A Mighty Morphin’ Power Ranking

March 22, 2023 Chris CookHenrik Lundqvist, Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez, Mark Messier, Netflix, New York Rangers, Nolan Ryan, Northwestern Oklahoma State University Rangers, Power Rangers, Stockton Graves, Texas RangersLeave a comment

Photo: Entertainment Weekly

Millennials rejoice, Power Rangers is back.

On Wednesday, Netflix dropped a nostalgia bomb with a minute and a half trailer of Power Rangers: Once and Always:

Once a ranger, always a ranger!

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always premieres April 19! pic.twitter.com/kEDrEr85EO
— Netflix (@netflix) March 22, 2023

If you’re of a certain age, Power Rangers was your number one show for a significant chunk of your childhood. You always had your favorite ranger when playing with your friends, the prop belt was your favorite accessory, and you hated that bitch Rita Repulsa.

It’s been a hot minute since we’ve ranked; now seems like a great time to rank our favorite Rangers.

5. Henrik Lundqvist

I mean c’mon, 15 years betwixt the pipes in one of the biggest media markets in the NHL.

A gold medal win in the 2006 Winter Olympics with Sweden, a 92% career save percentage, and 64 shutouts.

4. Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez

Thirteen seasons in Texas and one of the greatest nicknames of all time.

During his time in Texas, Pudge won the 1999 MVP, thirteen Gold Gloves, and has his famous number seven retired.

3. Mark Messier

Messier was such a great Ranger, they brought him back for a second stint with the team, making it 10 total seasons in New York.

He brought a Stanley Cup to the franchise in 1994, it’s first in 54 years.

2. Nolan Ryan

One of the greatest pitchers not only in Rangers, but baseball history.

The longevity in itself puts Ryan high on our list. He made his MLB debut in 1966, and threw his last pitch in a major league game in 1993.

The man was at the tail end of his career in Texas and still averaged 10.1 strikeouts per nine innings from ages 42-46.

1. Stockton Graves

This is a gimme. One of the biggest name to ever come out of the esteemed educational institution of higher learning, Northwestern Oklahoma State University.

Graves joined the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA) in 1997, culminating with a career-defining win in the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo in 2006.

In 2011, Graves decided to let the rest of the PRCA have some, and retired to become the head rodeo coach as his alma mater.

We’re all ready for the Power Rangers reboot, it surely won’t be terrible. I’m just not sure if we can all wait until April 19th; until then we’ll just have to survive on all of the memories from our favorite Rangers.

Sunday State of Mind: May 30th-June 5th

June 5, 2022 Chris CookAaron Rodgers, Al Horford, Boston Celtics, Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Reds, Colorado Avalanche, Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors, Green Bay Packers, Joc Pederson, Josh Allen, Kansas City Chiefs, MLB, NBA, NBA Finals, New York Rangers, NHL, Patrick Mahomes, PGA, poetry, San Francisco Giants, SSM, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, The Match, Tom Brady, Tommy PhamLeave a comment

The weather has turned as we are past the unofficial opening of summer. The beautiful forecast calls for some beautiful sports poetry.

The NBA Finals, Boston and The Bay
Warriors and Celtics are here to play
Al Horford and the boys took game one on the road
If they win again tonight Draymond might explode

Capital One’s The Match, the QB edition
Four of our top quarterbacks in the competition
Brady, Rodgers, Patty, Josh, young guns verse the old
ARod and TB12 took it to them for the gold

Baseball staying relevant, thanks to the NFL
Tommy Pham’s a wildcard, we’re saying “what the hell?”
Who hasn’t wanted to slap a fellow league member
Fantasy football means a lot, Tommy’s got a temper

Avalanche and Rangers, not a lot of spoilers
Both looking for a sweep against the Lightning and the Oilers
Only a few shots left for Tampa and Edmonton
If they don’t get it in gear both squads will soon be done

