Instant Sensations - Players Who Electrified Sports

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-Digger's Daily-

Every few years a new sports figure becomes an instant sensation as soon as they step on a diamond, gridiron, hardwood floor, ice rink, boxing ring, olympic stadium, ski slope, race track, soccer field or center court. Sometimes they follow it up with tremendous careers. Sometimes they're just one hit wonders. Either way, their initial presence in sporting arenas will always be remembered. Here's a few stars which come to mind from during my lifetime....

Tiger Woods - Broke into golf scene and instantly ignited fan participation, viewership, record revenues. Still climbing up the record book ladder shattering scores along the way. Will probably own every major record before his career ends. Popularity unmatched.

Michael Jordan - "Air Jordan" could do it all and was an instant NBA highlight reel the first day he stepped foot onto pro basketball court (1984) after a great college career in North Carolina. A true statesman for his game. 6 time NBA Champ, NBA career best 30.1 scoring average, 5 MVP's, 6 Playoff MVP's. Nike endorsed sneakers sold more than any brand.

Lawrence Taylor - "LT" Taylor was a force to be reckoned with the very first time he stepped foot on the gridiron. He was such a dominant defender teams tried designing plays in the opposite direction. One of NFL's smartest linebackers wreaked havoc while lining up at diffent positions. 10 Pro Bowls and 2 Super Bowl Championships. LT was the greatest modern era LB and remains a local fan hero.

Wayne Gretzky - "The Great One" - In my book he was the single most dominant player in any major sport. 9 time NHL MVP including a stunning 8 in his first 8 seasons! Scored 200 points in 4 different seasons. There wasn't anything he couldn't do with a hockey puck. Revolutionized hockey in America.

Dan Marino - Legendary coach Don Shula knew exactly what he had in future Hall of Fame QB Marino. Marino became Dolphins starter in 1983 and quickly changed how Miami played football from grind it out to air it out. 1984 was first QB to pass for more than 5000 yards in a single season with a record 48 TD passes. Tabbed as having one of the quickest releases ever. Led Dolphins to Super Bowl in his first full NFL season (lost to Joe Montana's SF 49ers). Marino was certain he'd win a few Super Bowls but 1984 was his only appearance.

Joe Montana - "Joe Cool" was one of NFL's greatest clutch performers. Career 117-47 record in 15 NFL seasons. Threw 45 career playoff TD's. 4 Super Bowl Championships including in his first season a full time 49ers starting QB. Memorable come from behind victories during regular season, playoffs and Super Bowl. One of the greatest true winners who never seemed flustered... always cool under pressure.

Mario Lemieux - NHL legend quickly established himself as one of games greatest scorers. Instant Pittsburgh role model, fan favorite and folk hero led Penguins to back to back Stanley Cup Championships. Helped save pro hockey in Pittsburgh as a player and after he retired when team was rumored to be leaving town. Played his guts out thru seasons shortened by injury and cancer survivor. A true champion of life.

Fernando Valenzuela - "Fernando Mania" was a Hollywood story. He won both 1981 Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Awards during his first full MLB season hurling the LA Dodgers to a World Series Championship. His career spanned 17 years.

Ichiro Suzuki - "Ichiro" was a Japanese baseball star long before electrifying crowds throughout American stadiums during his 2001 MVP & Rookie of the Year campaign. Cameras seemed to follow him everywhere. Has connected for 200 or more hits and 100 or more runs in every single MLB season including setting the All Time single season hits record of 262 (2004). Superb outfield defender, contact hitter and base stealer.

Dwight Gooden - NY Mets starting pitcher quickly earned nickname of Dr K (Doc). Exploded on the baseball circuit as 1984 Rookie of the Year & Cy Young runner-up after striking out 276 batters in 218 IP. Won Cy Young unanimously following sophmore season after going 24-4, 1.53. It seemed he was well on his way to becoming one of the greatest pitchers in MLB history before cocaine abuse changed his future. Still one of the most popular NY sports figures. Enjoyed a fine career but most of us know he never fulfilled potential due to drug abuse.

Perhaps I'll revisit this topic in the near future. Many names could be added to this list from players like Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Earl Campbell, Bo Jackson, Deon Sanders, Rickey Henderson, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Martin Brodeur, Jeff Gordon, Fred Lynn, Jim Rice, etc. Join the fun & post your instant sensations or past fan favorites.

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