Every city in the United States that has a history with sports knows of the constant debate; if our city had a sports Mount Rushmore, who would make the cut? I am going to answer that question for my home city of Boston. As an avid New England sports fan I understand the past and present for all of these teams and have precisely selected one player from each of the 4 major sports teams (Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots) to make the list.
Bruins: Bobby Orr
Arguably one of the greatest hockey players of all time, and likely the best defenseman, Bobby Orr gave Boston sports a memory that has been enshrined right outside of Boston's TD Garden: his 1970 Stanley Cup winning goal. One of the most passionate and smartest players on the ice at any given moment, Orr revitalized the defenseman position by being one of the NHL's premier offensive threats. Despite departing from Boston for the last few seasons of his career, Bobby Orr is a Boston legend who will never be forgotten in Beantown. Despite only playing in 657 games in his career, Orr is ranked number 11 on all time points for defensemen, but it is clear that if he had been able to play 1,612 like Ray Bourque, (the all time leading defenseman, and another Boston legend) it is almost certain he would top this list. Orr's prowess as a two-way defenseman lead the Bruins to two Stanley Cup Championship victories, and will ensure that Orr is forever a legend in Boston.
Runner Up: Johnny Bucyk
Celtics: Bill Russell
It is undebatable that Bill Russell is the most successful athlete in Boston sports history. In his 13 professional seasons, all with the Celtics, Russell managed to win five MVP awards, 12 all star selections and most impressively, 11 world championships. Russell reinvented the game of defensive basketball by being an outstanding shot-blocker and averaging 22.5 rebounds per game ( The best in the NBA in 2015-16 was 14.8). Russell was well regarded for being a player who made all of his teammates shine, and never trying to steal the spotlight. However his superb talent made that a difficult task, as many considered him the greatest basketball player of all time until the rise of the great Michael Jordan. Bill Russell takes the Celtics Mount Rushmore spot because he was committed to the city of Boston, and proved that by putting up nine banners in his first 10 years in the Boston Garden, speaking the caliber of play Boston sports fans expect from their beloved athletes.
Runner Up: Larry Bird
Red Sox: Ted Williams
Teddy Ballgame only ever wanted one thing; to be the greatest hitter that ever lived. Luckily for the Boston Red Sox, that's exactly what he was. Despite a three season hiatus to serve in the Air Force during World War 2, Williams still performed as one of the greatest of all time. His .482 career on base percentage is the greatest of all time, and two time triple crown winner (league leader in home runs, runs batted in and batting average) earned him the title as baseball's greatest hitter of all time. Williams even wrote a book, "The Science of Hitting," proving his complete mastery at the plate. He was an amazing ballplayer, but his willingness to give back to his community with baseball camps, and his service for our nation are what makes him the best representative in the history of the Boston Red Sox. Thank you for everything, Ted.
Runner Up: David Ortiz
Patriots: Tom Brady
Thomas Edward Brady is the greatest quarterback of all time, sorry if you can't see that. There is no other player who has more passion, poise and talent in the NFL. He easily is the greatest Patriot of all time, shown by his four Super Bowl rings, and his ability to absolutely dominate almost any defense he comes across. Through all of the hate he receives, he manages to stay focused and lead the Patriots to contention every year. A beacon of hope when he won the starting role over Drew Bledsoe in 2001, since Brady has won the hearts of all Patriots fans, and has earned his place in the NFL Hall of Fame. Through 14 seasons and six Super Bowl appearances, Brady holds a career 96.4 passer rating, 58,000 yards, 428 touchdowns. Exemplifying the standard all Boston athletes are held to, TB12 is an easy pick for the Boston sports Mount Rushmore.
Runner Up: John Hannah