Who Wore it Best? 9-0

December 2, 2021December 2, 2021 Chris CookAdam Vinatieri, Albert Pujols, Alexander Ovechkin, Allen Iverson, Atlanta Falcons, Babe Ruth, Baltimore Orioles, Bobby Orr, Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox, Brett Favre, Brian Leetch, Brooklyn Nets, Cal Ripken Jr., Carl Yastrzemski, Chicago Blackhawks, Cincinnati Reds, Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Stars, David Akers, Denver Broncos, Denver Nuggets, Derek Jeter, Detroit Lions, Detroit Pistons, Detroit Red Wings, Donovan McNabb, Drew Brees, Gordie Howe, Green Bay Packers, Houston Astros, Houston Rockets, Indianapolis Colts, Joe DiMaggio, John Elway, Johnny Bench, Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Chargers, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Lakers, Lou Gehrig, Memphis Grizzlies, Mickey Mantle, Mike Modano, Minnesota Timberwolves, Minnesota Vikings, MLB, NBA, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, New York Jets, New York Rangers, New York Yankees, NFL, NHL, Oakland Athletics, Oklahoma City Thunder, Ozzie Smith, Phil Esposito, Philadelphia 76ers, Philadelphia Eagles, Philadelphia Phillies, Russell Westbrook, San Diego Padres, San Francisco 49ers, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Seahawks, St. Louis Cardinals, Stan Musial, Steve Young, Ted Williams, Toronto Maple Leafs, Troy Aikman, Warren Moon, Washington Capitals, Washington Football Team, Washington Wizards, Winnipeg Jets, Yogi BerraLeave a comment

What a long, strange journey it’s been. We started all the way at 99, and have now arrived at our final edition of “Who Wore It Best?” Single digits can be tough, but we’re up for the challenge.

9 – Gordie Howe

I mean, “Mr. Hockey” has to make the list, right? Howe’s career spanned nearly 40 years, in which he won four Stanley Cups, six Hart Trophies, and appeared in the All-Star game 23 times.

Honorable Mentions: Ted Williams, Drew Brees, Bobby Hull, Mike Modano

8 – Kobe Bryant

Maybe the closest we’ll ever get to MJ. We all know Kobe ended his career rocking 24, but he was great enough to take the eight cake. He spent his entire 20 year career with the Lakers, in which he won five NBA Championships, the 2008 MVP, and made 11 All-NBA First Teams.

Honorable Mentions: Joe Morgan, Carl Yastrzemski, Cal Ripken Jr., Yogi Berra, Steve Young, Troy Aikman, Alexander Ovechkin

7 – John Elway

The greatest player who was a doppelgänger of their team mascot. But that’s not the only reason Elway makes our list. He held the “couldn’t win the big one” tag his entire career, until he shut everyone up and won back-to-back Super Bowls his last two seasons in the NFL. Even if he wouldn’t have won the two Lombardis, Elway racked up an MVP, nine Pro Bowl selections, and passing title in 1993.

Honorable Mentions: Mickey Mantle, Phil Esposito

6 – Bill Russell

The man who ran out of fingers for all of his championship rings. Russell won five MVPs, was a four time rebounding champion, and a member of the NBA’s 25th, 35th, and 50th Anniversary Teams.

Honorable Mention: Stan Musial

5 – Albert Pujols

We’ve shown our appreciation for The Machine on this blog before. Pujols’ first 11 years in St. Louis were enough to get the guy in the Hall of Fame. His time with the Angels and Dodgers, while not as great, hasn’t done anything to diminish that. His approximate career numbers have him as a .300 hitter, closing in on 700 home runs, and well over 3,000 hits.

Honorable Mentions: Joe DiMaggio, George Brett, Johnny Bench, Kevin Garnett, Donovan McNabb

4 – Lou Gherig

Next to Babe Ruth, Lou Gherig was the best player on the Yankees during their incredible run in the 20’s and 30’s. Gherig was a part of six World Series championships, was a two time MVP, and won the Triple Crown in 1934.

Honorable Mentions: Brett Favre, Adam Vinatieri, Bobby Orr

3 – Babe Ruth

Keeping it young and fresh with back to back 1920’s Yankees. This one’s a no doubter though; Shohei Ohtaini before Shohei Ohtani. At the plate, The Great Bambino hit 714 home runs, slugged .690, and ended his career with an 1.164 OPS. On the mound, The Colossus of Clout went 94-46, with a 2.28 ERA, and threw 107 complete games.

Honorable Mention: Allen Iverson

2 – Derek Jeter

Christ, enough with the Yankees already. Jeets is an easy choice in a not extremely tough field. The recent Hall of Fame inductee wrapped up an illustrious career with a very succinct five World Series rings, Gold Gloves, and Silver Slugger Awards, as well as 14 All-Star appearances.

Honorable Mention: David Akers, Brian Leetch

1 – Ozzie Smith

The best defensive shortstop of all time, and possibly best overall defender ever. Smith won 13 Gold Gloves in 19 seasons. Along the way, he was a part of the 1982 World Series Championship Cardinal team, made 15 All-Star games, and was inducted to the Hall of Fame in 2002.

Honorable Mention: Warren Moon

0 – Russell Westbrook

A nice, easy choice to get us to the finish line; not a whole lot of competition at the zero spot. The 2017 MVP is a nine time All-Star, two time All-NBA First Teamer, and is essentially a walking triple double.

