The 1936 Olympics: A Necessary Reflection and the Value of a Single Human Being
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Significance of Cards' Epic Comeback
October 28, 2011
Tony La Russa: Greatest Major League Baseball Manager of All Time?
October 17, 2011
Baseball is my passion. My grandfather was Albert "Rube" Walker, who remained involved in the game of Major League Baseball for nearly 50 years as a player, pitching coach, and scout. Rube Walker was a catcher for the Chicago Cubs and Brooklyn Dodgers before leaving the game as a player the season after the Dodgers moved to Los Angeles in 1958. Unfortunately, Rube Walker was the catcher behind the plate when Bobby Thomson slammed his famous "Shot Heard Round the World" on October 3, 1951 giving the Giants the National League pennant over the Dodgers in a three-game playoff.
As for myself, I completed my undergraduate work at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia. I graduated from UMW with a BS degree and a member of Phi Beta Kappa. I was a double major concentrating in mathematics and history. In May 2008, I graduated from George Mason University with an MA in United States history, specifically on Antebellum and Civil War American history.
American history is my concentration right now; however, baseball shall always be my passion!!!
Hey Thomas,
Thanks for the kind words.
Your piece on the 1936 Berlin Olympic was fascinating and well-written. There isn't much I would add or take away from your writing.
Big picture, I must admit that this type of article generally doesn't generate tons of interest on B/R. The site is driven by opinion, most of it relating to current events. A recitation of historical facts--enlightening as this one was--isn't going to push the meter much.
If you want to blend history and sports (two of my greatest loves), I'd suggest probing first for a well-anchored hook (more substantial than just "the Olympics are happening") and then trying to craft that around some sort of opinion/analysis.
An example, from one of my favorite B/R writers, Ty Schalter:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1170420-junior-seaus-all-around-dominance-will-never-be-seen-from-an-nfl-lb-again
Ty wades deep into the history of NFL defenses, but does so under the auspices of evaluating Junior Seau's legacy (Seau, of course, being front page news at the time of his death). It works both as a tribute to Seau and as a commentary on the changing landscape of football.
Hope all that makes sense.
Keep up the awesome work.
-Avi
My cousin considers your grandfather, Rube Walker, a hero. Would there be any way I could get a small piece of memorabilia from your family that you may have to give him for his birthday.
Thank You,
Dylan Mednick
Had to crawl out of my cave to weigh in on the Dodgers trade deadline deals - hope you find it worthy of your time.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/428933-jcs-la-view-desperate-dodger-deals-dare-disaster
One week into the baseball season and our Boys in Blue drag it back home black & blue - here's some visual evidence:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/376964-jcs-dodger-view-pirates-marlins-ruin-las-opening-week
The media tries to create a Manny-versy, JC points out the reality of this situation:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/350393-jcs-dodger-line-drives-feb-22-manny-wont-be-in-la-come-2011
JC gives his opinion on Eric Gagne's desire to return to the Dodgers
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/347032-jcs-dodger-line-drives-feb-16-eric-gagne-hopes-for-a-return-to-la
Greetings!
Have a new article just out of the oven looking at the Dodger starting pitching. Get it while it's hot!
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/342240-jcs-dodger-line-drives-feb-8-previewing-las-starters-for-2010
Hey Thomas,
I recently had the chance to speak with first-time Olympian John Daly. I hope you get a chance to check it out.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/336669-interviewing-an-olympian-team-usas-john-daly-talks-about-vancouver-2010
Thanks,
Ash
Off the bench with this pinch hitting appearance and hoping all is well your way I present:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/300623-jcs-dodger-line-drives-dec-1-las-vin-scully-to-return-for-2010
Thomas,
I really thought you’d find this piece something you’d want to read on this Veteran’s Day.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/288145-sports-veterans-day-reflect-understand-and-soften-your-heart
Thanks,
Daniel Barber aka Hotnuke