New York, N.Y. - October 28, 2009 - The debates are legendary - who is the greatest baseball player of all time? Tiger versus Nicklaus? Well, when those adults who follow at least one sport are asked which two are the greatest sports stars of all time, basketball legend Michael Jordan comes in at number one followed by Tiger Woods at number two and the man who "built" a stadium, Babe Ruth comes in at number three.

These are some of the results of The Harris Poll® of 2,293 adults, of whom 1,494 follow at least one sport, surveyed online between October 5 and 12, 2009 by Harris Interactive®.

The man who called himself "the greatest", boxer Mohammed Ali is number 4, while quarterback Brett Favre who has yet to stay retired is number five on the greatest sport star list.

Next on the top ten are another quarterback, Joe Montana at number 6 and hockey legend, Wayne Gretzky at number 7. There is still another quarterback, Peyton Manning , tied for number 8 along with baseball's Ted Williams. Finally, tied for number 10 are baseball's Hank Aaron and basketball phenomenon LeBron James. This top ten list (actually 11 because of the tie for number 10) includes 3 baseball players, 3 football players and two basketball players.

Greatest baseball player
Each sport is different, so each sport has different players that are deemed the greatest. As the World Series gets underway, the New York Yankees can claim two of the top five greatest baseball players - number one, Babe Ruth and number five, Lou Gehrig. Sandwiched in between these two Yankee legends are Hank Aaron at number two, Willie Mays at number three and Ted Williams at number four.

Greatest football player
When it comes to greatest football player, number one on the list is someone who keeps trying to retire, but keeps staying in the game, Brett Favre. Next is running back and actor Jim Brown followed by 49ers quarterback Joe Montana at number three. Chicago Bears running back Walter "Sweetness" Peyton is number 4 on the greatest football player list and one of Joe Montana's key receivers on the 49ers, Jerry Rice rounds out the top five.

Greatest basketball player
He's number one on the overall list, so it's no surprise that Michael Jordan is considered number one on the greatest basketball player list. The rivalry extends beyond the hard court as the Lakers star Magic Johnson and Celtics star Larry Bird come in next at number two and three respectively. Rounding out the top five greatest basketball stars are Wilt Chamberlain, who started his professional career with the Harlem Globetrotters at number 4 and Celtics' great Bill Russell at number five.

Greatest golfer
For years, the debate has been Tiger Woods versus Jack Nicklaus. And, Tiger wins as he is considered the greatest golfer of all time followed by Jack at number two. The great Arnold Palmer is number three on the list followed by Phil Mickelson and then Bobby Jones at number 5.

Greatest tennis player
With the recent win at Wimbledon, Roger Federer became the all time Grand Slam winner with 15, beating Pete Sampras' 14 wins. And, Federer is also considered the greatest tennis players of all time followed by Pete Sampras at number two. Jimmy Connors is number three and Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras' greatest rival is number four on the list of greatest tennis players of all time. Rounding out the top five is Arthur Ashe.

So what?
While the debates may not yet be answered, these lists can begin new ones at the same time. One thing that is interesting to note is that these selections really represent players of all times, going back to the early 1900s with Babe Ruth. In fact, just four players on the overall greatest list are currently playing their respective sports. And, there are no current players on the greatest baseball player or greatest football player list. One great season can make someone "great," so who knows what names may be added next year.