Honorable Mention: N/A

We made it, friends. All the way from 99 down to 0. We laughed, we cried, and made some friends along the way. This was a fun project to complete and remember some names that haven’t been brought up in a while. Hopefully this was as interesting to read as it was to write. Who knows what our next series will be…stay tuned.

Who Wore it Best? 39-30

August 11, 2021 Chris CookAeneas Williams, Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Thrashers, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres, Chicago Bears, Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Cavaliers, Cleveland Indians, Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, Detroit Red Wings, Dominik Hašek, Dustin Byfuglien, Earl Campbell, Eddie Murray, Gaylord Perry, Golden State Warriors, Hakeem Olajuwon, Henrik Sedin, Houston Astros, Houston Rockets, Indiana Pacers, Jerome Bettis, Jim Brown, Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kerry Wood, Kevin Durant, Larry Csonka, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Kings, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Rams, Magic Johnson, Marcus Allen, Martin Brodeur, Miami Dolphins, Miami Heat, Miami Marlins, Milwaukee Bucks, Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Wild, Montreal Canadiens, Montreal Expos, New Jersey Devils, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, New York Mets, New York Rangers, New York Yankees, NFL, NHL, Oakland Athletics, Oklahoma City Thunder, Orlando Magic, Ottawa Senators, Patrice Bergeron, Patrick Roy, Pavol Demitra, Phil Niekro, Philadelphia Phillies, Phoenix Suns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Portland Trailblazers, Reggie Miller, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, Sandy Koufax, Scottie Pippen, Seattle Mariners, Shaq, St. Louis Blues, St. Louis Cardinals, Steve Carlton, Terrell Davis, Texas Rangers, Thurman Thomas, Tim Raines, Tony Dorsett, Tony Esposito, Toronto Blue Jays, Toronto Raptors, Vancouver Canucks, Walter Payton, Washington Capitals, Zdeno CháraLeave a comment

We’re sadly on the downhill turn of “Who Wore It Best.” In this edition, we get into the 30’s.

39 – Dominik Hašek

Hot start for hockey! Hašek was one of the greatest goaltenders to ever do it. His career spanned four decades (1980-2011), and included two Stanley Cups, two Hart Memorial trophies, and six Vezina trophies.

Honorable Mention: Larry Csonka

38 – Pavol Demitra

Demitra seemed to be on track to becoming one of the best Czech players in the game. He recorded 768 points in 847 games before sadly passing in a plane accident in 2011.

Honorable Mention: N/A

37 – Patrice Bergeron

Bergeron has been a steady force for the Bruins since 2003. A part of the 2011 Stanley Cup winning team, Bergeron also made All-Star games in 2015 and 2016.

Honorable Mention: N/A

36 – Jerome Bettis

“The Bus” comes rumblin’, stumblin’, bumblin’ onto our list at 36. Bettis won a Super Bowl (in his home town of Detroit), was a two time first team All-Pro, and made six Pro Bowls.

Honorable Mention: Gaylord Perry

35 – Kevin Durant

An easy choice for what ended up being a stacked slot. Durant is potentially (based on how much you love/hate Lebron) currently the best basketball player on the planet. In a career with plenty of years left, Durant has already put together an incredible resume. The Slim Reaper has two NBA titles (Finals MVP in both), a regular season MVP, six first team All-NBA selections, and 11 All-Star appearances.

Honorable Mentions: Phil Niekro, Frank Thomas, Aeneas Williams, Tony Esposito

34 – Shaquille O’Neal

Another loaded number of selections here, but the most dominant big man of all time takes the cake. The Big Diesel’s career accolades are almost too much to list: four NBA championships, three NBA Finals MVPs, fifteen All-Star games, and eight first team All-NBA selections.

Honorable Mentions: Nolan Ryan, Kerry Wood, Hakeem Olajuwon, Walter Payton, Thurman Thomas, Earl Campbell

33 – Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

For as much good as Kareem has done off the court, he was as great on it. Six rings, a matching number of MVPs, 10 first team All-NBA selections, five first team All-Defensive teams, and lead the NBA in blocks in four separate seasons.

Honorable Mentions: Eddie Murray, Scottie Pippen, Zdeno Chára, Henrik Sedin, Dustin Byfuglien

32 – Magic Johnson

We all know how good Magic was as a player. For as good as he was on the court, he may have found his true life’s calling as a hot take artist.

