Paul Ladewski

Paul has informed, enlightened and entertained readers with his lively sports commentary for decades. His work has appeared in the Daily Southtown (Chicago), Inside Sports magazine, Tribune Chronicle (Ohio) and San Francisco Examiner among other major news outlets. He also has authored books for Scholastic books and is a member of the Baseball Writers Association of America.

Greatest NFL Players Without a Super Bowl Ring

Even some of the NFL's greatest players never managed to win a Super Bowl ring.

30 Most Overrated NFL Quarterbacks, Ranked

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre (4) under center during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday Oct. 25, 2009 in Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh won 27-17.(AP Photo/Don Wright)

Some of the most overrated quarterbacks in NFL history are as obvious as sports analyst Mel Kiper’s hairpiece.

NHL Players Who Deserve to Be in the Hockey Hall of Fame

Here are the non-active NHL players who deserve a call from the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Greatest Baseball Players to Never Win a World Series

It's a shame that some of the best professional baseball players never made it to the World Series.

Pro Sports Franchises That Lost Their Luster

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) lines up for the snap under center Tyler Biadasz (63) at the line of scrimmage during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, September 11, 2022, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Matt Patterson)

In pro sports, like in life, the future is uncertain, and the end is always near.

Top 30 Cy Young Award Winners, Ranked

The best pitchers to win the Cy Young Award really were more impressive in the good old days.

30 Best Offensive Lines in NFL History, Ranked

New England Patriots quarterback Steve Grogan (14) barks out orders during a first period play against the New York Jets at Foxboro, Mass., Oct. 30, 1978. In the first half Grogan passed for 201 yards and four touchdowns, leading the Pats to a 55-21 victory. Patriots coach Chuck Fairbanks, not shown, said, "I think we're going to keep him." (AP Photo)

These best offensive lines in NFL history set the standard for excellence in the trenches.

30 Greatest Teams in American Basketball Association History

Amid the frequent forays above the rim were some pretty fair teams in the American Basketball Association.

Biggest NBA 75 GOAT Snubs, Ranked

The 75th Anniversary Team would be better with these unsung candidates.

Weirdest Athletes in Sports History

Chicago Bulls' Dennis Rodman dives for a loose ball in front of Washington Bullets' Juwan Howard during the third quarter of a first-round playoff game Friday, April 25, 1997, in Chicago. The Bulls defeated the Bullets 98-86, and Rodman was ejected in the fourth quarter of his first game back with the team after injuring his knee during the regular season. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

These weird athletes prove that you don’t have to walk the straight and narrow to play pro sports.

31 Greatest Announcers in Baseball History, Ranked

The big four baseball announcers of the 1950s head our list of the greatest of all time.

Best First Units in NHL Franchise History

Here are the hockey players who would get the call with a season at stake...

Let’s Bring Back These Baseball Jersey Numbers

Not all retired MLB jersey numbers are created equal. Here are the suspects…

Greatest Basketball Guard Tandems in NBA History

The best NBA backcourt debate is older than Gregg Popovich’s billowy trousers and bulky jackets.

These Underrated NBA Coaches Deserve More Credit

Not every great NBA coach had the best players and won the most league titles.

50 NHL Players Who Aren’t Worth the Money

Bad contracts are the bane of general managers when they have NHL players who aren't worth the money.

Most Hated Hockey Players in NHL History

These are the professional hockey players you love to hate for all the right reasons.

Best NBA Commentators of All Time, Ranked

Here are the NBA commentators who talked the talk better than anyone.

Most Underrated NFL Hall of Famers

Not every pro football legend arrived in Canton on time.

Worst Super Bowl MVP Snubs of All Time, Ranked

The Super Bowl MVP Award shouldn’t be taken too seriously, as many snubbed candidates can vouch.

30 Best Big-Game Players in NFL History

The bigger the game, the better these NFL players performed.

These NBA Playoff Chokes Made History for the Wrong Reasons

An epic choke can happen to even the best professional basketball players, several of whom appear on this list of worst chokes in NBA postseason history.

Retired NFL Numbers That Should Be Worn Again

It’s time to bring back some of these retired NFL numbers.

Most Clutch Hockey Players in Stanley Cup History

Few hockey players consistently raise their games in the NHL playoffs, but here’s who really gave it their all at the Stanley Cup.

45 Best NFL Kickers We’ve Ever Seen

Are NFL kickers as irrelevant as the Hall of Fame wants us to believe?

Don’t Forget These Best One-Hit Wonders in NFL History

These one-hit wonders throughout NFL history gave a lot in so little time.

Biggest Mistake in History for Every MLB Team

Boston Red Sox first baseman Bill Buckner is a picture of dejection as he leaves the field after committing an error on a ball hit by New York Mets Mookie Wilson which allowed the winning run to score in the sixth game of the World Series, Saturday night, Oct. 25, 1986 in New York. (AP Photo/Rusty Kennedy)

All 30 MLB franchises have had their Bill Buckner moment. Or worse.

