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).
1. Mike Schmidt- The numbers speak for themselves. 548 Home Runs, nearly 1600 RBI, 3 time MVP, 12 time All-Star, 10 time Gold Glove winner and World Series Champion in 1980. Whether you were alive for his career or not his accomplishments are undeniable. Michael Jack Schmidt is clearly the Greatest Athlete in Philadelphia sports history.
2. Allen Iverson- Did he win a championship? No. Was he controversial and at times challenging for coaches and management to deal with? Yes. But his impact on not just this city but the game of basketball as a whole is immeasurable. Ask any current NBA player or one of his contemporary’s and you will not find a player universally respected for the way he played more than A.I. Any kid growing up in the Iverson era would agree, he was our idol and his connection with Philadelphia was deeper than any other athlete in the city’s history.
3. Julius Erving- After coming to the Sixers from the ABA in 1976 Dr. J was instrumental in transforming the NBA and the Sixers organization in the late 70’s and early 80’s. As the centerpiece of the Sixers formidable nucleus, Erving led the team to multiple Finals appearances before finally breaking through and capturing the title in 1983. Unlike Iverson though he had a much stronger supporting cast which is why he is number 3 on this list.
4. Brian Dawkins- Much like Iverson Brian Dawkins understood and connected with Philadelphia like few others. The passion and intensity he brought to the game was unmatched. Although he didn’t win a championship in Philadelphia, for 13 years Dawkins was the unquestioned leader of the team during the most successful era of football in Eagles history. He also was instrumental in transforming the way the Safety position is viewed in the NFL today.
5. Steve Carlton- While Mike Schmidt led the offense in the 70’s and 80’s Carlton anchored the pitching rotation. As a 4 time Cy Young winner and 10 time All-Star Carlton was perhaps the most important player on the Phils World Series Championship team of 1980. While the organization has had many great starters over the years including Curt Schilling, Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels and Cliff Lee, none of them have the resume of Lefty.
