Numbers Add Up To Stardom
Best by Number, a Sporting News book that picks the best athletes by their jersey number.
Some great players fail to be No.1 at their number ( Stan Musial, Mickey Mantle, Kobe Bryant, Ted Williams, Ernie Banks, Bob Feller, Mike Schmidt, Lou Brock, among others - and that's only some of the ones for numbers up to 20 ). Which is more about all the greats who have worn the same digit than anything else.
There are some numbers that lack true star power, such as No. 71 with former Detroit Lions lineman Alex Karras the choice. At least the book lists the real reason for Karras' selection: "For his forearm-shivering, horse-punching flair...Granted, his memorable 'Mongo love Sheriff Bart' proclamation in the Mel Brooks movie hit 'Blazing Saddles' had absolutely nothing to do with football."
* Bears: Walter Payton (34),
Gale Sayers (40), Red Grange (77), Mike Ditka (89), Dick Butkus (51), Bill George (61), Richard Dent (95).
* Bulls: Michael Jordon (23).
* Cubs: Billy Williams (26),
Lee Smith (46).
* Blackhawks: Bobby Hull (9), Stan Mikita (21), Ed Belfour (30), Denis Savard (18), Jonathan Toews (19), Patrick Kane (88), Pierre Pilote (3), Glen Hall (1).
* WHAT? Sftbll: Nathan DeRohan (8),
Joe Yonke (15), Rick Garza (16), Nestor Toro (21), Joey Ratliff (24), Jonathan Schumacher (25), Ralph Lozano (09).
* White Sox: Paul Konerko (14),
Frank Thomas (35), Mark Buehrle (56), Carlton Fisk (72).
* Chicago Cardinals: Charley Trippi (62),
The book has fast facts and numerical anecdotes, as well as a brief look at everyone who was selected.
Meaning there are a number of reasons to enjoy.
NOTEWORTHY
These are the athletes who were No. 1 at their number in the Sporting News book Best by Numbers:
