Sammy was just a phenomenal all-around athlete and remarkable player.
Folks can do their own research and figure it out, but very few players who've played throughout the history of the game could match his athleticism and overall accomplishments, not just during his prime, but into his later years as well.
The manner in which he lived his life and his 'hillbilly' upbringing are aspects that made him such an interesting character, even if some of those things run contrary to the politically correct standard of today.