This is a virtual bar — a forum for ideas — where we civilly discuss pertinent issues in the world of sports and, primarily, in Baltimore sports.
Keep that civility in mind as I pose my question for today. Cuz it could get ugly.
On Friday, we will be running a pretty cool project that has taken some fairly intense research to put together. I’ve joined my old Orioles beat partner, The Athletic’s tremendous Ravens writer, Jeff Zrebiec, in compiling a full roster for Baltimore-area pro and college sports.
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We’ve picked out the best or most influential player — by uniform number — in the history of Baltimore sports. Some are no-brainers such as No. 5 (Brooks Robinson), No. 19 (Johnny Unitas) and No. 52 (Ray Lewis). No. 8 may some day be in debate, but right now, Cal Ripken Jr., gets the easy nod over Lamar Jackson.
We’re picking one player (and some honorable mentions) for each number from 0 to 99. It should be fun, and I hope you read it Friday or at some point this weekend.
Yes, we were limited in our picks for some of the more obscure numbers (basically most of the 60s). But there was only one number in which we couldn’t come to a decision. So, I weaseled out and went with a tie.
I thought I’d give you a sneak peek at our list and let you all duke this one out. I’m pretty sure it’s gonna fall along generational lines. Maybe sporting lines, too.
Frank Robinson is a Hall-of-Famer who came to Baltimore in 1966 — his Triple Crown year — and transformed the Orioles from a good team to a perennial World Series contender with his potent bat and fiery intensity.
Ed Reed is a Hall-of-Famer who came to Baltimore in 2002 — and started every game as a rookie — and demonstrated a consistency, ballhawk nature and big-play tendency that made him one of the greatest safeties in NFL history.
Reed played 11 of his 12 seasons with the Ravens, making nine Pro Bowls, winning one Super Bowl and capturing one Defensive Player of the Year Award while here.
Robinson played six of his 21 seasons with the Orioles, but made five All-Star teams, went to four World Series, winning two, captured the AL MVP award in 1966 and was third two other times in that brief span.
Both were tremendous. It’s why I couldn’t pick one guy for Baltimore’s No. 20. But here is your chance to set me straight. Your chance to choose one over the other.
Tap-In Question: Who is the best player to ever wear No. 20 in Baltimore, Ed Reed or Frank Robinson?
(Doug Kapustin/MCT via Getty Images)