15 Greatest Legacies In Sports History

By Dan McLoone

15 Greatest Legacies In Sports History

Jackie Robinson Day — Some athletes simply play and retire, while others end up leaving a legacy that transcends beyond their sport. Let's take a look at the top 15 of those legacies. Of course, these 15 are based on opinion only, taking into account the memorable moments the athlete produced both on and off of the field.

Do you agree with these picks? Think someone's legacy was missed? Leave a comment below.

15. Diego Maradona

Diego Maradona Argentina Soccer hand of god

15. Diego Maradona

Diego Maradona Argentina Soccer hand of god — Considered by half of the world to be the greatest soccer player ever, Diego Maradona's skill was matched only by the controversy he created. His career playing for Napoli and Barcelona were incredible, but it is his work for Argentina in international competition that he is best remembered for. His "Hand of God" goal is the stuff of legends.

14. Wayne Gretzky

Wayne Gretzky Edmonton Oilers

14. Wayne Gretzky

Wayne Gretzky Edmonton Oilers — The best hockey player ever, "The Great One" is the leading scorer in NHL history and is the only player to ever score over 200 points in one season -- something that he did four times during his 20-year career. Wayne Gretzky is the first person to come to mind when discussing hockey, and he still holds 60 NHL records.

13. Mia Hamm

Mia Hamm USA Soccer

13. Mia Hamm

Mia Hamm USA Soccer — Mia Hamm was instrumental in helping women's sports, specifically soccer, reach a new level of popularity. She retired as the leading scorer in international history -- a record that has since been surpassed by Abby Wambach -- and still holds the international record for career assists. Even in her retirement, she is one of the most marketable female athletes ever, with endorsement deals with nine different brands.

12. Roger Federer

Roger Federer Wimbledon

12. Roger Federer

Roger Federer Wimbledon — Roger Federer is one of the few athletes who is considered the best ever at his sport while he is still playing. The Swiss has an incredible 17 Grand Slam titles to his name and was ranked No. 1 in the world for a remarkable 302 weeks in a row at one point, the longest streak ever. Whenever he decides to hang up the racket for good, Federer will leave quite the legacy behind him.

11. Usain Bolt

Usain Bolt new world record

11. Usain Bolt

Usain Bolt new world record — There aren't many people who can capture the attention of the world when they work in nine second intervals, but Usain Bolt has mastered the art. The fastest man to ever live, he has turned his blazing speed and lively character into a name that is recognized worldwide, and he isn't even finished yet.

10. Jim Brown

Jim Brown Cleveland Browns interview

10. Jim Brown

Jim Brown Cleveland Browns interview — Named the greatest professional football player ever by 'Sports Illustrated' in 2002, Jim Brown had a record-setting nine-year career with the Cleveland Browns. The running back made eight pro bowls and won four MVPs, eight rushing titles and Rookie of the Year. He retired holding numerous rushing, scoring and all-purpose yardage records, an incredible feat given that the NFL only played 12 games per season back then.

9. Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods Golf

9. Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods Golf — Still chasing Jack Nicklaus for the coveted record of most career major championships, Tiger Woods has managed to surpass his predecessor in terms of recognition by the casual sports fan. Not every legacy is a good one, but despite his scandals, Woods is the first person to come to mind when you think of golf.

8. Michael Phelps

Michael Phelps kissing gold medal

8. Michael Phelps

Michael Phelps kissing gold medal — Without a doubt the most decorated Olympian ever, Michael Phelps destroyed almost every possible record in the 2008 Beijing Olympics and then again in the 2012 London Olympics. His 22 medals didn't come without a little controversy, but it sure is one heck of a legacy, even for someone so recently retired.

7. Pele

Pele Brazil Soccer

7. Pele

Pele Brazil Soccer — Even the most uninterested sports fan has heard of Pele. The Brazilian legend amassed more than 1,000 career goals and redefined the way that the beautiful game was both played and viewed. A three-time World Cup winner, he is the first player many young soccer fans learn, and he is a true living legend.

6. Babe Ruth

Babe Ruth New York Yankees

6. Babe Ruth

Babe Ruth New York Yankees — "The Great Bambino." "The Sultan of Swat." "The House that Ruth Built." "The Curse of the Bambino." With multiple nicknames and a stadium and curse named after him, Babe Ruth's legacy speaks for itself. One of the most recognizable names in sports history, Ruth showed his true baseball prowess as both a pitcher for the Boston Red Sox and a power-hitting outfielder for the New York Yankees.

5. Billie Jean King

Billie Jean King Tennis

5. Billie Jean King

Billie Jean King Tennis — While her stats don't show her to be the best tennis player of all time, Billie Jean King is definitely the most influential. The former world No. 1 won 39 Grand Slam titles, but was just as well known for her advocacy for sexual equality. She founded the Woman's Tennis Association, and also won the famed Battle of the Sexes match over 55-year-old Bobby Riggs when she was just 29.

4. Bo Jackson

Bo Jackson Oakland Raiders

4. Bo Jackson

Bo Jackson Oakland Raiders — The first athlete to be named an All-Star in two sports, Bo Jackson won the Heisman Trophy with Auburn University in 1985, and then went on to have very successful careers in both the NFL and MLB. His marketability today only helps to add to the legacy of the man who is definitely on the shortlist for the discussion of best pure athlete of all time.

3. Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan Chicago Bulls dunking

3. Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan Chicago Bulls dunking — LeBron James gets all the modern hype, but there is no denying that Michael Jordan's legacy reaches far beyond the court. Between starting his own brand, appearing in a beloved children's movie, dabbling in baseball, and owning a current NBA franchise, Jordan already has a great resume. Add in the fact that he is one of the most exciting and decorated players in NBA history, and it isn't hard to see why Jordan has become such a cultural icon.

2. Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali knockout Sonny Liston

2. Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali knockout Sonny Liston — Sugar Ray Robinson may be the better boxer, but there's no denying that Muhammad Ali's legacy surpasses his middleweight foe. The original "Greatest of All Time," Ali used an incredible blend of speed, smarts and showmanship to earn three heavyweight titles. He also produced one of the most iconic photos in sports history during his 1965 fight with Sonny Liston, and there are very few who haven't heard "float like a butterfly, sting like a bee."

1. Jackie Robinson

Jackie Robinson stealing home Brooklyn Dodgers

1. Jackie Robinson

Jackie Robinson stealing home Brooklyn Dodgers — There is no disputing Jackie Robinson's legacy. Handpicked by Branch Rickey of the Brooklyn Dodgers, Robinson was the first black athlete to play professional sports. He went on to have a Hall of Fame career, and his actions opened the door for the athletic feats of many other black athletes. He is also the only athlete in sports history to have a day where every player wears his number, and the No. 42 will thus always be associated with him.

For all things Thunder and much more, follow Dan McLoone on Twitter @CoachMcLoone or add him to your network on Google+.

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