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The Loop

Boy wonders: How Rory stacks up

May 06, 2010

Although it is impressive that Rory McIlroy notched his first PGA Tour win (and second professional win) before turning 21 this week, he has a ways to go if he is to match the seasons some athletes have had in the year in which they turned 21 -- or even younger. That said, it also proves that big things are possible for those just reaching the legal drinking age in this country.

Ted Williams:  .327 batting average, 31 HR, 145 RBI (led league) at age 21

Dwight Gooden:  24-4, 1.53 ERA, 268 strikeouts (led league in wins, ERA and strikeouts) at age 20

Wayne Gretzky:  92 goals, 120 assists, 212 points (led league in goals, assists and points)

LeBron James:  31.4 points per game

Barry Sanders:  1,470 yards, 14 touchdowns

Edgerrin James:  1,553 yards rushing (led league), 13 TDs; 62 receptions, 586 yards receiving, 4 TDs (17 TDs total led league)

Pele:  110 goals in 74 total games (age 20)

Tiger Woods:  4 wins (including Masters), $2,066,833 in earnings (led tour)

-- E. Michael Johnson