Ranking The Best Local Athletes In History By Jersey/Uniform Number: 59-50
By Daniel Friedman
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As part of our weekly rankings of the best local athletes by uniform/jersey number, we continue with 59-50.
MORE: 99-90, 89-80, 79-70, 69-60
59. Kyle Clifton, Jets
He spent 13 seasons with the Jets and led the NFL with 199 tackles in 1988. He had 160 tackles or more in five of those 13 seasons.
Runner-up: Brian Williams, Giants
58. Carl Banks, Giants
A Pro Bowler and First Team All-Pro in 1987, Banks starred for the Giants and helped them win two Super Bowls. He finished with 39.5 career sacks and was named to the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team.
Runner-up: Antonio Pierce, Giants
57. Johan Santana, Mets
One of the best in baseball until injuries slowed him down, he's the only pitcher to throw a no-hitter in a Mets uniform.
Runner-up: Mo Lewis, Jets
56. Lawrence Taylor, Giants
There's a reason why teams now invest so heavily in their offensive lines. No quarterback was safe.
Runner-up: Lance Mehl, Jets
55. Hideki Matsui, Yankees
The star hitter lived up to the "Godzilla" moniker after coming over from Japan.
Runner-up: Jason Blake, Islanders
54. Goose Gossage, Yankees
The dominant relief pitcher helped revolutionize the "closer" role in pinstripes, and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2008.
Runner-up: Victor Hobson, Jets
53. Harry Carson, Giants
The star linebacker was a nine-time Pro Bowler and is a Hall of Famer. He helped the Giants win the Super Bowl in 1986.
Runner-up: Don Drysdale, Dodgers
52. CC Sabathia, Yankees
He was brought in to be the Yankees' ace and he lived up to expectations, helping the Bombers win a World Series in his very first season in New York.
Runner-up: Buck Williams, Nets
51. Bernie Williams, Yankees
The star outfielder was a key part of the dynastic Bronx Bombers in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Runner-up: Jonathan Vilma, Jets
50. Sid Fernandez, Mets
He won 16 games for the Mets in 1986, helping them win a World Series. He also played in two All-Star Games during his time in Flushing.
Runner-up: Duaner Sanchez, Mets
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