Happy birthday to me...and some famous athletes

So I’m bored and I’m turning 23 on Sunday so I got to wondering what famous athletes were also born on November 16. Here’s a few that I can hang my hat on and I SAY I CELEBRATE MY BIRTHDAY ON THE SAME DAY AS THEM.


Dwight Gooden: November 16, 1964

Despite the drug problems that many know of him for, he was one of the most feared pitchers in the game while in his prime. Dominant as a 19-year-old, “Doc” won 17 games and was the youngest All-Star selection in baseball history and was the 1984 NL Rookie of the Year. In his second season, his numbers were just sick, unheard of, whatever adjective you want to say for amazing. He led the National League with 24 wins, 268 strikeouts, a 1.53 ERA, 16 complete games, and 276 2/3 innings pitched. Obviously, he won the Cy Young that year. He went on to be a 4-time All-Star selection, all in the 80s with the Mets, and 3-time World Champion, once with the Mets and twice with the Yankees.


Terry Labonte: November 16, 1956

I’m not a fan of NASCAR. I’ve never really watched it, but when I have in the past, I do always remember hearing his name. He’s been at it for 30 years now. That’s one long career. In 1998 he was even named one of NASCAR’s 50 greatest drivers. That’s impressive, especially since he’s still racing a decade later.


Paul Scholes: November 16, 1974

I’m happy to see that I have a birthday with a world-class footballer. He’s one of the better players that England has developed in its football rich history. He’s a one club man, playing for Manchester United his entire career. I’m not happy about that, but he’s just good and is one of the more admired guys in the sport. He’s always done it the right way players across the globe respect him for that. Throughout his career, he’s made over 400 appearances and counting for Man U and 66 for England before retiring from the national side in 2004.


Amare Stoudemire: November 16, 1982

To think that this guy is only three years older than me is just mind boggling. He’s arguably one of the best players in the NBA. If it weren’t for microfracture surgery in 2005 causing him to miss the entire 05-06 season, he could be even better. Averaging just under a double-double in his career, he’s one the most feared big men in the league because of athleticism. Aside from Kevin Garnett and now Dwight Howard, big guys in the league have never been so athletically gifted. Since his career began in 2002, he’s a 3-time All-Star and won the Rookie of the Year award for his 02-03 campaign. Still only 25, it’s hard to imagine where he can take his game. I wonder how good he would have been if he started playing organized basketball before the age of 16?