Here, a list of those who spent the most seasons with the same team in Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association, the National Football League and the National Hockey League:
MLB
23 — Carl Yastrzemski, Red Sox
Yaz had 1,822 hits for the Red Sox at Fenway Park. That's 11 more than Wade Boggs and Nomar Garciaparra, combined.
23 — Brooks Robinson, Orioles
Was third-youngest player in the AL to start his career, was the second-oldest player in the AL when his career ended.
22 — Al Kaline, Tigers
There's nine players in baseball history with 3,000 hits and 400 home runs. Kaline was one HR short of being the 10th.
22 — Stan Musial, Cardinals
Was with the Cardinals 23 years, essentially; Musial missed the 1945 season after enlisting in the United States Navy.
22 — Mel Ott, N.Y. Giants
Despite relatively small stature at 5-foot-9 and about 170 pounds, he led the Giants in homers for 18 straight seasons.
22 — Ty Cobb, Tigers
Highest average in MLB history, was four votes away from being a unanimous selection to the Baseball Hall of Fame.
22 — Cap Anson, White Stockings/Colts
He was a White Stocking, and then a Colt, and left before his franchise became the Orphans. It's now called the Cubs.
NBA
20 — Kobe Bryant, Lakers*
A 17-time All-Star (and counting), a five-time champion, a two-time gold medalist and the No. 3 scorer in NBA history.
19 — Tim Duncan, Spurs*
It would be perhaps surprising if he didn't join the 20-season club next year, since there's no signs his game is slowing.
19 — John Stockton, Jazz
Durable until the end, starting all 82 games in the season he turned 40, he's the NBA's career leader in assists and steals.
18 — Dirk Nowitzki, Mavericks*
A game changer by being a sharpshooting big man, Nowitzki is expected to play a 19th season in Dallas before his career ends.
18 — Reggie Miller, Pacers
Never averaged less than 10 points a game, never shot less than 80 percent from the line, and was a 3-point trendsetter.
18 — Karl Malone, Jazz
Finished his career with the Lakers in a (futile) hope to win that elusive title, but Malone will always be synonymous with Utah.
* — denotes active streak
NFL
21 — Jason Hanson, Lions
When he was on the field, it was points for Detroit: He tried 1,274 field goals and PATs in his career, making 1,160 of them.
20 — Darrell Green, Redskins
Played in 295 games, the most of any defensive player in NFL history. Intercepted 54 passes over three different decades.
20 — Jackie Slater, Rams
A college teammate of Walter Payton's, it took him three seasons to become a starter for the Rams. He never lost the job.
19 — Bruce Matthews, Oilers/Titans
Part of the family that has a football legacy like few others, he went to the Pro Bowl 14 times and played guard, center and tackle.
19 — Jim Marshall, Vikings
Yes, he ran the wrong way for a touchdown. Other than that, he should be better-known for making 282 consecutive appearances.
NHL
25 — Gordie Howe, Red Wings
"Mr. Hockey" played in Detroit in the 1940s, 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. (And technically the 1990s, if you count the Detroit Vipers.)
24 — Alex Delvecchio, Red Wings
He played for the Wings, coached the Wings and was a general manager for the Wings — with a statue and three Cups to his credit.
22 — Steve Yzerman, Red Wings
Now the general manager in Tampa Bay, he spent his entire career in Detroit. Won Cups, gold medals and a trip to the Hall of Fame.
22 — Stan Mikita, Blackhawks
Born in Czechoslovakia, raised in Canada, Mikita is forever linked to Chicago. Won Hart, Art Ross, and Lady Byng in same season twice.
21 — Martin Brodeur, Devils
The NHL's all-time leader in goaltender games, wins, saves and shutouts, and a three-time Stanley Cup champion from his Jersey years.
21 — Ray Bourque, Bruins
Won his only title as a member of the Avalanche (Joe Sakic letting him hoist the Cup was unforgettable), but he's still Boston royalty.
21 — John Bucyk, Bruins
He arrived in Boston in 1957 and never left, playing for the Bruins through the late 1970s and working for the franchise ever since.
21 — George Armstrong, Maple Leafs
His numbers aren't eye popping, but his leadership is still revered in Toronto even now. A four-time champion with the Maple Leafs.
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