Football is one common popular sport in the world. It has made it have a big attraction when it comes to the world of betting. When you consider the number of bets made on football across the globe, you will be amazed by the crazy figure that it has. But that is not surprising because it is popular, attracting many fans globally. The only problem many bettors face is that it is hard to make sure bets will earn you money. While it is simple registering an account and beginning gambling, but it becomes hard to win. Luckily, there are numerous things that one can do to enhance your chances of winning. The below content provides you with clear tips that you can apply in betting to make correct choices.

Before you join gambling, just know that you cannot win always

Before you get into sports betting, it is important to have an open mind. Regardless of what you hear from people or read on the internet, be sure that you will not always win. There is no clear method way that guarantees winning results every other time. Sometimes you may win, while other times, you may lose. If you want to survive in the betting industry, the main secret is to ensure you get minimal losses.

Keep detailed record

Keeping the record is an essential tool you should have as a sports bettor. These records are helpful when making bets as they help one know how strong one team is against the other. With the proper application of records, it is possible to make the right bets for livescore. In addition to the records, you can understand the stronger team while playing. If you take advantage of this method, you will earn a clearer picture of the best strategies that will work for you.

Switch things up

Are you seriously invested in sports betting? Then, you understand there are numerous bookmakers. While some are serious ones, others are jokers. Be skeptical about choosing the best to avoid losing money. You may find a good site, but that doesn't mean you should stick with them. You can always register with other bookmakers with greater promotions and different amazing odds. Always take advantage of the website that is offering the best.

Be impartial always

If you involve your emotions in the world of betting, it won’t be good for you. It is advisable to put aside your emotions even if you are a football fan and be impartial. This helps avoid making unnecessary mistakes when you know the real results that will likely happen. It is important to involve the analytical brain as this helps make a sound decision. However, many football bettors make the mistake of involving their emotions for the love of their teams. Probably, the best bet is to stay away from the games, so you don't need to involve your emotions.

Many things affect the results of a game. It could be the game taking place at its location. Whether you will make livescore or offline betting, it is good to learn these pointers and know how to apply them for better results.

The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago. The Bears compete in the National Football League as a member club of the league's National Football Conference North division

To both complement and supplement Fanduel.com's Super Bowl betting odds, we will be documenting all the key facts and figures surrounding your favorite teams. We will uncover the history, statistics, and relevant landmark moments. Alongside that, we uncover both players and staff from the current regime and days gone by to provide the overall fan-focused article you desire. 

Our extensive NFL coverage turns its attention to Chicago Bears in this piece, so sit back and enjoy the read and prepare to get educated about everything you need to know regarding the Chicago Bears football team; 

Fun Facts

• The Bears have retired 14 uniform numbers, which is the most in the NFL
• In the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the Bears have the most enshrined primary members with 30; the club also has had seven Hall of Famers spend a minor portion of their career with the franchise. Founder, owner, head coach, and player George Halas, halfback Bronko Nagurski, and Red Grange were a part of the original class of inductees in 1963
• The franchise saw 14 individuals inducted into the Hall of Fame from 1963 to 1967. Offensive tackle Jim Covert and defensive end Ed Sprinkle are the most recent Chicago Bear inductees, both being inducted as seniors as part of the Pro Football Hall of Fame's centennial class of 2020
• In 2012, Charles Tillman set the record for most forced fumbles in a single game with 4 against the Tennessee Titans. Also against the Titans, Chicago became the first team in league history to score a touchdown pass, a touchdown run, an interception return for a touchdown, and a blocked kick/punt for a score in the same quarter. Tillman and teammate Lance Briggs became the first pair in NFL history to return an interception for a touchdown in consecutive games against the Jacksonville Jaguars and Dallas Cowboys.

Club Background

Founded: 

September 17, 1920

Team Colors:

Navy blue, burnt orange, white

Mascot:

Staley Da Bear

Nicknames:

• Da Bears
• The Monsters of the Midway

Stadium:

Soldier Field

Capacity:

61,500

Record Attendance:

66,944 (1994)

Owner: 

Virginia Halas McCaskey

Recent History

Last Trophy: 

NFC North 2018

All-time Top Scorer:

Robbie Gould is the Chicago Bears career leader in points scored with 1,207

Notable Former Players:

• Walter Payton
• Dick Butkus
• Bronko Nagurski
• Sid Luckman
• Gale Sayers
• Mike Ditka
• Bill George
• Clyde "Bulldog" Turner
• Doug Atkins
• Danny Fortmann
• Dan Hampton
• Richard Dent
• Jim Covert
• Brian Urlacher
• Mike Singletary
• Bill Hewitt
• Stan Jones
• Jay Hilgenberg
• Steve McMichael
• Devin Hester
• Joe Stydahar
• George Connor
• George McAfee
• Joe Fortunato
• Ed Sprinkle
• Ed Healey
• Olin Kreutz
• Lance Briggs
• Rick Casares

Notable Former Coaches: 

• George Halas
• Hunk Anderson
• Luke Johnsos
• Paddy Driscoll
• Jim Dooley
• Abe Gibron
• Mike Ditka 
• Dave Wannstedt

Record Signing: 

Eddie Jackson agreed to a four-year, $58.4 million contract extension with the Bears in 2020

Current Performance 

Last Five Results: 

LLWLL

Last Five Finishing Positions:

2016 NFL NFC North 4th 3 13 0 — —

2017 NFL NFC North 4th 5 11 0 — —

2018 NFL NFC North 1st 12 4 0 Lost to Philadelphia Eagles in NFC Wild Card Game. —

2019 NFL NFC North 3rd 8 8 0 — —

2020 NFL NFC North 2nd 8 8 0 Lost to New Orleans Saints in NFC Wild Card Game. —

Chairman:

George McCaskey

Coach:

Matt Nagy

Notable Current Players: 

Quarterbacks

• 14 Andy Dalton
•  1 Justin Fields
•  9 Nick Foles

Running backs

• 24 Khalil Herbert
• 32 David Montgomery
• 35 Ryan Nall
•  8 Damien Williams

Wide receivers

• 10 Damiere Byrd
• 84 Marquise Goodwin
• 17 Jakeem Grant 
• 11 Darnell Mooney
• 12 Allen Robinson

Tight ends

• 80 Jimmy Graham
• 81 J. P. Holtz
• 87 Jesper Horsted
• 18 Jesse James
• 85 Cole Kmet

Offensive linemen

• 64 Alex Bars 
• 75 Larry Borom 
• 68 James Daniels 
• 76 Teven Jenkins
• 67 Sam Mustipher 
• 71 Jason Peters 
• 73 Lachavious Simmons 
• 65 Cody Whitehair 

Defensive linemen

• 90 Angelo Blackson 
• 96 Akiem Hicks 
• 93 Margus Hunt 
• 98 Bilal Nichols 
• 95 Khyiris Tonga 

