Top 10 Pittsburgh athletes all time

[swissvale72]

Just an off-season poll...here's mine, what yinz got??

-Clemente
-Willie the Starg
-Bill Maz
-Mario
-Sid
-Connie Hawkins
-TB
-Franco
-Mean Joe
-Ben

[Greeksteel]

Polamalu?

[swissvale72]

Polamalu?

Was under consideration, along with Ham, Lambert, Blount...I suppose Bill Maz (yes, based primarily on one swing of the bat) and Connie Hawkins (based on leading the last championship to be won IN Pittsburgh) will be looked askance

[zeke5123]

Geno has to be on the list.

[swissvale72]

Geno has to be on the list.

Was a finalist as well....and a credit to him that, as a team player, accepting his role, seemingly gladly, with Sid. Read a good article about this recently

[ol skool]

Are we talking about athletes who played pro sports in Pittsburgh? If so, what percentage of their career to qualify?

Are we talking born in Pittsburgh (or nearby) but played elsewhere?

[swissvale72]

Are we talking about athletes who played pro sports in Pittsburgh? If so, what percentage of their career to qualify?

Are we talking born in Pittsburgh (or nearby) but played elsewhere?

My list based on the former...played pro sports in Pittsburgh..:or college, didnt think about tony Dorsett...or Marino

[ol skool]

Are we talking about athletes who played pro sports in Pittsburgh? If so, what percentage of their career to qualify?

Are we talking born in Pittsburgh (or nearby) but played elsewhere?

My list based on the former...played pro sports in Pittsburgh..:or college, didnt think about tony Dorsett...or Marino

So no Arnold Palmer, Bruno Sammartino, Harry Greb or Kurt Angle, since they didn’t play for a team?

One glaring omission from your list: Honus Wagner

[ol skool]

Another would be Barry Bonds. Don’t kid yourself.

[swissvale72]

Are we talking about athletes who played pro sports in Pittsburgh? If so, what percentage of their career to qualify?

Are we talking born in Pittsburgh (or nearby) but played elsewhere?

My list based on the former...played pro sports in Pittsburgh..:or college, didnt think about tony Dorsett...or Marino

So no Arnold Palmer, Bruno Sammartino, Harry Greb or Kurt Angle, since they didn’t play for a team?

One glaring omission from your list: Honus Wagner

Good points on Arnie, Bruno and honus. Not familiar with the other two. Your top 10 list?

[Gonzo]

Pops Strargell
Terry Bradshaw
Roberto Clemente
Franco Harris
Mario Lemiuex
Mean Joe Greene
Ben Roethlisberger
Troy Polomalu
Jack Lambert
Hines Ward

this is my List not performance ranking

honorable mentions to
Fast Willie Parker
and to non-athletes
chuck noll
bill cowher
Jim Leyland

Maz had the greatest moment in Pittsburgh sports along with Franco but didn't give him top 10

[ol skool]

1. Mario Lemieux
2. Honus Wagner
3. Arnold Palmer
4. Barry Bonds
5. Harry Greb
6. Roberto Clemente
7. Terry Bradshaw
8. Ben Roethlisberger
9. Jaromir Jagr
10. Bruno Sammartino

Lemieux is the GOAT and saved the Penguins as a player AND owner.

Honus was the GOAT shortstop and in the first HOF class (most votes of anyone except Ty Cobb).

Arnie revolutionized the game of golf; turning it from an elitist past time to a spectator sport for the masses. Golf’s first true star. Working class hero. GOAT until Jack came along.

Bonds was the most feared hitter of his era, as evidenced by his all-time record in intentional walks (not to mention regular old walks, HR and WAR).

Harry Greb “The Pittsburgh Windmill” fought 17 boxing HOFers and beat 16 of them. Nobody can match that. Best pound for pound fighter of all time. Fought black fighters when other guys wouldn’t.

