1. NFL player
Stephen Davis, Carolina: The Panthers back has rushed for more than 1,000 yards in four of the past five seasons, mostly the hard way: on 4-yard plunges through the heart of the defense. . . . The NFL’s most underrated position was punter.
2. Baseball player
Carlos Beltran, K.C.: Most fans outside Missouri (aside from White Sox fans) wouldn’t recognize his name. But his per-season numbers in four seasons say it all: .294, 25 HRs and 104 RBIs.
3. Coach
Tex Winter, L.A. Lakers: He has been at Phil Jackson’s side for all nine championships with the Bulls and Lakers, and is responsible for perfecting the famed triangle offense that led to both team’s successes.
4. Sports movie
“Eight Men Out”: Quality sports dramas are hard to find. Strong performances by John Cusak, Charlie Sheen and D.B. Sweeney make this 1988 film about the 1919 World Series scandal involving the White Sox worth watching.
5. Season record
Eric Dickerson: With all the punishment an NFL running back takes to earn just 1 yard, Dickerson’s 2,105 yards in 1984 deserve to be remembered.
6. Other notable underrated . . .
Stat: NHL points per game
Tradition: The hockey handshake
Sport: Lacrosse
Olympic sport: Curling
Sports book: “The Natural”
Hall of Famer: Hank Aaron, Oscar Robertson tied
Sports drink: Water