Linebackers

• 99 Trevis Gipson 
• 55 Bruce Irvin 
• 45 Joel Iyiegbuniwe 
• 92 Caleb Johnson 
• 57 Christian Jones 
• 44 Alec Ogletree 
• 94 Robert Quinn 
• 58 Roquan Smith 

Defensive backs

• 26 Deon Bush 
• 23 Marqui Christian 
• 21 Xavier Crawford 
• 38 Tashaun Gipson 
•  4 Eddie Jackson 
• 33 Jaylon Johnson 
• 37 Teez Tabor 
• 22 Kindle Vildor 

Special teams

• 16 Pat O'Donnell 
•  2 Cairo Santos 
• 48 Patrick Scales 

The World Wrestling Entertainment is one of the most popular entertainment companies in the United States. With the main inspiration behind the company being Lucha libre, WWE combines professional wrestling, with the over-the-top nature of comic book heroics, and the drama of performance-theater, to create one of the most popular, entertaining, and interesting American cultural exports. WWE is the world’s most popular pro-wrestling organization, and has spawned numerous video games, and imitators.

What is interesting about WWE is that even though the matches are predetermined, and made purely for entertainment, fans of WWE and betting can still bet on the matches. While the matches are predetermined, the company keeps the winner under tight wrap, which allows people to place bets on who the winner is. Novibet sports betting allows users to bet on a number of sports, including WWE matches. 

Throughout the decade long history of the WWE, there have been a number of performers who have stood out among their peers, and have even been able to transition to a career in acting and music. In this article, we will take a look at some of the biggest, and most popular wrestlers in the history of WWE.

The Undertaker

Mark William Calaway, better known as The Undertaker is one of the most popular wrestlers in WWE, with more nicknames than any other wrestler. Whether you want to call him the Mean Mark, The Punisher, the Commando, or the Master of Pain, the Undertaker is without a doubt one of WWE’s greatest performers. For a long time, his story was at the center of WWE’s biggest event, WrestleMania, where he became known for his streak of 21, uninterrupted victories. 

One of the biggest Undertaker stories in the WWE is his feud, and subsequent reconciliation with his half-brother Kane, another rather famous wrestler, with whom he later paired up to form the duo, Brothers of Destruction. 

A part of Undertaker’s appeal lay in his gimmick, which involves his dark/black/goth clothing, and horror film-themed, funeral-like appearance and aesthetic, which is where he got his name.

John Cena

When speaking about the most popular wrestlers of the 21^st century, we can’t not mention John Cena. Cena’s popularity has made him one of WWE’s top-earning performers, as well as earning him 16 WWE world championships, a record which he still holds today. John Cena began his career as a trash talking rapper, however, later on polished his persona. Today he is most known for his catchphrase “You Can’t See Me”, and his trumped-scored introduction theme, which has recently become a meme.

In recent years, John Cena transitioned from WWE to a career in acting, and has since starred in a few blockbuster flicks, including Trainwreck, Bumblebee, and most recently, Suicide Squad. He has also been a major force when it comes to charitable causes, most notably the Make-A-Wish foundation. 

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson

By far the most popular pro-wrestler in the world, Dwayne is now more commonly known as an actor than he is as a WWE wrestler, but he got his start in the ring, where he debuted in 1996. Today he has starred in a number of films, and most recently has tried his hand at a music career as well.

The betting business has been around for years, with many individuals visiting land-based betting zones within their localities to place their bets. But lately, the betting industry has evolved, and now several businesses are located over the internet. There are countless online betting portals on the market, and each varies in terms of the perk.

It is not easy to select a reliable betting platform when overwhelmed with odds and offers. Due to this, it is best if you research and find the right online betting platform like the Latest fun88 entrance (ทางเข้า fun88 ล่าสุด) to place your bets. Keep reading to make sure you make the right choice.

Do Your Homework

The primary thing you need to factor in when looking for the right betting site like fun88 is to make sure that it is trustworthy. The betting process entails depositing and withdrawing money, so you want to ensure that all your details and funds are kept safe. If you want to figure out if a specific betting platform can be trusted, it is best to make sure that you conduct a thorough research about their operations.

The site will need to have a gaming license in place to operate legally, and the betting site needs to have details of the license on its site like Latest fun88 entrance (ทางเข้า fun88 ล่าสุด). Besides, it will help to determine the kind of deposits and withdrawals they provide you with. You don’t want to sign up on a betting site that makes withdrawals of the winnings difficult.

Go Through the Online Reviews

Another thing that you need to look for before you settle on a betting portal is to read the online reviews. Many individuals out there write these reviews intending to help other punters who are looking to join the sites. You might find one or two negative opinions, but with many positive reviews, you should go ahead and sign up on the site. 

Maybe the individuals with negative thoughts about a particular betting site were unlucky to have a bad experience. Therefore, it is best to pinpoint the genuine reviews from the disgruntled punters. However, this is a very crucial thing to keep in mind. It will help ensure that you go through the reviews and that you are completely informed before you join the site.

Customer Support

Normally for those who want to bet online, should make sure that they settle on a site with excellent customer service. With exemplary customer support in place, you will be able to get assistance instantly when you need it. You will not be waiting for an answer for days. 

Betting sites offer a wide range of games and services. Some offer slot games, while others offer sports games, among other games. Therefore, you can inquire about the kind of games your prospective betting site specializes in with good customer service.

It is perfect to pick the right sports betting portal like fun88 if you take the time to conduct in-depth research. Also, you need to go through online reviews and check out how the betting platforms treat their punters. Once you know that you have made the right choice of a betting site, you can start wagering and focusing on winning big.

For as long as friendly competition has existed, people have partaken in the practice of betting. There is evidence which points to the fact that betting on sports (or other competitions) has existed since the Ancient Era, and the practice has endured today. Sports betting is hugely popular among hardcore gamblers, amateurs, and casual fans of sports alike. 

Of course, as we make advancements in society, our pastimes also advance. Today many betting shops offer pamphlets and statistics which make sports betting easier than ever, even to the casual fan. Sometimes, these statistics can even help people who aren’t fans of the sport, but just like to bet. 

Another way in which sports betting has become easier than ever, is through the advent of online sports betting. As with anything else, the internet has made betting and gambling more convenient than ever before with the advent of online betting shops and online casinos. New online sports betting sites at Helpbet have seen a major boost in traffic recently, as more and more people become interested in betting.

But what sport are people most likely to bet on? In this article we will take a look at just a few of the most popular sports in the betting world, online and offline. 

Tennis

Tennis is one of the most popular sports in the world, played by over sixty million women and men worldwide. In the betting world, tennis is one of the most popular sports. The popularity of tennis betting stems from the ease with which one can place bets on matches, or sets. Live betting is also allowed on tennis matches. People watching the game unfold can make informed decisions and bet on who is going to win a set, or the match overall. 