Roberto I really don’t have to explain. His mere image appearing on screen gets standing ovations to this day.

Terry was first to win 4 Super Bowls. The most indispensable player for a dynasty that turned the Steelers from a joke into something we could be proud of.

Ben ended the drought and gave us all hope of a new dynasty that didn’t come to fruition. And he alone far us hope every year that we could overcome Tomlin to win one more.

Jagr would be higher, considering his incredible career, but I did weight it a bit due to how long he played in another jersey.

Bruno falls #10 only because his sport was professional wrestling. He makes it over others based on how dominant he was, his achievements as a strongman, and how long his impact on the sport was felt. Put it this way: Hulk Hogan was the Bruno Sammartino of his era; not the other way around.

[Dan Smith--BYU]

I'll throw another couple wrenches:

Tony Dorsett
Dan Marino
Hugh Green
Larry Fitzgerald
Aaron Donald

Joe Montana
Joe Namath

[swissvale72]

Good lists!!

[zeke5123]

1. Mario Lemieux
2. Honus Wagner
3. Arnold Palmer
4. Barry Bonds
5. Harry Greb
6. Roberto Clemente
7. Terry Bradshaw
8. Ben Roethlisberger
9. Jaromir Jagr
10. Bruno Sammartino

Lemieux is the GOAT and saved the Penguins as a player AND owner.

Honus was the GOAT shortstop and in the first HOF class (most votes of anyone except Ty Cobb).

Arnie revolutionized the game of golf; turning it from an elitist past time to a spectator sport for the masses. Golf’s first true star. Working class hero. GOAT until Jack came along.

Bonds was the most feared hitter of his era, as evidenced by his all-time record in intentional walks (not to mention regular old walks, HR and WAR).

Harry Greb “The Pittsburgh Windmill” fought 17 boxing HOFers and beat 16 of them. Nobody can match that. Best pound for pound fighter of all time. Fought black fighters when other guys wouldn’t.

Roberto I really don’t have to explain. His mere image appearing on screen gets standing ovations to this day.

Terry was first to win 4 Super Bowls. The most indispensable player for a dynasty that turned the Steelers from a joke into something we could be proud of.

Ben ended the drought and gave us all hope of a new dynasty that didn’t come to fruition. And he alone far us hope every year that we could overcome Tomlin to win one more.

Jagr would be higher, considering his incredible career, but I did weight it a bit due to how long he played in another jersey.

Bruno falls #10 only because his sport was professional wrestling. He makes it over others based on how dominant he was, his achievements as a strongman, and how long his impact on the sport was felt. Put it this way: Hulk Hogan was the Bruno Sammartino of his era; not the other way around.

Not including Crosby on this list is just insane to me. Especially if we list Jagr. Crosby is probably a top 5 NHL player of all time. He won three championships for Pittsburgh. Had a two decade run of his team making the playoffs every year. He also was a consummate professional. The only guys that compare in terms of career value are Wagner (but that's when dinos ruled the Earth), Mario, and Bonds. But Bonds didn't bring anything to Pittsburgh (no rings) and of course is probably more famous for his time in San Fran.

[zeke5123]

Pops Strargell
Terry Bradshaw
Roberto Clemente
Franco Harris
Mario Lemiuex
Mean Joe Greene
Ben Roethlisberger
Troy Polomalu
Jack Lambert
Hines Ward

this is my List not performance ranking

honorable mentions to
Fast Willie Parker
and to non-athletes
chuck noll
bill cowher
Jim Leyland

Maz had the greatest moment in Pittsburgh sports along with Franco but didn't give him top 10

Including Hines Ward, Lambert, FWP, etc. and not mentioning Geno let alone Sid is a choice.

[ol skool]

1. Mario Lemieux
2. Honus Wagner
3. Arnold Palmer
4. Barry Bonds
5. Harry Greb
6. Roberto Clemente
7. Terry Bradshaw
8. Ben Roethlisberger
9. Jaromir Jagr
10. Bruno Sammartino

Lemieux is the GOAT and saved the Penguins as a player AND owner.

