Athletes by the Number: 50 - 59

I took a bit of a break, but now I'm back.  Time to attack the numbers 50 - 59...

50 - David Robinson:  "The Admiral" came out of the Naval Academy and brought the San Antonio Spurs back to being a relevant NBA team (although Tim Duncan helped a bit).

51 - Dick Butkus:  While not the GREATEST name for a hard tackling linebacker in the NFL, he helped define the position for future players.

52 - Ray Lewis:  He may have been a criminal... but the man plays some damn good football.

53 - Don Drysdale:  Sure... he was a bit before my time.  A lot bit.  But Drysdale is clearly the best to ever wear the number.

54 - Brian Urlacher:  Urlacher, as much as it kills me as a fan of another NFC North squad, has been an absolute force in the league for over a decade.

55 - Dikembe Mutombo:  Finger-waving and all, Mutombo was the defensive specialist everyone was afraid of.  Domination at it's finest.  Honorable mentions go out to Orel Hershiser, Junior Seau, and Dhani Jones.

56 - Lamarr Woodley:  Just remember kids... Guns don't kill people.  Lamarr Woodley kills people.

57 - Johan Santana:  When not riddled by injuries, Santana is a premier pitcher in the Big League.

58 - Jack Lambert:  While his teeth scared me as a child, his old highlight reels impressed me as an adult.

59 - Todd Jones:  While scaring the hell out of me as a closer, Jones set many a record for the Tigers.  I give credit when credit as do.  He was one heck of a closer.

That is it for 50 - 59... next comes 60 - 69... soon and very soon.