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
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