Debating where Smith lands among all-time N.M. greats
Can we say it now? Is Mike Smith the top professional athlete New Mexico has ever produced, or are we getting swept up in the moment of his Triple Crown run astride Justify during Saturday’s Belmont Stakes? Can we say he’s the best, 505 por vida?
The euphoria of the moment certainly makes it easy to look at the diminutive Smith, a high school dropout from Dexter who won his first professional race at the Downs at Santa Fe in 1982, and his monstrous list of accomplishments, and anoint him as the greatest we’ve ever had around here. But is he really? After riding Justify into history as a front-runner from start to finish, he certainly has an argument as to whether or not he’s the best jockey that’s ever lived. Winning the Triple Crown at age 52, some 15 years after he was inducted into the racing hall of fame? That would be like quarterback Brett Favre winning another Super Bowl, taking home the MVP trophy and breaking the record for touchdowns — in 2031. I asked Smith on Friday if he considered himself a superstitious person. After all, the white silks he’d worn for wins in the Preakness and the Kentucky Derby were changed to the red and yellow he wore Saturday because one of the horse’s owners is Chinese, and they closely embodied the feel of the Chinese flag.
“Not superstitious at all,” Smith said. “The only thing I do every time, every day, is pray.”
Whether he’s the top athlete we’ve ever seen, it’s hard to not fall in love with the man’s positive attitude and constant reminders to the outside world that New Mexico is in his blood. Even after Saturday’s race as he steered Justify back to the grandstands, he spoke about winning races in Ruidoso when he was younger. Best of all time? Maybe. Here’s this reporter’s top 10 in-state athletes, starting with
some honorable mentions and working the way to the top.
In the mix: Al Unser Jr. (auto racing), Jim Everett (football), Cody Ross (baseball), Carlos Condit (mixed martial arts), Trent Dimas (gymnastics), Arian Foster (football), Tito Landrum (baseball), plus just about anyone from out of state who played for UNM, New Mexico State, Highlands, Eastern or Western but don’t qualify as natives for this particular list.
10— Holly Holm (boxing/MMA). Her win over Ronda Rousey in 2015 gave her the look and feel Smith does right now. At the time, she was the hottest thing our state had to offer, but she followed the Rousey win with three straight losses.
9— Bobby Unser (auto racing). A threetime Indianapolis 500 champion whose aggressive style helped him win the 1981 Indy in controversial fashion.
8— Nancy Lopez (golf ). She won three majors and was, for a time, the biggest name on the LPGA Tour.
7— Bob Foster (boxing). He was considered at one time to be the best light heavyweight champion in the world, winning 56 fights in a career that spanned 1961-78.
6— Kathy Whitworth (golf ). She grew up in Jal and went on to 88 career wins as a pro, becoming the first female golfer to top $1 million in career earnings.
5— Al Unser (auto racing). A four-time Indianapolis 500 winner, one of only three drivers to do so.
4— Tommy McDonald (football). A hall of famer by way of Highland High, he was arguably the top receiver of his time with the Eagles and four other teams in the 1950s and ’60s.
3— Mike Smith (horse racing). A Triple Crown gives him a solid argument to be higher on this list, and it definitely makes him one of the top athletes the state has ever had.
2— Johnny Tapia (boxing). As flawed as he was, he was undeniably accomplished at his craft and loyal to his state at all times. He was a five-time world champ whose personality and playful nature were his calling cards.
1— Brian Urlacher (football). He’s set for first-ballot enshrinement into the hall of fame in two months, capping a remarkable career that started as a multi-sport star in Lovington and later as a do-everything AllAmerican at UNM. Arguably one of the best linebackers in NFL history and usually the first name people think of when asked about sports icons from New Mexico. So there you have it. Let the debate begin.
Will Webber’s weekly opinion piece covers all things local sports, from the high school scene to the professionals. Contact Webber at 505986-3060 or wwebber@sfnewmexican.com.