Mookie Blaylock, Mike Tyson, and Artichokes: Top 10 "Top 10" Lists of All-Time

When it comes to Top 10 lists, I am a sucker.  The list could consist of "Top 10 Coaching Guts in Football" and I'd be diving into it. 

Over the years, I have developed my very own favorite lists.  These are usually annual lists (ex. draft busts) but sometimes a major event occurs that forces a writer to dust off the old list and compile a new one—scandals.

With hopes that this does not reach the "Top 10 Worst Articles of All-Time" list, here are my Top 10 "Top 10" lists of all-time:

10. Top 10 Trades of All-Time

You never fail to see a list like this after a draft-day trade is made.  I doubt that a year will ever go by that Olden Polynice will not be mentioned. 

This list also makes an appearance after a major trade.  Herschel Walker and Ricky Williams will always be linked because of "The Trade" and "The Marriage."

9. Top 10 Underdogs of All-Time

Bryce Drew...'Nova...Tampa Rays. 

There is a spot in the heart of everyone for the "little guy."  Few things make us smile like seeing Goliath toppled.  Appalachian State, we salute you.

8. Top 10 Scandals

This definitely won't be Mike Tyson's only appearance on this list of lists.  He had the heart of Robin Givens and the ear of Evander.  Something sick within me misses the guy.

Isiah, Jimmy the Greek, Rush—you all set very high standards.  It will take a Lewinski to topple you from this list.

7. Top 10 Superstitions

Fried chicken...fruit loops...and dirty underwear. 

Some people are just weird.  Baseball players usually dominate this list.  Wade Boggs and inside-out caps...whatever floats your boat. 

Just once I want to see some rookie yell, "You the man....how are you doing it, Josh Beckett?"—during the seventh inning of a perfect game.  That would be classic.

6. Top 10 Injuries

No, I'm not talking about Joe Theisman or Willis McGehee.  I'm talking about Ricky Henderson acquiring frost bite in August or Marty Cordova's extra-tanned face. 

It's been rumored that Glenallen Hill is now deathly afraid of glass-top coffee tables.

5. Top 10 Mascots/Nicknames

Thanks to "Pulp Fiction", everyone knows about the Banana Slugs of UC-Santa Cruz.  But how many of us knew that the Fighting Artichokes of Scottsdale Community College exist?

Just as some schools shorten "Wildcats" to "The Cats," do Scottsdale supporters refer to their teams as "The Chokes"?

4. Top 10 Draft Busts

Brought to us every year during the NBA and NFL drafts, we are constantly reminded of the blunders made by General Managers.  Michael Westbrook, Sam Bowie, Tony Mandarich, and a score of others are regulars.

Mike Tyson finds his way on to this list because Mandarich once challenged him to a fight.  Imagine how much more devastating the Packers would have been had they picked Barry Sanders instead.

3. Top 10 Fights

Ironically, Mike Tyson fails to appear on this list.  What we usually have on this list is Bill Laimbeer, Rick Mahorn, and Charles Barkley tossing fists. 

More recently the Miami-Florida International football brawl quickly acquired the No. 1 slot on this list.  Swinging helmets, injured players fighting with crutches, and a Lamar Thomas firing will be difficult to overcome.  Come on Knicks, you can do it!

2. Top 10 Quotes

"I've won at every level except college and the pros"—Shaq

Athletes never fail to give us good reasons to laugh at them.  Jason Kidd and Pac-Man are money-in-the-bank when it comes to saying something different and amusing.

And, of course, Mike Tyson always makes an appearance on this list—something having to do with eating children.  I change my mind. I don't miss him.

I've been looking and I still haven't found a "Script" club.  Has anyone been to one of these places?

1. Top 10 Names in Sports

Who doesn't like saying the name, "Mookie"?  "Booger" wasn't cool in "Revenge of the Nerds," but Anthony McFarland made it sound fierce. 

Is it just me, or does everyone say, "Hey you, turkey glue" when they see Hedu Turkoglu on the court?

I really enjoy Top 10 lists.