In 1928, it is hard to believe that news of a Tennis player was more important news than that of a presidential election, but it was. The United States Lawn Tennis Association tried to keep one of its best players from being paid in any area of work related to tennis. They felt that tennis players should not be played to keep the integrity of the sport. How did they expect anyone to make a living? On another note I still can't get over the fact that tennis used to be played on grass!
It seems that in the respect of the social status of those who play tennis and golf has not changed terribly since the early 20th century. Originally it was restricted to those who came from wealthy families who could afford to play the game and not have to worry about being paid because they had enough money. Also, these sports were only played in elite althletic clubs, reserved for the wealthy. This is somewhat similar today. Although there are public tennis courts and driving ranges and golf courses, the best facilities are found at country clubs and other places with private memberships. It is well known that people who make a decent living have a tendency to golf. Alot of this has to do with the fact that a lot of business deals are made on the golf course. Now business isn't usually done on tennis courts, but it is a stereotype that the women of wealthy businessmen play tennis with each other during the day. You don't see prestigious country clubs with basketball courts for their members.
Random fact from the reading: I didn't know Arnold Palmer was a professional golfer; but he makes a mean drink!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Chapter 11 3/17/09
I never realized how many immoral things were being done in the early 20th century in sports. It seems that if there were sports there was immoral behavior. Either the Victorian Culture didn't agree with the lifestyle Babe Ruth was leading or there were "tramp" athletes in college football "playing around" with different teams.
I was really surprised to find out that so many athletes could play on multiple teams, and get paid for it; and they rarely got caught! I can't believe that there were no rosters, or that things were so unorganized that no one kept track of the players and who they were playing for.
I asked my grandpa who was born in 1924 if he remembered Red Grange, I was hoping to hear a story about him firsthand, but he said he wasn't old enough when Red was playing.
In the one video clip we watched during class someone mentioned that football wasn't about speed, agility, or smarts but pure strength. I find this ironic since the men in the old clips don't look nearly as big as football players we see in college and the NFL today. I would love to see a game with a team like OSU and Red Grange's team to see how they would pair up.
I was very surprised to read that President Roosevelt was called upon to take care of the brutality in football. Could you imagine President Bush or President Obama being calledupon to handle a college sporting issue! The president has much more important things going on than the amount of testosterone being thrown around a football field!
Finally I just want to comment on Knute Rockne; what a great coach! Not only was he funny to watch but he was extremely motivating even to me and I'm not even one of his players. I think his fabricated stories were funny; and they worked. I would be curious to find out how his players felt towards him when they found out his stories were all fake.
I was really surprised to find out that so many athletes could play on multiple teams, and get paid for it; and they rarely got caught! I can't believe that there were no rosters, or that things were so unorganized that no one kept track of the players and who they were playing for.
I asked my grandpa who was born in 1924 if he remembered Red Grange, I was hoping to hear a story about him firsthand, but he said he wasn't old enough when Red was playing.
In the one video clip we watched during class someone mentioned that football wasn't about speed, agility, or smarts but pure strength. I find this ironic since the men in the old clips don't look nearly as big as football players we see in college and the NFL today. I would love to see a game with a team like OSU and Red Grange's team to see how they would pair up.
I was very surprised to read that President Roosevelt was called upon to take care of the brutality in football. Could you imagine President Bush or President Obama being calledupon to handle a college sporting issue! The president has much more important things going on than the amount of testosterone being thrown around a football field!
Finally I just want to comment on Knute Rockne; what a great coach! Not only was he funny to watch but he was extremely motivating even to me and I'm not even one of his players. I think his fabricated stories were funny; and they worked. I would be curious to find out how his players felt towards him when they found out his stories were all fake.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Chapter 9 and Boxing 3/4/09
I found yesterdays class extrememly interesting. I always knew about ESPN Classics but I never found myself stopping to watch them; probably because I never really understood what was going on. I just thought it was an old movie reel of some random fight or game. If I knew more about the history of some significant sports contests I would know the meaning behind some of the Classics on ESPN. I loved watching Dempsy's fight yesterday in class and learning about the "long count." I've never heard of this before and I still trying to decide what made the official call it like that. I'm wondering if maybe he didn't like Dempsy very much and was maybe even a little annoyed at him for not backing off. I found it interesting that Dempsy himself was the one who fought for neutral corners for boxers during counts. I wonder if he realized what he was doing was probably a little unethical?
I can tell you for sure that I would not want to be in the ring with Dempsy, even as he grew older. He definately fought with no holds barred. I couldn't believe how much he didn't back down and would continue to attack his opponent before they were barely back on their feet.
Quickly, I'll just comment on Chapter 9. I couldn't believe everything I read about Babe Ruth and all his "bad habits." I never knew those things about him, but I almost find him to be more of an idol because who can eat 18 eggs and 6 bottles of pop and still play ball like that!? The information about Ty Cobb was incredible, I had no idea he was such a violent person. Threatening the butcher with a gun!? Really?!
Well this is getting too long now, I'm off.
I can tell you for sure that I would not want to be in the ring with Dempsy, even as he grew older. He definately fought with no holds barred. I couldn't believe how much he didn't back down and would continue to attack his opponent before they were barely back on their feet.
Quickly, I'll just comment on Chapter 9. I couldn't believe everything I read about Babe Ruth and all his "bad habits." I never knew those things about him, but I almost find him to be more of an idol because who can eat 18 eggs and 6 bottles of pop and still play ball like that!? The information about Ty Cobb was incredible, I had no idea he was such a violent person. Threatening the butcher with a gun!? Really?!
Well this is getting too long now, I'm off.
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