Who should be on the Mount Rushmore of Maryland sports? (semi-final fan voting)

[srobert96]

Kinda depends. We talking B’More sports only or Maryland sports? If it’s Maryland maybe Gary Williams or Juan Dixon makes the list. So guess it would be Cal Jr , Johnny U , Ray Lewis, and either Gary or Juan. Phelps as great as he is didn’t play here or compete here.


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Phelps did play and compete in Maryland. He lived and competed in the area for his first two Olympics. He followed his coach to UM where he trained for his third Olypmics. He came back to Bmore after the third Olympics where he trained for his 4th and 5th Olympics. He has competed in meets all across Maryland during his career. He should be on the list because he is the greatest Olympian of all time.

[Greg]

What about ... ?
Oh never mind

You got a few more years to put in.

[Greg]

I don't get this love for Cal over Brooks! Perhaps it's an age thing: fans who didn't see Brooks play until the twilight of his career, if at all.

Cal was an average fielder due to limited range (fielding stats are deceptive), good bat, a bit too loner/cozy with his coach/Dad and, of course: the Streak.

Brooks dominated the third base line for two decades, was a great clutch hitter, total team player. Brooks had great range, quick reflexes which typically shut down the 3rd baseline to hitters. Brooks performance in the 1970 World Series against the Reds was the baseball equivalent to Joe Flacco's unmatched passing performance in the 2012 playoffs.

Cal was most definitely not an average fielder. Maybe not at a Brooks level, but he was VERY good. His misleading stats included being near the top year after year in "Chances for a Short Stop." That means he got to a lot of balls to field them and his fielding percentage was not padded by not getting to the more difficult plays.

That said, I would go Brooks as well, but the Cal fans have a point.