The one drawback of betting on tennis is that the odds are quite low, however, this drawback can be overcome through a smart combination of bets placed on different outcomes. 

Association Football/Soccer

Football is the most popular sport played globally, so it I only natural that it is also the most popular sport among bettors. In the UK alone, over a billion pounds are spent betting on the outcome of football matches, with that amount being much higher when taking global spending into account. 

Football betting is also incredibly diverse, as people can bet on the outcome of matches, half-times, the performance of individual players, or the performance of a team as a whole. 

Mixed Martial Arts

MMA is quickly becoming a household name, with the popularity of fighters like Connor McGregor, and “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey becoming pop culture icons, even outside the sport. There are many reasons for why Mixed Martial Arts is becoming so popular today, but the main reason likely has something to do with humanity’s primal desire to see two athletes, at the peak of physical excellence, tearing into each other.

With MMA’s growing popularity, also comes the growing popularity of betting on MMA matches and tournaments. Betting on MMA matches is ridiculously easy, as there are only two options. Either one fighter wins, or the other. Bettors can bet on the outcome of a round, or the outcome of an entire match, with varying degrees of stakes. 

A journeyman player who celebrated his 30th birthday during the 2021 MLB season, Enrique Hernandez is, perhaps, an unlikely hero for the Boston Red Sox. As the team look ahead to the 2022 campaign, there have been plenty of important contributions from around the field but supporters would have been delighted by the contribution made by their Puerto Rican.

He’s very much an outsider for the Hall of Fame at this stage but Hernadez is a genuine contender in an unofficial poll for the most underrated player of the campaign.

Long Journey

Enrique Hernandez has been a surprise package this season, especially when you consider his long path into Major League Baseball. He was first picked up by the Houston Astros in 2009 and had to wait until the sixth round of that year’s draft result to hear his name called.

Hernandez had to be patient again as he waited a full five years to make his debut for the Astros in MLB. As a Utility Player, he featured in 24 games for Houston in 2014 and returned some respectable batting stats.

Despite showing some promise, Hernandez was traded to the Miami Marlins at the end of that 2014 campaign, along with Jarred Cosart and Austin Wates. His stay in Miami was brief, playing just 18 games before moving on to the LA Dodgers a year later in 2015.

Hernandez finally found some stability in Los Angeles and he would stay in the west for the next five seasons. It was an up-and-down experience for the player who tended to follow up effective campaigns with more subdued performances.

2015 showed some promise but there were injuries along the way and Hernandez became better known for wearing a banana suit in the dugout when he wasn’t playing. From 2017 onwards, he became more consistent for the Dodgers while playing in every position except pitcher and catcher.

Popular with the fans, Hernandez’s stock increased and, in 2020, he played his part as the Dodgers claimed the World Series. Stability had seemed to arrive but, ahead of the 2021 campaign, Enrique Hernandez signed that two-year contract with the Boston Red Sox.

Red Sox Rated

The Red Sox made it to the postseason but ultimately fell just one game short of making it through to the World Series. Having beaten the Yankees and the Tampa Bay Rays in the opening rounds, it was ironic that Boston went down to Enrique Hernandez’s old team, the Houston Astros, in the League Championship Series.

The Astros now face the Atlanta Braves in that World Series with the best baseball betting sites showing the Braves as very narrow favorites. Once those final games are completed, the markets reset and those sportsbooks, affiliated with sbo.net, will report on the figures ahead of the 2022 season. 

Having fallen just short of the World Series game, Boston Red Sox will be up among the favorites for the pennant when the markets open for 2022. Sbo.net will publish and continue to update the odds once the new season gets underway.

Articles on the MLB will cover news and opinion and, if anyone wants to place a bet on the new season, it’s easy to do so. The panel of recommended sportsbooks listed here will all accept new registrations and there is a choice of funding methods which can cover opening stakes.

Effective customer service and the potential for live streaming some baseball are among the other benefits. It’s a strong website for all baseball fans but how has Enrique Hernandez influenced the Red Sox’s standing?

Hernandez in Numbers

By the start of September, Hernandez had played 112 games for the Red Sox and his numbers have been seriously impressive throughout the campaign. At that stage, some of his best performances had come in center field where he saved 11 defensive runs and had six outs above average.

His batting improved after being shifted up to the leadoff spot at the end of June. His next 51 games after that switch saw him hit no fewer than 11 homers while returning superb stats throughout.

The journeyman may have finally found a home and the individual performances of Enrique Hernandez can help the Boston Red Sox to go one better in 2022.

We here at Notinhalloffame.com thought it would be fun to take a look at the major awards in North American team sports and see how it translates into Hall of Fame potential.

Needless to say, different awards in different sports yield hall of fame potential.  In basketball, the team sport with the least number of players on a roster, the dividend for greatness much higher.  In baseball, it is not as much as a great individual season does not have the same impact.

Last time, we looked at the ALCS or NLCS MVPs.  We have one major baseball award left, the Hank Aaron Award, which is given annually to the best hitter in each league.  It is named after Aaron, who was one of the most prolific hitters of all-time.

The trophy first came into existence in 1999, with one awarded in each league.

So how many Hank Aaron Award winners have made the Baseball Hall of Fame?

Let’s find out!

The following are the past players who have won the Hank Aaron Award who are eligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame and have been enshrined.

2006 AL: Derek Jeter, New York Yankees, Third Base, 14 HR, 97 RBI, .343/.417/.483            

Derek Jeter is one of the most popular players in Yankees history, which is incredible considering how many legends wore the pinstripes.  In 2006, Jeter had already won the World Series four times, and he went to his seventh All-Star Game, while earning his first Silver Slugger.  Jeter was the runner-up for the MVP this year.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2020.

2009 AL: Derek Jeter, New York Yankees, Third Base, 18 HR, 66 RBI, .334/.406/.465 (2)            

Jeter finished third in MVP voting this year, and he collected his fourth consecutive Silver Slugger.  He would lead New York to another World Series win, his fifth, and he played until 2014, collecting 3,465 Hits with a .310 lifetime Batting Average.  Jeter was overall a 14-time All-Star, five-time Silver Slugger, five-time Gold Glove winner, who also smacked 260 Home Runs with 1,311 RBIs.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2020.

 

The following are the players who have won the Hank Aaron Award who are eligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame and have not been selected:

1999 AL: Manny Ramirez, Cleveland Indians, Outfield, 44 HR, 165 RBI, .333/.442/.633.            

Ramirez had already proven himself as a star, but this season, he led the American League in RBIs with 165, which would be a career-high.  An All-Star for the third time, Ramirez also led the league in Slugging Percentage, OPS (1.105) and was third in MVP voting.  He also won the Silver Slugger.