Honorable Mentions: Steve Carlton, Sandy Koufax, Marcus Allen, Jim Brown

31 – Greg Maddux

Maddux is the second of the 90’s Braves big three to make the list, with Tom Glavine making the cut at 47. Mad Dog ended his 22 year career with 355 wins, 18 Gold Gloves, and four Cy Youngs.

Honorable Mention: Reggie Miller

30 – Terrell Davis

Probably going to be our shortest career to make the list. Davis only played in the NFL from 1995-2001, but was good enough to make the Hall of Fame in 2017. In seven seasons, he racked up two Super Bowls, an MVP, and three first team All-Pro selections.

Honorable Mentions: Tim Raines, Martin Brodeur

The 30’s were by far our most expansive edition yet. Huge names and the honorable mention lists were incredible, specifically 32-35. One can only assume the list is going to keep improving into the 20’s.

Who Wore it Best? 69-60

May 26, 2021May 26, 2021 Chris CookArizona Diamondbacks, Atlanta Braves, Boston Bruins, Brad Marchand, Calgary Flames, Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Indians, Colorado Rockies, Columbus Blue Jackets, Dallas Keuchel, Dallas Stars, Erik Karlsson, Florida Panthers, Francisco Cordova, Gene Upshaw, Green Bay Packers, Houston Astros, James Paxton, Jared Allen, Jaromir Jagr, Jim Langer, Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders, Liván Hernández, Los Angeles Dodgers, Mario Lemieux, Miami Dolphins, Miami Marlins, Milwaukee Brewers, Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Vikings, MLB, New Jersey Devils, New York Mets, New York Rangers, New York Yankees, NFL, NHL, Ottawa Senators, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh Pirates, Randall McDaniel, Ray Nitscke, Rick Nash, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Washington Capitals, Washington Nationals, Will Shields, Yasiel PuigLeave a comment

Guess who’s back? Our “Who Wore It Best” series, that’s who. We last checked in on who wore numbers 79-70 best, now we dive into the 60’s.

69 – Jared Allen

Not a huge field of choices here, but a nice selection. Jared Allen played for the Chiefs, Vikings, Bears, and Panthers during an above-average 11 year NFL career. He made First Team All-Pro four times, lead the NFL twice in sacks, and made five Pro Bowls.

Honorable Mention: N/A

68 – Jaromir Jagr

The flow is enough to be included on our list. That head lettuce is a thing of beauty. Jagr wasn’t half bad in his 24 seasons in professional hockey either: most career game winning goals (135), five Art Ross trophies, and two Stanley Cups.

Honorable Mention: Will Shields

67 – Francisco Córdova

Remember this guy? Cordova gets the nod for pitching nine innings in a what ended up being a 10 inning no hitter for the Pirates against the Astros on June 12, 1997.

Honorable Mention: N/A

66 – Mario Lemieux

Surprisingly strong category here at 66. Lemieux takes it home as one of the best hockey players to ever do it. In fact, Lemieux and Wayne Gretzky are the only two players who occupy the list of top ten seasons for points and assists in a season. Pretty impressive company to keep.

Honorable Mentions: Ray Nitschke, Yasiel Puig

65 – James Paxton

Paxton may very well end up being the youngest athlete to make our list. However, “Big Maple” has earned his spot at 65 for recording a no-hitter for the Mariners in 2018.

Honorable Mention: Erik Karlsson

64 – Randall McDaniel

McDaniel was a stalwart offensive guard for 13 seasons, mostly with the Vikings. McDaniel started 220 of his career 222 games, made 12 Pro Bowls, and is a member of NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team.

Honorable Mention: N/A

63 – Gene Upshaw

Another hard nosed, badass, old school NFL lineman. Upshaw played 14 years for the Raiders, scooping up three First Team All-Pro selections, five Second Team All-Pro selections, and two Super Bowl rings.

Honorable Mention: Brad Marchand

62 – Jim Langer

Jim Langer was the center for the only undefeated team in NFL history, the 1972 Dolphins. Langer won two Super Bowls and was a three time First Team All-Pro.

Honorable Mention: N/A

61 – Liván Hernández

Who else loved this absolute unit growing up? His career numbers aren’t stellar, but anyone who can hang around the majors for 17 seasons is impressive. Hernandez is a two time All-Star who won a ring as well as World Series MVP honors with the Marlins in 1997.

Honorable Mention: Rick Nash

60 – Dallas Keuchel

Not a lot of meat on the 60 bone, but a fine choice here. Keuchel has established himself as one of the steadiest pitchers in baseball since entering the bigs with the Astros in 2012. He has won four Gold Gloves, the 2015 Cy Young, and a World Series ring in 2017.

