Who was the greatest athlete in Pittsburgh sports history?

Any answer to that question would be subjective, of course. One way to come up with a name is to choose a top 16 and go tournament style.

So, in honor of the NCAA Basketball Tournament that wasn't, here is my breakdown:

Sweet 16

Mario Lemieux vs. Sidney Crosby — No. 87 is great and has won more Stanley Cups, but No. 66 is as great as it gets. Lemieux.

Terry Bradshaw vs. Ben Roethlisberger — There are arguments either way, but I can't help but wonder what Bradshaw would do in today's pass-happy NFL. Four Super Bowl wins don't hurt, either. Bradshaw.

Jaromir Jagr vs. Evgeni Malkin — Both came from foreign lands to impact the NHL. Malkin is a little more versatile, but this one's close. Malkin.

Tony Dorsett vs. Dan Marino — Two all-time Pitt greats, but Marino may be the best pure passer in football history. Marino.

Honus Wagner vs. Paul Waner — Two Pirate legends who stood the test of time. Wagner has never gotten credit for his legacy as one of baseball's first true superstars. Wagner.

Roberto Clemente vs. Willie Stargell — Both played in two World Series. Both were Series MVP. Clemente was better all-around. Clemente.

Jack Ham vs. Mel Blount — Two of the best all-time at their respective positions. Another difficult choice, but Blount forced the NFL to change its rules. Blount.

Joe Greene vs. Antonio Brown — Brown shattered Steeler records. Greene altered the course of a franchise. Greene.

Elite 8

Mario Lemieux vs. Terry Bradshaw — As good as he was, Bradshaw made mistakes. The only mistakes Lemieux made were getting hurt. Lemieux.

Evgeni Malkin vs. Dan Marino — Just can't pass on that passing arm. Marino.

Honus Wagner vs. Roberto Clemente — Two Pittsburgh baseball legends and unique Hall of Fame entrants. Wagner's eight batting titles give him the edge. Wagner.

Mel Blount vs. Joe Greene. Both were legendary. Greene was ferocious. Greene.

Final Four

Mario Lemieux vs. Dan Marino — This is where Marino's lack of championships catches up to him. Lemieux.

Honus Wagner vs. Joe Greene — Mean Joe helped change the Steelers. Wagner helped bring baseball greatness into the 20th century. Wagner.

Championship

Mario Lemieux vs. Honus Wagner — A matchup of two of the absolute best of their eras. The difference is Lemieux is among the absolute best in hockey's history.

The man saved the Penguin franchise, then turned it into a champion. No athlete in Pittsburgh has had a bigger impact.

Mario Lemieux is my choice for the city's best ever.

John Enrietto is sports editor of the Butler Eagle