Some players transcend their eras, remaining in the fans’ consciousness well after they step out of the public eye. Others gradually get forgotten after retirement, only for fans to be reminded of their excellence years later when someone mentions them offhand.

Anybody can compile a list of the 10 greatest players of all-time. Even if the list sparks disagreement, chances are those 10 players are fairly well-known among casual fans. Other players leave an indelible mark on only the few diehards who recall just how exciting those players were at their peaks. Some have been forgotten through no fault of their own and just happened to play at a time when the league was flush with superstars at their positions. Some cost themselves their own shots at immortality due to their ill-conceived actions.

No matter why they faded from memory, here are 10 players who were really pretty awesome, even if you may have forgotten about them until now.

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