Mick, when I first read the subject I thought you meant Sports figures who have the best personality, so I'm going to give you my list based on that. Or did most to promote their sport and impact society by performance and personality.

Football - Joe Namath, his guanatee and flashy personality put the AFL in the forefront and contributed to the merger of the AFL/NFL.

Soccer - Pele, in his time he was also recognized by non-soccer Americans.

Baseball - Babe Ruth, his accomplishments put baseball in the forefront of American sports.

Basketball - Michael Jordan, he could fly, smile and charm the crowds. Even my mother liked him.

Boxing - Muhammed Ali, international star, charisma, brash yet lovable.

Tennis - For men, Arthur Ashe, a quiet champion of tennis and race relations. For women, Billie Jean King, helped put womens tennis on a higher plain by beating Bobby Riggs.

Golf - Arnold Palmer, brought golf to the common man. Arnie's Army.

Olympics - Jesse Owens, stuck it to Hitler.