Survey: Who Did Fans Pick For Boston Sports Mount Rushmore?

Over the years, Massachusetts has housed numerous sports legends, leaving us curious about the ones who are most idolized by fans. Our quest to uncover them began.

In a recent survey conducted by Play MA, 600 sports enthusiasts residing in Massachusetts were asked to choose the top four exceptional professional athletes in the history of Boston.

Massachusetts has long been a breeding ground for exceptional athletes, and the recent introduction of sports betting in the state has further intensified the spotlight on the world of sports in the Commonwealth.

Now, let’s examine the athletes who have been chosen for the legendary “Boston Sports Mount Rushmore.”

Boston sports Mount Rushmore

Earlier this year, Play MA conducted a survey in Massachusetts involving 600 individuals. The survey encompassed a range of topics related to their fan interests. Notably, one question specifically delved into the realm of all-time Massachusetts sports icons.

We conducted a survey with 600 individuals, seeking their opinion on the Massachusetts pro sports athlete who deserves recognition on the Mount Rushmore.

The individuals who received the highest number of votes were ranked as follows:

• Tom Brady received a total of 251 votes.
• There were 166 votes for Bobby Orr.
• Larry Bird received a total of 151 votes.
• David Ortiz received a total of 120 votes.

Isn’t it great how a Mount Rushmore can feature a representative from each of the four major professional sports teams?

Tom Brady

There is no doubt among Massachusetts sports fans that Tom Brady is the greatest of all time (GOAT) when it comes to NFL quarterbacks, as evidenced by the overwhelming support he received in this survey.

With six Super Bowl titles under his belt while donning the New England Patriots uniform, Brady undeniably secures his status as the most revered and preeminent sports icon in Massachusetts.

This year, he has decided to retire his shoulder pads, and it is highly likely that the Patriots will honor him by retiring his No. 12 in the future. When the time comes, they will gladly welcome back their beloved field leader to Gillette Stadium. It comes as no surprise that TB12 is leading the way on this list.

Bobby Orr

There is no player in the history of the Boston Bruins who possesses the same level of respect as Bobby Orr.

Orr established countless records during his tenure of 10 seasons with the Boston team. He remarkably clinched the Hart Trophy, being named the NHL’s MVP, for three consecutive years. His specialty was skillfully assisting his teammates, and he notably topped the league in assists on five occasions.

Furthermore, he achieved an unprecedented record by clinching the prestigious Norris Trophy, awarded to the best defenseman, on eight separate occasions. His remarkable streak began in 1968 and continued uninterrupted until 1975.

In 1970, he achieved his most legendary moment by soaring through the air after netting the Stanley Cup-winning goal against the St. Louis Blues. This victory granted Boston its initial NHL championship in nearly three decades. A bronze statue commemorating this remarkable event, known as Orr’s “flying goal,” can now be found outside TD Garden in Boston.

Larry Bird

Simply uttering the words “Larry The Legend” within a sports bar in the Commonwealth will swiftly spark a multitude of captivating tales recounting Larry Bird’s extraordinary displays.

In the 1980s, the Boston Celtics were guided to three NBA championships by a forward known for his adept trash-talking skills. Notably, he played a pivotal role in the intense rivalry between the Celtics and the Lakers, while also maintaining a personal rivalry with Magic Johnson.

Before the era of 3-point shooting dominance, Bird stood out as the most formidable long-range threat in the game. However, his exceptional passing abilities and mastery of all aspects of the game set him apart as well.

In franchise history, Bird stands out as the top-ranked player among the numerous great Celtics throughout the years.

David Oritz

One of the most unexpected findings from the Play MA survey was that David Ortiz outranked two Red Sox left-fielders.

Big Papi likely gained an advantage due to recency bias when voters chose him over Ted Williams and Carl Yastrzemski, both of whom had more impressive careers statistically speaking as standout players for the Red Sox.

Ortiz’s contribution to the Red Sox’s first World Series win in 86 years, as a key member of the renowned 2004 team, cannot be overlooked. Additionally, the beloved power hitter played a crucial role in two more Boston championship victories, solidifying his position in the middle of the lineup.

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Other vote-getters include Russell, Gronk, Pedro

Completing the voting process, the following six candidates received the highest number of votes in the Play MA survey:

• Bill Russell received a total of 94 votes.
• Ted Williams received a total of 70 votes.
• There were 41 votes cast for Carl Yastrzemski.
• There are a total of 32 votes for Rob Gronkowski.
• There were 28 votes cast for Paul Pierce.
• Pedro Martínez received 24 votes.

Russell’s pedigree as a winner is unmatched among NBA players. He achieved an incredible feat of winning 11 NBA championships, with the last two being as player/coach of the Celtics.

Considered among the greatest hitters in the history of baseball, Williams solidifies his place among the top four or five. As the last player to achieve a .400 batting average in a season, he holds a remarkable record. With an impressive six batting titles and two triple crowns under his belt, Teddy Ballgame’s legacy is undoubtedly cherished and secured by Boston fans.

Yaz, the player who took over Williams’ position in left field, remained with the Red Sox for 23 years. Yastrzemski, a modest yet exceptional talent, played a crucial role in leading Boston to the 1967 pennant. That season, he achieved his greatest feat by winning the triple crown.

Gronkowski, being Brady’s go-to player for several years, achieved great success by winning four Super Bowls as a Patriot. In terms of popularity among Boston athletes, Gronk is likely second only to Ortiz. Interestingly, among the top 10 vote-getters in the survey, Gronkowski is the sole individual who hasn’t been inducted into his sport’s Hall of Fame (as of now).

Pierce and Martínez, both exceptional talents, played pivotal roles in bringing celebrated championships to Boston. In 2004 and 2008, they were instrumental figures in the postseason, leading the Red Sox and Celtics to claim victory and be crowned champions.