After Bill Russell’s passing, my current favorite sports writer Joe Posnanski argued in a blog about who would be on Mt. Rushmore of American Sports? He also thought of one for the city of Boston.
Russell found that he was given to both.
Like the Top 10/100/Any list, such a hasty attempt always results in conflict.
That’s why we do them, right? We all need something to disagree on, or so I would see.
So, as it happens I will steal another idea. Because Joe’s imagination made me think that Louisville’s sports faces would be carved that high? (I guess you could do U of L as well, but that just came to mind now as I type.)
So here nothing goes. Well, something else. Or just pass the time until the fall sports season begins.
I’m sure you’ll feel free to disagree with one or another of my choices.
Ali, duh. He is the most famous person on earth for a long time. Multi-time Champ. He stood up for what he believed in. Master the game of your choice. No matter where he lived he was always from Louisville.
Reese is technically not a native Louisvillian. Born in Meade County, he moved to the city at the age of eight. Graduated from DuPont Manual. Ten-time All-Star with the Dodgers, with whom he won two World Series. And he took part in many other things.
Hall of Famer. It has been called the national TV game of the week for eight years, during five of which it was the straight man Dizzy Dean.
He had all the history, he was very calm about people. He waited for Jackie Robinson, including the legendary moment when Robinson bowled, and Reese walked over and put his hand on his teammates’ shoulder. (Which I always thought was supposed to be a statue outside of Slugger Field.)
Also, I went to HS with his daughter.
Paul Hornung. Golden Boy from Flaget HS. The only Heisman Trophy winner from a losing team, and the first to be drafted first by the NFL. I helped that his school was a symbol of Notre Dame, even though they were a miserable 2-8 in his winning season. The fourth round with the Green Bay Packers.
Called “the greatest player I ever coached” by Vince Lombardi. In both the pro and college Hall of Fame.
Which brings me to the fourth face. Not a gimme like the others.
Two-time state champion at Seneca HS. His presence raised U of L hoops to a level never before reached. All-American.
One of only two players to be named NBA MVP and Rookie of the Year in the same first season. (One, Wilt Chamberlain.) Naismith Hall of Fame, College Hall of Fame.
To this day, 40 years after his playing days are over, it’s still talked about when the senior pulls the ball off the backboard and fires it to midcourt while it’s still in the air.
So, yes, Wes is my fourth face.
Others considered: Darrell Griffith. Mary T. Meagher. Tory Murden.
As for the U of L Mt. Rushmore, I’m not even getting started. Feel free to have it in the Comment section below.
