Alright, nicknames aren't what they used to be. In this media saturated day and age you would think there would be a little more originality than calling someone by their initials. I have like 10 channels on my television dedicated 24 hours a day to covering sports, and I presume there are at least a dozen or so writers working for each of those channels. Where are all the witty, Bermanesque monikers of yesteryear? Well, the following are some of my favorites of today, and yesterday. (I left of any Chris Berman nicknames, as nothing can top Bert "Be Home" Blyleven.)
10. Lou "The Toe" Groza - Lou played 21 seasons in Cleveland as an offensive tackle and kicker. That odd combination of skill sets was not that uncommon in back in waning days of leather helmets. "The Toe" moniker was bestowed upon Lou by Cleveland sportswriter Robert Yonkers, as a reference to his kicking ability, which predated the soccer-style used today.
9. Shaun White "The Flying Tomato" Shaun White is the best known snowboarder in the world, quite possibly the only snowboarder in the world. His celebrity surpassed his "sport" during the 2006 Winter Olympics, when he won a gold medal or something. Who cares. He has long red hair, bringing about the nickname "The Flying Tomato." I'm just glad we only have to see him every 4 years.
