One thing we can argue about in sports is whether today’s players are better than those from yesteryear. One guy’s opinion is that modern athletes are stronger, fitter and faster than the old timers. Whether they are more talented as a whole is something that can be debated forever without resolution.

But one thing that’s missing from today’s sports is the really transcendent nickname. They simply don’t make ‘em like they used to. That’s my story and I’m stickin’ to it.

Usain Bolt ran a 9.58 100 meters yesterday. That’s, like, 30 MPH. That’s insane. But are they calling him Insane Bolt? No, of course not.

So I made a list of great nicknames then pared it down to my ten favorites. (I know, I know, it’s a mindless exercise, but . . . exhibition football bores me, none of the American channels will show either Canadian or Aussie Rules football, the Tigers have the day off, I’m tired of talking about Pitino and am way bored from debating how you know who lost the PGA.)

So here goes my fave ten (In no particular order.). Feel free to weigh in if you like.

1 - Dick “Night Train” Lane

2 - Dave “Cementhead” Semenko (He played hockey.)

3 - Sal “The Barber” Maglie

4 - Elroy “Crazy Legs” Hirsch

5 - Leo “The Lip” Durocher

6 - Dennis “Oil Can” Boyd

7 - Wilmer “Vinegar Bend” Mizell

8 - Herman “Helicopter” Knowings

9 - William “Refrigerator” Perry

10 - Teddy Ballgame

Which leaves out Catfish, Mudcat, Bambi, Hondo, Schoolboy, Cadillac, Magic, The Horse, The Dream, Easy, Dizzy, Dazzy, Microwave, The Stilt, The Pearl, Iceman, Say Hey, Pistol Pete, Boom Boom, Clyde, The Galloping Ghost, Rocket, Broadway, The Iron Horse, The Horse, The Big Train, The Bus, The Splendid Splinter, Charlie Hustle and Georges “The Chicoutimi Cucumber” Vezina. (That’s right, another hockey player.)

– Seedy K