Most Dominant Athlete of All Time

[shack]

This is a tough one. I'm sure I've missed some but I think I mostly have a very credible list.

A few are obvious, Gretzky, Jordan, Ruth, Tiger, Jim Brown, Pele, Ali.

Some others I've included:

Edwin Moses won 107 consecutive high hurdles events over a 9 year, 9 month period.

Rod Laver. The only man to win the Grand Slam twice, 1962 and 1969. Unfortunately after turning pro after his 1st slam he was barred from playing in Gland Slam tourneys from '63 to'68 because only amateurs could play. He lost out on his prime playing years which meant he would have probably won at least 20 grand slam events instead of his 11. Sampras' 15 wouldn't have been close.

Tony Hawk for our younger members. Not sure of his stats.

A few others who I considered:

Bobby Orr: changed the way the game was played.
Larry Holmes: champ for a very long time but during a time of weak competition.
Eric Heiden, Mark Spitz, Jean-Claude Killy, Jesse Owens: amazing results at Olympics but I don't think they dominated for long enough.
Barry Bonds: cheater
Sandy Koufax:same as the Olympians

As I said, I'm sure there's lots of others worthy for consideration.

BTW, since it may be difficult to pick only 1, I've set it up for multiple picks but try to pick no more than 3.

 

[iluvquarks]

This is good, but very difficult. Perhaps separating team sports from individual ones would help? Both Gretzky and Jordan had the "right" supporting cast that allowed them to dominate and post those numbers. E.g. you can be the best passer but if your teammate can't score, it won't matter. Truth is, there are so many other athletes that can easily place on this list: Michael Johnson, Greg Lougainis, Sugar Ray Robinson, Roberto Duran, Wilt Chamberlain ... anyway, still a fun poll.

 

[Malibook]

In 1945 Byron Nelson won 11 consecutive PGA tournaments and 18 for the season.
http://www.golftoday.co.uk/news/yeartodate/news05/byron_nelson1.html

 

[MarkII]

You left Jack off the golfer category.

Without him on the list there is no one to chase.

 

[shack]

Michael Johnson, Greg Lougainis, Sugar Ray Robinson, Roberto Duran, Wilt Chamberlain ... anyway, still a fun poll.

Out of those I'd say Wilt was the most dominant and one that I definitely overlooked. The others had great careers no doubt.

 

[shack]

In 1945 Byron Nelson won 11 consecutive PGA tournaments and 18 for the season.
http://www.golftoday.co.uk/news/yeartodate/news05/byron_nelson1.html

I'd put him in the same category as Koufax. Super dominant but not for long enough.

 

[shack]

BTW, I picked Ruth, Gretz and Laver. Ruth and 99 put up numbers in team sports that were so far ahead of anyone else in their sports at their respective times it was a joke. MJ might have been the best basketball player for a long time but his numbers were not totally out of sight of second place like Babe's and Wayne's were.

I followed Laver's career in the latter stages of of his dominance. It was during my mid-teens and left a lasting impression. He was a legend and untouchable. A real gentleman as well.

Edwin Moses would have been my next choice. Imagine not being beaten in over 100 events over a ten year period. Incredible.

In hindsight I should have put Orr on the list instead of Tony Hawk. A defenceman winning the scoring title? Get serious.

 

[PHNINE]

You forgot Walter Ray Williams, Jr. Best bowler of our time.

 

[Lapper]

i don't see aki berg's name???

i'd have to agree with shack and say bobby orr even though i was too young to watch him play.

wilt chamberlain. 100 points in a game and 10,000+ women. lol

what about the great women???

 

[fun-guy]

wilt chamberlain. 100 points in a game and 10,000+ women. lol

Sorry, I think chamberlain has some stiff competition in the women category from Julio Iglesis and Gene Simmons. Both pigs IMO, but wealthy, and grinning from ear to ear. lol

 

[Geoff]

Honourable mention has to go to Lance Armstrong.

7 Tours, unpresidented.

 

[shack]

Honourable mention has to go to Lance Armstrong.

7 Tours, unpresidented.

Not that I like him but still an interesting choice.

 

[Oil Please]

Easy! Woods. I don't even like him.

 

[shack]

You forgot Walter Ray Williams, Jr. Best bowler of our time.

Only bowler I could think of would be Earl Anthony. (Oh yeah, Dick Weber and Don Carter)

Most PBA titles, 41. (One more than Walter Ray Williams)
8 Major Titles
3 straight PBA National Championships twice
6 time player of the year

 

[Oil Please]

Honourable mention has to go to Lance Armstrong.

7 Tours, unpresidented.

He had some help. Roids for sure so I don't count him.

 

[shack]

I'm glad to see Jim Brown got a vote. Probably from an old-timer.

 

[PHNINE]

Only bowler I could think of would be Earl Anthony. (Oh yeah, Dick Weber and Don Carter)

Most PBA titles, 41. (One more than Walter Ray Williams)
8 Major Titles
3 straight PBA National Championships twice
6 time player of the year

You mean which Bowler you could google the fastest? BTW, I must have gotten an older site because when I got the Earl guy he hadn't gotten the 41st yet...only tied at 40.

 

[Oil Please]

Chamberlan not on the list?

 

[PHNINE]

Most Dominant Athlete of All Time...

...Paul Tracy

 

[shack]

You mean which Bowler you could google the fastest? BTW, I must have gotten an older site because when I got the Earl guy he hadn't gotten the 41st yet...only tied at 40.

I really did remember Earl Anthony. Admittedly I looked up the stats. (PBA site, Hall of Fame)