Heroes of Baseball (96 pages)
Robert Lipsyte, born and raised in New York, was just a teen when he discovered his love for sports. Lipsyte grew up in Rego Park, Queens and was never an athlete growing up (Robertlipsyte.com). His father, Sidney I. Lipsyte, was a school principal and director. On the other hand, his mother, Fanny Finston Lipsyte, was a public school teacher and guidance counselor. He started writing only fictional stories, his first being The Contender. Lipsyte begun his journalism career when he applied for a local editorial assistant job for the New York Times (Robertlipsyte.com). His big break came at the age of twenty-one when he was sent to cover the fight between Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali) and Sonny Liston. Since then, …show more content…
Spalding, better known as “Big Al”, proved his skill and knowledge of the game. Spalding was the best pitcher in Rockford, Illinois and played for Forest City under the National League of Baseball Players. In 1857, with the help of the Chicago White Stockings owner, William Hubert, Spalding created the National League of Professional Baseball Clubs. This would eventually become the National League we see today. Since then, many great players have come and gone. For example, Ty Cobb was seen as a star during his period, but when George Herman Ruth hit the seen, it was a whole nother story. Babe Ruth entered the league at a time when much of America was losing interest in the sport. Just after recovering from World War l, Babe Ruth made them game much more meaningful and more entertaining for the fans. Signed to the Baltimore Orioles, Ruth brought the light back to baseball. He made the nine innings worth watching, just by showing his skill. Just after baseball’s resurgence and during Babe Ruth’s period, first baseman Lou Gehrig brought in people’s attention. Although, unlike Ruth, Gehrig made use of his platform and brought awareness to the sport. Because of him, players and fans now know to take health seriously. ALS eventually forced his retirement and death, creating a league that was much more cautious and aware. Lastly, someone who arguably created the biggest impact on the sport was Jackie Robinson.