Welcome to 94WIP's G.O.A.T. of Broad Street, where we will finally determine who the greatest athlete in Philadelphia sports history is. Remember, in order to qualify, the athlete must have played in Philadelphia in the last 50 years (1970). Please cast your vote here to help us decide!
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As part of their new edition of "The Great Book of Philadelphia Sports Lists", which you can buy here, Glen Macnow and Big Daddy Graham listed the top 101 athletes in Philadelphia sports over the past 50 years.
Here are their top 10:
10. Charles Barkley. Tenacious, entertaining "Sir Charles" led the NBA in rebounds in 1986–87, despite standing just six-foot-five. Four-time first-team all-NBA and six-time all-star in his eight seasons here. Averaged 23.3 points and 11.6 rebounds as a Sixer. His .576 field goal percentage ranks second only to Wilt Chamberlain. A tremendous offensive force and maybe the most fun athlete ever to play in our city.
9. Allen Iverson. Certainly the most controversial man on this list. First pick of the 1997 draft won four scoring titles and the 2001 league MVP Award. Two-time All-Star Game MVP. Took Sixers to 2001 Finals, averaging 32.9 points in 22 playoff games. At under six-feet and 165 pounds, he regularly topped NBA charts in minutes, shots, steals and tumbling to the hardwood. Only six players in history top "The Answer's" career 26.7 per-game scoring average.
8. Brian Dawkins. Greatest safety in Eagles history played more games (183) than any non-kicker to wear the uniform. A nine-time Pro Bowler and five-time first-team All-Pro. He remains the only player in NFL history with more than 25 sacks, forced fumbles and interceptions. We raged in 2009 when Joe Banner let him escape. "Wolverine" was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Feb. 3, 2018, the eve of the Eagles win in Super Bowl LII.
7. Reggie White. "Minister of Defense" was Birds' greatest lineman, registering 124 sacks in eight seasons. First game as Eagle: 10 tackles, 2-1/2 sacks. Had 21 sacks (one short of NFL record) in strike-shortened 1987. Cornerstone of "Gang Green" defense. At 295 pounds, he could outrun many running backs. His departure in 1993 started the downfall of the Braman-Kotite Eagles and led to a Packers Super Bowl. Died at age 43, made the Hall of Fame two years later.
6. Bernie Parent. "Only God saves more." Top goalie of his era posted shutouts in both Cup-clinching games. Backbone of those title teams, winning back-to-back Vezina Trophies (top goalie) and Conn Smythes (playoff MVP) in 1974 and '75. His combined goals-against average those years—1.95 for regular season, 1.96 for playoffs. Fifty shutouts as a Flyer, plus six more in post-season. First Flyer in Hall of Fame. Eye injury ended his career at age 34. Nicest superstar you'll ever meet.
5. Julius Erving. Changed game of basketball before he got here and Sixers' fate after arriving in 1976. MVP in 1981, all-star each of his 11 seasons. Five-time all-NBA first-teamer. "We owe you one." Despite highlight-film status, was an amazingly consistent player, averaging over 20 points per game nine straight seasons. Doctor J's gravity-defying, floating baseline scoop against the Lakers in 1980 Finals may be most spectacular shot in NBA history.
4. Joe Frazier. "Smokin' Joe" won Olympic gold in 1964, the world heavyweight title six years later. His 1971 Madison Square Garden defense over Muhammad Ali established his status as a Hall of Famer; indeed, his trilogy of fights against Ali are regarded as boxing's greatest-ever spectacles. Career record of 32-4-1, losing twice each to Ali and George Foreman. His 27 KO victims include solid fighters Jimmy Ellis, Bob Foster, George Chuvalo and Jerry Quarry.
3. Bobby Clarke. Did more to define his franchise than any player on this list by instilling a work ethic and nastiness in Flyers. Three-time MVP, two-time Stanley Cup champion. Twice led NHL in assists, three times topped 100 points. Overtime goal vs. Bruins in Game 2 of '74 Finals turned series to Flyers. Holds all franchise career scoring records. Great passer, face-off man, always came out of corner with puck. Plus/minus for career an amazing plus-506. Never got booed (at least as a player).
2. Steve Carlton. Won four Cy Young Awards; no NL pitcher won more. "Lefty's" 1972 season—27 wins, 1.97 ERA for a 59-win team—is one of best in baseball history. A horse, he topped 250 innings 12 times for the Phils. Holds franchise records for wins (241), starts (499), and strikeouts (3,031). First-ballot Hall of Famer. Started and won two games—including clincher—in 1980 World Series. Said Willie Stargell: "Hitting him is like trying to drink coffee with a fork."
1. Mike Schmidt. Without question the best third baseman ever. Led NL in homers eight times. His 548 HRs rank seventh among pre-steroid players. A warehouse full of awards: Three-time MVP, 10 Gold Gloves, 12 All-Star appearances. Played 18 seasons in Philadelphia, most of any athlete. In best season, 1980, had 48 homers, 121 RBIs, won World Series MVP. Elected to Hall of Fame in 1995 with 96 percent of vote. Cool, aloof, always professional.
