One of our pet projects, the Fictitious Athlete Hall of Fame is pleased to announce the Semi-Finalists for the Class of 2020, which will be the 7^th full class. 

The Semi-Finalists were decided by all of you, after being pared down from other 500 Preliminary Nominees.

There are three wings in the Fictitious Athlete Hall of Fame:

The Fictitious Athlete wing, whose members are: Rocky Balboa (The Rocky series), Roy Hobbs (The Natural), Crash Avis (Bull Durham), Ricky “Wild Thing” Vaughn (Major League), Happy Gilmore (Happy Gilmore), Reggie Dunlop (Slap Shot), The Hanson Brothers (Slap Shot), Charlie Conway (The Mighty Ducks) Benny “The Jet” Rodriguez (The Sandlot), Apollo Creed (Rocky), Willie “Mays” Hayes (Major League), Forrest Gump (Forrest Gump), Bobby Boucher (The Waterboy), Paul “Wrecking” Crewe (The Longest Yard), Dottie Hinson (A League of Their Own), Daniel LaRusso (The Karate Kid), Clubber Lang (Rocky), Ivan Drago (Rocky), “Fast” Eddie Felson (The Hustler & The Color of Money, Al Bundy (Married...with Children), Homer Simpson (The Simpsons) and Johnny Lawrence (The Karate Kid and Cobra Kai.

The Fictitious Contributor wing, whose members are: Harry Doyle (Major League), Carl Spackler (Caddyshack), Mr. Miyagi (The Karate Kid), Chubbs Peterson (Happy Gilmore), Gordon Bombay (The Mighty Ducks), Mickey Goldmill (Rocky), Morris Buttermaker (The Bad News Bears), Coach Ernie Pantusso (Cheers), Adrian Balboa (Rocky), Jimmy Dugan (A League of Their Own), and the Gopher (Caddyshack)

The Fictitious Veteran wing, whose members are: Andy “Champ” Purcell (The Champ), Dennis Ryan (Take Me Out to the Ball Game), Guffy McGovern (Angels in the Outfield), Huxley College (Horse Feathers), Sport Goofy (Disney) and Joe Hardy/Joe Boyd (Damn Yankees).

The Fictitious Athlete Semi-Finalists are:

A.C. Slater (Saved by the Bell).  The former amateur wrestling star at Bayside High has been a Semi-Finalist every year, but a Finalist only once.  Slater also played for Bayside’s football team.

Adonis Creed (Creed and Creed II).  The son of former World Heavyweight Boxing Champion, Apollo Creed, Adonis became the World Heavyweight Champion himself.  This is the most “recent” Semi-Finalist.

Al Czervik (Caddyshack).  Czervik was a Finalist last year for the first time, and his win over the “snobs” at Bushwood Country Club is still golf legend.

Alex Moran (Blue Mountain State).  Moran was a rare breed of Quarterback, as he was a pivot who loved being the backup.  He returns to the semi-finals after being absent last year.

“All the Way” Mae Mordabito (A League of Their Own).  Mordabito played at Centerfield for the Rockford Peaches, and was the team’s leadoff hitter.

Amanda Whurlitzer (The Bad News Bears).  Whurlitzer was the star pitcher for Morris Buttermaker’s little league team in California.  Whurlitzer was a Finalist last year.

Anakin Skywalker (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace).  Skywalker is here for his youthful prowess as a pod racer.  This unique sport is one that he would finally win in what we assume was his last race.

Anne Marie Chadwick (Blue Crush).  This is the first time that Chadwick has made the list of Semi-Finalists, and is the lone surfer to make it this far this year.

“Big Ern” Ernie McCracken (Kingpin).  “Big Ern” was the most recognized bowler in the circuit.  McCracken has been a multi-time Semi-Finalist.

Billy Bob (Varsity Blues).  Billy Bob was the Offensive Lineman for West Canaan (Texas) and is a Semi-Finalist for the second straight time.

Billy Chapel (For Love of the Game).  As a veteran with the Detroit Tigers, Chapel pitched a perfect game.  He has always been a Semi-Finalist.

Billy Hoyle (White Men Can’t Jump).  Hoyle was a street basketball hustler who has the on-court skills but not necessarily the mind of a hustler.  

Bud (Air Bud).  What sport could this golden retriever not do?  He did it all, and he returns as a Semi-Finalist for the sixth time.

Bugs Bunny (Space Jam & Space Jam: A New Legacy).  Bugs Bunny teamed with Michael Jordan to defeat the Monstars, and has now reappeared with LeBron James to take on the Goon Squad.

