Why do we compare players in sports...

[Thespeckledkiwi]

To past players (like LeBron is the next Jordan or Crosby is the next Gretzky or...well you get it) but in other media forms we rarely do. I mean we rarely compared comedians or actors to past actors or actresses, or politicians (though we had this, this year with Obama). Why is this only occurring in sports? I mean when will we get the next Washington? The next Teddy Roosevelt?

 

[AdmiralGarak]

It's pretty common to describe actors like this, actually. He's the next Bogey, or she's the next Kate Hepburn.

It's just a type of short-hand. Quoting Sidney Crosby's statistics will just bore casual listeners. But if you liken him to Gretzkey or Lemieux than people understand without a need for much explanation. It's the same as the "Lord of the Rings Meets Star Wars" manner of describing new movies.

 

[Thespeckledkiwi]

I never heard actors being compared.

 

[Haytil]

I never heard actors being compared.

Heath Ledger vs. Jack Nicholson?

Michael Keaton vs. Christian Bale?

 

[Thespeckledkiwi]

But those are specific movies. We don't do career wise like Heath Ledger is the next River Phoenix in acting. In death, yes.