Eligible Since 2017.  Ramirez has been on the ballot for five years, finishing as high as 28.2% in both 2019 and 2020.  Ranked #7 on Notinhalloffame.com  

1999 NL: Sammy Sosa, Chicago Cubs, Outfield, 63 HR, 141 RBI, .288/.367/.635, 1999, NL            

Sosa was the 1998 National League MVP, and was ninth this year in voting.  He was also a Silver Slugger winner, winning it for the third of six times.  While Sosa is a seven-time All-Star with 609 career Home Runs, PED suspicion has kept him out of Cooperstown.

Eligible Since 2013.  Sosa has been on the ballot for nine years, finishing as high as 17.0% in 2020.  Ranked #31 on Notinhalloffame.com  

2000 AL:  Carlos Delgado, Toronto Blue Jays, First Base, 41 HR, 137 RBI, .344/.470/.664, 2000, AL            

Delgado was an All-Star for the first time, and he led the AL in Doubles (57) and was fourth in MVP voting.  The First Baseman earned the second of his third Silver Sluggers this year, and he would later play for Florida and New York (NL), retiring on 2009.  Delgado had 473 Home Runs with 1,512 RBIs over his career.

Eligible Since 2015.  Delgado was on the ballot for one year in 2015 and received 3.6% of the vote.  Ranked #82 on Notinhalloffame.com  

2000 NL:  Todd Helton, Colorado Rockies, First Base, 42 HR, 147 RBI, .372/.463/.698, 2000, NL            

2000 was arguably Helton’s best year in baseball as he led the NL in Hits (216), Doubles (59), RBIs, and all three Slash Line components.  This began a five-year streak of All-Star Game appearances, and a four-year run of Silver Sluggers.  Helton, who was fifth in MVP voting this year, played his entire career with the Rockies, and had 2,519 Hits, 369 Home Runs, 1,406 RBIs with a Slash Line of .316/.414/539.

Eligible Since 2018.  Helton has been on the ballot for three years, finishing as high as 44.9% in 2021.  Ranked #9 on Notinhalloffame.com  

2001 AL:  Alex Rodriguez, Texas Rangers, Shortstop, 52 HR, 135 RBI, .318/.399/.622, 2001, AL            

After establishing himself as a superstar in Seattle, Rodriguez signed what was then the biggest contract in baseball with the Texas Rangers.  Rodriguez delivered with his best year to date, though he was only sixth in MVP voting.  He led the AL in Home Runs (52), Runs Scored (133), and was a Silver Slugger for the fifth time.

Eligible Since 2022.  Rodriguez is on the ballot for the first time this year.  Ranked #3 on Notinhalloffame.com  

2001 NL:  Barry Bonds, San Francisco Giants, Outfield, 73 HR, 137 RBI, .328/.515/.863, 2001, NL            

This was the year that Bonds set the single season record in Home Runs, and Slugging Percentage, and while he was wildly unpopular outside of San Francisco, he was the runaway winner for the MVP, his fourth and first since 1993 when he was a Pirate.  Bonds also led the NL in OBP, OPS, and won his ninth Silver Slugger this year.

Eligible Since 2013.  Bonds has been on the ballot for nine years and finished as high as 61.8% in 2021.  Ranked #1C on Notinhalloffame.com  

2002 AL:  Alex Rodriguez, Texas Rangers, Shortstop, 57 HR, 142 RBI, .300/.392/.623, 2001, AL (2)           

A-Rod was incredible this year, leading the AL in Home Runs for the second straight year, and winning his first RBI Title.  Rodriguez finished second for the MVP, won his sixth Silver Slugger, and defensively won the Gold Glove for the first time. 

Eligible Since 2022.  Rodriguez is on the ballot for the first time this year.  Ranked #3 on Notinhalloffame.com  

2002 NL:  Barry Bonds, San Francisco Giants, Outfield, 46 HR, 110 RBI, .370/.582/.799, 2002, NL (2)         

Bonds was again putting up PlayStation like numbers, and while his Home Runs were “only” 46, his OBP rocketed up to .582.  Basically, nobody wanted to pitch to him unless they had to.  Bonds repeated as MVP, winning his fifth overall, and also was a Silver Slugger for the tenth time.

Eligible Since 2013.  Bonds has been on the ballot for nine years and finished as high as 61.8% in 2021.  Ranked #1C on Notinhalloffame.com  

2003 AL:  Alex Rodriguez, Texas Rangers, Shortstop, 47 HR, 118 RBI, .298/.396/.600 (3)           

While arguably this was his weakest of his three years in Texas, Rodriguez captured his first MVP.  A-Rod led the AL in Home Runs for the third straight season (47), and he won his first Slugging Title (.600).  Silver Slugger number seven came to Rodriguez as did his second Gold Glove. 

Eligible Since 2022.  Rodriguez is on the ballot for the first time this year.  Ranked #3 on Notinhalloffame.com 

2004 AL: Manny Ramirez, Boston Red Sox, Outfield, 43 HR, 130 RBI, .308/.397/.613 (2)           

Ramirez joined the Red Sox in 2001, and in 2004, he won his first Home Run Title.  This season, he won his third Slugging Title, third OPS Title, and was third for the AL MVP.  Again winning the Silver Slugger, Ramirez and the Red Sox broke the curse this year, by winning their first World Series since 2019.  Ramirez played until 2012, blasting 555 Home Runs, 1.831 RBIs, with a lifetime Slash Line of .312/.411/.585.

Eligible Since 2017.  Ramirez has been on the ballot for five years, finishing as high as 28.2% in both 2019 and 2020.  Ranked #7 on Notinhalloffame.com  

2004 NL:  Barry Bonds, San Francisco Giants, Outfield, 45 HR, 101 RBI, .362/.609/.812 (3)         

Bonds did not win the Hank Aaron Award in 2003, but he won the MVP that year, his third in a row.  He reclaimed the Hank Aaron Award in 2004, along with his fourth straight MVP, where he set a MLB record with a 1.422 OPS season.  Injuries and age caught up with Bonds, and despite being an All-Star in 2007 with a National League leading OBP of .480, he was not signed by any other team afterward.  He finished his career with 762 Home Runs, and 2,558 Walks, both of which are all-time records.  He retired with a lifetime OPS of 1.051.

Eligible Since 2013.  Bonds has been on the ballot for nine years and finished as high as 61.8% in 2021.  Ranked #1C on Notinhalloffame.com  

2005 AL:  David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox, Designated Hitter, 47 HR, 148 RBI, .300/.397/.604.         

Ortiz became the first primary Designated Hitter to win the Hank Aaron Award, and the popular player won the RBI Title for the first of what would be three times.  This was his second year in Boston, his second All-Star season, and he also won his second Silver Slugger.  Ortiz was the runner-up for the MVP.