Most Underrated NFL Quarterbacks of All Time

They deserve a lot more love.

Biggest World Series Heroes, From Great to Unbelievable

We break down the best World Series performances of the expansion era. Do you agree?

Greatest MLB Postseason Pitchers in History

These are the pitchers you want on the mound for big, MLB postseason moments . . .

Most Underrated Coaches in NFL History

They weren't elite, but these head guys were consistent.

30 NFL Players Who Deserve Better Pay

These high football achievers were paid so few dollars, it made no sense.

Most Underpaid Major League Baseball Players

Atlanta Braves' Ronald Acuna Jr. celebrates after a double against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the ninth inning in Game 1 of a baseball National League Championship Series Monday, Oct. 12, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

These wealthy big leaguers deserve to be richer.

31 Unsung Running Backs in NFL History

These are the NFL running backs who received too little credit.

30 NBA Players You Want in Game 7

These are the NBA players who step up consistently when Game 7 stakes are highest.

30 Most Unsung Pitchers in MLB History

They went above and beyond without much fanfare.

Worst Player Moves in NFL History

Football player moves can be good for the bottom line but hell on NFL fans and legacies.

Greatest NHL Penalty Killers Ever, Ranked

Wayne Gretzky and fans celebrate after he scored his NHL career record-setting 802nd goal against the Vancouver Canucks, on March 23, 1994, at the Forum in Inglewood, California. (AP Photo/Eric Draper)

Here’s the shortlist of the best all-around penalty killers of the NHL expansion era.

Most Unusual Free Throw Techniques the NBA Has Ever Seen

Some NBA players have taken the art of the free throw into their own hands.

All-Time NFL GOATs at Every Position

FILE - In this Jan. 12, 1990 file photo, San Francisco 49ers safety Ronnie Lott waits for the snap during the 49ers NFC divisional playoff game against the Washington Redskins in San Francisco. Lott was selected to the Super Bowl 50 Golden Team, Thursday, Jan. 28, 2016. (AP Photo/Jack Smith, File)

It's time to take the all-time debate to another level.

NHL Franchises, Ranked From Worst to First

Edmonton Oilers' Wayne Gretzky (99) carries the puck behind the net while being followed by Chicago Black Hawks' Troy Myrray (19) in first period action, Sunday night, Nov. 15, 1987 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Fred Jewell)

The Original Six still dominate, but there’s stiffer competition now.

Most Hated Players in MLB History

There was no love lost when these guys were on or around a ballfield.

Greatest Tandems in NBA History

Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry, left, and Klay Thompson celebrate during the second half of Game 5 of a second-round NBA basketball playoff series against the Houston Rockets Wednesday, May 8, 2019, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)

Even the best basketball talents need someone to have their back.

Best Power Plays in NHL History

These teams were lethal with the man advantage.

NFL Hall of Famers Who Played Too Long

Dallas Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith (22) leaps over Tampa Bay Buccaneers free safety Harry Hamilton (39) as cornerback Ricky Reynolds (29) moves in on the play in Irving, Texas, on Oct. 7, 1990. (AP Photo/Ron Heflin)

Some football greats went beyond their expiration dates.

Top 50 NBA Prospects in the World

They have the talent and potential to be stars in the NBA.

Greatest Goal Scorers in NHL History

They put the puck in the net better than anyone.

Worst Free-Throw Shooters in NBA History

Welcome to Brick City.

Most Iconic Hockey Goalie Masks

Goalie masks didn't just make the sport safer. They created a bold, new art form.

Mount Rushmore for Every NBA Team

Meet the chosen four by franchise.

All-Time Starting Nine for Every MLB Team

More than 19,500 players have played Major League Baseball. These are the best at every position in the history of every team.

Toughest MLB Managers of All Time

These skippers were intense, and they could make a point with the best of them.

Inside Michael Jordan's Rookie NBA Season

We know how the Michael Jordan story ended — as the GOAT — but how many remember how it began? Fasten your seat belts and enjoy the ride.

Best NBA Defensive Players of All Time

Some basketball players actually play defense, and a few have done it quite well.

Top Scorers in College Basketball

The NCAA called off the 2020 NCAA men's basketball tournament. But we still can celebrate college basketball's top scorers.

Greatest College Basketball Teams of All Time

The first NCAA men's basketball college tournament was played in 1939. This is where every national champion ranks.

MLB Franchise Power Rankings

How's your team doing?

Greatest Goaltenders in NHL History for Every Team

These masked and unmasked men have set the standard between the pipes.

Greatest NBA Teams by Franchise

Every NBA organization has one season — and group of players — that stands above all the rest.

