alternatehistory.com

There was an old thread on sports careers that might have been. I'll start off with some:

Dale Murphy: Catcher, first baseman, outfielder, and designated hitter for the Atlanta Braves (1978-1979) and Milwaukee Brewers (1980-1997). Was part of eight World Series championship teams, and three additional AL pennants. Before his career ended when the Brewers moved to the NL in 1998, Murphy would total 3,012 hits and 501 home runs. Elected to the Hall of Fame in 2002.

Cal Ripken: Third baseman for the Milwaukee Brewers (1981-2000). Known as one of the "Durable Duo" alongside Dale Murphy, Ripken gets more recognition for having never missed a game at third base in his career, during which he totaled 3,411 hits and 436 home runs. Entered the Hall of Fame in 2005.

Joe Montana: Quarterback with the Chicago Bears (1979-1995). Best known for winning five straight Super Bowls in the 1980s (1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988), and winning eight overall. Passed for 41,798 yards and 288 touchdowns. Entered the Hall of Fame in 2000.

John Elway: Outfielder, first baseman, and DH for the Milwaukee Brewers (1984-2007). Drafted in the second round by the Brewers in the 1981 draft, Elway signed for $200,000. After being drafted by the Colts in the 1983 NFL draft, Elway decided to stay with baseball, and was called up in 1984 after Paul Molitor missed time with an injury and had to DH, becoming the AL's Rookie of the Year. Elway became a mainstay of the Brewers, joining Molitor, Robin Yount, Cal Ripken, and Dale Murphy as the Brewers' "Fab Five." Elected to the Hall of Fame in 2012.

Robin Yount: Shortstop and center fielder for the Milwaukee Brewers (1974-1995). Played 22 seasons with Milwaukee - collected the most hits of any player in the 1980s, and ended his career with 3,765 hits and 412 home runs and 401 stolen bases. Elected to the Hall of Fame in 2000.

Paul Molitor: Second baseman and designated hitter for the Milwaukee Brewers (1978-2002). Best known for the 1987 season, where he hit .404 and set a major-league record with a 59-game hitting streak. Elected to the Hall of Fame in 2007. One of three 4,000-hit players, joining Ty Cobb and Pete Rose. Considered the greatest leadoff hitter of all time.

Walter Payton: Running back, Chicago Bears (1975-1988). NFL's all-time leading rusher with 18,544 yards, while also adding 6,311 receiving yards to lead the NFL with 24,855 yards from scrimmage. Payton also scored 131 rushing touchdowns and 30 receiving touchdowns, benefiting from the presence of Joe Montana at quarterback. Elected to the Hall of Fame in 1994.

Tom Waddle: Wide receiver, Chicago Bears (1989-1998). Became the top target for Joe Montana during the latter half of his career. Had 708 receptions for 9,734 yards and 58 touchdowns over his career. Highlight of his career was making the game-winning catch in Super Bowl XXIX on the "13 wing jet" play. Considered the best wide receiver in Chicago Bears history. Elected to the Hall of Fame in 2008.

Steve Young: Quarterback, Chicago Bears (1986-2002). Considered one of the biggest steals in NFL Draft history. The Bears' ninth-round pick in the 1984 NFL draft (Ditka said he took him because Jim McMahon "wouldn't shut up about the guy") ended up becoming the NFL's all-time leader in passer rating. Helped the Bears win five Super Bowl championships (XXI, XXII, XXIII, XXV, XXVI).
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