GRETZKY: Move Over Bobby Orr, Here Comes GRETZKY

Another press milestone for Wayne Gretzky was when he earned a chapter in a Hockey Book. The photo above is the first of the 3 pages he was designated. The author was especially prophetic in naming the Chapter: Move Over Bobby Orr, Here Comes GRETZKY.

The photo above is from a ProStars baseball tournament and Wayne is actually getting an autograph from Bobby Orr.

The one below was taken in the backyard rink, at the family home in Brantford.

Now, back to the prophetic title of the chapter written about him as a young child: As it turned out some 15 years later, Wayne was in fact named the NO. 1 hockey player of all time and Bobby Orr was No. 2.

There is always a great deal of controversy over this and naturally former Boston coach Don Cherry thinks Bobby is definitely the better of the two players. For me, the argument that Bobby would have done so much better had his knee's held up is a questionable one? Of course, It is the same argument used when Lemieux is the player being compared. However, in my opinion your ability to stay healthy is all part of the game. Playing in such a way so as to maintain longevity is in effect another "skill". Intangible in the shortrun, but telling in the long run.

It is not by accident alone that Wayne played longer than the other two. He has endured the same back problems as Mario, with Gary Suter almost ending his career during the 1991 Canada Cup. He managed to score goals and make plays without being a target for common checks.

Bobby had gimpy knee's, and they limited him in a tragic way. He played with such rugged, wreckless, abandon, that it took its toll-ending a brilliant career years too soon. However, Bobby chose to play as such, and to be a physically punishing player as well. It may be that whatever small edge Wayne held over Bobby in this Number One pick, is the longevity factor.

However, I would not argue too long over this issue because Bobby Orr fans will never change their minds and Wayne Gretzky fans will always have the bragging rights. Bobby Orr, Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Gordie Howe, Rocket Richard, and a very few others, are in a league of their own and whatever discerns them from each other is not worth arguing over. They are all GREAT ONE'S! Whenever they played, the crowds came, wherever they played they won championships, and if they were playing again tomorrow we all would go and watch.

If you want to continue this Gretzky immersion, please follow Wayne's skates to Phoenix.

If you would like to comment on this entry or anything else for that matter, click on the Gretzky image below. The link takes you to a guestbook.

Comments

[Kelly]

I think that Bobby Orr is a better player than Wayne Gretzky!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Justin]

Bobby Orr is better than Wayne Gretzky.

[Sonia Siegel]

You guys are all wrong! Wrong,WRONG!!! I am the smartie pants here and I think I know who is better. Technically, I prefer myself, but since it has to be a hockey player, Tai Domi.
He looks like me-short hair, a face- and you did
you know that he is dating me?

[mommy]

i love u grexky. I hate you bobby orr

mommy