Top 5 North Dakota Athletes
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- From an air mattress in Bismark, North Dakota to a multi-millionaire star athlete in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. That's the transformation that Carson Wentz is making right now.
In honor of Wentz, here are five of the most popular and best North Dakota born (or lived in) sports figures.
5. Chris Coste
How could I leave Coste off this list? He certainly did not light the world on fire in the MLB, but the 43-year-old Fargo native and former catcher played an integral role in the Phillies' 2008 championship season.
In fact, earlier this week on the 94WIP Morning Show Coste compared Wentz to Chase Utley.
4. Pete Retzlaff
Retzlaff played for Ellendale High School in Ellendale, North Dakota and then became a five-time Pro Bowler with the Eagles playing running back, receiver, and tight end. He played from 1956-1966, was named the 1965 NFL MVP, and was named to the Eagles Hall Of Fame in 1989.
Then, Retzlaff served as the Eagles' vice president and general manager from 1969-1972.
Hopefully Wentz can follow Retzlaff's career path.
3. Darin Erstad
From Jamestown, North Dakota Erstad played for the Angels, White Sox, and Astros. He's a two-time all-star, a 2002 World Series champion, and a three-time gold glove winner.
2. Roger Maris
Fine Maris was technically born in Hibbing, Minnesota but at eight-years old his family moved to North Dakota and he attended Fargo Central High School. Maris hit a then-record 61 home runs in 1961 (you know, that really good movie), he was a seven-time all-star, a three-time World Series champ, and a two-time AL MVP.
Maris passed away in 1985 at the age of 51.
1. Phil Jackson
As a player from 1967-1980? Jackson won two championships.
As a coach from 1978-2011? Jackson won 11 more championships.
Jackson was born in Deer Lodge, Montana but attended high school in Williston, North Dakota and went to the University of North Dakota, so he counts.
