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One of the most beloved players on the Philadelphia Phillies is catcher Carlos “Chooch” Ruiz, which might seem to be a conundrum, as he is about the 10th most talented player on the team.
But there is more to it than talent. He is a gritty, hardworking player who leaves everything he has on the field. He calls a smart game and has earned the respect of his all-world pitching staff. In the past four postseasons for the Phillies, he has been a source of clutch hitting.
In Philadelphia, we like his style, and we relate to his work ethic. He is the sort of player we would want to be.
Sports is full of such players, beloved figures we choose to emulate. Truthfully, some are loved for their talents alone, while others are embraced for their intangibles or the legacy they’ve created off of the field.
One way or the other, these men resonate with us, and we find ourselves cheering them on, even when they don’t play for our squad.
So who are the most beloved figures in sports history?
Note: This is mostly written from an American perspective, so while the inclusion of foreign athletes does take into consideration the love they receive worldwide, it is primarily concerned with how their worldwide status has parlayed into popularity in the States.
Hence, you won’t find any Rugby or Cricket players on this list. If any of the above bothers or offends you, feel free to not mention it.
