#4 Bobby Orr: Where Angels Fear to Tread

Before there was GPS there was legendary NHL phenom Bobby Orr ... tracking all movement on the ice like he had satellite vision-- rushing from end to end; lugging the puck with precision navigation and electrifying stick handling, scoring and assisting goals with marksman accuracy.

Bobby tore up and down the ice like an F5 tornado. He was an unyielding, almost supernatural force; moving so fast he was like a steel bladed Hermes. Weaving between and bypassing opponents at lightning speed, he outfoxed and outmaneuvered those that tried to stop him or slow him down ... leaving behind a wake of confusion and frustration.

Standing just under 6 feet tall and weighing about 200 pounds, Bobby was also a tough kid who could take care of himself physically -- losing a mere 1 or 2 fights out of a career total of between 47 and 53.

Unfortunately, Bobby's knee injuries ended his career, but his legendary status is eternal. The only introduction Bobby will ever need is simply #4.

Everyone from hockey experts to former coaches, former teammates and opposing team members, from hockey fans to even the casual observer, knows what Bobby Orr was and is all about. The astounding, thunderous and lengthy ovation Bobby received at his 1979 Boston Garden retirement ceremony from a standing room only crowd of adoring fans — he truly deserved all record-breaking 11 minutes of it! Even in retirement, Bobby Orr set records!

Cheering continued from previous clip to this one
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6BfmHqXmyg

At 55 seconds, funny: "PUT YOUR SHIRT ON"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPCIcxMbjWE

Though decades have passed since Bobby retired, watching him never gets old; however, Bobby's legacy transcends his 12-year, 2-time Stanley Cup winning, numerous award and trophy achieving, accolade filled career -- goes above his obvious finesse, skill and epitomizing the ultimate athlete -- beyond some of the greatest sports moments and memories ever created.

Bobby Orr is also a charitable, genuinely gracious, humble, and decent man. Bobby's talent is second only to his sportsmanship and class ... honorable character such as his is unfortunately a rarity at best by today's standards.

Bobby is a figure that every parent can welcome their children looking up to ... one of the most positive role models ever, in sports or otherwise. My sports heroes are relatively few, but Bobby Orr will forever top my list of not only truly great sports heroes, but truly great people.
__________________________

BOBBY'S CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:

1969-1970:

Bobby shattered defenseman scoring records
with 33 goals and 120 points

1970-1971:

Bobby scored 37 goals and 139 points, that still stands
today as the NHL defenseman record

1969-1975:

Bobby led league 5 times in plus-minus
__________________________

BOBBY'S CAREER STATS - 1966-1979:

657 games played
270 goals
645 assists
915 points
+597 plus/minus
__________________________

BOBBY ORR QUOTES:

"Forget about style, worry about results."

I've been gifted ... the world is full of people who not only haven't been gifted, but have had something taken away from them. All I have to do is see some little girl who can't walk, and then I don't think I'm such a hero anymore."

"Growing up, if I hadn't had sports I don't know where I'd be. God only knows what street corners I'd have been standing on and God only knows what I'd have been doing, but instead I played hockey, went to school and stayed out of trouble."

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• Boston Bruins Bobby Orr
• 1970 Goal Bobby Orr
• NHL Old Time Hockey
• Classic Boston Bruins

[lazysasparilla]

I couldn't stand Orr in his prime because and he was a hawk killer and I was a hawk fan. Brilliant greatest player of all time...supreme talent I wish I had appreciated him in his prime !!

[KarmicOmen]

@lazysasparilla

Thanks for viewing!

I believe that is why they say. "Hindsight is 20/20" (~‿~) Ironically, it is where Bobby Orr ended up; in Chicago as a Blackhawk ... but never in his heart where he was, is and will always be a Bruins legend.

[garybarone]

Btw, I am googling Bobby Orr vids, I obviously love the guy. Thanks for your post.

[KarmicOmen]

@garybarone

Calling Bobby Orr overrated ... um, not very nice.

(◐.̃◐)

[garybarone]

OveRRated... But still extremely loved, and one of the all time all round hockey greats.

[KarmicOmen]

@garybarone

You called Bobby "OveRRated" -- yet have not provided factually sound evidence {stats, names, scoring records, etc.} to further illustrate a basis for such {unwarranted} derogation; therefore, you and your opinion lack any and all credibility.

[KarmicOmen]

@BranniganE8

Bobby has been voted Boston's biggest sports legend, beating out many other famous names for the title.

Bobby is highly revered here and very much loved -- for so many reasons ... not just for what he accomplished on the ice, but the man he has always been off the ice.

[garybarone]

I was at game 7, Thomas was amazing, and it was great to see Lucic win the cup, he was a big part of the Vancouver Giants. I was also at the game (in Feb?) where the Canucks got smoked due to stellar play by Lucic. I will probably never see another cup get presented (live) so it was a really special experience.

[garybarone]

My apologies. I didn't mean it as derogatory, he is often called the best ever... In MY 39 years of watching hockey, I just haven't agreed with his being the best ever. I hardly think that is derogatory. I apologize for my choice of words.

[KarmicOmen]

@garybarone

Overrated?!

(॓॔)

Your opinion -- not consensus. I'm going to try to be reasonable.

Compared to what other "consummate" hockey player since his time? Based on whose career longevity {playing despite debilitating injuries}? Based on what scoring records for defenseman still unbroken today? Based on whose job it was to score and not to score? Based on who revolutionized their position and opened the door for "nearly as good" but "not quite as great" players that succeeded him?

[KarmicOmen]

@garybarone

What was that: A backhanded compliment?