Photo: Wikipedia CC BY-SA 2.0

Story by Gail Nobles

Good morning. Some names in baseball transcend the sport itself. They become synonymous with an era, a team, a feeling. Ken Griffey Jr., "The Kid," is certainly one of those names.

Think back to the 1990s. For so many, it was Griffey in center field for the Seattle Mariners that defined baseball. That backwards cap, that effortless swing, that infectious joy for the game... he was a superstar. Not just because of the statistics – and those were certainly impressive! – but because of the sheer magnetism he brought to the diamond. He made baseball *fun* to watch. He made you *want* to watch.

He hit home runs with incredible power, yes, but he also played center field with a grace and agility that seemed almost balletic. He robbed hitters of sure hits, making highlight-reel catches that left fans breathless.

And then there's the story of Ken Griffey Sr. and Jr. That father-son duo playing together for the Mariners... it's the stuff of Hollywood scripts. Back-to-back singles, back-to-back home runs... a shared love of the game, a family legacy unfolding before our eyes. And even a little fatherly grounding for stealing a fly ball, reminding us that even superstars have to respect their parents! It was a beautiful, poignant moment in baseball history.

Injuries unfortunately took their toll later in his career, but his impact remains undeniable. Ken Griffey Jr. wasn't just a great baseball player; he was an icon. He represented a generation, a team, and for many, the very best of what baseball has to offer. He brought a joy and enthusiasm to the game that's still missed today. And that, perhaps, is his greatest legacy.

I’m Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening to Crown Surmount Sports

Photo: Wikipedia Public Domain

Story by: Gail Nobles

Today we celebrate an important figure in basketball and sports overall—William Felton Russell. His presence on the court changed the game and made a lasting impact on American sports.

Born on February 12, 1934, in Oakland, California, Russell had amazing talent and a strong mindset. He was the true meaning of a competitor! Russell played center for the famous Boston Celtics from 1956 to 1969. During this time, he helped the team win an incredible 11 championships in just 13 seasons. As basketball began to grow in popularity, Russell guided his team through tough challenges.

Let's be clear—this player could change a game with just one rebound. His defensive skills were incredible; it felt like he knew where the ball would go! Russell wasn’t just a great center; he was a master at blocking shots and a true leader. When Bill William Russell was in the game, the other team had to think carefully before trying to score!

Off the court, he was more than an athlete; he was a champion for civil rights. Russell used his platform to speak out for equality during a very challenging time in American history. He showed courage not just in basketball but also in tackling social justice issues, standing up for what was right.

As we think about Russell's life, we see that greatness isn't just about stats—though his achievements are impressive! Greatness is about the legacy a person leaves behind. Bill Russell's legacy is strong and influential. He changed the way we think about basketball and inspired many people to chase their dreams.

William Felton Russell passed away on July 31, 2022, but his spirit lives on in the hearts of basketball fans. His number 6 is honored, reminding us of all he accomplished and setting a standard of excellence for future players.

So, let's celebrate and remember the life of a man who excelled on the court and inspired a whole nation. Bill Russell—a true giant of the game, both in ability and character.

You’re listening to Crown Surmount Sports. I’m your host, Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening.

Photo: Charliesamuels - Own work

Usage: Wikipedia CC BY 3.0

Story by: Gail Nobles

Sound effects: Pixabay.com

Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the hallowed courts of New York City, where legends are made and stories are spun! Today, we're diving deep into the legend of Earl Manigault, affectionately known as "The Goat," a name that reverberates through playgrounds and asphalt courts alike.

As we set the scene, imagine the urban landscape, the noise of the city buzzing around, and the echoing sounds of sneakers pounding on concrete. It’s here that Earl, standing somewhere between 5’11” and 6’1”, defied physics with his extraordinary leaping ability. Reports tell us that he could reach heights few could dream of—dollars snatched from the top of the backboard! Yes, you heard that right. While the average person could barely touch eight feet, Earl was allegedly reaching for the sky, or at least making it seem that way.

And here we are, folks, ready to witness the magic of playground basketball! The crowd is gathering, eyes wide with anticipation as they share tales of Earl's legendary "double dunk." Picture it: he leaps high, grabs the ball with his left hand, then, in an unbelievable display of finesse, switches it to his right—all while still soaring in the air! But wait—let's not get carried away. Earl himself called that story "rubbish." Even The Goat, it seems, knew when legends went too far.

