Another Fan Posted May 9, 2022 Share Posted May 9, 2022 (edited) I recall Jim Kelly, Thurman, Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, and Magic Johnson from a pretty early age. But they were all established in their game by the time I started watching sports. Can you recall the 1st athlete whose career you followed from their first game until retirement? Or if they just didn't pan out? I can think of 2. Bernie Williams- I kinda could remember his first couple games. Some glimpses of greatness but hard to say how'd he fare over the long haul I thought. Even at that age. I still recall the thick glasses he used to wear back then! Kenny Anderson (NBA)- saw one of his first games in person. Even then I could recall high expectations for him in the pros. He had some game and not a bad career. But I dont think ever really hit his full potential Edited May 9, 2022 by Another Fan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg S Posted May 9, 2022 Share Posted May 9, 2022 Derek Jeter 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Poojer Posted May 9, 2022 Share Posted May 9, 2022 OJ Simpson, Fran Tarkenton, Greg Nettles, Carmelo Anthony to name a few Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Another Fan Posted May 9, 2022 Author Share Posted May 9, 2022 39 minutes ago, The Poojer said: OJ Simpson, Fran Tarkenton, Greg Nettles, Carmelo Anthony to name a few You didn’t follow basketball until later on? I only ask OJ to Carmelo is kinda a time difference Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Poojer Posted May 9, 2022 Share Posted May 9, 2022 I always followed the Buffalo Braves as a youngin, but other than being a big fan of several players, i didn't really latch on to individual players as much as i did Football and Baseball. Being a syracuse guy, Carmelo was the first one i TRULY followed start to finish. Maybe Pearl, DC and Sherman Douglas, but Carmelo was on a different level even before leading them to the NCAA championship 1 hour ago, Another Fan said: You didn’t follow basketball until later on? I only ask OJ to Carmelo is kinda a time difference 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Poojer Posted May 9, 2022 Share Posted May 9, 2022 and another thing, probably would have followed Melo, but just so happened my oldest was 12 or 13 when Melo arrived on campus and he was probably among his biggest fans, so that's probably why i went into adulthood with 'idolizing' an athlete Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ExiledInIllinois Posted May 9, 2022 Share Posted May 9, 2022 Gilbert Perreault. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LewPort71 Posted May 9, 2022 Share Posted May 9, 2022 Roberto Clemente. I started in 1958 when I was 5. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Augie Posted May 10, 2022 Share Posted May 10, 2022 Walt Putalski. ……I don’t get out much. 🤷♂️ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChevyVanMiller Posted May 10, 2022 Share Posted May 10, 2022 For me it would have to be the Bills career of Vontae Davis. I did not see the end coming though. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Augie Posted May 10, 2022 Share Posted May 10, 2022 16 minutes ago, ChevyVanMiller said: For me it would have to be the Bills career of Vontae Davis. I did not see the end coming though. Who’d a thunk he’d leave after the orange slices were handed out? He was just in it for the fruit! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeGOATski Posted May 10, 2022 Share Posted May 10, 2022 Kevin Garnett Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Jokeman Posted May 11, 2022 Share Posted May 11, 2022 None really, as I was born in 1977 and started liking sports in about 1987 and favorite player was Rickey Henderson who was 8 years into his career. For the Sabres I liked Mike Foligno and Bills Andre Reed/James Lofton. I did like Notre Dame too and remember a RB/DB the Bills drafted named Jeff Burris but I remember wish we took George Teague instead yet Jeff played well but after he left I lost my interest. I remember when the Sabres trading Alexander Mogilny for this guy named Michael Peca who I met at a card show and scoffed at his size but grew to adore him until I soured on him when held out for more money and after he got traded lost interest. I suppose if he sticks around Josh Allen might turn into one granted I didn't watch him in college. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bills4everNY Posted May 11, 2022 Share Posted May 11, 2022 Dwight Gooden. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gugny Posted May 11, 2022 Share Posted May 11, 2022 Daryl Strawberry (1983). He's the reason I became a Mets fan. Sweetest swing in the history of the game. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chef Jim Posted May 11, 2022 Share Posted May 11, 2022 Otto Graham. You kids. 🙄 But seriously it was probably OJ. Damn he was amazing to watch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nextmanup Posted May 11, 2022 Share Posted May 11, 2022 It's an interesting question, but I have no idea what the correct answer would be. I've followed the Bills/NFL, Sabres/NHL, and Boston Red Sox (AL) my entire life as far back as I can remember. Anyone who started with any of those 3 teams probably around 1980 or so would be the answer. On 5/9/2022 at 3:38 PM, ExiledInIllinois said: Gilbert Perreault. I definitely remember #11 when he was a Sabre and well past his prime. But I also remember him when he was still somewhat of a star too, thank God. 1980 or so? But I'm too young to remember him joining the NHL or the really sweet spot of his early career with the Sabres. I wish I saw more of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ExiledInIllinois Posted May 11, 2022 Share Posted May 11, 2022 4 minutes ago, Nextmanup said: It's an interesting question, but I have no idea what the correct answer would be. I've followed the Bills/NFL, Sabres/NHL, and Boston Red Sox (AL) my entire life as far back as I can remember. Anyone who started with any of those 3 teams probably around 1980 or so would be the answer. I definitely remember #11 when he was a Sabre and well past his prime. But I also remember him when he was still somewhat of a star too, thank God. 1980 or so? But I'm too young to remember him joining the NHL or the really sweet spot of his early career with the Sabres. I wish I saw more of it. Yeah... I guess you're right. Misread the OP... I didn't catch Perreault till I was about 6/7... 1974/1975... He was first sport's player I followed. Probably Jeter, I would say then. Really nobody else I followed for their career than #11... Jim Kelly, does that count? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Helpmenow Posted May 11, 2022 Share Posted May 11, 2022 Willie Mays for me my baseball idol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Success Posted May 11, 2022 Share Posted May 11, 2022 (edited) Cal Ripken Jr. From his days as a Rochester Red Wing & all the way through. Edited May 11, 2022 by Success Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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