Cal Naughton Jr. (Talladega Nights: The Legend of Ricky Bobby).  Naughton Jr. returns to the Semi-Finals after a two-year absence.  He wasn’t always first, so was he mostly last?

Charles Jefferson (Fast Times at Ridgemont High).  We always wondered if Jefferson got those Earth, Wind and Fire tickets from Damone.  Regardless, Jefferson might have given the best defensive performance ever in California High School Football.

Chazz Michael Michaels (Blades of Glory).  CMM was a star solo figure skater who found a second life as a pair skater with his former adversary.  This is also a former Finalist.

Danny Noonan (Caddyshack).  Noonan might not have been close to the most colorful or quotable character in the film, but he sank the winning putt that won it at the end of the flick.  He returns to the Semi-Finals.

Drederick Tatum (The Simpsons).  Springfield’s top boxer has a striking resemblance to Mike Tyson.

Ebby Calvin “Nuke” Laloosh (Bull Durham).  Nuke was mentored by longtime minor league Catcher, Crash Davis, and he parlayed his million dollar arm to a spot in the “show”.

Flash Gordon (Flash Gordon).  Before he saved the galaxy, he was the Quarterback for the New York Jets.  He was a Semi-Finalist for the first time two years ago.

Greg Goldberg (The Mighty Ducks Trilogy).  Every great hockey dynasty needs a great Goalie.  Goldberg was good enough, and great at the one-liners.

Hamilton Porter (The Sandlot).  Porter played on his local sandlot baseball team, though he was more known for his comedic stylings then his hitting acumen.

Henry Rowengartner (Rookie of the Year).  A freak arm injury turned the 12-year old’s arm into a fastball machine.  He played briefly for the Chicago Cubs and is a four-time Semi-Finalist.

Ignacio/Nacho (Nacho Libre).  Ignacio wrestled professionally in Mexico, and he is a multi-time Semi-Finalist.

Ishmael (Kingpin).  Ishmael learned to bowl in Amish country and almost competed in the Reno Open.  While he didn’t bow in that tournament, he had a lot of fun along the way.

Jack Elliott (Mr. Baseball).  Elliott was a fading star for the Detroit Tigers and was traded to the Tokyo Giants, where he had last kick at the can.  This is the second time he has been a Semi-Finalist.

Jackie Moon (Semi-Pro).  Moon was the player/owner for the Flint Tropics and has been a past Finalist.

Jake Taylor (Major League).  Taylor was the hero with a bunt in the first Major League, where the veteran Catcher of the Cleveland Indians was the on-field leader of the rags to riches story.  He would later become their interim manager, and he is a five-time Semi-Finalist.

Jeff “The Dude” Lebowski (The Big Lebowski).  A pot smoking slacker who loves bowling?  Sounds good to us!  The Dude has been a previous Semi-Finalist.

Jesus Shuttlesworth (He Got Game).  Shuttlesworth was a highly recruited basketball player at Lincoln High.  Amazingly, he has only reached the Semi-Finals three times.

Jimmy Chitwood (Hoosiers).  Chitwood was the star basketball player at Hickory High whom without the Norman Dale led team would not have won the Indiana State tournament in 1957.  Chitwood has been a Finalist once.

Lee (Enter the Dragon).  Lee qualifies as he participates in what was the most unorganized martial arts tournament in memory.  This is his fourth time as a Semi-Finalist.

Lincoln Hawk (Over the Top).  Surprisingly, this is the first time that the arm wrestler from the Trucker’s Division has made the Semi-Finals.

Mighty Steel Leg Sing (Shaolin Monk).  For the first time, Sing is a Semi-Finalist, and the addition of this soccer phenom makes it a truly international affair.

Pedro Cerrano (Major League).  The Cleveland Indians outfielder and voodoo master was known for his booming Home Runs.  Cerrano is a two-time Finalist.

Peter Griffin (Family Guy).  While he is rotund and middle-aged, he became a star briefly for the New England Patriots, that is until Tom Brady’s jealousy resulted him in being traded to the London Sillynannies.  This is his first foray into the Semi-Finals.

Peter LaFleur (Dodgeball).  LaFleur led his Average Joe’s Gym team to a win in the Dodgeball Open in Las Vegas.  He is a two-time Finalist.

Quick Rick Roberts (Body Slam).  A surprise first-time Semi-Finalist, Roberts brought rock and wrestling together, an anthesis of his portrayer, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper.

