Sports Legends from New York

New York is the home of many famed figures and personalities including those in the world of sports. Although many sporting figures became famous playing on New York teams, many legendary athletes were born in New York too.

Several NBA stars have come from the state of New York. Carmelo Anthony, currently of the Denver Nuggets, was born in New York City and played his college ball at Syracuse, while current NBA player Elton Brand was born in Cortland. Hall-of-Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was born in Manhattan and Michael Jordan, arguably the greatest NBA player ever, was born in Brooklyn.

Many well known NFL players call the Empire State their home too. Defensive end Lyle Alzado was born in Brooklyn, as was San Francisco 49er center Randy Cross. Chicago Bears' quarterback Sid Luckman, and current New York Jet defensive end D’Brickashaw Ferguson are both from New York. New York Giant favorite Jim Burt was born in Orchard Park. NFL's Art Donovan hails from the Bronx, while Washington Redskin all-pro receiver Art Monk was born in White Plains.

New York has produced its share of legendary MLB players as well. 19 year veteran Craig Biggio was born in Smithtown. Yankee, Lou Gehrig hails from Brooklyn, as does former New York Yankee manager Joe Torre and hall of fame pitchers Whitey Ford and Sandy Koufax. Baltimore Oriole great Jim Palmer hails from New York City as well as current Yankee All-Star Alex Rodriguez. All Star pitcher Orel Hershiser was born in Buffalo while Carl Yastrzemski was born in Southampton.

While New York has its share of renowned literary, musical, academic, scientific, media, and business personalities, it is also the birthplace of many legendary sports figures.