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.
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Great comments on the chapter about boxing and Chapter 9. I agree that the story about the long-count was really interesting, especially since it added so much to the mythology surrounding Jack Dempsey. You mentioned that he did not back down, and that was really apparent. I think it was someone in the first class who commented that he did not look like he was over-rated in the first video clip (where he fought Jess Willard). He was relentless! The thing that intrigues me about each of the figures you wrote about in this entry is that each one's persona was shaped by the media. It makes me wonder how they would be regarded in today's media-saturated environment. Who knows. Maybe Babe Ruth would win the hot-dog eating contest?
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