The King
Nicknamed ”The King,” Arnold Palmer is one of golf’s most popular stars and its most important trailblazer because he was the first star of the sport’s television age, which began in the 1950s. He is part of “The Big Three” in golf along with Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player who are widely credited with popularizing and commercializing the sport around the world.
Also, Arizona Iced Tea has several different type of drinks named after him.
Rec Specs
Often over shadowed by Eric Davis, Barry Larkin, and the Nasty boys, Chris Sabo won the 1988 NL rookie of the year and played in the 1988, 1990, 1991 All-Star games. In 1990, in his best year as a pro, Sabo lead the Reds to a Worlds Series Championship.
The Fridge
William Perry was not only Chicago’s biggest player but also the Bear’s most popular. He played 10 NFL seasons recording 29.5 sacks and 5 fumble recoveries, which he returned for 71 yards. In his offensive career, often placed as in the fullback position, he ran 5 yards for 2 Tds. “Refrigerator Man Rap” here.
After his football career ended the Fridge maintained his image by creating his own barbaque sauce, participating in Nathan’s hot dog eating contest, wrestling in the WWF, becoming a GI Joe figure, joining the A-team, and boxing Manute Bol (but losing).
Fritz Pollard
When the NFL sprang up in the early 1920s, Fritz Pollard was among its first stars and went on to be its first African-American coach. After a 13-year informal ban on African-American players, the league reintegrated a year before Jackie Robinson donned a Brooklyn Dodgers uniform.
Thanks to Aki Carpenter for another post this month.
