Mark_Ockerbloom's Blog

What's up Ock...always a good topic of conversation. For me it's an absolute no-brainer. I might only be 26 but I don't see how Russell isn't the only option here. The undersized center won 11 titles in 13 seasons including 8 straight and if that's not enough he won back-to-back titles in college at the University of San Francisco and to top it off a gold medal in the '56 Olympics. If the team accolades aren't enough he was also a five-time MVP and a phenomenal defensive player. I know there's no right or wrong answer but I just don't see how anyone can say that Russell is not the correct answer.

I can see what you guys are saying, but for me personally there's been no Boston athlete that's given me more thrills than Larry Bird. The '86 Celtics are a very fond memory for me and my circle of friends.
I have many memories of watching those unbelievable games at my house with all of my buddies, and I never cared less about bowls of upturned snacks all over the carpet in my life. Larry Bird always delivered. He was absolutely surreal to watch. He had these mind-blowing plays that made us all think he possessed some kind of super-human ability.
I'm too young to have seen Bill Russell, and I was just a tot when everyone at my grandmother's house was screaming about Bobby Orr, so I've got to throw my support behind Larry Bird.

Bad timing Ock, That is the reason that Brady lead's in this pole. You are correct in your choice. The most amazing athlete I have ever seen. BOBBY ORR #1

I know Orr was amazing but I feel like I'm missing something here. Russell won 11 titles in 13 seasons with the Celts and also won 5 MVP awards. Is that not the most dominant run an athlete has ever had whether Boston or the world?

If we're talking about the most captivating athlete we've ever seen in person I would have to say Pedro. For a short period he made all of his starts a must-see and was by far the best pitcher I have ever seen during my 26 years.

Not only did Bobby Orr dominate his sport and revolutionized the way the game was played, he dominated the Boston sports scene in a way that may never be matched. Think back, for those of us old enough, how many hockey rinks were built to accomodate the surge in youth hockey that was directly a result of Bobby Orr's standing in Boston.

Bill Russell should hold a place next to Orr as another athlete that impacted his sport in a way that had never been seen before.

As for Larry Bird, I had the greatest respect for how he played the game. He is the only player I know of that sold out the Boston Garden for a non game (Larry Bird night).