TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Bay Area's No. 1 Draft Pick History

ADVERTISEMENT

By JOEY JOHNSTON

The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 19, 2008

For the 11th time in history, one of Tampa Bay's three major professional franchises holds the No. 1 overall draft pick. The Lightning are set to select Steven Stamkos this weekend to lead off the NHL draft. Here are the other top picks for Tampa Bay teams:

CREAM OF THE CROP

Lee Roy Selmon, Bucs (1976)

The Skinny: Selmon, a defensive lineman from Oklahoma, was the first pick in franchise history. And after his 1995 induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, he cemented his status as the franchise's best-ever player (a distinction that ultimately may go to LB Derrick Brooks). Selmon was the centerpiece of the NFL's No. 1-ranked defense in 1979. He still holds the team record for career sacks (781/2) and his No. 63 jersey was retired in 1986. Selmon works as a fundraiser for the University of South Florida, where he also served as athletic director.

Vinny Lecavalier, Lightning (1998)

The Skinny: When Lecavalier was drafted, team owner Art Williams anointed him "the Michael Jordan" of hockey. After a rocky, loss-riddled start to his career, Lecavalier emerged as an elite talent who helped Tampa Bay to the 2004 Stanley Cup championship. He was the NHL's leading goal-scorer (52) during the 2006-07 season. He is a three-time All-Star and was a starter for the Eastern Conference last year. Lecavalier was recently given the King Clancy Memorial Trophy, presented to the NHL player who best exemplifies leadership and community service.

THE OTHERS: A MIXED BAG

Ricky Bell, Bucs (1977)

The Skinny: Controversial choice over Heisman Trophy winner Tony Dorsett, who became NFL Rookie of the Year for Dallas. In his third season, Bell rushed for 1,263 yards (plus 38 carries for 142 yards in an NFC playoff game win against Philadelphia). Bell's production tailed off after that, and he was traded to San Diego in 1982. Then the world learned why things changed so drastically. Bell died of a heart attack, due to a rare muscle and skin disease, Nov. 28, 1984. He was 29.

Bo Jackson, Bucs (1986)

The Skinny: The Heisman Trophy-winning RB from Auburn snubbed the Bucs for baseball. He soon became an athletic phenomenon, hitting an All-Star Game home run for the Kansas City Royals, while also doing well with his "hobby" - Pro Bowl runner for the Los Angeles Raiders. A hip injury forced his premature retirement from the NFL, although he made a brief comeback to major-league baseball.

Vinny Testaverde, Bucs (1987)

The Skinny: The Heisman Trophy-winning QB from Miami became a full-time starter in 1988 - and he promptly tossed an NFL-leading 35 interceptions. Flashes of brilliance often were obscured by mistakes and inconsistency during six seasons in Tampa Bay. He left for Cleveland as a free agent in 1993 and found his greatest success with the New York Jets (AFC title game in 1998). Testaverde, who finished with 46,233 career passing yards (sixth all-time), retired after last season at age 44.

Roman Hamrlik, Lightning (1992)

The Skinny: Czech defenseman, first pick in franchise history, played in Tampa Bay for six seasons, including the team's first NHL playoff berth in 1995-96. Hamrlik, a three-time NHL All-Star, has played for the Oilers, Islanders and Canadiens. Last season, he played in his 1,000th career NHL game.

Josh Hamilton, Rays (1999)

The Skinny: He was a can't-miss five-tool prospect - taken ahead of pitcher Josh Beckett. But his career was derailed by injuries, followed by drug problems and a suspension (he sat out two full seasons). He stayed clean, but the Rays took a chance and left him unprotected in the Rule 5 draft. He went to Cincinnati in 2007, was traded to the Texas Rangers in the offseason and has been flirting with Triple Crown numbers in the American League. Last month, he graced the cover of Sports Illustrated.

Delmon Young, Rays (2003)

The Skinny: High-maintenance talent who became Minor League Player of the Year, made it clear he couldn't wait to depart from Tampa Bay's franchise. Young, perhaps best known for a bat-throwing incident in the minors, was respectable (.288, 13 home runs, 93 RBIs) in 2007 - his only full season with the Rays. He was traded during the offseason for RHP Matt Garza and SS Jason Bartlett. Young's offensive production has been slow going in Minnesota, where it took him 60 games to get his first homer as a Twin.

TOO EARLY TO TELL

David Price, Rays (2007)

The Skinny: Left-handed starter looks like the real deal so far at Single-A Vero Beach. There are rumblings he could soon be in the big leagues - perhaps late this season.

Tim Beckham, Rays (2008)

The Skinny: Rays went with the Georgia high school shortstop in a draft where there wasn't a consensus choice for the No. 1 pick. Beckham has yet to sign a contract.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT