Coolest Nicknames From Non-Traditional Sports. 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. Pro Football Hall of Famers by Jersey Numbers Class of 2004 inductee Bob Brown wore #76 with the Eagles, Rams, and Raiders. 7 - Mickey . 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. 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. 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. He is the most dominating boxer in the history of the sport and is synonymous with boxing legend. The left-handed hitting slugger is the current face of the Boston Red Sox franchise and spent many years in a potent lineup with Manny Ramirez. The #7 shirt at Manchester United has been worn by several of the greatest players of all time. 3 - Babe Ruth. 26 Further reading. Seriously, the man eclipsed Rosie O'Donnell. Rumor has it, the pitcher wanted to return to the majors in 2008 at the tender age of 49, reports the Boston Globe. 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. legendary athlete number 23 nicknamepeinture gris mtallis voiturepeinture gris mtallis voiture The thumb is not called a "finger," and therefore doesn't count. This nickname is clever, scores big points for rhyming with the name and personifies Holyfield to the fullest. the sword to D'Artagnan . Williams said he didnt change his number until 1993 because that was his first chance to do it.". Ranker Sports. "The Mailman always delivers" was the phrase that followed Malone from his college days until the end of his career and beyond. He played in the NFL as well as the NBL . Also called "The Baddest on the Planet," Mike Tyson won his first 19 professional bouts by knockout12 of them occurring in the first round. The Rock is just too famous of a nickname to not put on this list. 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. Michael Jordan's #23 is the most iconic number in the history of sports. John Cena is number 9 in our list of the top 10 most famous athletes in the world. Payton is also likely the best player to ever play at Oregon State University, with A.C. Green, Brent Barry and Corey Benjamin in the discussion. The wily pitcher was a fan favorite despite his volatile personality, and his moniker is indicative of his aggressive pitching style. 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. His nickname is more a basic description of the entity he embodies than a catchy alter-ego. (A special thanks to The Sandlot for assisting with this slide), 8Pro Bowlselection (1981,1983,1984,1985,1987,1989,1990,1993), 3 First TeamAll-Proselection (1987,1989,1990), 3 Second Team All-Pro selection (1981,1983,1984), 4Super Bowlchampion (XVI,XIX,XXIII,XXIV). Emmitt Smith. Hernndez is also known for the enormous leg kick featured in his delivery. He played professional football in the NFL with theAtlanta Falcons(19891993),San Francisco 49ers(1994),Dallas Cowboys(19951999),Washington Redskins(2000) andBaltimore Ravens(20042005). https://goo.gl/tX6CcK-~-~~-~~. "Hammerin' Hank" played 23 seasons and recorded 755 career home runs and 3,771 hits. 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. Calvin "Megatron" Johnson. Just as important as his stats to his legacy are the monikers we have come to know and fondly use to remember him. 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. 2. 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. His trash talking is the stuff of street legend and his longevity in the league cemented his status as an NBA great. The nickname would stick and become part of his identity throughout his playing years, summarizing Dawson's aggressive approach to the game and his Hall of Fame work ethic. Nicklaus earned the nickname at an early age because of his shock of blond hair and stout build. For most of his career, Jordan sported the #23, except for one season during which he donned #45 after his return from retirement. Surprisingly, no one calls him "Kazaam," but that could be because they are afraid of being sit on by a 7'1", 325 lb man. Paige is considered one of the best pitchers to play baseball, and it is a crying shame he didn't get a chance to enter the Major Leagues sooner than he did. Tiger Woods is a professional golfer and tied for first in PGA Tour wins, ranks second in men's major championships, and holds multiple golf records. Payton is no exception and quickly garnered the nickname "Sweetness" for his ability to make plays, and slide through the defense with ease. 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. But who makes it into Australia-only top 10? Muhammad Ali. 6. Rose is the career MLB hits leader, having recorded 4,256 knocks. "Apparently, White Sox broadcaster Ken Harrelson tagged Thomas with the nickname "Big Hurt" because that's exactly what he does to opposing pitchers. Hirsch made his NFL debut for the Chicago Rockets before finishing his career with the Los Angeles Rams. 