All-Time Most Unsung Hero on Every NFL Team

San Francisco 49ers tight end Brent Jones (84) goes to embrace fullback Tom Rathman (44) after Rathman scored a touchdown late in the fourth quarter against the New York Giants at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, Nov. 28, 1989. The 49ers defeated the Giants, 34-24. (AP Photo/John Mabanglo)

How well do you know the NFL gridiron giants who did all the dirty work? Test your football knowledge in this quiz.

Best MLB Defensive Players of All Time

Baseball has had some amazing glove stories.

All-Time Best Defense for Every NFL Team

All 32 franchises have a defense that stood out over the years.

Greatest College Football Teams of All Time

It's easier to crack the College Football Playoff code than sort out the best of the best, but let's give it the old college try.

Best Football Card Designs

Football cards are some of the best-kept secrets in sports collectibles. These are the best of the best.

Most Clutch NBA Players of All Time

When it comes to big-time shots, you want the ball in their hands.

25 Greatest Players in ABA History, Ranked

The American Basketball Association produced some legendary basketball players in its brief existence.

Most Overrated NFL Players of All Time by Team

The true value of some gridiron giants was overinflated. Way overinflated.

Most Overrated MLB Players of All Time

It’s the word no big leaguer wants to hear, but somebody has to say it.

Worst Underachieving Teams in NHL History

The NHL is made for upsets, and some mighty good teams have paid the price.

Best Baseball Card Designs of All Time

Some vintage cards are so popular — and so well done — they belong in museums.

The Best and Worst NBA Uniforms

It’s a new world of NBA uniforms, and some of them are even worthwhile.

Ranking Every MLB Owner, From Worst to First

Boston Red Sox owner John Henry and Chairman Tom Werner before a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Friday, April 15, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

So how are all 30 baseball team owners doing?

Most Underrated NFL Players of All Time

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Fred Taylor runs for a game-winning touchdown in a 2007 NFL game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Pittsburgh.

These men did so much but received so little credit in return.

Greatest NBA Players Who Never Won a Championship

Some of the greatest basketball players fell short of the ultimate goal.

Greatest Leadoff Hitters in Baseball History

The most successful leadoff hitters reflect a merger of different times and philosophies.

Greatest NHL Players of All Time

No all-time greats fly under the radar like the stick-and-puck guys.

The Best and Worst NHL Uniforms

Some looks remain classic on the ice. But many need upgrades.

Worst NFL Hall of Famers

They were good. But were they all-time greats?

Michael Jordan's Best Teammates, Ranked

Even the GOAT couldn't win six NBA titles by himself.

Greatest USC Football Players of All Time

These men of Troy went above and beyond in their storied careers.

Every NFL Team's Mount Rushmore

These all-time football greats represent the summit in all of pro team sports.

Worst Calls in NFL History

Referee mistakes can change more than just the outcome of a game.

Greatest Notre Dame Football Players

There are All-Americans and All-Pros, but only the rare athlete excels at both levels.

Best MLB Pitchers Who Never Threw a No-Hitter

Many of the greatest hurlers in baseball history don’t have one.

Worst MLB Umpire Calls in Baseball History

Some of the biggest games have been decided by the most awful umpiring performances.

Best NBA Nicknames of All Time

There’s no cooler place for a nickname than the basketball court.

The Best and Worst NFL Starting Quarterbacks

Who’s who among current NFL signal-callers? Here’s the definitive list.

Highest-Paid NFL Players of All Time

Quarterbacks own pro football. The rest are invited guests.

The Best and Worst NFL Uniforms

Some teams are dressed for success. Others, not so much.

Worst Contracts in NFL History

Salary cap or not, teams have given some players a lot of money in lousy deals.

Greatest Negro Leagues Players in Baseball History

Some of the best baseball players never played in the major leagues.

Greatest AFL Players

They helped the new league not only survive but thrive.

Most Efficient Shooters in NBA History

The best make the most of their opportunities.

The Best and Worst MLB Uniforms

Some baseball looks never go out of style. Others should be retired.

Worst MLB Hall of Famers

Metrics have reset the bar for Cooperstown, and a few of those who fall short may surprise you.

Every NHL Team's Mount Rushmore

Think it’s easy to pick the all-time four best players in hockey? OK, let's go by franchise.

Toughest Football Players in NFL History

If you were smart, you didn’t mess with these guys.

Mount Rushmore for Every MLB Franchise

Picking four all-time greats by team is not easy, but etch these players in stone.

Greatest NBA Players of All Time

Natural talent. Career achievements. Longevity. Analytics. And the eye test. These ballers have it all.

Best Nicknames in NFL History

The National Football League would be a whole lot duller without these monikers.

Best MLB Players Not in the Hall of Fame

These are the top candidates for Cooperstown at each position.

50 Most Underrated NBA Players of All Time

None of these underrated NBA players played in more than two All-Star Games, and they all flew well under the radar.

Best Super Bowl Commercials of All Time

These ads were as memorable as the action on the field.

Most Overpaid NFL Players in the Salary-Cap Era

Many players owe a debt of gratitude to teams that spent well beyond their means.