ROANOKE TIMES 

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: MONDAY, May 17, 1993                   TAG: 9305170137
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: B4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

RETTON, HAMILL STILL MOST LOVED ATHLETES

Mary Lou Retton and Dorothy Hamill, champions far beyond their Olympic glory years, are still America's most beloved athletes, according to a popularity poll released Sunday.

Michael Jordan, Joe Montana, Nolan Ryan and Wayne Gretzky lead their sports in popularity among current athletes, though all four trail Retton, the 1984 gold medal gymnast, and Hamill, the 1976 gold medal figure skater.

Mike Tyson is the most unpopular athlete in the country, according to the poll, drawing far more negative ratings than runners-up Pete Rose, John McEnroe and Jose Canseco on the list of 809 active, retired or deceased sports personalities.

New York Yankees boss George Steinbrenner is the most unpopular team owner. Muhammad Ali and Babe Ruth are the best known athletes, their names recognized by more than 97 percent of Americans. Yet the most popular former baseball player is Henry Aaron. Richard Petty, who retired at the end of last year, edged A.J. Foyt as the most popular race car driver. - Associated Press 


 by CNB