Watch Sports Century

Sports Century was a popular television show that debuted in 1999 on ESPN. The show was hosted by legendary sportscasters Chris Berman, Chris Fowler, Dan Patrick and Jeremy Schaap. The show aired from 1999 to 2007, and featured profiles of the greatest athletes and sports figures of the 20th century.

The show began with a countdown of the top 50 athletes of the 20th century, as selected by ESPN's panel of experts. The countdown was spread over several episodes and each entry included a segment on the athlete's career, their achievements, and their impact on the sports world. The show used archival footage, interviews with the athletes, and commentary from various experts to provide a detailed look at each athlete.

Sports Century covered a wide range of sports, from baseball and football to golf, tennis, and boxing. The show profiled a diverse group of athletes, including Babe Ruth, Jim Brown, Muhammed Ali, Billie Jean King and Michael Jordan. The show also featured segments on coaches, owners, and other influential figures in the sports world.

One of the unique aspects of Sports Century was its approach to storytelling. Rather than simply highlighting an athlete's accomplishments, the show delved into the personal lives of the athletes and the challenges they faced. For instance, the segment on Jackie Robinson not only covered his impact on baseball, but also his struggle against racism and his role in the civil rights movement. Similarly, the segment on Babe Didrikson Zaharias covered her overcoming sexist attitudes and her battle with cancer.

Another unique aspect of Sports Century was its use of music. Each segment began with a moving instrumental piece that set the tone for the story to come. The music was often accompanied by footage of the athlete in action or significant moments from their career. The show's signature theme, "Roundball Rock" by John Tesh, was used for many of the basketball segments and became synonymous with the sport.

The show was also known for its high production values. The segments were well-written and tightly edited, making for an engaging viewing experience. The archival footage was often rare and hard-to-find, adding to the appeal of the show. The graphics and animations used to illustrate statistics and other facts were state-of-the-art for the time, and the show's opening sequence, featuring black-and-white footage of athletes in action, was a visual treat.

Sports Century was a critical success and a ratings winner for ESPN. The show became a cultural touchstone and sparked debates and conversations about the greatest athletes of all time. The success of the show led to similar programs on other networks, but none matched the quality and production values of Sports Century.

In conclusion, Sports Century was a groundbreaking television program that showcased the lives and careers of some of the greatest athletes and sports personalities of the 20th century. The show's high production values, engaging storytelling and unique approach to sports journalism made it a must-watch for sports fans. The show left a lasting legacy on the sports world and is still remembered fondly today.