Favorite Athlete

Any sports fans out there?  Who is your all-time favorite athlete?  I have been fortunate to witness some greats, from Michael Jordan to Walter Payton, Ryne Sandberg to Bobby Hull, Ernie Banks to Dick Butkus.

Despite all those great players, I am going to select what might be considered a surprising choice -- Carlton Fisk.  He might not have had his very finest years in Chicago, but he did play more seasons with the White Sox than with the Red ones.  And he was pretty darn good.  You could always count on Pudge to show up, mentally and physically ready to play.  He played well into his 40s, which for a catcher, is incredible.  He set many baseball records, was a leader, and had a true respect for the institution of baseball. 

I remember years ago when the White Sox were playing the New York Yankees, and a very young and cocky Deion Sanders was loafing to first base.  Yes, "Prime Time" played for the Yanks, but Fisk didn't care.  He gave Deion an earful that day about his lack of respect for the game.  Perhaps it wasn't Fisk's place to spout off, but that episode exemplified his spirit and character.  Too bad Carlton never won a World Series.

Who is your favorite?