The most successful siblings in sports
Serena Williams celebrates winning the Women's Singles Final against her sister Venus Williams during the 2017 Australian Open. (Photo by Jason Heidrich/Icon Sportswire)
April 9th, 2021
It’s always fun to see top-tier athletes from the same family. It makes for some compelling stories and adds a new element to the proceedings, whether they’re on the same team or competing against one another.
Join us as we turn the spotlight on the five most successful siblings in sports history in honor of National Siblings Day.
5. Tom and Dick Van Arsdale
It’s tough to match the synergy of the Van Arsdale twins, who shared Indiana’s Mr. Basketball Honor in 1961. After collegiate careers at Indiana University, they were both drafted into the NBA in 1965, and both made three All-Star Teams during careers that lasted through the 1977 season.
Saturday @HoopsHall museum visitors included HOF inductees Tom and Dick Van Arsdale - 1961 co-Mr. Basketballs, Trester Award winners & 1961 @IHSAA1 state runners-up.
— Indiana Basketball HOF (@HoopsHall) February 16, 2019
The duo each played 12 seasons in the NBA, each were 3-time NBA All-Stars and combined for over 29,000 points! pic.twitter.com/1NSDgmn8dK
4. Joe, Vince, and Dom DiMaggio
Joe DiMaggio is one of the most well-known baseball players of all-time due to his legendary exploits with the New York Yankees. However, brothers Vince and Dom were also big league center fielders. Vince carved out a 10-year career and was a two-time All-Star, while Dom made seven All-Star Teams and led the American League in stolen bases during the 1950 campaign.
A little baseball greatness to brighten your day.
— St. Abner (@Saint_Abner) August 24, 2020
Vince, Joe and Dom DiMaggio
San Francisco Seals pic.twitter.com/454mXgbWPU
3. Phil and Tony Esposito
The Hall of Fame hockey players enjoyed tremendous success in the 1960’s and 1970’s. Phil, the elder brother, led the NHL in goals for six consecutive seasons, while Tony was a Stanley Cup-winning net minder for the Chicago Blackhawks from 1969 through 1984. Both brothers were also members of the Canadian team that contested the legendary 1972 Summit Series with the USSR.
From March 29th, 1971 - Classic @SInow cover of "Mr. No" Tony Esposito & "Mr. Go" Phil Esposito. #Chicago #BlackHawks pic.twitter.com/KU5xP06jzX
— Chicago History ™️ (@Chicago_History) February 25, 2015
2. Venus and Serena Williams
The Williams sisters have dominated tennis for more than two decades. They’ve combined to win 30 Grand Slam singles titles and also teamed up to win a trio of Olympic gold medals in women’s doubles. They’ve also provided a steady Black presence in a sport traditionally dominated by white players.
Venus and Serena Williams are among the most dominant women’s tennis players in history. They learned the game on public courts in Compton, California. Their rejection of the game’s exclusionary culture has extended their fan base far beyond the tennis court. #GameChangers pic.twitter.com/mXzvChA4q4
— Smithsonian NMAAHC (@NMAAHC) July 27, 2020
1. Peyton, Eli, and Cooper Manning
The Manning family’s exploits are legendary. While patriarch Archie (patriArchie?) was a respected signal-caller during his career, his greatest contributions to football may have been his sons. Peyton and Eli combined to win four Super Bowl rings, while brother Cooper was a highly-recruited wide receiver who earned a scholarship to Mississippi (but never played college ball due to a diagnosis of spinal stenosis).
If you ever feel left out, Peyton and Eli manning have a brother... Cooper Manning pic.twitter.com/yEHdN6iuZ8
— thomas gentry (@thomasgentry22) March 6, 2016
Cooper, however, may have the last laugh, as his son, Arch, is a highly-rated high school quarterback already receiving national attention.