Life’s Hard, Play Short – Top 5 Most Awesome Short Athletes
It's not super often I get the opportunity to write something about short people (not little people) being awesome in sports and not mean it sarcastically or be talking about jockeys. But today is one of those days and it feels good, man.
#5 Spud Webb
What he played: Basketball in the NBA (Pistons, Hawks, Kings, Timberwolves, Magic)
Height: 5 foot 6 inches
Why he's awesome: Being under 6 foot and having a serious career in the NBA would have been enough to get Spud on this list but Spud wasn't simply content with being the smallest man in the tallest sport. OH NO. He decided to enter the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, the shortest person ever to do so, and you know what? HE WON IT. How you like them apples, Shaq?
#4 Dustin Pedroia
What he played: Major League Baseball - Boston Red Sox
Height: 5 foot 6 inches
Why he's awesome: This is pretty straight forward. It's rumored he's much shorter than his listed height of 5'6, he has a World Series Championship ring, he was the American League MVP and he's been elected to the All-Stars 3 years running. Plus he's the same age and height as me (27, 5'6 respectively) and he's a world class athlete and millionaire. And I'm writing this article, sweet.
#3 Muggsy Bogues
What he played: Basketball in the NBA
Height: 5 foot 3 inches
Why he's awesome: Shortest player in NBA history. Look at that photo. Enough said.
#2 Doug Flutie
What he played: NFL - Buffalo Bill Quarterback
Height: 5 foot 10 inches
Why he's awesome: Umm Flutie Flakes? Duh. Well that and the fact that when he stepped in for an injured Rob Johnson and lit it up. Leading the Bills to a 10-5 record and our last appearance in the playoffs.
#1 Nathan Gerbe
What he played: NHL Hockey - Buffalo Sabres
Height: 5 foot 5 inches
Why he's awesome: Have you ever seen Rocky IV? Remember Ivan Drago? That dude was HUGE and when Russians aren't nearly killing people in the boxing ring, they're nearly killing people on the ice. Because if you're a huge Russian thug what sport suits you better than one that combines razor sharp blades, sticks and occasional bare fisted fist fights? That's right, there isn't one. ANYWAY...Little Nathan has been on a bender lately and by bender I mean he's been lighting up the scoreboard more than anyone else under 6 foot (note: I have no idea if this is accurate), scoring at least one goal in EACH OF THE LAST 3 games! Plus, he picks fights with the tall dude. Nathan/Napoleon whatever.