Yardbarker
x
Best father/son combinations in sports history
Jason Merritt / Getty Images

Best father/son combinations in sports history

Sports often display the power of genetics with athletes spanning generations of a family. Here, we chronicle the 25 best father/son combinations in sports history. This list is dominated by MLB and NBA fathers and sons, but there are a few NFL, NHL and even NASCAR combinations.

 
1 of 24

Felipe Alou and Moises Alou

Felipe Alou and Moises Alou
Stephen Dunn / Getty Images

Felipe Alou made three All-Star Games as a player, finishing with more than 2,100 hits. He also managed the Expos and Giants, winning 90-plus games three times. Moises Alou had an even more successful playing career than his father, making six All-Star Games and hitting .303 in his career while also winning one World Series with the Marlins in 1997.

 
2 of 24

Mario Andretti and Michael Andretti

Mario Andretti and Michael Andretti
Chris Graythen / Getty Images

Mario Andretti's name is synonymous with racing, as he is the only driver ever to win the Indy 500, Daytona 500 and Formula One World Championship. Michael was also a versatile driver himself but didn't come close to having the same success as his father.

 
3 of 24

Rick Barry and Brent, Jon and Drew Barry

Rick Barry and Brent, Jon and Drew Barry
Andrew D Bernstein / National Basketball Association / Getty Images

Known for his underhand free throws and Hall of Fame career, Rick Barry averaged nearly 25 points per game for his career. He had three sons make it to the NBA, the best of which was Brent, who had a 14-year playing career and averaged more than nine points per game.

 
4 of 24

Gus Bell and Buddy Bell

Gus Bell and Buddy Bell
Stephen Dunn / Getty Images

A four-time All-Star, Gus Bell hit .281 for his career and hit 20-plus home runs three times with the Reds. His son, Buddy, exceeded his father's career with four All-Star appearances and a string of six consecutive Gold Gloves. The Bell clan also had a third generation in the majors with David and Mike Bell.

 
5 of 24

Bobby Bonds and Barry Bonds

Bobby Bonds and Barry Bonds
Bernstein Associates / Getty Images

Arguably the best father-son duo in sports history, the Bonds had extremely successful careers with the Giants. Bobby Bonds finished his career with 332 home runs and 461 stolen bases, along with three All-Star appearances. Barry Bonds is undoubtedly the most accomplished hitter of his era, holding controversial records for single-season home runs, career home runs and career walks.

 
6 of 24

Bob Boone and Bret and Aaron Boone

Bob Boone and Bret and Aaron Boone
Jed Jacobsohn / Getty Images

Bob Boone wasn't always the most productive player offensively, but he made four All-Star appearances and won seven Gold Gloves behind the plate. Bret Boone had a longer career than his brother, Aaron, and made three All-Star appearances and won four Gold Gloves as a second baseman. However, Aaron is now the manager of the New York Yankees.

 
7 of 24

Joe Bryant and Kobe Bryant

Joe Bryant and Kobe Bryant
Stephen Dunn / Getty Images

Joe Bryant played only eight seasons in the NBA before making a more profitable living in Italy but still averaged 8.7 points per game for his career in the States. Kobe Bryant is a surefire Hall of Famer with five rings and is one of the best players of his era.

 
8 of 24

Dell Curry and Stephen and Seth Curry

Dell Curry and Stephen and Seth Curry
Bill Baptist / National Basketball Association / Getty Images

Dell Curry averaged 11.7 points per game and shot better than 40 percent from three for his career, but that's no match for his son. After an accomplished career at Davidson, Stephen Curry is already getting accolades as one of the best shooters ever — nearly 44 percent from three through his first 10 seasons and already has two MVP Awards and three NBA titles to his name. Steph's brother Seth is also in the NBA with the Portland Trail Blazers.

 
9 of 24

Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Craig Jones / Getty Images

One of the greatest NASCAR drivers ever, Dale Sr. won seven Winston Cup Championships in his career. Dale Jr.'s success on the track wasn't matched by his immense popularity, but he carved out a respectable career for himself in his own right and is now an announcer.

 
10 of 24

Cecil Fielder and Prince Fielder

Cecil Fielder and Prince Fielder
Michael Zagaris / Getty Images

Cecil Fielder hit 30-plus home runs six times, including a league-leading 51 in 1990 and 44 in 1991. Prince inherited that power, hitting 50 homers in 2007 to start a streak of six consecutive seasons with at least 30 bombs.

 
11 of 24

Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr.

Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr.
Ken Levine / Getty Images

Griffey Sr. had a long career in the majors, culminating when he became teammates with his son where the two Griffeys once pulled off the amazing feat of hitting back-to-back home runs. Junior is a Hall of Famer after hitting 630 home runs for three different teams over the course of his career.

 
12 of 24

Tim Hardaway Sr. and Tim Hardaway Jr.

Tim Hardaway Sr. and Tim Hardaway Jr.
Jeyhoun Allebaugh / National Basketball Association / Getty Images

A superb player for the Warriors and Heat for much of his career, Hardaway Sr. averaged 17.7 points and 8.2 assists for his career as one of the elite point guards of his era. His son just finished his fifth season in the NBA after signing a big deal with the Knicks.

