Danica Patrick, IRL
Credentials: Highest woman qualifier and finisher in Indianapolis 500 history (both fourth place). Was also the first woman ever to hold the lead at Indy, which she did for 19 laps.
Past ESPYs: None
Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers
Credentials: Former Miami (Ohio) quarterback set an NFL rookie record with 13 wins.
Past ESPYs: None
Maria Sharapova, Tennis
Credentials: Won the 2004 Wimbledon championship, her first appearance in a Grand Slam final.
Past ESPYs: None
Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat 
Credentials: After averaging 16.2 points as a rookie, Wade averaged 24.1 points, 6.8 assists and 5.2 rebounds during the 2004-05 season. He added 27.4 points, 6.6 assists and 5.7 rebounds during the playoffs.
Past ESPYs: None
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Best Breakthrough Athlete
'04 LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
'03 Alfonso Soriano, New York Yankees
'02 Tom Brady, New England Patriots
'01 Daunte Culpepper, Minnesota Vikings
'00 Kurt Warner, St. Louis Rams
'99 Randy Moss, Minnesota Vikings
'98 Nomar Garciaparra, Boston Red Sox
'97 Tiger Woods, Golf
'96 Hideo Nomo, Los Angeles Dodgers
'95 Jeff Bagwell, Houston Astros
'94 Mike Piazza, Los Angeles Dodgers
'93 Gary Sheffield, San Diego Padres
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