Eligible Since 2022.  Ortiz is on the ballot for the first time this year.  Ranked #8 on Notinhalloffame.com  

2005 NL:  Andruw Jones, Atlanta Braves, Outfield, 51 HR, 128 RBI, .263/.347/.575.          

This was the best season of Jones’ career, and he won the Home Run (51) and RBI (128) Titles for the only time this year.  Jones also captured his only Silver Slugger this year, and he was the runner-up for the National League MVP.  Jones stayed with Atlanta until 2007, after which he played with the Dodgers, Rangers, White Sox and Yankees, and retired with 434 Home Runs.

Eligible Since 2017.  Jones has been on the ballot for four years and finished as high as 33.9% in 2021.  Ranked #40 on Notinhalloffame.com  

2006 NL:  Ryan Howard, Philadelphia Phillies, First Base, 58 HR, 149 RBI, .313/.425/.659.          

In what was his third Major League season, Ryan Howard was spectacular, and produced his best year in Baseball.  Howard was first in Home Runs (58), Runs Batted In (149), and his Slash Line of .313/.425/.659 were career highs.  Justifiably, Howard won the MVP and the Silver Slugger, and over the next three seasons, he blasted at least 45 Home Runs and 136 RBIs.  Howard slumped after that, losing facets of his game, which considering he couldn’t field or run fast, took him out of any Hall of Fame consideration.  He played his entire career with the Phillies, accumulating 1,475 Hits, 382 Home Runs and 1,194 RBIs.

Eligible Since 2022.  Howard is on the ballot for the first time this year.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com

2007 AL:  Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees, Shortstop, 47 HR, 118 RBI, .298/.396/.600. (4)           

Rodriguez joined the Yankees in 2004, and to say it was a tumultuous period would be an understatement.  This did not mean that he did not produce colossal numbers in the Bronx, as he did.  He won his second MVP in 2005, and his third this year, winning his fifth Home Run Title (54), second RBI Title (156), third Slugging Title (.645) and second OPS Title (1.067).  A-Rod also won the ninth of what would be ten Silver Sluggers.  Rodriguez drama began after this season, but he did win a World Series Ring in 2009.  He finished his career with 3,115 Hits, 696 Home Runs, 2,086 RBIs, 329 Stolen Bases and a lifetime Batting Average of .295.

Eligible Since 2022.  Rodriguez is on the ballot for the first time this year.  Ranked #3 on Notinhalloffame.com 

2007 NL:  Prince Fielder, Milwaukee Brewers, First Base, 50 HR, 119 RBI, .288/.395/.618.          

Prince Fielder followed in the footsteps of his father, Cecil, as he became a stocky power-hitting First Baseman, and this was his breakout year.  Fielder led the American League in Home Runs (50), was third in MVP voting, and won the Silver Slugger.  He had five more 30 Home Run seasons, would become a six-time All-Star and collected three Silver Sluggers.  His career ended abruptly at age 32 due to injuries, and he retired with 319 Home Runs.

Eligible Since 2022.  Fielder is on the ballot for the first time this year.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com

2008 AL:  Kevin Youkilis, Boston Red Sox, First Base, 29 HR, 115 RBI, .312/.390/.569.          

This was the best year of Youkilis’ career, where he had career-bests in Home Runs (29), RBIs (115) and Batting Average (.312), and was an All-Star for the first time.  Youkilis was third in MVP voting, and he helped the BoSox win two previous World Series.  He went to two more All-Star Games, and played with Boston until 2012, finishing his career with brief stops in Chicago (AL) and New York (AL) before retiring in 213.  He had 1,053 career Hits.

Eligible Since 2019.  Youkilis was on the ballot for one year in 2019, but did not receive any votes.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com

2008 NL:  Aramis Ramirez, Chicago Cubs, Third Base, 27 HR, 112 RBI, .289/.380/.518.          

Ramirez was an All-Star in 2005, and in 2008, his 11^th Season, He was an All-Star for the second and final time.  This year, he was tenth in MVP voting, equalling his finish in 2004.  Ramirez later played for Milwaukee, going to a third All-Star Game in 2014, and was a Silver Slugger (while still a Cub) in 2011.  He retired in 2015, finishing with 2,303 Hits, 386 Home Runs and 1,417 RBIs.

Eligible Since 2021.  Ramirez was on the ballot for one year in 2021, and received 1.0% of the vote.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com

2016 AL:  David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox, Designated Hitter, 38 HR, 127 RBI, .315/.401/.620, AL (2)         

Ortiz had one of the best farewell seasons ever, and fittingly it resulted in his second Hank Aaron Award, 11 years after his first.  For the only time in his career, he led the AL in Doubles (48), and his 127 RBI gave him his third RBI title.  Ortiz also led the AL in Slugging Percentage (.620) and OPS (1.021), and he won the Silver Slugger for the seventh time.  Over his career, Ortiz had 2,473 Hits, 541 Home Runs, 1,768 RBIs with a lifetime OPS of .931.  He was also instrumental in the Red Sox winning three World Series.

Eligible Since 2022.  Ortiz is on the ballot for the first time this year.  Ranked #8 on Notinhalloffame.com  

 

Let’s update our tally, shall we?       

Award in Question	Percentage of recipients who have entered the HOF	Percentage of recipients by year who have entered the HOF.
NBA MVP	100%	100%
NHL Art Ross	100%	100%
NHL Hart Trophy	93.6%	96.3%
NBA Finals MVP	91.3%	94.9%
NHL Norris	90.5%	96.4%
NHL Ted Lindsay Award	90.0%
NBA All-Star Game MVP	89.5%	91.7%
NHL Conn Smythe	74.2%	85.4%
NFL Bert Bell Award	73.7%	71.4%
NFL AP Offensive Player of the Year	73.1%	79.4%
NFL AP MVP	68.3%	74.0%
NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year	66.7%	66.7%
NHL Lady Byng	63.8%	76.0%
NFL Defensive Player of the Year	60.8%	71.1%
NFL Super Bowl MVP	60.6%	64.9%
NHL Mark Messier Leadership Award	60.0%	60.0%
NBA Defensive Player of the Year	58.3%	56.5%
NHL Vezina	57.1%	66.3%
NBA Rookie of the Year	56.5%	56.5%
MLB MVP	55.0%	60.2%
NFL Pro Bowl MVP	52.3%	54.8%
MLB Lou Gehrig Award	51.9%	51.9%
MLB Roberto Clemente Award	47.4%	47.4%
NHL Calder Trophy	46.5%	46.5%
NBA J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award	46.0%	46.0%
MLB/NL/AL Cy Young Award	44.4%	55.4%
MLB Babe Ruth Award	37.0%	39.3%
NHL King Clancy Award	36.8%	36.8%
NHL Frank J. Selke Trophy	33.3%	36.7%
MLB World Series MVP	33.3%	36.8%
MLB Hutch Award	33.1%	33.1%
NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year	28.6%	28.6%
NHL Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy	27.9%	27.9%
MLB Edgar Martinez Award	26.7%	17.2%
MLB Delivery Man of the Year	25.0%	50.0%
MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Designated Hitter)	25.0%	30.8%
MLB Comeback Player of the Year	25.0%	25.0%
MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Shortstop)	23.5%	52.6%
MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove	21.7%	36.8%
NHL William M. Jennings Trophy	20.7%	40.4%
NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year	20.6%	20.6%
MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Catcher)	20.0%	22.5%
MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (Second Base)	18.8%	39.8%
MLB Rolaids Reliever of the Year	18.6%	33.3%
MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (Shortstop)	18.2%	35.1%
MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Pitcher)	18.2%	20.1%
MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Second Base)	16.7%	32.7%
MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (Outfield)	16.7%	30.1%
MLB NLCS/ALCS MVP	16.1%	15.3%
MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Outfield)	15.7%	25.2%
MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (Third Base)	14.3%	14.3%
MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Third Base)	13.6%	14.3%
MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (First Base)	13.6%	13.3%
MLB (NL/AL) Rookie of the Year	13.3%	13.3%
MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (Catcher)	10.3%	15.2%
MLB Hank Aaron Award	9.1%	14.3%
NBA Most Improved Player of the Year	5.3%	3.2%
MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (First Base)	3.8%	3.2%
NFL AP Comeback Player of the Year	0.0%	0.0%