 
13 of 24

Calvin Hill and Grant Hill

Calvin Hill and Grant Hill
Stephen Lovekin / Getty Images

A two-time 1,000-yard rusher for the Cowboys in the early '70s, Calvin Hill finished his career with more than 6,000 rushing yards. Grant Hill was considered by some to be the next face of the NBA when Michael Jordan retired, but injuries hindered his career. He still had a long, successful career while playing until age 40, averaging 16.7 points for his career.

 
14 of 24

Gordie Howe and Mark Howe

Gordie Howe and Mark Howe
Bruce Bennett / Getty Images

Gordie Howe played professional hockey from 1946 to 1980 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1972. He stands behind only Wayne Gretzky in career goals. His son Mark made seven All-Star appearances himself and followed his father to the Hall of Fame.

 
15 of 24

Bobby Hull and Brett Hull

Bobby Hull and Brett Hull
Bruce Bennett / Getty Images

There's a strong debate over which Hull was better. Father Bobby finished his NHL career with 1,153 points in 1,036 games and made 12 All-Star appearances. Brett had 936 points in 744 games and made 11 All-Star appearances.

 
16 of 24

Howie Long and Chris and Kyle Long

Howie Long and Chris and Kyle Long
Icon Sportswire / Getty Images

These days Howie Long is best known for his work on "FOX NFL Sunday," but he had a Hall of Fame career with Oakland, where he tallied 84 careers sacks. His son Chris, who recently announced his retirement after 11 seasons with three teams, has a career 70 sacks. Younger brother Kyle is also making a name for himself as a guard on the Bears.

 
17 of 24

Archie Manning and Peyton and Eli Manning

Archie Manning and Peyton and Eli Manning
Jason Merritt / Getty Images

Archie had a strong career for some lowly Saints teams, but these days he's most known for being the father of Peyton and Eli Manning. Peyton hasn't had the most playoff success, but he's arguably the best regular-season quarterback in NFL history, breaking Brett Favre's career passing yardage record in 2015, and he does have two Super Bowl wins under his belt. Eli has won two Super Bowls in his time in New York. 

 
18 of 24

Clay Matthews Jr. and Clay Matthews III

Clay Matthews Jr. and Clay Matthews III
Drew Hallowell / Getty Images

We're now on the third generation of the Matthews clan. Clay Sr. played briefly in the NFL for the 49ers, Clay Jr. was an All-Pro linebacker with the Browns and Clay III is making his presence felt as an All-Pro with a career total of 83.5 sacks. Younger brother Casey played four years in Philadelphia.

 
19 of 24

Jim Mora and Jim Mora Jr.

Jim Mora and Jim Mora Jr.
R. Diamond / WireImage / Getty Images

A former head coach of the Saints and Colts, Mora is best remembered for his infamous "playoffs?!" tirade in 2001. His son had limited success as head coach of the Falcons and Seahawks but did spend six seasons as head coach of UCLA.

 
20 of 24

Ken Norton and Ken Norton Jr.

Ken Norton and Ken Norton Jr.
Stephen Dunn / Getty Images

Norton was the former WBC heavyweight champion and fought Muhammad Ali three times. Norton Jr. was an All-Pro linebacker and the first player to win the Super Bowl in three consecutive seasons. He's now the defensive coordinator of the Seahawks.

 
21 of 24

Lee Petty and Richard Petty

Lee Petty and Richard Petty
RacingOne / ISC Archives / Getty Images

Lee Petty was a pioneer of NASCAR and won the Daytona 500 in 1959. The iconic Richard Petty is widely regarded as the greatest driver of all time, winning the NASCAR championship seven times.

 
22 of 24

Buddy Ryan and Rex and Rob Ryan

Buddy Ryan and Rex and Rob Ryan
Rob Antonelli / Getty Images

Buddy Ryan's contribution to the NFL as a defensive mastermind culminated with the dominance of the 1985 Chicago Bears. He was also the head coach of the Eagles, Oilers and Cardinals. Twin sons, Rex and Rob, have made their marks in the NFL, with Rex having stints as the head coach of the Jets and Bills and Rob serving as an assistant coach for several teams including his current one, Washington.

 
23 of 24

Mychal Thompson and Klay Thompson

Mychal Thompson and Klay Thompson
Juan Ocampo / National Basketball Association / Getty Images

Mychal had a great early career with Portland, averaging 16.7 points through seven seasons. He also spent six more seasons between the Kings and Lakers. Klay has developed into one of Golden State's stars, averaging 19.5 points per game in his career thus far as part of the Splash Brothers with Steph Curry. Thompson has won three titles already with the Warriors.

 
24 of 24

Al Unser and Al Unser Jr.

Al Unser and Al Unser Jr.
RacingOne / ISC Archives / Getty Images

Al Unser won the Indianapolis 500 four times, while son Al Jr. won the race twice. The Unser name is synonymous with racing, with Jerry and Bobby Unser also carrying the torch.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

+

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.