Hank Haney on Tiger

[bigoak]

Although the title "World's Greatest Athlete" seems a natural fit for these two events, its traditional association with the decathlon/heptathlon officially began with Jim Thorpe. During the 1912 Olympics in Stockholm, Sweden, Thorpe won the gold medal in the Decathlon (among others). Thorpe notably also competed professionally in soccer, baseball, and basketball; and competed collegiately in track and field, soccer, baseball, lacrosse, and did ballroom dancing. King Gustav V of Sweden, while awarding Thorpe the decathlon gold said: "You, sir, are the greatest athlete in the world." That title has become associated with the decathlon event ever since. Another American decathlon champion, was the Olympic gold medalist, Bruce Jenner.

There are some who view golf, bowling and the like as recreational events and not a true athletic event. Let's see Tiger on " dancin with the stars" and those made for TV athletic events. Absent that, Tiger Weeks is possibly the best golfer period and let's leave the "Athlete" label out of the description. I don't know what Haney's athletic background is but to be a spokesman for all athletic domains is self serving. The best golf Coach is Sam Urzetta. He can get me to play golf better. Haney is never going to help me so I guess I'll be self serving and like my coach best. To teach Tiger Woods is no great deal. He is already a good golfer. I am a hacker and to get me into a position to play good golf requires great teaching skill.

[plugged]

Here is my way of thinking. I believe Lebron James is an EXCEPTIONAL athlete. This guy is a freak. You could put him on a basketball court, a football field, or even a soccer field and I believe he would excel.

This isn't about excelling; it is about dominating. You won't find any athletes, even cross-overs, that dominate in more than one sport. Tiger has dominated golf in a way that perhaps no one ever has.

[breakout89]

This isn't about excelling; it is about dominating. You won't find any athletes, even cross-overs, that dominate in more than one sport. Tiger has dominated golf in a way that perhaps no one ever has.

You obviously didn't read my previous post where i explained my understanding of the term "athlete". Either way, it's just my opinion, don't get butt hurt.

[clubhousehero]

Im gonna have to agree with some here and say tiger is NOT the greatest athlete. He is the greatest golfer but not greatest athlete. I consider great athletes to be people of great physical attributes and measurables (speed, strength, size agility, footwork, etc.) as well as someone with great passion, determination and a will to win. People that come to mind are Bo jackson, deon sanders, MJ, lebron, dave winfield, AP. Those are great athletes. Tiger is a great golfer first and a good athlete second. Still nothing to be ashamed of.

[motteler621]

ath·lete   /ˈæθlit/ Show Spelled[ath-leet] Show IPA
–noun
a person trained or gifted in exercises or contests involving physical agility, stamina, or strength; a participant in a sport, exercise, or game requiring physical skill.

to say golf isnt physically demanding is hogwash. I think baseball is equal or less physically demanding than playing competitive golf.

[motteler621]

check out this video and listen to what arnold palmer says about Tigers strength. I think its also funny to see Tiger using Titleist balls here.

[breakout89]

to say golf isnt physically demanding is hogwash. I think baseball is equal or less physically demanding than playing competitive golf.

...No Sir

[motteler621]

...No Sir

have you ever played on a team for baseball, specifically outfield,lol. You stand there doing nothing until a ball flys your way and you catch it and throw it for a whole one minute of action every 30 minutes. Although with batting baseball players are obbsessed with being huge so they can hit home runs but again you are only up at bat once every 45 minutes. Dont get me wrong I love baseball but Im just trying to get my point across.

[breakout89]

have you ever played on a team for baseball, specifically outfield,lol. You stand there doing nothing until a ball flys your way and you catch it and throw it for a whole one minute of action every 30 minutes. Although with batting baseball players are obbsessed with being huge so they can hit home runs but again you are only up at bat once every 45 minutes. Dont get me wrong I love baseball but Im just trying to get my point across.