Honorable Mention: N/A

Another edition of “Who Wore It Best,” done and dusted. Nice representative spread in the the 60’s for football, hockey, and baseball. Total choke job from basketball here; maybe we’ll see some stronger effort in the 50’s?

Who Wore it Best? 99-90

February 24, 2021 Chris CookAnaheim Mighty Ducks, Arizona Coyotes, Brooklyn Nets, Bryant Young, Buffalo Sabres, Cam Heyward, Carolina Panthers, Casey Hampton, Chicago Bears, Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, Colorado Avalanche, Colorado Rockies, Columbus Blue Jackets, Cortez Kennedy, Dallas Mavericks, Dennis Rodman, Detroit Lions, Detroit Pistons, Detroit Red Wings, Edmonton Oilers, George Mikan, Green Bay Packers, Houston Astros, Houston Rockets, Indiana Pacers, Indianapolis Colts, Jason Collins, Jeremy Roenick, John Randle, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Kings, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Rams, Manny Ramirez, Memphis Grizzlies, Metta World Peace, Miami Dolphins, Milwaukee Bucks, Minneapolis Lakers, Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Vikings, MLB, NBA, Ndamukong Suh, New York Jets, New York Knicks, New York Rangers, NFL, NHL, Oakland Athletics, Orlando Magic, Philadelphia Eagles, Philadelphia Flyers, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Steelers, Reggie White, Richard Dent, Sacramento Kings, San Antonio Spurs, San Diego Padres, San Francisco 49ers, San Jose Sharks, Seattle Seahawks, St. Louis Blues, St. Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tomas Holmstrom, Warren Sapp, Washington Capitals, Washington Wizards, Wayne Gretzky2 Comments

We’re kicking off a new series; and we’re going by the numbers. This countdown is dedicated to the best players of all-time by each jersey number. No concrete formula here, just career stats, impact on the game, and some good old fashion opinion. Let’s hop right in.

99 – Wayne Gretzky

He’s called “The Great One” for a reason. Hard to pick a favorite stat to demonstrate Gretzky’s dominance, but one of my favorites is that if he never scored a goal, he still would have had 11 straight 100-point seasons and won four scoring titles.

Honorable Mentions: Manny Ramirez, George Mikan, Warren Sapp

98 – Casey Hampton

Not a widely popular number, so not our largest name on the list. Appropriately nicknamed “Big Snacks,” Hampton made five Pro Bowls as the Steelers nose tackle in the early aughts.

Honorable Mentions: Jason Collins

97 – Jeremy Roenick

Maybe not the best guy, but a pretty good hockey player. The eighth overall pick in the 1988 NHL draft scored 1,216 points in 1,363 games played.

Honorable Mentions: Bryant Young, Cam Heyward

96 – Cortez Kennedy

Kennedy recorded 58 sacks in his 11 seasons for the Seahawks. He recorded 569 tackles and 11 forced fumbles.

Honorable Mentions: Metta World Peace, Tomas Holmstrom

95 – Richard Dent

A bonafide Hall of Famer who was a part of one of the greatest defenses of all time, the ’85 Bears. What more can you ask for?

Honorable Mentions: N/A

94 – Charles Haley

The defensive centerpiece of two all-time franchises in the Cowboys and 49ers.

Honorable Mention: Demarcus Ware

93 – John Randle

Anyone who goes undrafted in their respective sport and go on to become a Hall of Famer is good enough for this list. Randle made seven Pro Bowls and was a six time first team All-Pro selection en route to Canton.

Honorable Mentions: Pat Neshak, Metta World Peace

92 – Reggie White

“The Minister of Defense” was one of the greatest free agent signings of all time, when he left the Philadelphia Eagles in 1992 and signed with the Green Bay Packers. He finished his career with 198 sacks, two NFL defensive player of the year awards, and a Super Bowl ring.

Honorable Mentions: DeShawn Stevenson, Gabriel Landeskog

91 – Dennis Rodman

An obvious answer for a surprisingly strong number. But Rodman’s five rings, seven NBA All-Defensive first selections, and nearly 12,000 career rebounds puts him on our list.

Honorable Mentions: Kevin Greene, Sergei Fedorov

90 – Ndamukong Suh

Suh has had a late-career number change to 93, but he donned 90 early in his career for the Lions when he was arguable at his best. During his time rocking the big 9-0, Suh was the NFL Rookie of the Year, made four Pro Bowls, and was a three time NFL First Team All-Pro.

Honorable Mention: Ryan O’Reilly

High numbers, a lot of hockey players and defensive lineman, to be expected. Will we have some different sports and positions represented in our next set of jersey numbers, 89-80? Only time will tell.