Who would you pay big $ to see ?

[Touch'EmAll]

OK. Throw the stat book out the window. Just for pure visual entertainment.

Simply, who would you pay big money to see play in their prime? (could be any sport any time)

My list for starters:

1. Ali (Cassius Clay)
2. Bo Jackson when played football for the Raiders
3. Satchell Paige
4. Nolan Ryan
5. Sandy Koufax

For me, forget the hitters, to see Koufax or Ryan do their thing, for 9 innings, in their prime, ahhh, awesome!

And a boxing match with Ali, maybe vs. Frazier, maybe vs. Foreman ???

And Bo Jackson was the most electrifying player I have ever seen on a football field.

ps - I did see Ryan many times as kid - feel incredibly lucky!

[albrshbr]

For me, I've got 3. First would be a game with both Satchell Paige and Josh Gibson playing. Were they really as good as the rumors say? Second would be pretty much any prof. baseball game in lets say the 1870's. Just to see what the game was like back then with all the different rules. Third would be a 1950's/60's hockey game with Gordie Howe getting his hat trick (goal, assist, and a fight).

[D. Bergin]

#1. The Welterweight version of Sugar Ray Robinson. I don't think there has been a more electrifying boxer/puncher ever.

#2. Wayne Gretzky. Saw him play in person once when I was very young and the Oilers came to Hartford. I don't think I was quite old enough to really appreciate it at the time.

[Griffins]

1 Jackie Robinson
2. Dizzy Dean
3. '27 Yankees
4. Satchel Paige
5. Jim Brown
6. Gerry Lopez
7.Magic Johnson

[ChrisH]

1. Walter Johnson
2. Satchel Paige
3. Lou Gehrig
4. 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers

[Kawika]

Would have loved to have seen Joe Wood throw smoke, Red Grange gallop, Rocket Richard skate, Joe Louis punch and Jim Thorpe do anything.

[FUBAR]

Originally Posted by D. Bergin

#2. Wayne Gretzky. Saw him play in person once when I was very young and the Oilers came to Hartford. I don't think I was quite old enough to really appreciate it at the time.

I happen to grow up in Edmonton and have seen him / Oilers play many a times, probably at least 100 live. Seen the Oilers win 3 cups live in person! You always knew at the time, it was something special! Even seen Wayne when he was a King and also a Ranger. For me, Grant Fuhr was just as impressive.

[D. Bergin]

Originally Posted by FUBAR

I happen to grow up in Edmonton and have seen him / Oilers play many a times, probably at least 100 live. Seen the Oilers win 3 cups live in person! You always knew at the time, it was something special! Even seen Wayne when he was a King and also a Ranger. For me, Grant Fuhr was just as impressive.

The Oilers teams of the early to mid 80's were just insanely good. Not only that, but they were easily the most entertaining team in history.

Unbelievable offensive talent, even without Gretzky.

[nebboy]

Overall's 10 Ks pitching performance for 1908 Cubs in final 5th game of the Worlds Series.

[cool-vintage]

Baseball:
Jake Beckley
Satchel Paige
Roger Bresnahan
Rogers Hornsby
Walter Johnson
Ty Cobb
Cap Anson

Hockey:
George Hainsworth
Maurice Richard
"Newsy" Lalonde
Georges Vezina
Eddie Shore
Howie Mornez
Tiny Thompson

[billyb]

Geez,
Many of you wished to see certain stars, that I did see play. I must be getting old. I got to see Jim Brown and Barry Sanders, Bo Jackson and OJ. The best was Barry. He did it with an offensive line that blocked like girl scouts. Barry was worth the big $$$$ to see.
I got to see Nolan and Whitey, Mantle and Williams. Rose and the Big Red Machine. Mays and Aaron and Koffax. To me, Nolan gets the nod.
And in Hockey, Gordie was a pure joy to watch.
And to see Chamberlain score 100 points again.

But I sure wish I could have seen Ruth's magical personality on or off the field, and Nap LaJoie whistle a liner past the third baseman's ear, then drop down a bunt for a single. That is where I would spend the real big bucks, just to watch and enjoy.

[packs]

I'd pay millions of dollars to watch my hero Donnie Baseball play in just one World Series game.

[EvilKing00]

As im only 40 i got to see players like, jordan, bird, johnson in basketball, gretzky, lemmeux, jager in hockey, manning, rice, taylor inn football and bonds, griffey and now trout.

Id pay to see guys like:

1: ruth
2: mays
3: mantle

[egri]

In no particular order:

The Louis-Schmeling rematch
Ted Williams in 1941 (or '42, '46, '47, '49)
Smokey Joe Wood vs Walter Johnson
Cy Young vs Walter Johnson
Josh Gibson in his prime face off against Bob Feller

[KNH]

I would also pay to see Ozzie Smith defensively at SS. He was unbelievable.