Are These The 4 Most Important Philadelphia Athletes?
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Philadelphia is a storied sports town. Championships are scarce, but impactful athletes and legendary legacies are not.
This question popped up: Who are the four most important athletes in Philadelphia sports history?
In a four-for-four town, it felt right to use one athlete from each of the major teams.
Allen Iverson
While Wilt Chamberlain changed the rules and Julius Erving won a championship, no Philadelphia 76er had the cultural impact that Allen Iverson had. From style and swag, to heart and determination, Iverson is a hero for millennials all over the world.
Runners up: Wilt Chamberlain, Julius Erving, Charles Barkley
Bobby Clarke
The best player and heart and soul on the franchise's only two Stanley Cup teams. A first ballot Hall Of Famer and the Flyers' undoubted greatest player ever.
Runners up: Bernie Parent, Eric Lindros
Reggie White
13-time Pro Bowler, Hall Of Famer, and all-time great defensive end. White, the Eagles' sacks leader, started his NFL career in Philly (1985-1992) and is largely considered as the greatest Eagle ever.
Runners up: Brian Dawkins, Donovan McNabb, Randall Cunningham, Chuck Bednarik
Mike Schmidt
The Phillies have two World Series championships: 2008 and 1980. The 2008 team had a bunch of stars: Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, and Cole Hamels. The core four.
The 1980 team had one star the shined the brightest: 12-time all-star, eight-time NL home run leader, three-time NL MVP and Hall Of Fame third baseman Mike Schmidt. Throughout his career, Schmidt was somewhat polarizing among the fan base and did not become unconditionally loved and respected until he retired.
Runners up: Richie Ashburn, Steve Carlton, Pete Rose