I take exception to placing Bird in the winner’s position (ie Yankees and Ali) instead of Magic. Magic won more titles during the time they were both competing (5-3) and also won more head to head championships (2-1). He also won more Title MVPs (3-2).
Also, by the reasoning of the article Affirmed was a better race horse than Secretariat because Alydar finished second to Affirmed three times. I don’t think so.
I don’t think you can distinguish between Tiger and Jack. They played in two different eras under vastly different conditions. I think it is sufficient to say they were the most dominant in their generations. At the end it is about wins no matter who the competition is.
You’re right. Two different eras, and the record will tell the story. Tiger has admitted that he sometimes wishes he had a Nicklaus to his Palmer, or a Watson to his Nicklaus. Or a Frazier to his Ali. Tiger himself realizes that the quality of the competition makes him better, and makes his legacy better. Don’t listen to me people, listen to Tiger’s own words.
“The Media’s Man-Crush on Tiger Woods”.
http://www.realmanmag.com/realmansports-mancrushtigerwoods.html