The court erupts as we watch Earl warm up. With a flick of his wrist, he sinks long-range shots, showcasing his expertise as a marksman. The whispers in the crowd grow louder as old-timers recount how he practiced day in and day out, working tirelessly to perfect his shot and his dunking prowess. Did you know he once reverse dunked 36 times consecutively just to win a $60 bet? Talk about a showman!

Earl played alongside icons—Earl Monroe, Connie Hawkins, and the towering Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. In a surprising revelation during his retirement ceremony, Abdul-Jabbar declared that Manigault was the greatest player he’d ever faced. That's right, folks! When legends talk, you listen.

And just when you think the legend of Earl "The Goat" Manigault couldn’t get any bigger, it does. He’s a living piece of basketball history, immortalized in the documentary "Doin' It in the Park," celebrating the vibrant, often gritty culture of street basketball in New York City. Earl Manigault is a legend whose story continues to inspire generations.

I’m Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening to Crown Surmount Sports

Photo: Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Story by: Gail Nobles

History has just been made on the court of NBA! LeBron James, the basketball legend, has teamed up with none other than his own son, Bronny James, to play together in the NBA!

These two are not just family, they’re now teammates, and they are about to light up the court in a way we’ve never seen before. This incredible moment marks the first time a father and son have played on the same NBA team.

You can feel the excitement in the air—this is a dream come true! Fans everywhere are buzzing, and who wouldn’t be? LeBron has shown us for years what greatness looks like, and now we get to see the future star in action alongside his dad.

So, get ready, folks! When LeBron and Bronny step onto that court, you’ll want to be watching because they’re set to make magic happen together! History has been made, and it’s just the beginning!

I’m Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening. Today’s topic: LeBron & Bronny James Have Made History

Photo: Danny Bollinger - Flickr: _02G4282

Wikipedia: CC BY 2.0

Story by: Gail Nobles

When discussing the greatest slam dunkers in basketball history, one name rises above the rest Vince Carter. His iconic performances and gravity defying dunks have left an indelible mark of the NBA and the sport of basketball as a whole. From electrifying crowd to inspiring a generation of players, Carter contributions to the ark of dunking are unparallel.

Vince Carter was in the 2000 NBA slam dunk contest in front of a star study audience competing against the likes of Tracy McGrady and Steve Francis, Carter unleashed a series of dunks that seemed to defy physics. He introduced innovative moves such as the “Elbow Dunk” where he hung in the air and then effortlessly inserted his arm through the rim, leaving audiences awestruck. Carter’s slam dunks was an art form that showcased, creativity, power, fitness, and showmanship.

Vince Carter is renowned for his signature dunks which not only amazed fans but also served as benchmarks for other players. His “360 Windmill” and All Star Dunk are etched into the hearts of basketball enthusiast. His legendary dunk over 7‘2“ France Center, Frederick Weis in the 2000 Sydney Olympics is a testament to his dominance as it remains one of the most Celebrated dunks in international basketball history. I think Vince Carter’s contributions to the world of slam dunking are unmatched. His combination of unparallel, athleticism, creativity, and showmanship crowned by the iconic moments like the 2000 slam dunk contest firmly establishes him as the best slam dunker in the world.

I’m Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening to Crown Surmount Sports.

Story by: Gail Nobles

The Green Bay Packers! Yes indeed! The Packers with all their storied Heritage and gridiron tradition, have etched their name onto the sacred scroll of football lore as the town with the most total touchdowns-an astounding 3642 touchdowns to be precise!

Now less ponder the sheer magnitude of this accomplishments, we're not talking about a mere footnote here folks; we're discussing a title wave of scoring a symphony of athleticism that casades over decades through the frostbitten tundra of Lambeau field and beyond. These men in green have danced into the end zone more than anyone else in the history of this great sport, a testament to their offensive prowess and strategic genius.

From the legendary days of Bart Starr who was throwing like an artist crafting his finest masterpiece to the remarkable arms of Brit Favre, who played with a zeal that could ignite 1000 fires, and let's not forget the peerless Aaron Rodgers, a magician in a quarterback guise, making the impossible with a flick of his wrist and a glint in his eyes. Each of these iconic figures contributed to his staggering total which stands as a beacon for aspiring champions, a veritable blueprint for success in the NFL.

So as the Packers continue to dazzle fans and topple challengers know this with every touchdown they score they further solidify their status as the kings of the gridiron. 3642 touchdowns and counting folks. This is not just a number. It's a legacy and indelible mark on the fabric of history. And you better believe Green Bay continues to march forward for more glory, seeking to add to that thunderous tally, chasing dreams one touchdown at a time.

I'm Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening to Crown Surmount Sports.