Favorite Athletes for My Favorite Teams

Most of the time, when someone is asked who their favorite player is, they name someone that's currently on the team. That's understandable, considering they're closer to the surface in the sea of conscious thought.

What I'm going to do here is to list my favorite players, past or present, from each of the teams I support. This should be fun.

Joe Sakic—Colorado Avalanche

Joe Sakic may have started his career in Quebec with the Nordiques, but "Super Joe" is more widely known for his time with the Colorado Avalanche after the team relocated.

The partnership he and Peter Forsberg had was something else. But the moment I will remember most is when, after winning the 2001 Stanley Cup, he handed the Cup directly to Ray Bourque, who had waited his whole career for that moment.

Danny Manning—Kansas Jayhawks Basketball

Some popular choices for this team probably include Thomas Robinson and Mario Chalmers. Both are understandable and worthy choices.

But I decided to go a little old school. Danny and The Miracles (as the 1988 NCAA title team was known) actually helped me get out of working one night.

I was on call for a retail store (that no longer exists), and they'd told me they didn't need me. I had planned on watching the title game vs. Oklahoma that night, so that was a pleasant surprise.

Closer to tipoff, I got a call from work. I told them I had homework to do and couldn't come in (I was in high school at the time). I lied, but they never questioned it. :D

Ryne Sandberg—Chicago Cubs

Ryne Sandberg is one of the best second basemen ever. Gold Glove-caliber defense went along with a good batting average with power.

I did get to see him play in person once. It was May of 1994, before he retired the first time, and Sammy Sosa hit one out onto Waveland Avenue that looked like it went directly over my head.

Christian Okoye—Kansas City Chiefs

The Nigerian Nightmare. He made two Pro Bowl appearances and was the UPI selection for AFC Offensive Player of the Year in 1989, despite the Chiefs missing the playoffs.

Kerry Zavagnin—Sporting Kansas City

Kerry Zavagnin also played for the MetroStars (now the Red Bulls), but spent most of his MLS career with the Wizards.

Originally drafted by the Colorado Rapids, Zavagnin was traded to the MetroStars for Peter Vermes, his current boss.

Back when he was playing, I gave him a print of a picture I'd taken of him during a game (my first with press credentials) in which he'd gotten booked. I didn't take it because he'd gotten booked. I took it because of the "What'd I do?" look on his face.

Anyway, when I gave it to him, we were out at the team's practice facility during a game for the reserves. I had him sign a copy for me (which I also got signed by the official), and he said he'd give his print to his mom because she'd appreciate it.

And then he says, "Guess I owe you a jersey, don't I?" Not being stupid, I said, "I guess..." He ran into the building, grabbed one of his jerseys and signed it before he gave it to me.

Look for a feature article on Zavagnin sometime after this road trip, when we'll have some time to sit down for an interview.

Frank White—Kansas City Royals

Frank White was one of the best second basemen I've ever seen. Eight-time Gold Glove-winner (including six in a row from 1977-82), ALCS MVP in 1980 and helped the Royals win the World Series in 1985.

White literally helped build the stadium he played in. As a teenager, White had a summer job helping to build Kauffman Stadium.

That's my list. What's yours?