famous athletes number 23 nickname

"Apparently, White Sox broadcaster Ken Harrelson tagged Thomas with the nickname "Big Hurt" because that's exactly what he does to opposing pitchers. 3 spot with 10,335. Williams said he had wanted the No. ESPN have announced the top 20 most famous athletes of 2019. 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.". Very few athletes have earned their nickname quite like Dominique Wilkins. The obvious nickname is the third generation of his birth name. 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. Wayne Gretzky might be the sport's greatest player, but Red Wings legend Gordie Howe, in many respects, was its most popular. No list of the best athletes is complete without "The Greatest" Muhammad Ali. Jackson hit home runs in Game 4 and Game 5 of the Series. The ever-flamboyant star has also had his run-ins with the law but will go down as a tremendous athlete with a killer nickname. "The Glide" is a member of the Hall of Fame and captured the 1995 NBA championship with the Houston Rockets. 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. Lists of nicknames - nickname list articles on Wikipedia He is a two-time NBA MVP and 13-time NBA All-Star selection and is currently ranked second all-time in NBA scoring. His nickname, Louisiana Lightning, is an all-timer. However, it was as a fullback that got him his alias, and it would stick with him long after his playing days were over. Baseball stars have had success with the number as well with Don Mattingly, Ryne Sandberg, and Zach Greinke thriving with the number 23 in . A power reliever, he put his full weight behind every pitch, so that he dropped hard to the right, sometimes falling off the mound. There are those names that just seemsoright. 2 2. 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. That brings his total annual income to roughly $80 million. The styleearned him the nickname "Crazy Legs.". However, he only made one broadway appearance, covered here by Wikipedia: "he made his only appearance on Broadway as a cast replacement in a revival ofThe Caine Mutiny Court Martial. For certain teams, some numbers hold a special place in club lore and the hearts of the fans. The #7 shirt at Liverpool has a long and storied history that has seen some of the clubs best players wear the number. Jim Browns career in the National Football League only lasted nine seasons, but his impact on the game has lasted through history. 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 best player on the greatest dynasty in professional sports was Bill Russell. 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). Cristiano Ronaldos image is inseparable from his favored #7. 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. With arguably the most famous nickname in the history of media, Dwayne Johnson is built like a rock and wrestled like a rock. One of the greatest athletes the United Kingdom has ever produced, Mo is a world famous distance runner. The nickname "Charlie Hustle" was given to Rose by Whitey Ford in 1963, who was watching the then-rookie Rose sprint to first base on a walk. Twenty-three is the number . 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. Kuko is considered one of the best wingmen to ever play the game, and therefore might be the only man on the planet capable of gettingFranck Ribry a real date. Larry was 1992 NBA Rookie of the Year and a two-time NBA All-Star selection. "Three Fingers" Brown was able to throw many pitches that could not be achieved by a man with a full hand. Alexander Karelin (Wrestling)- The . The Yankees great still holds the record for consecutive games with at least one hit with a 56-hit streak in 1941. It has been a popular jersey number for decades with success of athletes across the board. Truly the champion of the nickname, Ruth is also the symbol of achievement in our nation's greatest past-time. With more than 36 million social media followers on diverse platforms. Mario Lemieux is a hero to many hockey fans, but not only because of his contributions to the Pittsburgh Penguins on the ice. 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). Forever remembered for his involvement in the 1919 "Black Sox" scandal, "Shoeless" Joe Jackson was known for his lightning-quick feet and agility, earning the moniker that would become inseparable from his legacy. Venus Williams has seven grand slam titles, of which 5 are at Wimbledon, making her one of the best in the game. Quite possibly the athlete with the most nicknames in sports history, Shaquille O'Neal seems to be a fan favorite wherever he goes, and his outgoing personality has earned him numerous sponsorships and TV/Film appearances. This nickname was bound to happen, seeing as how his last name is so closely spelled to "goose," and there were no other candidates that could top it. Birth Country: United States. Aaron's nickname epitomizes his performance at the plate. Childhood friend and neighbor, Wilber Hines, said he gave Paige the nickname after he was caught trying to steal a bag. The Hall of Famer battled through segregation to become one of the greatest left-handed hitters in Major League Baseball history. Rickey Henderson. While most think the successful Alabama Crimson Tide coach was named "Bear" for his personality, it was actually given to him as a child. Hall of Fame player Alex English deserves some recognition for wearing No. Howe is a PR dream, the face of the NHL and a legend in the realm of professional hockey. 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. Oh yeah, he also played basketball for five NBA teams in 15 years and won four NBA championships with three different teams. 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. His trash talking is the stuff of street legend and his longevity in the league cemented his status as an NBA great. 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. 2 - Secretariat. Either way, the nickname stuck, as did the movie. He is also one of the most dominant. Undoubtedly the most famous athlete in the country, a movie . Robinson was a six-time All-Star, World Series Champion, and the 1949 National League MVP. 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. 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. Steve Nash - Jackson is No. 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. The name stuck throughout Rich Gossage's playing days, and he is affectionately known by the moniker to this day. 4: Brett Favre, QB Teams: Atlanta Falcons, Green Bay Packers , New York Jets , Minnesota Vikings The Rock is just too famous of a nickname to not put on this list. He is the only player in the history of the league to receive this honor. He did however appear in summerstock productions ofDamn YankeesandFiddler on the Roof.". He spent 12 years in the NBA with the Charlotte Hornets and New York Knicks. Right after the Bulls and Michael Jordan won the 1991 NBA title, Gatorade la Over 75 years after Ruth's professional baseball career ended, he is still regarded as the best baseball player to ever live. If pressed to name a national sport, Malaysians would say "badminton.". The tall glass of water is a solid shooter, and therefore, the gun jokes just flow. Naim Sleymanolu (Weightlifting)- Pocket Hercules. Named for his cool demeanor on a basketball court, Gervin played in both the ABA and the NBA, and it has been said at his ABA tryout in Virginia, he made 22-of-25 three-point attempts. 