Every state wants to boast of its legends in the sports arena. Every state has had people who have risen in the sports and athletic fields throughout the generations. New York State has had more than its share of these often forgotten heroes.
New York City alone has had several historic sports arenas including Ebbets field, home of the Brooklyn Dodgers for forty four years, the Polo Grounds, which was the home of the New York Giants for forty six years and Shea Stadium, home of the New York Mets until 2009.
Lew Alcindor, later known as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, one of the greatest names in basketball history came from the city of Manhattan, New York. Kenny Anderson, who was the NBA's second overall pick in 1991 was born and raised in Queens. Nate “ Tiny” Archibald, 1981 champion NBA player hailed from the South Bronx. Sue Bird, womens basketball, a member of Christ the Kings, was the first overall pick in the 2002 WNBA, and also owns a NCAA title.
Hall of Fame Bob Cousy came from Queens. Althea Gibson, raised in Harlem, was the first woman to play world tennis and win the Grand Slam title in 1956. Phil Rizzuto, also known as “The Scooter,” was the MVP for the New York Yankees, and was born and raised in Brooklyn.
How could we forget Henry Louis Gehrig. He was born in the Yorkville part of Manhattan. He was one of the most famous All American baseball players in the 1920's. He was stricken when he was 36 with a fatal disease, that later became known as Gehrig's Disease. During his tenure he was known for the records he set in hitting and his record for the longest number of consecutive games played.
Tags: ...
Comments (0):