I haven't voted yet, but of the nominees, I'd pick Ali first and unquestionably in that category. Why? Because I'd be voting people on the basis of international embodiments of American iconography (forgive the iffy term). In short, "cultural significance" - and the US happens to be the most culturally significant country on the planet.
I think Ali as a person(a) exists as much outside of the boxing world as he did inside it. Wayne Gretzky, meanwhile, gets a comical reference in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and had a videogame out not so long ago. But what makes NHL records inherently great? (I'm not saying they're not.)
So, in response, why wouldn't you vote for Ali?
I think you captured the reasons for Ali. As an American icon, he could be included in the top names. I gave some weight to the historical and cultural impact, but I did not include Ali because I believe that over the years he has been overrated as a fighter, and as a heavyweight he did not rise above his peers the way that Ruth and Jordan did. I believe that his celebrity has contributed to him being viewed as the Greatest.
In the 70s I believe that Muhammed Ali was the beneficiary of some very questionable decisions. I and many thought Jimmy Young defeated him in 1976, and later that year Ken Norton was absolutely robbed in his fight with Ali in Yankee Stadium. Two years later, Leon Spinks mopped up the ring with him and had to survive a split decision.
Don't get me wrong; he was a great fighter and a true champion, but the greatest of all time doesn't lose to Leon Spinks, or struggle and rely on a biased decision to beat Young.
He was more hip, outspoken and controversial than any other athlete, and that, as much as anything, feeds into his legend.
Gretzky dominated his sport as much as Jordan, but, Capo, you hit on a point, with which I agree. His cultural impact is limited by the relative lack of poularity of his sport and his mild mannered demeanor. I like Gretzky a lot as a person and athlete, but I passed him over largely because I think the other sports have a much greater cultural impact on America.
Although when Gretzky's wife was knocked out cold by an errant puck during one of his games, and she was taken by ambulance to the hospital, he stayed and finished the game. He truly was the Great One.
