Red Smith

Date of Birth: September 25, 1905

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: January 15, 1982

Biography

Walter Wellesley “Red” Smith was an iconic American sportswriter, widely recognized as one of the greatest in his field. Born on September 25, 1905, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Smith’s career spanned several decades during which he wrote for various prominent newspapers, including the St. Louis Star, Philadelphia Record, and most notably, The New York Times. Known for his sharp wit, engaging storytelling, and insightful commentary, Smith’s work transcended the sports world, earning him a Pulitzer Prize for Commentary in 1976. His columns not only chronicled games but also delved into the human stories behind the athletes, providing readers with a richer perspective on sports. He passed away on January 15, 1982, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire sports journalists today.

5 Interesting Facts about Red Smith

1. Red Smith was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary in 1976, becoming one of the few sportswriters to receive this honor.

2. He wrote over 10,000 columns during his career, each known for its lyrical and insightful prose.

3. Smith was posthumously inducted into the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Hall of Fame in 1983.

4. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1927, where he was a member of the track and field team.

5. Red Smith’s columns were so influential that they were compiled into several books, including “Red Smith on Baseball,” which remains a classic in sports literature.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Red Smith

1. “Writing is easy. You just open a vein and bleed.”

2. “Ninety feet between home plate and first base may be the closest man has ever come to perfection.”

3. “There’s nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and open a vein.”

4. “I can’t think of a more wonderful time to be alive than right now.”

5. “The only thing that is harder than getting a new idea into the military mind is to get an old one out.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Red Smith’s highest net worth is not well-documented, reflecting the era in which he lived and worked. However, his influence and legacy in sports journalism are considered priceless.