Andretti is much more famous for his US exploits than for those in the more competitive global series. He really only had one and a half good years in F1, and went back to the US after four bad ones.
I think it would have to be Jordan, especially if you add his international recognition. He may not be known everywhere, but I remember, as a Chicagoan, when introducing myself in Europe in the 80s vs the 90s, when I said I was from Chicago, the first reaction used to be “Oh, Chicago? Al Capone-ay!” And by the mid-90s, it changed to “Oh, Chicago? Michael Jordan!” Not a universal reaction, but I was somewhat surprised at the time how famous he had gotten beyond US borders.
Lacrosse: Gary Gait (and his twin Paul)
In modern baseball history the “signature” baseball pitcher is definitely Nolan Ryan. Ryan sort of defines pitching and was remarkably deified after his retirement. He’s been named Best Pitcher Ever in many polls. When we held a poll on the SDMB he got a lot of votes. Ryan had, and has, a mystigue Clemens does not. Ryan is sort of the very definition of a dominant pitcher.
Of course, Ryan (like Muhammad Ali in boxing) is not actually the BEST pitcher of all time. He’s not even in the top twenty, really. He is, however, the signature pitcher.
Luge: Georg Hackl.
Snooker: Stephen Hendry.
Don’t forget the shoes. I knew what Air Jordans were long before I knew what the NBA was or who Michael Jordan was.
This is an interesting one, I would go with Ronnie O’Sullivan. Simply because O’Sullivan is so loved by even the most casual snooker fans.
kobayashi or chestnut?
Kobi but he can no longer compete with Chestnut.
Not in the top twenty? Are you serious?
Technically, baseball reference’s WAR leaderboard has him listed at exactly #20.
Out of the big 4 US sports Michael Jordan is the only player i would recognise
I know the names Babe Ruth and Wayne Gretzky, wouldnt know what they look like
Couldn’t name an NFL player, unless Dan Marino was one. I remember his name because it rhymes with San Marino but not his sport.
O’Sullivan I’d say
Probably Steve Davis over Hendry too, considering he was the best at the peak of the sports popularity and played in it’s biggest game with 20 million or something watching.
Hang on, what about Jimmy White…
Yes beyond Jordan, the sports stars in the major US sports most likely to be recognized outside of the US would be distinctive basketball superstars like O’Neill and Rodman or OJ Simpson, but more for his services to acting and murdering than his services to gridiron.
I would say Michael Jordan is possibly the overall signature player for all US sports. It is difficult to think of a US sports star (in a major US sport) that has anywhere near the global stature of Jordan.
Nobody thought anyone could be more dominant than Davis, but then Hendry appeared and surpassed him. Jimmy White was a fan favourite and was Davis, Hendry and O’Sullivan’s idol which shows his influence and appeal, but he’s never won a World Championship.
As someone not that into sports, for me it’s basically the first name I think of when I hear the sport. Most of these are just from me being a kid at a certain time:
Football/Soccer: Mia Hamm or Oli Kahn
American Football: Brett Favre
Baseball: Probably Ichiro. I’m not big into baseball and most of my conversations about it were in Japanese class so… Babe Ruth is probably the safer pick, but my first thought is always “Ichiro”
Hockey: Wayne Gretzky
Basketball: Michael Jordan (I think like I’ve heard more about players like Shaq, but Michael Jordan is just my image of “basketball”. This is a problem because there’s a big machine learning guy also named Michael Jordan)
Boxing: Muhammad Ali
Tennis: Venus and Serena
Sydney Crosby has made a name for himself in the last decade. Haven’t checked on how he’s doing lately, but he might be a contender if you’re looking for someone currently playing the sport.
Sidney Crosby is in the running for greatest of this generation (with Ovechkin and Malkin in the same running), but Gretzky is untouchable. I’m a Penguins fan, so I think Lemieux and Crosby when I think of my favorite greats, but even Lemieux pales in comparison to Gretzky in both name recognition and legendary status. Gretzky has 100 more assists than any other player in history has points and his career point total is nearly 1,000 points higher than #2 on the all-time list (2857 vs. 1887).
Gretzky’s records will likely stand for all time. They are so far and away above anyone who has ever played the game. Only Lemieux, for a short period of time, ever even approached what Gretzky was able to do over a season long period, and he’s not even in the ballpark when it comes to career. Gretzky owns 8 of the top 10 highest scoring seasons in NHL history, with Lemieux filling out the other two (at #5 and 8).
Cy Young
Christy Matheson
Walter Johnson
Carl Hubbell
Lefty Grove
Grover Cleveland Alexander
Warren Spahn
Bob Gibson
Roger Clemons
Tom Seaver
Sandy Koufax
Satchel Paige
Greg Maddux
Pedro Martinez
Kid Nichols
Jim Palmer
Early Wynn
Bob Feller
Clayton Kershaw
Randy Johnson
20 guys off the top of my head who are better than Ryan. And I love Ryan as an Angels fan.