Detroit has had a rich history of professional athletes come
through our city. From hockey to football to baseball, there has been an
all-star in every one. The city of Detroit has been blessed to have a great
professional sports tradition (yes, even the Detroit Lions!) for the fans. The
Detroit Red Wings are on a 24 year playoff appearance streak, Migel Cabrera has
won the American League batting title three years in a row, and Calvin Johnson
has reached many records in his time with the Detroit Lions.
Looking at the past and present, who has been the most influential
athletes in the three professional sports in the city limits of Detroit?
THEN….
Gordie Howe
Gordie Howe started his professional career in Detroit in
1946 and continued to play for the Red Wings for 32 years. His many
accomplishments included most points until Wayne Gretzky came along and
winnings six MVP awards and six scoring championships. He is still considered
to be Mr. Hockey throughout the hockey world… He even has a hat trick named
after him (a goal, an assist, and a fight in one game).
Barry Sanders
If you live in Detroit or a fan of the Detroit Lions, it’s a
love hate relationship with the Detroit Lions. However, in 1989 the Detroit
Lions drafted Barry Sanders in the 3rd round of the NFL draft. This
pick brought a shining light for Detroit Lions fans. Even though the Lions did
not make the playoffs or win a championship, Barry Sanders is considered to be
one of the top running backs in the NFL history.
Alan Trammel
Alan Trammel gave the Detroit Tigers its first MLB World
Series Championship in 1984, the first since 1968. He was awarded many Gold
Glove Awards and slugging awards. “Tram,” as his teammates called him, was with
the Tigers from 1977 to 1996. He continues to work the Tigers organization in a
front office role.
NOW…
Pavel Datsyuk
The legends of the Detroit Red Wings has been a long one … Gordie
Howe, Ted Lindsey, Steve Yzerman, Nicklas Lidstrom. However, the star on the
ice from the current roster is none other than Pavel Datsyuk. His ability to allude
players with is dekes with the puck has given him the nickname, “The Magic Man.”
Datsyuk started his career in Detroit in 2002 and continues as the alternate
captain for the current team. He has accolades that include 3 consecutives
Selke Trophy (best forward defensemen) and 4 consecutive Lady Byng Memorial
Trophy for his sportsmanship. Injuries have plagued him in recent years but
continues to be the favorite of many fans in Hockeytown.
Calvin Johnson
If anyone watched the Detroit Lions football game on Sunday
against the Cardinals, it is safe to say that it may be a season of the “same
old Lions.” But the in recent years there has been a silver lining for the
Detroit Lions fans to watch, Calvin Johnson. His enormous frame, standing six
foot five inches, and ability to make catches the everyday football player
attempts to make has given him the name “Megatron.” His records in the entire
NFL include first NFL player in
history to have consecutive seasons with at least 1,600 yards receiving and fastest
to 10,000 NFL receiving yards, to name a few.
Miguel Cabrera
Like the Lions,
the Detroit Tigers fans are loyal in their own right. The many years of
disappointment came to a halt in 2012 when they won the ALCS in the World
Series. This was due in part to the amazing hitting of Migel Cabrera. This was
also the year that he won the Triple Crown (best in the American League in batting
average, home runs, and runs batted in). This was the first time the Triple
Crown has been won in 45 years. As the Tigers provided the fans with a lack
luster year in 2015, Migel Cabrera continued to show his excellence by having
the best batting average in the American League.
This video from YouTube.com made me smile with the great history of Detroit Sports.
Interesting!
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