So, who is up next?

The following are the players who have won the Hank Aaron Award in MLB who have retired but have not met the mandatory years out of the game to qualify for the Baseball Hall of Fame: 

2010 AL: Jose Bautista, Toronto Blue Jays, Outfield, 54 HR, 124 RBI, .260/.378/.617           

Jose Bautista seemingly came out of nowhere to become an offensive star, as at age 29, he went from 13 to 54 Home Runs.  Bautista led the AL in Home Runs this year, and earned his first Silver Slugger.  He was also fourth in MVP voting, and began a six-year run of All-Stars.  

Eligible In 2024. 

2011 AL: Jose Bautista, Toronto Blue Jays, Outfield, 43 HR, 103 RBI, .302/.447/.608 (2)           

As great as Bautista’s power numbers were in 2011, they were down from what he did in 2010.  Nevertheless, Bautista became a more complete hitter, leading the AL in Walks (132), had his first (and only) .300 season, and he led the league in Slugging (.608) and OPS (1.056).  Bautista was third in MVP voting, and won his second Silver Slugger.  He won a third Silver Slugger in 2014, and had 344 Home Runs over his career, most of which happened after he turned 29.

Eligible In 2024. 

2011 NL: Matt Kemp, Los Angeles Dodgers, Outfield, 39 HR, 126 RBI, .324/.399/.586            

This was by far the nest season of Matt Kemp’s career, where he led the National League in Runs Scored (115), Home Runs (39) and RBIs, all of which were career-highs.  Kemp was the runner-up for the MVP, and this was his second and final Silver Slugger year.  The three-time All-Star would later play for San Diego, Atlanta, Cincinnati and Colorado, and he had 287 Home Runs.

Eligible In 2026. 

The following are the past players who have won the Hank Aaron Award who are eligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame and are still active.

2004 NL: Albert Pujols, St. Louis Cardinals, First Base, 2004, 43 HR, 124 RBI, .359/.439/.667.

Pujols was in his third season, and the second of which where he finished second in MVP voting behind Barry Bonds.  This year, Pujols, who won his second Silver Slugger, led the NL in Hits (212), Doubles (51) and Batting Average (.359). 

41 Years Old, Playing for the Los Angeles Angels.

2009 NL: Albert Pujols, St. Louis Cardinals, First Base, 2009, 47 HR, 135 RBI, .327/.443/.658 (2)            

After winning his first Hank Aaron Award in 2003, Pujols won the National League MVP in 2005 and 2008, and 2009 saw the slugger win his third.  Pujols won the Home Run title for the first time this year, and he also captured his first OBP crown.  This was also his third time winning the Slugging and OPS Title.  Silver Slugger number five happened this year for Pujols.

41 Years Old, Playing for the Los Angeles Angels.

2010 NL: Joey Votto, Cincinnati Reds, First Base, 37 HR, 113 RBI, .324/.424/.600            

This was Votto’s fourth year in the Majors, and it was his breakout campaign.  Not only did Votto win the Hank Aaron award, the First Baseman won the MVP.  Votto was an All-Star for the first time this year, and he would win his first of seven OBP Titles, and the first of two OPS Titles.

37 Years Old, Playing for the Cincinnati Reds.

2012 AL: Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers, First Base, 44 HR, 139 RBI, .330/.393/.606            

Cabrera was a World Series Champion with Florida in 2007, and like all of their stars, he was traded, in his case to Detroit.  Cabrera got better in Motown, and this year he went to his seventh All-Star Game, won his second Home Run Title, his second Batting Title, and he won his first MVP.

38 Years Old, Playing for the Detroit Tigers.

2012 NL: Buster Posey, San Francisco Giants, Catcher, 24 HR, 103 RBI, .336/.408/.549      

This year, Posey became the first Catcher to win the Hank Aaron Award, which he did in a campaign that earned him the MVP.  Posey, who two years before won the Rookie of the Year, captured the Batting Title this year and he also won the Silver Slugger.

34 Years Old, Playing for the San Francisco Giants.

2013 AL: Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers, First Base, 44 HR, 137 RBI, .348/.442/.636      

Cabrera went back-to-back for Hank Aaron Awards, and did the same for MVPs.  He was first in the AL in all aspects of the Slash Line, and was first in OPS (1.078), which was a career-high.  Cabrera won his fifth Silver Slugger this year, and would win two more.  Still playing, Cabrera became a member of the 500 Home Run club in 2021.

38 Years Old, Playing for the Detroit Tigers.

2013 NL: Paul Goldschmidt, Arizona Diamondbacks, First Base, 36 HR, 125 RBI, .302/.401/.651      

Goldschmidt broke out this year, leading the National League in Home Runs (36), RBIs (125), Slugging Percentage (.551) and Slugging Percentage (.952).  He was the runner-up for the MVP, and also won his first Gold Glove and Silver Slugger, while also beginning a six-year streak of All-Stars.

33 Years Old, Playing for the St. Louis Cardinals.

2014 AL: Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels, Outfield, 36 HR, 111 RBI, .287/.377/.561      

Two years after winning the Rookie of the Year, Mike Trout was the proven best player in baseball.  Trout was second in MVP voting in his first and second full year, and this season, he did not only win the Hank Aaron but his first MVP.  This year, Trout led the AL in Runs (115), RBIs (111) and won his third straight Silver Slugger.

30 Years Old, Playing for the Los Angeles Angels.

2014 NL: Giancarlo Stanton, Miami Marlins, Outfield, 37 HR, 105 RBI, .288/.395/.555      

This is Stanton’s fifth season, and he led the National League in Home Runs for the first time (37), and won his second Slugging Title (.555).  Stanton was second in MVP voting and he won his first Silver Slugger this year.

