Athletes

Arnold Palmer

Turning professional after winning the 1954 U.S. amateur championship, won the 1955 Canadian Open. Won the Masters tournament in 1958, 1960, 1962, and 1964, becoming the first four-time winner; the U.S. Open in 1960; and the British Open in 1961 and 1962. A great fan favorite, followed enthusiastically by "Arnie's Army," had a noted long-term rivalry with Jack Nicklaus. In 1967 he became the first golf professional to have won over $1 million. In May 2005, hosted the U.S. Senior Open Golf Championship as his home course, Laurel Valley Golf Club.

Joe Namath

Candid, outspoken, and controversial pro football player, nicknamed "Broadway Joe" for his fast and free lifestyle. Although hampered by knee and shoulder injuries, led the New York Jets to a victory in the 1969 Superbowl game. Retired from football in 1977, spending his last season with the Los Angeles Rams. In 1985 he was inducted into the Professional Football Hall of Fame.

Johnny Unitas

One of the greatest professional football players in history. Held nearly every passing mark in the league record book. Responsible for "the greatest football game ever played." At the 1958 championship match-up vs. the New York Giants, with 90 seconds on the clock, Johnny U. completed four passes to bring the Colts to the 20-yard line. The Colts tied the game on a field goal, after which Unitas set up an 80-yard drive for the winning touchdown.

Joe Montana

Regarded as the greatest quarterback in NFL history and known especially for his collaboration with such receivers as San Francisco 49er teammates Dwight Clark and Jerry Rice. Records included five consecutive games with over 300 yards passing (1982) and 22 consecutive completed passes (1987). Led San Francisco to four NFL championships and was the most valuable player in the Super Bowls of 1982, 1985, and 1990. In 1989 and 1990, was the NFL's most valuable player.

Mike Ditka

All-American at Pitt (1960); NFL Rookie of Year (1961); 5-time Pro Bowl tight end for Chicago Bears; returned to Chicago as head coach in 1982 and won Super Bowl XX in 1986; left Bears in 1992 and worked as a broadcaster at NBC for four years; coached the New Orleans Saints from 1997-99; currently an analyst on ESPN.

Honus Wagner

Entered baseball's Major Leagues in 1897 with Louisville and played infield and outfield positions. When Pittsburgh replaced Louisville in the National League, anchored himself at shortstop with the Pirates. Called the "Flying Dutchman" by his fans and came to be regarded as one of the outstanding players of baseball. Led the National League in batting eight times, had a lifetime batting average of .329, made 3,430 base hits, and scored close to 1,800 runs. Wagner, agile though massively built, excelled at fielding; also led the National League five times in stolen bases. In 1917, retired from baseball, but returned to the Pirates as coach (1933–52). In 1936 he was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

Stan Musial

One of the game's great hitters, St. Louis Cardinal "Stan the Man" won the National League batting championship seven times (1943, 1946, 1948, 1950–52, 1957) and the league's Most Valuable Player award three times (1943, 1946, 1948). In 1963 retired with a lifetime batting average of .331. Hit 475 home runs and for many years held the National League record for base hits (3,630). Elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1969.