Matty: An American Hero: Christy Mathewson of the New York Giants (repost)
Ray Robinson, "Matty: An American Hero: Christy Mathewson of the New York Giants"
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA | 1994-12-08 | 265 Pages | ISBN: 0195092635 | PDF | 13 MB
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA | 1994-12-08 | 265 Pages | ISBN: 0195092635 | PDF | 13 MB
When all-time pitching great Christy Mathewson died of tuberculosis in 1925 at the age of 45, it touched off a wave of national mourning that remains without precedent for an American athlete. The World Series was underway, and the game the day after Mathewson's death took on the trappings of a state funeral: officials slowly lowered the flag to ealf-mast, each ballplayer wore a black armband, and fans joined together in a chorus of "Nearer My God to Thee." Newspaper editorials recalled Mathewson's glorious career with the New York Giants, but also emphasized his unstinting good sportsmanship and voluntary service in World War I. The pitcher known to one and all as "Matty" or "Big Six" was as beloved for the strength of character he brought to the national pastime, as for his stunning 373 career victories. "I do not expect to see his like again," said his best friend and former manager, John McGraw. "But I do know that the example he set and the imprint he left on the sport that he loved and honored will remain long after I am gone."