Every 9/11, I reread this story of Rick Rescorla, the man who ran back in that harrowing day. It's haunting and heroic, and worth your time.
https://t.co/pxHvVzUUvZ
Imagine if prior to dominating golf, Tiger Woods was a high school hoops champion, won 3 Olympic track medals and was a legendary baseball player as a kid...
That's Babe Zaharias, who 98% of modern sports fans have never heard of.
So let me tell you about one of the most accomplished, prolific, remarkable athletes ever.
And just so you know up top, we're dealing with an athlete who:
• won an AAU hoops title
• won 3 Olympic track medals
• pitched against Major Leaguers
• won 10 LPGA majors & 82 tournaments
Let's start:
Babe Didrikson. Born 1911. Instant athlete.
As a kid, prefers to play against boys because they're stronger & faster.
Earns the nickname "Babe" after hitting 5 homers in a baseball game.
“I don’t see any point in playing...if you don’t win,” she says.
And she wins...
She dominates softball, but loves basketball.
In high school she becomes a 2x All-American in Texas.
Leads her team to 3 undefeated seasons.
Scores 76 points in a game once.
1931. The Babe wins an AAU hoops title...
While she's good at hoops, she's otherworldly at track & field...
July 16, 1932: her masterpiece.
She competes as a team of one in the amateur championships: Wins 5 of 8 events. In 3 hours.
Won the team event herself and is Olympic bound...
1932 Olympics - Los Angeles
Babe becomes the only track & field athlete (men or women) to win a medal running, throwing & jumping.
Gold - 80m hurdles
Gold - javelin throw
Silver - high jump
She sets 4 world records & becomes an international superstar...
Babe is 22 years old. Famous. Loves challenges...
Already has the record for longest baseball throw by a woman (to this day).
She pitches in exhibition games against MLB players:
In one inning she gives up a walk and no hits to the Dodgers.
Now onto her best sport...
1935. Babe begins to play golf.
She's good... but wants to be great.
Practices 10 hours a day until her hands were bloodied according to the NY Times.
She wins amateur tournaments.
She turns pro. She wins pro tournaments. She helps found the LPGA tour...
The Babe has swagger. She enters locker rooms shouting:
“The Babe’s here! Who is going to finish second?”
Between 1947-48, she wins 14 tournaments in a row.
She wins 10 LPGA Majors in 15 years.
Becomes a HOFer & the perhaps the greatest female athlete ever...
If you're impressed, and you should be, share this post...
And if you enjoy reading about fascinating people follow me @Jon_Finkel for more.
Join me and make a gift to #QUnited2023#QUnited https://t.co/jsZywP9SHM I made my gift in honor of Coach @LauraCCovington who is still a mentor and friend today!!
Why does @BournePoly11 invest his time on behalf of @emassbigs? Part 1 of our conversation in the golf cart this morning at Pinehills in Plymouth, Mass.
We will never stop being excited about our little corner of the world on the Cape, and to that end, we are pumped to welcome a fresh batch of Hello Cape Cod back to our coolers!nd
A lot of folks have been looking forward to this one - it's available in Sandwich today!
MTC!
Mentorship is the gift that keeps on giving. This #GivingTuesday, all monetary gifts will be DOUBLED through the generosity of the Lombard family by their commitment to matching each donation. If you donate just $25, that's $50 back to us! Donate now at https://t.co/Jkx8OONXXZ
So when you hear we have a pandemic of the unvaccinated
Yes that includes kids
But largely only in unvaccinated communities
Very few kids in highly vaccinated places are getting sick
So if you want to protect unvaccinated kids
Make sure everyone around them has the shot
Fin
Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, and others were inducted into the Hall of Fame this past weekend.
The part you didn't know?
A former car salesman that has never played in, coached, or broadcasted a single NBA game was also inducted.
This is his incredible story 👇👇👇
One of the most meaningful projects I had the honor to work on. 7 years missed. RIP Michael Kennedy. 💙 @emassbigs Tribute - Big of the Year 2014 https://t.co/R7L9easipo via @YouTube
The need for volunteer mentors, especially males, is urgent. Learn more and become a BIG today! https://t.co/iGNVw4VESx
Big Brothers Big Sisters Celebrates National Mentoring Month https://t.co/YNtK5sOepn