Sports Heroes

For my 20th article here at the Bleacher Report, I've decided to go down a list of my sports heroes.  I've also decided to bring back my original name.  Abner Period and Johnny Weeping Willow won't be back. 

 I will do this as a top ten list.

10: Andy Roddick

I do enjoy watching tennis matches and hope one day Roddick will beat Federer in the Wimbledon championship match.  I was a fan of Pete Sampras, but he retired before I really understood the sport.  One day that 150 mph serve will win Roddick the big one.

#9: Shaquille O'Neal, Orlando Magic

When I was seven years old my dad brought home a six-foot poster of Shaq that I proudly displayed above my bed.  Today that poster is in the exact same spot and won't move until I am out of college. 

Shaq was a highlight waiting to happen and was so close to leading the Magic past Michael Jordan's Bulls.

#8: Torii Hunter

Although he is no longer a part of the Twins organization, he is still one of my favorite players of all time.  I looked forward to each baseball season to watch Twins games just to see Hunter roam the outfield.  Every time a ball was shot out to straight away center field I knew if Hunter turned to run at it, it was going to be caught. 

#7: Darin Erstad/Travis Hafner/Rick Helling/Roger Maris

This is my tribute to baseball players from my home state.  Darin Erstad makes highlights look as regular as breathing, and even though he plays for the White Sox, I still cheer for him.  Travis Hafner is a great hitter from a small town in North Dakota.  Just like me, minus the great hitter part.  Rick Helling was my first North Dakota hero and his no-hitter is still a great memory for me. 

As far as Roger Maris goes, the record is still 61.

#6: Carmelo Anthony

I love the way 'Melo plays.  Old school style with Nu Skool flavor.  I wish he and the Nuggets were having a better year because I'd like to see him and AI win a championship together.  

#5: Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell

This is the guy that got me interested in MMA.  At first I would just watch his fights because they usually involved what common fans love: stand-up.  After I starting getting into it, I began love every aspect of the sport.  I hope he gets another title shot in the near future!

#4: Ken Griffey Jr.

When I began to watch baseball, Ken Griffey Jr. got me interested. I guess Torii Hunter is my version of Ken Griffey Jr. nowadays.  Griffey was amazing in the outfield and an amazing hitter.  Favorite video game of my young days was "Ken Griffey Jr.'s Slugfest."

#3: The U 

Miami Football is my biggest love in all of sports.  I know a team isn't really considered a hero, but they are mine.  Edgerrin James got me on the bandwagon and I haven't stopped loving them since.  The 2001 National Championship team was the best college team ever, IMO.

#2: Vince Carter

He is my absolute favorite Tar Heel of all time.  He really revolutionized flashy dunks in this generation.  He is my inspiration for being a Tar Heel fan.  I wish he would get another chance with a good team.  If he hadn't been injured early in his career he would be in the elite category of players in the NBA.

#1: Kevin Garnett

He is the reason I started to like the Timberwolves.  Don't get me wrong; I'm still a T'wolves fan, but I'm also a Celtic fan for as long as he plays there.  KG does everything you want and more.  If you say anything about him not winning a championship, you're dumb.  He has never had consistent help on a team other then the 2004 team with Latrell "I can't shoot in the Western Conference Finals" Sprewell and Sam Cassell.

Go Celtics!