Mike Tyson's story is a complicated one, but one of the most potent careers in all of sports.
One of the most intimidating figures in a sport that bred intimidators, Tyson destroyed his opponents from day one. The orthodox style boxer became the youngest heavyweight champion, and he was one of the early stars of pay-per-view, where his fights were must-watch events, regardless of how fast he would dismantle an opponent.
Chris Evert helped change the game of tennis with her work on the baseline, but she was far more than just innovative, as she was one of the most successful players ever to hold a tennis racket.
If there was a bad boy of tennis, then that man was John McEnroe.
McEnroe became famous (or infamous) for his confrontations with umpires and anyone in a position of authority in tennis. Despite what could be considered garish behavior, it was juxtaposed with artistic skill and some of the most beautiful tennis ever played.
You cannot discuss speed skating in America without Bonnie Blair’s name coming up immediately.
A four-time Olympian, Blair first qualified for the 1984 Olympics, finishing eighth, but she was a two-time World Cup Champion in 1987, and she won Gold at the Calgary games in the 500 m. That in itself is spectacular, but there was so much more that Blair would accomplish.
Mark Spitz won five Gold Medals at the 1967 Pan-American Games, and he predicted that he would win six Golds at the 1968 Olympics. That didn't happen, as he left Mexico City with only two Golds, both of which in relay competition. This emboldened Spitz, who enrolled at the University of Indiana, where he trained under famed swimming coach, Don Counsilman.
The United States Athletics Hall of Fame is proud to announce the results of the 2024 Class. This is a three-month vote open to the public where they could select 25 Athletes, 10 Coaches, and 10 Contributors.
The top 25 Athletes, top five Coaches, and top five Contributors were selected for the USAHOF Class of 2024.
This is the USAHOF’s second class, featuring athletes from ten different sports.
David Stern first worked with the NBA as outside legal counsel in 1966, and twelve years later, he was officially in their employ. Stern moved up to vice president in 1980, and in 1984, he succeeded Larry O'Brien as the new commissioner.
In 1960, Pete Rozelle was 34 years old and was the Los Angeles Rams' general manager. The National Football League, seemingly to the surprise of everyone, named the commissioner of the league.
Branch Rickey had a mediocre career as a baseball player, but he was intelligent and would manage the St. Louis Browns (1913-15) and St. Louis Cardinals (1919-25). He did not have a winning record, but he knew how to develop talent, and Rickey remained the Cardinals general manager although he was relieved of his managerial duties in 1925.
Lamar Hunt desperately wanted an NFL team, but he was constantly rebuffed. Hunt was not alone, and he put together a group of other like-minded individuals who formed their own organization, the American Football League.