Randy “The Ram” Robinson (The Wrestler).  Robinson is an aging pro wrestler barely hanging on.  He was a Finalist three years ago.

Ricky Bobby (Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby).  NASCAR legend, Ricky Bobby has been a Finalist two times.

Rip (No Holds Barred):  In this universe, Rip is not only the biggest wrestler in the world, but the biggest television star in the world.

Roy McAvoy (Tin Cup):  A three-time Semi-Finalist, McAvoy is a club pro who finally made it to a PGA event.

Sam Malone (Cheers):  Malone pitched for the Boston Red Sox for five seasons in a relief pitcher capacity.  “Mayday” is a three-time Finalist. 

Scott Howard (Teen Wolf):  When Howard transformed into the “Wolf” he was the top basketball star in High School.  He has been a semi-finalist twice.

Shane Falco (The Replacements):  A former two-time Finalist, the former Ohio State Buckeye was a replacement player Quarterback for the Washington Sentinels.

White Goodman (Dodgeball):  Every sports hero needs a counterpart, and White Goodman is better than you, and you know it.

You can vote for them here.

The Fictitious Athlete Contributors are:

Annie Savoy (Bull Durham):  Savoy was the longtime muse for many a minor league baseball player who was played for the Durham Bulls.  She is a former Finalist, and had at least been a Semi-Finalist every year.

April Buchanan (Eastbound and Down):  April is the loving ex-wife of former baseball reliever, Kenny Powers.

Arliss Michaels (Arliss):  Arliss was the super sports agent for many years, and he represented many all-stars from multiple sports.

Ben Wightman (Fever Pitch):  Wightman owns premium season tickets at Fenway, and could be the biggest Red Sox fan.

Caretaker (The Longest Yard ’74):  This was the man who made the Mean Machine possible, and is also a former Semi-Finalist.

Caretaker (The Longest Yard ’05):  See above.  The same applies.

Charlie Kenton (Real Steel):  A first-time semi-finalist, Kenton helps robots box.  

Chester Lee (Ladybugs):  Lee would briefly coach a youth girls soccer team.  Why?  We don’t remember.

Coach Klein (The Waterboy):  The Head Coach of South Central Louisiana State was a play-making genius and a previous Finalist.

Darcy Sears (Varsity Blues):  Who was the hottest woman at West Canaan?  It was Darcy Sears.  She is a two-time Semi-Finalist.

Frank Drebin (The Naked Gun):  The. Detective from the Police Squad in L.A. pretended to be a Major League Umpire, while on the case.  He was a Semi-Finalist last year.

Frankie Dunn (Million Dollar Baby):  Dunn trained many a boxer, and he broke his own rules to coach his first female.

George Costanza (Seinfeld):  Costanza shockingly became an executive with the New York Yankees and is a two-time Semi-Finalist.

Hayden Fox (Coach):  Fox is a three-time Finalist and the former Head Coach at Minnesota State.

Irv Blitzer (Cool Runnings):  While there was a Jamaican Bobsled Team at the 1988 Olympics, there was no Irv Blitzer, but in the world of film, he existed, and coached them to respectability in Calgary.

Jerry Maguire (Jerry Maguire):  The most known sports agent In the fictitious world has been a Finalist twice.   

John Kreese (The Karate Kid):  Kreese is a two-time Semi-Finalist and was the leader of the Cobra-Kai.  This is his second straight year as a Semi-Finalist.

Lou Brown (Major League):  Brown went from managing the Toledo Mudhens and landed the job as the Cleveland Indians Manager.  He has been a Finalist once.

Norman Dale (Hoosiers):  Dale is a three-time Finalist and he led the small town Hickory High to a state championship in 1957.

Patches O’Houlihan (Dodgeball):  O’Houlihan was a former dodgeball star who trained the Average Joe’s Gym for their tournament in Las Vegas.  He was a Finalist last year.

Paulie Pennino (Rocky):  Paulie is a friend, cornerman and brother-in-law to former Heavyweight Boxing Champion, Rocky Balboa.  He is a two-time Finalist.

Terrence Mann (Field of Dreams):  An important counter-culture writer of the 1960s, Mann is a disaffected baseball fan who travels with Kinsella to his Iowa baseball diamond.  This is his second time as a Semi-Finalist.

You can vote for them here.

The Fictitious Athlete Veterans are:

Frank Capua (Winning):  Capua was racing in the Indianapolis 500 amidst the backdrop of a love triangle.

Harold Lamb (The Freshman):  Lamb played college football for Tate University, and the undersized talent got the girl at the end.

