Top 50 Players In Baltimore Sports History: 50-41
44. Ray Rice, RB, Baltimore Ravens
Although Rice has only played six years in the NFL so far, he still deserves to be on this Baltimore sports history list. The reason is self-explanatory, just look at the numbers. In 2008, the Ravens drafted quarterback Joe Flacco in the first round and running back Ray Rice out of Rutgers in the second round. Both picks are among the best in Ravens franchise history.
Rice only got 107 carries in his rookie year, but then came 2009. He had a break-out year in the 2009 season, rushing for 1,339 yards (5.3 yards-per-carry) and totaling 2,042 yards from scrimmage, which were both second in the league only to Chris Johnson (who rushed for over 2,000 yards). Two years later, Rice rushed for a career-high 1,364 yards, which was also second in the league.
Rice went four straight years rushing for over 1,100 yards and receiving for over 480. However, he had a miserable year in 2013 when he ran for just 660 yards on 214 carries, which resulted in a 3.1 rush average. Let’s just say that Rice’s career is, for a lack of a better term, done. Was his career really a failure? I mean, the average career of a running back only lasts 4.6 years, so it makes sense that he declined in his fifth year. However, I am still confident that Rice will get things back together in 2014, and even if he doesn’t, he is still great in my books.
43. Roberto Alomar, 3B, Baltimore Orioles
Sep 21, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Baseball Hall of Fame member Roberto Alomar looks on before the Pat Healy (not pictured) fight against Khabib Nurmagomedov (not pictured) during their Lightweight bout at UFC 165 at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Alomar played with six different teams throughout his 17-year career, and only played three years with the Orioles. Why is he on this list if he was only in Baltimore for three years? Because those three years were pretty darn good. Second basemen aren’t known for their power, but Alomar hit 210 home runs in his career.
He hit 50 home runs in his three-year stint with the Orioles which is the second to most that he has had in any string of three years. The 12-time All-Star won the most gold gloves (10) and the second-most silver sluggers (4). In 2011, he was selected to the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Alomar appeared in the playoffs in 1996 and 1997 for the Orioles, although the Orioles were defeated in the ALCS in both years. Alomar is the first Hall-of-Famer on this list, but don’t expect him to be the last.