "Joltin' " refers to his speed and ability to get a jump on the ball off the bat in the outfield and his smart baserunning abilities. The Best Athletes Who Wore Number 18, Ranked By Fans Michael Jordan's #23 is the most iconic number in the history of sports. Cocaine usage peaked in the United States 1982 with 10.4 million users. Not every player to wear the #7 has found success with the club, but it has been donned by icons that have had a lasting impact on the beautiful game. 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. The nickname stuck throughout his career and separated his fairly common name from the rest of the herd. Sorry Derek Jeter fans, but Big Red was the best thoroughbred race horse of all-time. 22: Joey Bats (Jose Bautista) Bautista once did a very funny sketch that was a version of the baseball bat scene in "The Untouchables." . Fred Stabley Jr. of theLansing State Journal, gave him themoniker, despite protest from Johnson's mother, a devout Christian, who claimed it was sacrilegious. Williams is perhaps best known for giving up the game-and-World Series-winning home run to Joe Carter and the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 6 of the 1993 World Series. Davis would often cry to his coach, begging the man to let him play with his friends and the coach would say, "stop crying, you big baby!" The World's Most Entertaining Car Website. List of Top 100 Athletes in the World and their Net worth (2023) 1. Brown played . Namath's nickname "Broadway Joe" was given him bySherman Plunkett, a Jets teammate. August 10, 2021 9:00 am. Johnston got his moniker from a teammate on the Dallas Cowboys, Babe Laufenberg, a second-string quarterback. It shows that the number 42 signifies a piece of history in baseball. In Oakland, he had been known as "Jax" and "Buck.". In 1993, Williams started wearing the No. However, his nickname doesn't rank very highly on a list of originality and creativity. The World Golf Hall of Fame member is a legend in the game, and his "Golden Bear" moniker has led to many endorsements and products that "bear" his name.