Greta Muller (One in a Million):  Muller was an Olympic figure skater, which had to be a stretch for Sonja Henie to play.

Velvet Brown (National Velvet):  Brown won the steeplechase but sexism of her day meant she had to pretend to be male.

Ward “Kid Galahad” Guisenberry (Kid Galahad ‘37):  Guisenberry went from the farm to become a top contender in the world of boxing.

Walter “Kid Galahad” Gulick (Kid Galahad ‘61):  See above, only substitute mechanic for farm boy.

You can vote for them here.

When you can, please support our site and cast your vote for the Class of 2020!

As always, we here at Notinhalloffame.com thank you for your support.

Regular visitors of Notinhalloffame.com know that we are slowly working on the top 50 of every major team in the NHL, NBA, NFL and MLB.  Once that is done, we intend to look at how each team honor their past players, coaches and executives.  As such, it is news to us that the E-Club Athletic of Hall of Fame (Eastern Michigan) has announced six new members.

The new members are:

Carl “C.J” Johnson, Men’s Track and Field, Class of 1996:  Johnson won the MAC in 400m Hurdles in 1987 and 1988, and the 500m indoor in 1987. 

Jason Jones, Football, Class of 2007.  Jones was a Defensive Lineman who led the MAC in Tackles for Loss on route to a First Team All-MAC in 2007.  He went on to play professionally for Tennessee, Seattle, Detroit and Miami and recorded 31.5 Sacks.

Amanda Kulikowski, Soccer, Class of 2002.  Kulikowski led EMU to their first ever MAC Regular Season Title , Tournament Title and post-season appearance, and was a three-time All-MAC Selection.

Carl E. Thomas, Men’s Basketball, Class of 2000.  Thomas took Eastern Michigan to two MAC Titles and had 1,179 Points and 452 Rebounds.  He would professionally with Sacramento, Cleveland, Golden State and Orlando.

Charles E. Thomas II, Men’s Basketball, Class of 2000.  Like his brother , Carl, Thomas helped take EMU to two MAC Titles.  He finished his career with 710 Points, and would play briefly with Detroit.

LaTonya Watson, Women’s Basketball, Class of 1992.  Watson led the Eagles three times in Assists and had 446 in total.  She was an All-Second Team All-MAC Selection in 1992. 

The ceremony will take place on September 24.

We would like to congratulate the newest members of Eastern Michigan University E-Club Alumni Hall of Fame for earning this prestigious honor.

Yes, we know that this is taking a while!

As many of you know, we here at Notinhalloffame.com are slowly generating the 50 of each major North American sports team.  That being said, we have existing Top 50 lists out and we always consistently look to update them when we can and based on necessity.  As such, we are very happy to present our pre-2021-22 revision of our top 50 Oklahoma City Thunder of all-time.

As for all of our top 50 players in basketball we look at the following: 

1.  Advanced Statistics.

2.  Traditional statistics and how they finished in the NBA. 

3.  Playoff accomplishments.

4.  Their overall impact on the team and other intangibles not reflected in a stat sheet.

Please note, that this is our first revision in two years, and as such, players with significant achievements in 2019-20 are reflected here.

As always, we present our top five immediately, though nothing has changed in this upper-tier.

1. Russell Westbrook

2. Gary Payton

3. Kevin Durant

4. Shawn Kemp

5. Jack Sikma

You can find the entire list here.

There are two new entries, and moderate increases, and again, remember this is indicative of the last two years.

Steven Adams, who is now with New Orleans, inched up one spot to #16.

Chris Paul, who was only with OKC for one year in 2019-20, and was a Second Team All-NBA Selection enters at #43.

Current OKC star, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, debuts at #46.

We welcome your input and comments and as always, we thank you for your support.

The world of rap lost one of its own, as Biz Markie, passed away at the age of 57.  While it was announced how he died, he had been suffering from Type 2 Diabetes for an extended period of time.

Born Marcel Hall, Markie had a unique sound, as he was not a skilled rapper, nor was he a competent singer.  As such, he used humor, quirkiness, occasional self-deprecation, and his ability to beatbox to create a style all his own.  It resulted in what was one of the great one-hit wonders ever, “Just a Friend” in 1989.  The song catapulted Markie, albeit briefly, to the mainstream, but it would be the only significant hit of his career.

Nevertheless, he paved the way for other comedic rappers, and he was dubbed the “Clown Prince of Hip-Hop”.  He put out five albums over his career.

We here at Notinhalloffame.com would like to extend our condolences to the fans, friends and family of Biz Markie.