Captain Detroit Retires

I've lived the majority of my life with Steve Yzerman as Captain of the Detroit Red Wings. In fact, I was 10 the last time he wasn't on their roster.

For some perspective, in 1983...

* The NY Islanders beat The Edmonton Oilers to win The Stanley Cup
* Martin Luther King Jr. Day is instated by Ronald Regan
* The A-Team premiers
* It's been 75 years since the Chicago Cubs won the World Series
* "Every breath you take" and Return of the Jedi are the year's biggest song and movie
* Emmy winner, Record of the Year: "Rosanna," Toto
* Emmy winner, Album of the Year: Toto IV
* Oscar: Best Picture: Gandhi
* Yzerman plays his rookie year in Detroit, coming in 2nd in "rookie of the year" voting

Detroit's Top 5 Athletes in My Lifetime

Steve Yzerman C, Red Wings (1983-2006)
Steve Yzerman was named the youngest captain in Red Wing's history at age 21 and has been captain of his team longer than any other player in NHL history.

He spent 22 seasons in the NHL, all in Detroit finishing sixth all-time in points (1,755) and eighth in goals (692). He led his team to three Stanley Cups, his first in 1997 when The Wings beat The Philadelphia Flyers in four games and ended a 42 year championship drought, the 2nd longest in all of sports history.

During the 1988-89 season, Yzerman recorded 155 points, a total only Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux have surpassed. Yzerman finished third in scoring behind Lemieux and Gretzky and won the Pearson Trophy (regular season MVP).

Yzerman's other league awards include the Smythe Trophy (Stanley Cup Playoffs MVP), the Selke Trophy (best defensive forward), and the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy for perseverance. He is a nine-time NHL All-Star and was a member of the All-Rookie Team in 1984.

Yzerman retired July 3, 2006 and is arguably considered the greatest team captain not only in hockey history, but in the history of major league sports.

Barry Sanders RB, Lions (1989-98)
Sanders hails from Wichita, KS where he attended Wichita North High School.

But his first attempt at running back didn't come until the fourth game of his senior year ('85). In the final seven games of the season, he rushed for 1,322 yards (avg. 189 yrds per game).

His first two years at Oklahoma State University, he played backup for All-American Thurman Thomas. The next year, Sanders went on to lead the nation in rushing yards, total yards, touchdowns and scoring (234 points) en route to winning the Heisman Trophy. His rushing yards and touchdowns in that year still stand as NCAA records.

As a Lion, he became The NFL's No. 3 career rusher with 15,269 yards, 10 straight 1,000-yard seasons and 109 TDs, all with a sub-par team that won just a single playoff game during Sander's career.

Considered one of the best and most humble players of his time, he left the game, and $20 million while still in his prime, mostly due to his frustration with an organization who, at the time, wasn't committed to winning. After retirement, Sanders also turned down millions in endorsement deals. He still lives in the Detroit area.

"If there was ever an artist, he was a Picasso. He was one of the few that would make other athletes' jaws drop." -Marcus Allen

Gordie Howe RW, Red Wings (1946-71)
Mr. Hockey won four Stanley Cups, six MVPs and retired as hockey's scoring king. Played a record 26 NHL seasons, the last at age 51. Invented the Gordie Howe Hat Trick.

Isiah Thomas G, Pistons (1981-94)
Captain of the '89 and '90 champs. Finals MVP in '90. An 11-time All-Star starter. Pistons leader in points, steals and assists.

Kirk Gibson OF, Tigers (1979-87, 93-95)
Gibson was born and raised in Michigan where he attended MSU. in 1979 he was drafted not only by the Tigers, but also by the St. Louis Cardinals to play football in the NFL.

Deciding on baseball, Gibson became known for hitting clutch home runs which helped the team to the 1984 World Series vs. the San Diego Padres.

In the eighth inning of Game 5, he faced Goose Gossage, one of the game's premier relievers (who now lives in Colorado Springs). With the score close, first base open and that Gibson had already hit a homerun that night, it seemed a good time for an intentional walk.

But Tigers' Manager Sparky Anderson could tell Gossage didn't want to back down from the hitter and was yelling, "He don't want to walk you!" and making a bat-swinging motion with his hands.

Gibson launched Gossage's next pitch deep into Tiger Stadium's right field upper deck for a 3-run homer, icing the game and winning The World Series for the Tigers.

Honorable Mention (pre-1971)

Joe Louis, Heavyweight Boxer
Alabama native moved to Detroit as a child. The Brown Bomber was heavyweight champ from 1937-49, going 69-3 with 54 KOs.

Ty Cobb CF, Tigers (1905-26)
The Georgia Peach, known for his fierceness, guided the Tigers to three straight World Series. Ranks No. 2 in hits (4,191) and runs (2,245).