Iconic Player?

[packs]

To me an iconic player is someone who embodies their sport. An icon is usually specific to a generation or a location. For example, Ichiro is undoubtedly an icon in Japan. I wouldn't say he's an icon in America though. The current American baseball icon as a whole (in my opinion) is Derek Jeter.

What makes them icons? I would say it is usually a mix of talent, opportunity, playing for the right team / at the right time, and exemplifying something more than just a baseball player. For Ichiro it would be because he is a pioneer. For Jeter it was that he demonstrated unparalleled class and endurance while playing the most high profile position for the most high profile team during the most high profile dynasty in sports at the time.

[ALR-bishop]

If you originated in St Louis like I did, Stan Musial was and remains iconic, as opposed to other fine players who were there, like Gibson, Brock and Ozzie Smith.

[KCRfan1]

Al,

So what makes Musical iconic, and why aren't Gibson, Brock, and Smith viewed as such?

[clydepepper]

I believe that the 'most iconic player ever' based on his effect on and continued status in the hobby is Mickey Mantle.

Besides being a great player, his career occurred as the Television Age exploded and he played for the best known team from the largest city.

IMHO, he is the gold standard...even Ruth lags behind.




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