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. At nine years old, Davis was already 5'6" tall and weighed 160 lbs. The best players to wear 18 as their jersey numbers are sprinkled across all major sports. Rodman embraced the nickname and fed off the hype. Unique lists featuring pop culture, entertainment and crazy facts. 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. Michael Jordan (23) We bet you see this coming. We have to say it: "He'll stomp on a child's testicles, but he won't poop on a pigeon.". The switch worked because Magic and the Showtime Lakers won the NBA Title in 1980 and would go on to win four more before the end of Magics career. 79 - Rosey Brown. Publish date: May 25, 2009. . He amazed hockey fans from the moment he stepped onto the ice with the Edmonton Oilers in 1978. Stan "The Man" Musial wore the number during his time with the St. Louis Cardinals. He is alsoknown for his 10-year reign asmiddleweightworld champion and setting a record for defending it 20 consecutive times. Ranker Sports. He is a nine-time NBA All-Star, was the NBA scoring champion in 1986 and won two dunk contests (1985, 1990). He was a larger than life figure that was known for crushing home runs and winning seven World Series titles. 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 nickname comes from Wilt's height and slender build and the obvious rhyming of his first name. Like English . 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 . We all know Dizzy and Daffy, Crazy Legs, Shoeless Joe, King James, The Great One and Air Jordan. Every year, LeBron James earns around $25 million in salary from the Cleveland Cavaliers and roughly $55 million from endorsements. 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 is the most dominating boxer in the history of the sport and is synonymous with boxing legend. He played professional football in the NFL with theAtlanta Falcons(19891993),San Francisco 49ers(1994),Dallas Cowboys(19951999),Washington Redskins(2000) andBaltimore Ravens(20042005). He used the technique of crouching with his left arm out to fight opponents, and experienced many successes. Full Site Menu. Our most famous number in sports is the former NBA player Michael Jordan's number 23. Olajuwon's first name was spelled "Akeem" in his college days at the University of Houston and early into his NBA career. 32 and 34 for the first 17 of his 19 NBA seasons, before adopting No. As a pass-rusher, Perry dominated offensive backfields and was constantly in the head of opposing quarterbacks. During his time with the 49ers, Rice won three Super Bowls and led the league in receiving yardage six times. But those come from the big four traditional sports: baseball, football, basketball and hockey. "Sugar" Ray Leonard owes his legendary moniker-alias toSarge Johnson, assistant coach of the U.S. Olympic Boxing Team. Gabby Douglas, is an American gymnast who became the first African American in Olympic history to win the individual all-around event at the 2012 Summer Games. His lawyer should have been named "The electric no possibility of victory but still attempting attorney.". 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. Seriously, the man eclipsed Rosie O'Donnell. 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Toggle the table of contents . 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 . Likewise, his relationship with his father remains strong; therefore when Chipper was progressing through the ranks of baseball, he decided to keep the name. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in each of his nine NFL seasons, led the league in rushing eight times, and earned four MVP awards. Wagner was a first-ballot Hall of Fame inductee in 1936, gaining 95.13 percent of the vote. Aside from being a vegan, Salley is known for several other odd mannerisms and goofy antics. Between June 2016 and 2017, LeBron earned $86 million. The legendary coach lived to be 99-years-old, passing away last June. 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. He appeared in six postseasons with the Dodgers (1949, 195253, 195556, 1959), facing theNew York Yankeesin the first five and theChicago White Soxin the final. The wily pitcher was a fan favorite despite his volatile personality, and his moniker is indicative of his aggressive pitching style. Name: Jesse Owens. Jeter is an iconic figure from a club renowned for outstanding players and has stood out among the games all-time greats. Standing just 5'10" tall, Johnson has enough attitude packed inside his small frame for the rest of us. 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. 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). However, many athletes remain inseparable from their on-field persona and the uniform that they wear. The nickname literally translated means "The Duke," but his moniker is in reference to a tropical hurricane, which he is said to have brought on his opponents while pitching on the mound. the sword to D'Artagnan . In less than a decade, both MLB catchers will be Hall of Fame members. Edson Arantes do Nascimento (Brazilian Portuguese: [ds(w) atiz du nasimtu]; 23 October 1940 - 29 December 2022), better known by his nickname Pel (Portuguese pronunciation: ), was a Brazilian professional footballer who played as a forward.Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, he was among the most successful and popular sports figures of the 20th . The thumb is not called a "finger," and therefore doesn't count. After playing for a minor . LINK Famous athletes who wore the number 32: 1. Jackson was also a prolific hitter, and many historians feel he could have broken several records had he not been banned from baseball after the 1920 season. The Dodgers won theWorld Series in 1955and in1959. Glen Davis was a big kid. 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. The mobile thrower has nearly 30,000 passing and 4,000 rushing yards to his name. He was a two-time NBA Champion(1994,1995) and member of the1988NBA All-Rookie Team. This nickname is clever, scores big points for rhyming with the name and personifies Holyfield to the fullest. History, conspiracies and Jordan: Why 23 is sport's most legendary number Three sports, three icons, all No.23. 1 1. Johnston got his moniker from a teammate on the Dallas Cowboys, Babe Laufenberg, a second-string quarterback. Pel, byname of Edson Arantes do Nascimento, (born October 23, 1940, Trs Coraes, Brazildied December 29, 2022, So Paolo, Brazil), Brazilian football (soccer) player, in his time probably the most famous and possibly the best-paid athlete in the world.