Honus was the GOAT shortstop and in the first HOF class (most votes of anyone except Ty Cobb).

Arnie revolutionized the game of golf; turning it from an elitist past time to a spectator sport for the masses. Golf’s first true star. Working class hero. GOAT until Jack came along.

Bonds was the most feared hitter of his era, as evidenced by his all-time record in intentional walks (not to mention regular old walks, HR and WAR).

Harry Greb “The Pittsburgh Windmill” fought 17 boxing HOFers and beat 16 of them. Nobody can match that. Best pound for pound fighter of all time. Fought black fighters when other guys wouldn’t.

Roberto I really don’t have to explain. His mere image appearing on screen gets standing ovations to this day.

Terry was first to win 4 Super Bowls. The most indispensable player for a dynasty that turned the Steelers from a joke into something we could be proud of.

Ben ended the drought and gave us all hope of a new dynasty that didn’t come to fruition. And he alone far us hope every year that we could overcome Tomlin to win one more.

Jagr would be higher, considering his incredible career, but I did weight it a bit due to how long he played in another jersey.

Bruno falls #10 only because his sport was professional wrestling. He makes it over others based on how dominant he was, his achievements as a strongman, and how long his impact on the sport was felt. Put it this way: Hulk Hogan was the Bruno Sammartino of his era; not the other way around.

Not including Crosby on this list is just insane to me. Especially if we list Jagr. Crosby is probably a top 5 NHL player of all time. He won three championships for Pittsburgh. Had a two decade run of his team making the playoffs every year. He also was a consummate professional. The only guys that compare in terms of career value are Wagner (but that's when dinos ruled the Earth), Mario, and Bonds. But Bonds didn't bring anything to Pittsburgh (no rings) and of course is probably more famous for his time in San Fran.

I omitted current players.

I considered impact on their sport, achievements, impact on Pittsburgh in particular. Weight those however you want.

[zeke5123]

1. Mario Lemieux
2. Honus Wagner
3. Arnold Palmer
4. Barry Bonds
5. Harry Greb
6. Roberto Clemente
7. Terry Bradshaw
8. Ben Roethlisberger
9. Jaromir Jagr
10. Bruno Sammartino

Lemieux is the GOAT and saved the Penguins as a player AND owner.

Honus was the GOAT shortstop and in the first HOF class (most votes of anyone except Ty Cobb).

Arnie revolutionized the game of golf; turning it from an elitist past time to a spectator sport for the masses. Golf’s first true star. Working class hero. GOAT until Jack came along.

Bonds was the most feared hitter of his era, as evidenced by his all-time record in intentional walks (not to mention regular old walks, HR and WAR).

Harry Greb “The Pittsburgh Windmill” fought 17 boxing HOFers and beat 16 of them. Nobody can match that. Best pound for pound fighter of all time. Fought black fighters when other guys wouldn’t.

Roberto I really don’t have to explain. His mere image appearing on screen gets standing ovations to this day.

Terry was first to win 4 Super Bowls. The most indispensable player for a dynasty that turned the Steelers from a joke into something we could be proud of.

Ben ended the drought and gave us all hope of a new dynasty that didn’t come to fruition. And he alone far us hope every year that we could overcome Tomlin to win one more.

Jagr would be higher, considering his incredible career, but I did weight it a bit due to how long he played in another jersey.

Bruno falls #10 only because his sport was professional wrestling. He makes it over others based on how dominant he was, his achievements as a strongman, and how long his impact on the sport was felt. Put it this way: Hulk Hogan was the Bruno Sammartino of his era; not the other way around.