31 Years Old, Playing for the New York Yankees.

2015 AL: Josh Donaldson, Toronto Blue Jays, Third Base, 41 HR, 123 RBI, .297/.371/.568      

Donaldson broke out the year before, going to his first All-Star Game, but it would be his last year in Oakland, as he was traded to Toronto.  In his first year as a Blue Jay, Donaldson had his best year in Baseball, leading the American League in Runs (122), RBIs (123), and he won the MVP and his first Silver Slugger.

35 Years Old, Playing for the Minnesota Twins.

2015 NL: Bryce Harper, Washington Nationals, Outfield, 42 HR, 99 RBI, .330/.460/.649      

Harper won the National League Rookie of the Year in 2012, and this year he had his monster campaign, leading the NL in Runs Scored (118), Home Runs (42), OBP (.460), Slugging Percentage (.649) and OPS (1.109). He also won his first Silver Slugger this year.

28 Years Old, Playing for the Philadelphia Phillies.

2016 NL: Kris Bryant, Chicago Cubs, Outfield, 39 HR, 102 RBI, .292/.385/.554      

This was Bryant’s second season, and he also won the MVP.  Bryant also led the NL in Runs Scored (121), Offensive bWAR (6.4), was fourth in OPS, OPS+ (146) and third in Home Runs.  More importantly, Bryant led the Cubs to their first World Series win in over 100 years.

29 Years Old, Playing for the San Francisco Giants.

2017 AL: Jose Altuve, Houston Astros, Second Base, 24 HR, 81 RBI, .346/.410/.547      

For the fourth year in a row, Altuve led the National League in Hits (204), and won his third Batting Title.  Altuve also won the Silver Slugger and MVP, and the Astros won the World Series, their first.

31 Years Old, Playing for the Houston Astros.

2017 NL: Giancarlo Stanton, Miami Marlins, Outfield, 59 HR, 132 RBI, .281/.376/.631      

In between his first and second Hank Aaron Award, Stanton remained a competent power hitter, but this year he was outstanding, finishing first in Home Runs (59), RBIs (132), Slugging Percentage (.631).  Stanton won the MVP this year and earned his second Silver Slugger.  Stanton signed with the Yankees after this year.

31 Years Old, Playing for the New York Yankees.

2018 AL: J.D. Martinez, Boston Red Sox, Outfield, 43 HR, 130 RBI, .330/.402/.629      

In his first year with the Red Sox, Martinez was fourth in MVP voting, and was also the league-leader in RBIs.  An All-Star for the second time this year, Martinez won the Silver Slugger both as an Outfielder and Designated Hitter. Martinez was also second in Batting Average, Slugging Percentage and third in OPS.

33 Years Old, Playing for the Boston Red Sox.

2018 NL: Christian Yelich, Milwaukee Brewers, Outfield, 36 HR, 110 RBI, .326/.402/.598      

The acquisition of Christian Yelich paid instant dividends for the Brewers, with the Outfielder winning the Batting Title, Slugging Title and OPS Title in his first year there.  Yelich also won the Silver Slugger and won the MVP.

29 Years Old, Playing for the Milwaukee Brewers.

2019 AL: Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels, Outfield, 45 HR, 104 RBI, .291/.438/.645 (2)     

In between Trout’s first and second Hank Aaron Award, won his second MVP, three more Silver Sluggers, three OBP Titles, one Slugging Title and two OPS Titles.  This year, Trout led the American League in OBP (.439), Slugging Percentage (.645) and OPS (1.083).  Trout won his third MVP this year and captured his seventh Silver Slugger.

30 Years Old, Playing for the Los Angeles Angels.

2019 NL: Christian Yelich, Milwaukee Brewers, Outfield, 44 HR, 97 RBI, .329/.429/.671 (2)      

Yelich almost won the MVP again, as his late-season injury that cost him significant games kept him from it.  Regardless, he swept the Slash Line, and won his second Silver Slugger.

29 Years Old, Playing for the Milwaukee Brewers.

2020 AL: Jose Abreu, Chicago White Sox, First Base, 19 HR, 60 RBI, .317/.370/.617.      

This was the second straight year that Abreu led the American League in RBIs, and he also topped the league in Hits (76), Slugging Percentage and Total Bases (148).  Abreu won the MVP this year, his first.

35 Years Old, Playing for the Chicago White Sox.

2021 NL: Freddie Freeman, Atlanta Braves, First Base, 13 HR, 53 RBI, .341/.462/.640.      

Freeman earned his second Silver Slugger this year, and after four previous top ten finishes in MVP voting, he won it this year.  He was the league-leader in Runs Scored (51) and Doubles (23), and was second in OPS (1.102).

32 Years Old, Playing for the Atlanta Braves.

The PED situation has lowered the bar significantly for Hank Aaron Award winners to enter Cooperstown, but this average will rise in time.

So, what is up next?

We have another look in Baseball, with the MLB All-Star Game MVP.

As always, we thank you for your support, and look for that soon.

The Supporters’ Shield is given out to Major League Soccer’s best team over the course of the regular season. In Europe’s top soccer leagues, team play a full season schedule with the team at the top of the league standings at the campaign’s end being crowned the champion. In MLS, like other sports leagues in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, a playoff structure is used to crown the league’s overall champion. 

The MLS season is headed towards its climax with the MLS Cup kicking off in December. For the best sportsbooks bonuses and reviews for bookies in Illinois, visit US Bookies ahead of the MLS Cup Playoffs. The New England Revolution are the 2021 MLS Supporters’ Shield winners – their first-ever Supporters’ Shield trophy win. The problem is that winning the Supporters’ Shield doesn’t mean the Revolution will win the more glamorous MLS Cup trophy. 

What is the Supporters’ Shield?

As previously written, the MLS Supporters’ Shield is given out to the team with the best regular season points total in the league after 34 regular season matches. Despite the league being split into an Eastern and Western Conference, the Supporters’ Shield is given to the team with the most points if all 27 teams were place in a single league table format. 

The Supporters’ Shield was originally handed out at the end of the MLS season. However, after fans of traditional European soccer wanted MLS to be more like the leagues overseas, it created the Supporters’ Shield trophy. Although the league’s first season was 1996, the Supporters’ Shield wasn’t given out until 1999.

Is the Supporters’ Shield important?

The 2021 MLS season is its 26^th overall. While the 2021 season isn’t complete as yet, history is not on the New England Revolution’s side for winning the MLS Cup. Just seven of the previous 25 Supporters’ Shield winners went onto win the MLS Cup. The last team to do the Supporters’ Shield-MLS Cup double was Toronto FC in 2017. Three seasons have now passed since the Reds pulled off the double. 

The Supporter Shield winning teams’ inability to win the MLS Cup over the last three seasons diminishes the accomplishment of collecting the most points during the regular season. As long as a team can qualify for the MLS Cup Playoffs, anyone can win it and the Supporters’ Shield winner should not be looked at as the favourite. Only 28% of the team has a team done the league and cup double. 

