The Biggest Heroes in Sports History

A hero is defined as a person who is admired for their courage or noble qualities.

Throughout sports history, there have been many of these so-called "heroes" who have been among us.

From Jackie Robinson to Reggie White, we have seen a wide variety of players who have fit this description in modern sports history.

Here are the biggest heroes in American sports history (in no particular order).

Roberto Clemente

Clemente was a talented MLB right fielder who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates for 18 straight seasons. His natural ability to make plays on the baseball diamond won over the Pittsburgh faithful time and time again.

Clemente was also a hero because of his efforts to help out after an earthquake in Nicaragua when he was eventually killed in 1972.

He will forever be remembered as one of the best all-around individuals on and off the field to ever step foot in Major League Baseball.

Reggie White

Reggie White was much more than just an intimidating presence on the defensive side of the football field. He was also a 13-time Pro Bowler and an ordained minister at the age of 17.

Throughout his life, White helped save many black churches through his monetary contributions he provided. "The Minister of Defense" was the exact definition of a hero.

Lyman Bostock

Lyman Bostock is easily the least-well-known player on this list.

Bostock only played four seasons in the majors, but was tragically murdered in 1978 as he was making his rise up the major league ranks.

When the California Angels gave him a big contract earlier that year, Bostock elected to give his salary back for the month of April after struggling mightily to start the season.

Everyone who knew Bostock said he was a special person, and for his actions in early 1978, he is a hero.

Lou Gehrig

Many say they aren't many players like Lou Gehrig these days.

For this Yankee great, this statement couldn't be closer to the truth.

After his Hall of Fame career began to die down, Gehrig delivered a breathtaking speech to the Yankee faithful in 1939, proclaiming he was, "the luckiest man on the face of the earth."

The six-time world champion, of course, had contracted ALS disease, which eventually killed him in 1941. Gehrig left this world a hero to not only the New York Yankees, but also the rest of the baseball world.

Ted Williams

The "Splendid Splinter" was one of the bravest athletes in American sports history.

Not only did Williams make 19 different All-Star squads, but he also completed 39 combat missions in two different wars during the 1940s and 1950s.

Williams seemed to be a natural in nearly everything he did in life. He was not only a great baseball player, but also a great man who served his country well.

Jesse Owens

Another fearless American pro athlete was track star Jesse Owens. His specialty was sprints, and he contained the heart of a lion.

The Oakville, Ala. native ran at the Berlin Olympics in 1936, while known racist and dictator Adolf Hitler was attending the event.

Like another guy on this list, Jackie Robinson, Owens was an inspiration to all African-American pro athletes everywhere.

Jackie Robinson

Jackie Robinson might just be the biggest hero in American sports history.

When he busted onto the scene in 1947, Robinson forever broke the race barrier that had previously occurred in American professional sports.

Even though he only played for 10 seasons, his lasting effect is still felt today with his number retired throughout baseball and the celebration of Jackie Robinson Day.

Without his heroic and courageous act, many black athletes might not have had the opportunities they enjoy today.

Cal Ripken Jr.

"The Iron Man" stole the hearts of many during his improbable games-played streak throughout his playing career.

In 1995, Ripken Jr. played in his 2,131st consecutive game, breaking Lou Gehrig's record of 2,130 games played in a row.

If that wasn't enough, Ripken Jr. also made 19 straight All-Star teams to end his career.

Ripken Jr. is easily one of the greatest baseball heroes of the past 25 years.

Vince Lombardi

Lombardi is known by many as one of the greatest coaches in American sports history.

He won five NFL titles, and won over many players and fans during his legendary coaching career.

Lombardi is still remembered today for the hero he was with the Lombardi Trophy, which is given to the Super Bowl champion each season.

Magic Johnson

Like many on this list, Magic Johnson was a hero for what he did as an athlete and human being.

On the court, Johnson was a 12-time All-Star, five-time NBA champion and known as one of the best point guards in the history of the league.

Off the court, he beat HIV, which killed so many people in the early 1990s.

Magic is truly a hero to all who have known him as a basketball player and/or a HIV/AIDS advocate as well.

Muhammad Ali

One of the best boxers in American history. He is well-known for his "I am the greatest" line that he once spoke during his prime.

Ali helped put boxing on the map in America, while becoming a legend in the sport at the same time.

Since, Ali has contracted Parkinson's disease, and like a hero, he is still fighting this dangerous opponent today.

Michael Jordan

What more can you say about this guy?

He won six NBA titles with the Chicago Bulls in the 1990s and is arguably the best player in NBA history.

Between his crossover, fade-away and highlight-reel dunks, MJ was nearly unstoppable in his playing days.

Jordan will always be a hero to Bulls fans everywhere.