Scott Garceau: Baltimore Is Full Of G.O.A.T's
The London games have made Baltimore's Michael Phelps the most decorated athlete since they started playing games in Ancient Greece. We can argue all day whether a swimmer is better than a Carl Lewis, Jesse Owens, those pixie gymnasts or Dream Team basketball stars, but it's not a reach to say the kid from the North Baltimore Aquatic Club is the greatest Olympian of all time. And that got me thinking about how lucky Baltimore sports fans have been to have watched so many that have been considered among the Greatest Of All Time. Here are some G.O.A.T.'s that have thrilled us with their magic.
Babe Ruth- I know he's a Yankee, but he was a Baltimore kid who learned to play baseball in our town. His Dad ran a Saloon on what's now centerfield at Camden Yards. Most think Baltimore's Babe is baseball's G.O.A.T.
John Unitas- Re-invented the quarterback position and helped make NFL football America's most popular and profitable game. The legend of Johnny U will live longer than all of us. He'll always be in the conversation of the NFL's G.O.A.T.
Brooks Robinson- Mike Schmidt's Hall of Fame bat may have been louder but nobody could play 3rd base like Baltimore's Human Vacuum Cleaner. Brooksie has 16 Gold Gloves to prove it and a 1970 World Series highlight film that's a classic. When it comes to the Hot Corner Baltimore's number 5 is the G.O.A.T.
Eddie Murray- With Memorial Stadium fans screaming Eddie-Eddie I'll never forget how he'd light up Baltimore summer nights. He joined Hank Aaron and Willie Mays as the only players in MLB history with 3,000 hits and 500 homers. Eddie Murray one of baseball's G.O.A.T.
Cal Ripken Jr.- The kid from Aberdeen taught us how important it was to to show up for work. Over 400 Home runs and 3,000 hits, a Gold Glove and a first ballot Hall of Fame career. He broke the record that would never be broken, 2,632 consecutive games for one of the G.O.A.T.
Ray Lewis- For 17 years the heart and soul of the Ravens defense and he's still putting fear into men 15 years younger. When it comes to linebackers you'll always see Butkus, LT, and Ray Lewis listed as the G.O.A.T.
These 6 are the best of the best but we've had so many greats in our town. Frank Robinson may be the Greatest Oriole of All Time. Jim Palmer was the Orioles greatest pitcher. Lenny Moore was incredible and Jim Parker and Jon Ogden are 2 of best offensive lineman in NFL history, and the same for Gino Marchetti on the defensive line. Michael Phelps the latest reminder that Baltimore fans have had a front row seat to watch some of the G.O.A.T.