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. He used the technique of crouching with his left arm out to fight opponents, and experienced many successes. Along with Aaron's power, his longevity also is worth noting. Vande Velde's View: My ability to discern "Pioneers of American Motorcycle Racing, Chapter 5", "NSMB.e.MAGAZINE Freeride, Extreme and North Shore style Mountain Biking", "The King of BMX. 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. After becoming a standout at Arizona State University, Jake Plummer was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals and would go on to play for the Denver Broncos. The 6'9", 271lb lineman recorded 57 sacks in his career but played before the sack became an official stat in 1982. By Jamie Driver Eddie Fiola Interview Lifelounge Daily Goodness", "e*thirteen Rider Steve Peat Breaks UCI World Cup Record Silverfish UK", "Shoes, Ace, Shuffle and the best football nicknames from Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates | Goal.com", "SportMob Top facts about Ruud Gullit, the Black Tulip", "The origins of Maradona's many nicknames: El Pelusa, El Cebollita", "Former Fulham and West Ham midfielder Papa Bouba Diop dies aged 42", "Matthew Booth a white knight for the black masses", "World Cup 2010: Matthew Booth the perfect advertisement for integrated South Africa", "Breesus' is the reason for potentially perfect season", "Calvin Johnson shows why Lions made him No. His other famous nickname, "The Yankee Clipper," also deserves a mention on the countdown. 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 bat to Trumper. News on all your favorite celebs, reality TV, and movies. The World's Most Entertaining Car Website. Really? Considered one of the best players in professional basketball history, Maravich's life ended and began when he suffered a heart attack while playing a pick-up game in Pasadena, Calif. Maravich was a devout Christian and said shortly before his death he would like to be remembered as a follower of Christ, and not a basketball player. Jones owes his alias to his family, who constantly told him he was "A chip-off-the-old-block," in reference to his father. McCovey got his nickname from his slender-but-tall build. The nickname comes from Wilt's height and slender build and the obvious rhyming of his first name. 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. As far as boxing nicknames are concerned, "The Executioner" isn't very imaginative but still intimidating. It has been said that he could run 100 yards in 10 seconds and high jump over six feet. One look at the high-flying X-Games star, and it's easy to see why he is called "The Flying Tomato.". 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. 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. 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. Angel Di Maria currently wears the #7 shirt after his blockbuster transfer deal this summer. 23 in NBA history. Birth Year: 1913. 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.". Folklore legend has it Hardaway's nickname came as a result of his grandmother's southern accent when calling him "Pretty," thus coming out as "Penny.". 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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.". This May, he earned his second UEFA Champions League title and scored in the Final against Atletico Madrid. 5. His image has been slightly tarnished after he admitted to taking performance-enhancing drugs after many published media reports. Here are the nicknames of some of the other Olympians. Hardaway was a four-time NBA All-Star, two-time NBA first team selection and NBA All-Rookie first team selection (1994). BATS THAT THEY HAVE WIELDED E. MAYNE'S PRICELESS COLLECTION The Stradivarius to Kreisler . He built a contraption out of poles that allowed him to carry more bags than his co-workers. One of the greatest athletes the United Kingdom has ever produced, Mo is a world famous distance runner. 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. This moniker has nothing to do with Smith on a personal level, other than his ability to make spectacular plays and do back flips off the turf. Reese was a 10-time All-Star and two-time World Series Champion with the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers. That brings his total annual income to roughly $80 million. . 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. The big man also played for the USA Basketball team, was a two-time NBA Champion, won the NBA MVP in 1995 and was a 10-time NBA All-Star. "Babe" Ruth: "The Great Bambino/The Sultan of Swat". The eccentric cross-dresser earned his play in NBA history as a Champion with the Chicago Bulls, and as a psycho, after kicking a camera man in the jewels, drawing a record number of technical fouls, tearing his jersey off before leaving the court when ejected, wearing a dress for a promotion on multiple occasions, piercing every area of his body and dating Carmen Electra. Over the course of his entire sixteen season NFL career, John Elway became regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks in history. 