I played baseball from tee-ball all the way up to high school my senior year. So yeah, i've played on many baseball teams. I don't know what your trying to prove by saying an outfielder has to move every 30 minutes. That's just the pace of the sport. Baseball isn't an all out action, endurance sport (unless your a pitcher). The spectacular part is being able to make the plays that a good baseball player is required to make in order to keep his job. The explosiveness, anticipation, and the quickness is what makes a good defensive baseball player (an outfielder specifically). You could argue that the centerfielder is usually the most athletic person on a baseball roster. The space a centerfielder is required to cover is not an easy job.

[Easy]

I think what "greatest athlete" means in Haney's eyes is his impact on the whole sports Spectrum. Tiger Woods is up there with Michael Jordan, Ali and Gretzky. The greatest athletes of all time.

Not his ability to bench press 300 pounds, run a marathon or do cart wheels.

[ghalfaire]

I read the article. I thought Hank was pretty "up front" and honest with his comments. Particularly given it was going to be read by many of thousands of people. I would also suspect that he used some caution is selecting his words as most of us would in the same situation. But I enjoyed the interview and agree that Tiger is probably the best conditioned golfer ever and maybe the best golfer ever period. But have some doubts he is the best athlete ever.

[Cornbread]

I read the article. I thought Hank was pretty "up front" and honest with his comments. Particularly given it was going to be read by many of thousands of people. I would also suspect that he used some caution is selecting his words as most of us would in the same situation. But I enjoyed the interview

Absolutely. This decision was more political than anything else. Haney needed to distance himself from the current, and coming controversy. Federal Drug investigations, Pprescription Drug Abuse, the problems with all the females, thier being paid off to keep quite, ect... It was a Political & Public Relations decision. I admire how he was professional regarding his concerns. Hank is a class act.

[Cornbread]

quote: "This isn't about excelling; it is about dominating. You won't find any athletes that dominate in more than one sport. Tiger has dominated golf in a way that perhaps no one ever has".
=====================================

..... uh, since Byron Nelson (he won 14 tourney in a row), Sam Snead, and of course Jack.

[breakout89]

I think what "greatest athlete" means in Haney's eyes is his impact on the whole sports Spectrum. Tiger Woods is up there with Michael Jordan, Ali and Gretzky. The greatest athletes of all time.

Okay, I can agree with that; well said.

[Awsi Dooger]

I thought the interview portrayed Tiger poorly, and in an extremely believable fashion: Tiger doesn't acknowledge or respond to emails. Tiger insists he's been talking to Haney nightly, while Haney says it's only twice in several months. Most notably, Tiger believes any association with him is a massive favor.

[Deryck Griffith]

have you ever played on a team for baseball, specifically outfield,lol. You stand there doing nothing until a ball flys your way and you catch it and throw it for a whole one minute of action every 30 minutes. Although with batting baseball players are obbsessed with being huge so they can hit home runs but again you are only up at bat once every 45 minutes. Dont get me wrong I love baseball but Im just trying to get my point across.

I have played baseball for the Jr. Blue Jays here in Toronto in the Connie Mac league, NCAA Div 1 baseball, and single A minor league ball in the Doger farm system. You have absolutey NO idea on the preperation needed to excel in baseball..non whatsoever. As a pitcher myself, the amount of strain on the body to throw a ball 90 miles an hour for 9 innings is far superior to hitting a golf ball. As for your outfield comment, most of the pros get clocked at 92+ mph after they crow hop and can run the 60 in under 6.5 which has pretty much become the standard in being able to track down a fly ball from a cold start in the gap that is traveling close to 100 mph. People who make ignorant comments about the traning required for baseball infurate me to the core.

As for Hank Haney and Tiger woods. I think Hank's interviewgave great insight to what it would be like to "work" for tiger and even though I like TW, I am sure it would be an absolute chore to work for him. I also give him credit for having the balls to speak honestly about golf's untouchable player. So what if he said some honest things to say...TW is a big boy. He can handle it.