Walking Tall

Kobe Bryant and Derek Jeter could tell you what it's like being part of historically elite franchises where excellence is demanded, and mediocrity is measured by fingers without rings. But as the saying goes, when the going gets tough, well, the tough get going; and what Jeter and Kobe could also tell you about, is standing alone, on top.

On September 11th, 2009 Derek Jeter singled to right off Orioles' Pitcher Chris Tillman, and with one swing of the bat became the all-time Yankees hits leader. With 27 World Series pennants, and names like Yogi Berra, Lou Gehrig, Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris, Reggie Jackson, Bill Dickey and others highlighting their Hall of Fame, Derek Jeter, the small shortstop from Pequannock, New Jersey had more hits then any other Yankee, ever. Similar story; February 1st, 2010, in a losing 44 point effort versus the Memphis Grizzlies, Kobe Bryant passes Jerry West on the All-Time Los Angeles Lakers scoring list. Like Jeter, Bryant arose from a crowd worth reckoning with including, Elgin Baylor, Ervin 'Magic' Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, James Worthy, and even Shaquille O'neal. Kobe Bryant scoring more points than any other player in a Franchise that has 16 NBA Championships, appeared in 30 Championships (NBA Record), and has more Franchise records than any other team in the League.

Two of the most storied Franchises in their respective sports, and two of those franchise's most storied players, grazing the courts and fields of this generation is not only amazing but extremely lucky for today's sports fan. How many times have we said that there will never be a better Laker? or a better Yankee? Countless. Now I am saying it again, and while I know that those predictions are always hollow, can we see anyone coming along and matching the greatness of Jeter or Bryant? Will there ever be a player who outscores Kobe? Out hits Jeter? Not only are we lucky, but we are downright privileged to be watching two players who have proved the sports world wrong. They topped everyone when everyone was said to be "un-toppable," and now we can only wait to see who rises and proves us wrong next.