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. . Beginning in March, Tyson will be featured in a six-part series on Animal Planet entitled, "Taking on Tyson." He won two NBA titles with the Houston Rockets and was the NBA MVP in 1994, also with the Rockets. Gretzky won four Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers during the 1980s, before he was dealt in a blockbuster deal to the Los Angeles Kings. Our most famous number in sports is the former NBA player Michael Jordan's number 23. The Yankees great still holds the record for consecutive games with at least one hit with a 56-hit streak in 1941. Rices legendary hands were developed throughout his childhood, when he worked as a brick mason. It's one of the more unique and popular nicknames of the modern era.". Parish got his nickname from afictitious Chief Bromden, a silent, giantNative Americancharacter in the filmOne Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. . 6 - Bill Russell, with special mention to Stan "the Man" Musial and Julius Erving, basketball's "Dr. J.". His #32 has been retired by the Cleveland Browns. Rodman was a king on the court when it came down to getting into his opponent's physche. 1. . We all know Dizzy and Daffy, Crazy Legs, Shoeless Joe, King James, The Great One and Air Jordan. Johnson can now be considered one of the most successful athletes of all time. 88. 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. DiMaggio was bound to earn a few nicknames in his playing days, and "Joltin' Joe" was just the beginning. However, steroids will likely only be a small blip on his write-up when his playing days are over, and it seems America will remember him for his philanthropy and for coming through in the clutch. Virat Kohli, nicknamed Chikoo, is a famous Indian international cricketer who is the present captain of the India national team.With a top record on his plate, he is regarded as one of the best batsmen in the world. Mlkvy received his nickname while attending Temple University. 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. Olajuwon's first name was spelled "Akeem" in his college days at the University of Houston and early into his NBA career. The tall glass of water got his famous alias from multiple sources: According to Paige, his nickname originated from childhood work toting bags at the train station. 79 - Rosey Brown. 2 2. Each sprin 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. 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. He earned the moniker "The Little General" for his leadership abilities on the court and also his fiery, competitive nature as a player. 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. Venus Williams has seven grand slam titles, of which 5 are at Wimbledon, making her one of the best in the game. application of binomial distribution in civil engineering eames replica lounge chair review eames replica lounge chair review 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. 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. "Go ask Mister October", he said, giving Jackson a nickname that would stick. He added an "H" to his name later in his career in homage to his Muslim faith. Unless he attempts a return to baseball, which isn't likely, he will be eligible for the Hall of Fame following the 2012 season and could be a first-ballot Hall of Famer and definitely deserves to be elected. The nickname seems to describe his abilities perfectly, and Jordan and the moniker are now inseparable. Was the famous number 23 of the Chicago Bulls? No NBA player has ever wore No. There are those names that just seemsoright. Sometimes just called Michael "Air" Jordan, the greatest basketball player to ever live has been called many other things as well. His nickname prompted fraternity members to rename the commonly-practiced act, involving a passed-out friend and a head shaver. "The Snake" was a nickname given to him after the likeness of professional wrestler, Jake "The Snake" Roberts. The nickname stuck throughout his career and separated his fairly common name from the rest of the herd. It shows that the number 42 signifies a piece of history in baseball. Jeter is an iconic figure from a club renowned for outstanding players and has stood out among the games all-time greats. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. A 7'1" tree with more nicknames than points per game (4.0 career average), Joel Przybilla is a force to be reckoned with; if mostly in the Name Hall of Fame. In this sport, Lee Chong Wei sits on the throne. 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. There are so many famous AKAs in the world of sports, and many deserve their place at the top of the heap. 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.

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