Not including Crosby on this list is just insane to me. Especially if we list Jagr. Crosby is probably a top 5 NHL player of all time. He won three championships for Pittsburgh. Had a two decade run of his team making the playoffs every year. He also was a consummate professional. The only guys that compare in terms of career value are Wagner (but that's when dinos ruled the Earth), Mario, and Bonds. But Bonds didn't bring anything to Pittsburgh (no rings) and of course is probably more famous for his time in San Fran.

I omitted current players.

I considered impact on their sport, achievements, impact on Pittsburgh in particular. Weight those however you want.

It is okay if we are excluding current players. But are you really saying that if Sid retired tomorrow, he wouldn't be in the top ten.

[ol skool]

Sid would indeed make the list

[swissvale72]

Speaking of Sid, where was he during today's semifinal? Was he in the arena, where the camera would have certainly panned to him? Back at the hotel? No mention of where he was?

[Gonzo]

Pops Strargell
Terry Bradshaw
Roberto Clemente
Franco Harris
Mario Lemiuex
Mean Joe Greene
Ben Roethlisberger
Troy Polomalu
Jack Lambert
Hines Ward

this is my List not performance ranking

honorable mentions to
Fast Willie Parker
and to non-athletes
chuck noll
bill cowher
Jim Leyland

Maz had the greatest moment in Pittsburgh sports along with Franco but didn't give him top 10

Including Hines Ward, Lambert, FWP, etc. and not mentioning Geno let alone Sid is a choice.

As stated it’s a personal choice

[Greeksteel]

Speaking of Sid, where was he during today's semifinal? Was he in the arena, where the camera would have certainly panned to him? Back at the hotel? No mention of where he was?

Not sure where he was watching but he was in the Canadian room between periods. I think he tries to play on Sunday.

[swissvale72]

Speaking of Sid, where was he during today's semifinal? Was he in the arena, where the camera would have certainly panned to him? Back at the hotel? No mention of where he was?

Not sure where he was watching but he was in the Canadian room between periods. I think he tries to play on Sunday.

Good to know… Thanks, Greek

[Steeldrama]

Mario #1 and it’s not close

[Dan Smith--BYU]

1. Mario Lemieux
2. Honus Wagner
3. Arnold Palmer
4. Roberto Clemente
5. Harry Greb
6. Joe Greene
7. Josh Gibson
8. Sidney Crosby
9. Mel Blount
10. Franco Harris

[bradshaw2ben]

You guys should have a draft, or better yet an STD style crowdsourced vote for each selection.

First three are easy:
1 Mario
2. Josh Gibson
3. Clemente
4. Joe Greene
5. Sid
6. Ben
7. Bradshaw
8. Polamalu
9. Honus Wagner
10. Stargell

honorable mention: Rod Woodson, Mel Blount, Jack Ham, Arnold Palmer, John Stallworth, Mike Webster, Satchel Paige, Barry Bonds, Franco Harris

If we're opening it up to Western PA and to anyone who was from Western PA, then Joe Montana, Dan Marino, Stan Musial

[Dan Smith--BYU]

Sorry, Ben and Bradshaw can't be on the list when they're not even the best two QBs from Pittsburgh.

That would be Montana and Marino.

[ol skool]

Sorry, Ben and Bradshaw can't be on the list when they're not even the best two QBs from Pittsburgh.

That would be Montana and Marino.

Depends what we’re going with. I went with “played for a Pittsburgh team” with exceptions given to those who didn’t play team sports (Palmer, Greb, Sammartino).

[Obviously]

Gotta show a little love for the first half of the 20th century (see my avatar). Mine are all who wore Pittsburgh laundry:

Roberto Clemente
Mario Lemieux
Joe Greene
Honus Wagner
Franco Harris
Willie Stargell
Sidney Crosby
Josh Gibson
Paul Waner
Jack Lambert

[Mick]

1: Lemieux
(Bonds - if non-pittsburgh matters)
Honus Wagner
Arnold Palmer
Crosby
Clemente
Bonds - pittsburgh only
Jagr
Gibson
T9: Greene/Bradshaw