It makes for great conversation, but….
There’s a very popular practice in sports (and outside of sports, too) that’s useless, unnecessary, and monumentally unfair. It’s the practice of labeling a sports achiever as G.O.A.T., that is, ‘Greatest of All Time.’
Courtesy: Sports Illustrated
Useless? Correct! What purpose is served by saying somebody is GOAT? It’s impossible to reach an agreement between fans on who’s the GOAT. My GOAT isn’t your GOAT!
Unnecessary? Right. It’s a waste of valuable time and effort.
Unfair? OK! That’s the biggie. We can’t compare achievements across eras, can we? The differences are just too many to ignore–differences in equipment, facilities, playing surfaces, coaching, technology, nutrition, techniques…the list goes on and on.
It’s unfair to pit Wilt against Shaq, Louis against Ali, Ruth against Aaron, Tilden against Federer, LeBron against Michael, Jim Brown against…well, you fill in the blanks.
Bottom line: it just doesn’t compute, this business of naming the Greatest of All Time. It’s unfair.
But it does make for great conversation, doesn’t it?
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About Samuel H. Johnson
As a student at Miami University (Ohio) I spent a lot of time at the campus radio station WRMU and the FM outlet, WMUB. After graduation, I worked at various radio and TV Stations in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC. I was a DJ, sports reporter, and on-air public affairs host/producer, winning three local Emmy awards. Along the way, I appeared in three major movies: G.I. Jane, CONTACT, and Runaway Bride. Today I live in Phoenix, Arizona with my wife, Laraine, and our two daughters, who live nearby. I enjoy writing about sports–mostly my own off-beat and sometimes humorous observations. I also like to write about history. I’ve written several books, including The Cherokee and the Slave. My favorite athletes (current) are Larry Fitzgerald, Ben Roethlisberger, Kawhi Leonard, and Roger Federer; (future) are Devin Booker, Tyler Ulis, and Paul Watson; and (past) Lenny Moore, Sonny Jurgensen, Bobby Mitchell, Charley Taylor, Steve Nash,
Johnny Unitas, Charlie Joiner, Marques Haynes, Elgin Baylor, Dr. “J”. My unsung star is Bob Boyd, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver, 1950-57, and winner of the 100-yard dash at the 1950 NCAA Championships.
I agree wholeheartedly with your position. However, in the Trump Era of regression to a white supremacy agenda (i.e., espousing the view that African Americans, especially athletes and politicians, have low IQs) a wholesome conversation about the G.O.A.T. would be intellectually stimulating. Indeed, I would argue Serena Williams against…well; who can we put in the blank? Earl
Bro. Sam,
Thanks for another great and thought provoking article. You are right, how do you measure/compare on so many different variables.
I agree with you wholeheartedly. I’ve written articles on this topic too. It’s just not possible to compare players from different eras.
By the way, Frank told me you published a book using Amazon. I’m looking to do the same. Any suggestions?