SI’s salute to Michigan

Written on February 8, 2004 by David C. Sarnacki

Sports Illustrated highlights the State of Michigan as part of its 50th anniversary celebration. The SI list of the 50 greatest athletes included:
1 Joe Louis, Detroit
Brown Bomber’s 12-year reign (1937-49) was longest of any heavyweight champion; won 25 consecutive title defenses.
2 Earvin (Magic) Johnson, Lansing
Took Michigan State to 1979 NCAA championship; won three MVP awards while leading Lakers to five NBA titles.
3 Charlie Gehringer, Fowlerville
Had 2,839 career hits, all as a Tiger; started at second base for AL in first six All-Star Games.
4 Bennie Oosterbaan, Muskegon
All-America in football and basketball at Michigan in 1920s; coached Wolverines to ‘48 NCAA football title.
5 Hal Newhouser, Detroit
Won 80 games from 1944 to ‘46 with Tigers; two MVP awards and one world championship.
6 Dave DeBusschere, Detroit
Averaged 26.8 points as senior at Detroit; player-coach of Pistons at age 24; pitched for White Sox; starred on two NBA title teams with Knicks.
7 Ron Kramer, Eastpointe
Two-time football All-America and three-time basketball team MVP at Michigan; played tight end for Lombardi’s Packers.
8 Kirk Gibson, Pontiac
All-America wide receiver at Michigan State; hit Game 5 homer to clinch 1984 World Series for Tigers; famed pinch homer for Dodgers in Game 1 in ‘88.
9 Fielding Yost, Ann Arbor
His four undefeated football teams from 1901 to ‘04 made Michigan a national power.
10 Stanley Ketchel, Grand Rapids
Won middleweight title in 1908; had a 52-4-4 record with 49 knockouts.