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Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Nine incredibly classy people in sports in 2015

This was another great year in sports filled with incredible athletic feats, yes, but also some amazing displays of class and humanity. Here, we celebrate nine sports figures who displayed true class in 2015.

9. Javier Bracamonte1/9

After the Houston Astros were eliminated by the Kansas City Royals in the ALDS, Houston's bullpen catcher floored KC fans by emptying out his baseball bag like it was Christmas morning. Baseballs, hats, batting gloves, catching equipment -- he just gave it all away to young kids in Kansas City rooting for the other team. It was so amazing that a Royals fan wrote a letter of appreciation to him on Facebook. In defeat, Bracamonte showed us all what it means to be a sportsman. Photo: Yardbarker

8. Devon Still2/9
Over the last year we've rooted for Still, whose 5-year-old daughter Leah battled and beat cancer, as he handled a parent's most haunting scenario with grace. In September, Still even handled getting cut by the Bengals with class because the organization kept him on the team in 2014 in part so he'd have insurance to cover Leah's treatments. Both Devon and Leah have been inspirations and remarkable examples of class. Photo: Yardbarker

7. Serena Williams3/9
It was another great year for Serena, the No. 1 women's tennis player in the world, who won the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon (among other tournaments). Her best moment, though, came in response to a baited question about ranking second to Maria Sharapova in endorsement money despite winning more on the court. 'If they want to market someone who is white and blonde, that's their choice,' Serena said. 'I have a lot of partners who are very happy to work with me. I can't sit here and say I should be higher on the list because I have won more. I'm happy for [Sharapova], because she worked hard, too.' Nuanced discussions about race, body image and feminine beauty are needed in society, and Serena's humble response -- rather than resentment -- allows us to have them. Photo: Yardbarker

6. San Francisco Giants4/9
The Giants beat the Kansas City Royals to win the 2014 World Series, their third title in five years, so they know what it feels like to win it all. So when Kansas City did just that in 2015, San Francisco responded with an awesome gesture. The organization sent 25 pizzas to Kauffman Stadium for Royals employees with a congralutory note that read, 'Have fun planning the parade -- and enjoy the ride!' Now that's the spirit of a champion. Photo: Kyle Terada / USA TODAY Sports

5. Russell Wilson5/9
Wilson does a lot of charity work off the field, but one of his best moments was a simple gesture back in April. The Seahawks quarterback was on a flight to Seattle and noticed a U.S. soldier making his way to the back of the plane. With some help from the airline, he was able to upgrade the soldier's seat to first class and chatted with him as they flew. It's the little gestures like this that we should strive to cherish more in 2016. Photo: Bruce Kluckhohn

4. Carli Lloyd6/9
The U.S. Women's National Team captivated America in the summer on its way to winning the World Cup, and one of the classiest moments of the year came at the very end of the final match. As U.S. legend Abby Wambach ran onto the field to close out the last World Cup match of her career, Carli Lloyd took the captain's armband off and placed it on Wambach's arm, a heartfelt gesture for how much Wambach has meant to U.S. soccer. We can't wait for the next USWNT World Cup run. Photo: Erich Schlegel

3. LeBron James7/9
For all LeBron has accomplished on the basketball court, he's done some truly incredible work off of it that he probably doesn't get enough credit for. For instance: In August, James' foundation formed a partnership with University of Akron that will provide guaranteed four-year scholarships to 1,100 kids. At the school's current tuition and service fee rates, that would total more than $41 million. Think about that the next time you want to criticize LeBron. Photo: Streeter Lecka

2. Ronda Rousey8/9
Rousey is brash and cocky, so she takes a lot of criticism and many were happy she got knocked out by Holly Holm at UFC 193. But Rousey is also a great sport. This year she offered Cat Zingano a rematch out of respect after finishing her in 14 seconds, donated a UFC title belt to a Brazilian children's judo school and accepted a Marine's invite to the ball. That's just to name a few. For all of Rousey's loud talk when promoting a fight, she's also one of sports' most gracious and classy competitors. Photo: Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC

1. Will Ferrell9/9
There were few things more entertaining this year than Will Ferrell's spring training stunt in which he played 10 different positions for 10 different teams all in the same day, using a helicopter to fly around Arizona. The goal of the stunt was to raise $1 million for college scholarships for cancer survivors. Add that to being the man who gave us, 'Stay classy, San Diego,' and this was a no-brainer. Photo: Allan Henry / USA TODAY Sports

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