The Los Angeles Galaxy and DC United have won the joint-most MLS Supporters’ Shield trophies. The Galaxy’s last shield was won in 2011. DC United’s most recent shield was won in 2007. It has been years since either of those teams claimed the trophy. 

The Supporters’ Shield’s importance in MLS is overblown. Just seven times have teams won the trophy and the MLS Cup. Fans shouldn’t expect the New England Revolution to pull off the league trophy and cup double this December as history doesn’t bode well for both pieces of silverware to be won. 

When is a man in his prime? Well, depends on the context - different types of activities (and different people) define this in very different ways. For athletes, “prime” is somewhere around their peak of physical capabilities, somewhere between 22 and 30. From that point, a man’s muscle mass begins to decline, and this means that they start performing worse in their sport - this is held true for every sport that requires physical fitness, from football to soccer and combat sports.

Today, in turn, we have quite a few soccer players who seem to defy this definition of “prime” - soccer stars that, despite their age, are constantly among the most popular names both in the press and on the best sports betting site in Thailand. They are professionals who seem to be at the peak of their fitness even after decades of practicing their sport of choice.

Honorable mention: Kazuyoshi Miura

Yokohama FC forward Kazuyoshi Miura has broken all stereotypes about the “prime” of a soccer player. The 53-year-old forward has extended his contract with the Japanese team this January, keeping him the oldest active footballer in the world.

While his status as a soccer star is questionable - he did win the Asian Footballer of the Year in 1992 but that’s about it as an individual player - we have to respect his achievements over his 35-year career (so far): more than 600 league games, almost 200 goals, and dozens of caps for the Japanese national soccer team. 

Lionel Messi (34)

Now, let’s get to soccer stars in the true sense of the word - and let’s begin with Lionel Messi, currently playing with Paris Saint Germain.

Messi has spent most of his professional career playing with Catalan team Barcelona. During this time, he played in more than 500 league games, scored way over 400 goals, helped the team win pretty much every trophy you can imagine (and won everything individually as well), not to mention his results playing with the national soccer team of his native Argentina. Today, at age 34, he is still considered one of the best soccer players in the world.

Cristiano Ronaldo (36)

Another massive soccer star who should be beyond his prime but stubbornly refuses to get old is Brazilian legend, Cristiano Ronaldo. The 36-year-old player has a very impressive collection of trophies earned both with his teams and individually, and quite a few broken records to his name, including that of being the most expensive football player involved in a transfer, the most goals scored in a UEFA qualifier, and several others.

Ronaldo has recently switched teams - he now plays in the English Premier League - and seems to be bent on going on for years to come.

Joaquín Sánchez (40)

Joaquín Sánchez Rodríguez - Joaquín for short - has made his debut in 1999, at the age of 18, with Spanish team Real Betis as a right-winger. Since then, he played with a handful of other Spanish - and one Italian - teams, only to go full circle and return to Betis in 2015. 

During his career, he played more than 570 league games, scored 76 goals, and represented Spain at two FIFA World Cups. Today, he is the La Liga player with the second-highest number of outings - but he’s on his way to breaking that record, too.

Gianluigi Buffon (43)

Finally, let us mention Gianluigi Buffon, the Parma goalkeeper who is still going strong at the age of 43. With more than 1100 professional appearances, Buffon is one of the most established footballers today. He has broken countless records, including that of the most clean sheets in Serie A (299), most clean sheets for Italy at a World Cup (6), and the most clean sheets in a single Serie A season (21). He has a list of achievements and accolades that’s way too long to enumerate, and he is out for more: this summer, he returned to Parma, the club where he made his professional debut, continuing to serve as one of the greatest goalkeepers ever to step on the turf.

Eric Lindros, Pat LaFontaine, Pavel Bure, Marcel Dionne, and the recently retired Henrik ‘The King’ Lundqvist all feature on a particularly unenvious list despite their glistening NHL careers: the list of legends who never hoisted the Stanley Cup. It’s the ultimate achievement in the league but, sometimes, even the greatest talents can’t quite get there.

This season, several players who look to be cementing a place as a future Hall of Famer are vying for their first Stanley Cup triumph. For some, this might just be their last, last chance, but each of those featured here is on a team that could go deep in the playoffs in 2021/22.

Dallas Stars veterans

We’re starting off with the 2020 Stanley Cup Finals runners-up, the Dallas Stars, as they boast three highly likely Hall of Famers who’re edging closer to the ends of their careers but haven’t won Lord Stanley just yet. All of Ryan Suter (36 years old), Joe Pavelski (37 years old), and captain Jamie Benn (32 years old) crave the Cup. Coming into this 2021/22 campaign, the Stars look to have a strong roster.

They did miss out on the playoffs last season, with injuries and perhaps a Finals hangover playing their part, but the talent at the American Airlines Center is enviable. So, it comes as a surprise that the NHL betting has them out dark horses at +2200, but that’s almost certainly due to last season’s finish. This season, Benn, Suter, and Pavelski should be part of a competitive team that can challenge for the Cup.

Joe Thornton

There isn’t a skater more desperate for the Stanley Cup than the active points leader Joe Thornton. He’s 1,680 games and 1,529 points into his career, has played for two legitimate contenders, and is now 42 years old. Now, he finds himself taking the near-minimum salary to play for a Florida Panthers side that’s suddenly realized the talent available to them.

It’s been well-documented that the main thing that’s held back the Panthers has been the front office, but now the Sunrise hockey club looks to have turned a corner. Florida still has to complete a trial by fire in the Atlantic Division just to get to the postseason, but if they do, the team headlined by Sergei Bobrovsky, Aaron Ekblad, Aleksander Barkov, Jonathan Huberdeau, Sam Bennett, Sam Reinhart, and Anthony Duclair might just be able to bring ‘Jumbo’ the silverware that he craves – and are at +2000 to do so.

Jason Spezza

Drafted second overall by the Ottawa Senators in 2001, Jason Spezza has strung together a solid career worthy of the selection. Now 38 years old, the Ontario native has scored 1,034 points in 1,293 games, 441 of which were goals. He’s certainly paid his dues on weaker teams, as demonstrated by his -77 plus-minus, but now that he’s entering his third season with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Spezza could finally win the Cup.

The Buds have been rated as top contenders for the Stanley Cup since they lured in John Tavares – way back in 2018. In the playoffs, however, it’s been one first-round exit after another, tallying a five-season streak of getting to the postseason and then bowing out immediately. Star scorer Auston Matthews says that this will change in 2021/22, and given the strength of the skating corps, it’s tough to argue with him or their +1100 odds.

While there are other future Hall of Famers still in need of a Stanley Cup – such as Carey Price to name a prime example – those above look the best set and the most deserving of winning it this season.