Most Successful Kiwis in America's Professional Sports Leagues

With the Baltimore Orioles signing young former Black Sox, Pita Rona, it is time to reflect on the most successful Kiwis to ply their trade in America's professional sports leagues..

Travis Wilson
Christchurch-born Wilson was found by the Atlanta Braves scouts for whom he played for for seven seasons. He was used sparingly in the Major League, making most of his appearances for the Braves' Triple-A teams - that's the next level down from Major League Baseball. After finishing off with the Cincinnati Reds, Wilson returned to New Zealand and has featured for the Black Sox. A pioneer for the likes of Rona it has to be said.

Sean Marks
The first Kiwi to play in the NBA, Auckland-born Sean Marks played for several NBA franchises including  the champion, San Antonio Spurs. He finished his NBA tenure with the Portland Trail Blazers and after that, announced his retirement in 2011. Yet another great Kiwi pioneer - the question is, who will be the next great Kiwi NBA player?

Riki Ellison
The first Kiwi to play in the NFL, Christchurch-born Riki Ellison starred for the USC Trojans in college, winning the Rose Bowl before being drafted in the 5th round by the San Francisco 49ers in 1983. Ellison was linebacker in Joe Montana's great 49ers team, featuring in 3 of their Super Bowl wins in the 1980s.  Ellison rounded his career off with the Los Angeles Raiders before returning home. And yes Riki is related to All Black Tamati Ellison.

Scott Dixon
Probably the most successful Kiwi to make it in America's major sporting leagues - yes motorsport is a sport. Dixon made his debut in the former CART racing series winning only his 3rd race ever in 2001. The Rookie of the Year would make the switch to the rival IRL series in 2003 and become champion in his first season there. In 2008, Dixon won the highly prestigious Indianapolis 500 and win his second ever championship later that year. With Chip Ganassi, Dixon is one of Indycar's top drivers and has always been in the running for the title year in, year out.    

Who to watch in the future?

Auckland-born Stephen Paea has made an impressive start for the Chicago Bears this season - he sacked Donovan McNabb in his debut game.











Thomas Abercrombie has often been mentioned as New Zealand basketball's next big thing. Stephen Adams, brother of Olympic gold medalist, Valerie, is also playing basketball for Notre Dame and his 7 foot frame places him on a good route towards the NBA.

And of course, Pita Rona who has just signed for thee Baltimore Orioles.