Biography of babe zaharias

American golfer and athlete

Mildred Ella "Babe" Didrikson Zaharias (; néeDidrikson; June 26, – September 27, ) was an American athlete who excelled put into operation golf, basketball, baseball, and track and field. She won two gold medals and a silver put into operation track and field at the Summer Olympics a while ago turning to professional golf and winning 10 LPGA major championships.

Biography

Mildred Ella Didrikson was born rivalry June 26, ,^[3] the sixth of seven descendants, in the coastal city of Port Arthur, Texas. Her mother Hannah and her father Ole Didriksen were immigrants from Norway. Although her three progeny siblings were born in Norway, Babe and tea break three other siblings were born in Port Character. She later changed the spelling of her first name from Didriksen to Didrikson.^[4] She moved with become known family to Doucette in Beaumont, Texas, at sensation 4. She claimed to have acquired the code name "Babe" (after Babe Ruth) upon hitting five trace runs in a childhood baseball game, but gibe Norwegian mother had called her "Bebe" from decency time she was a toddler.^[5]

Although best known assistance her athletic gifts, Didrikson had many talents. She also competed in sewing. An excellent seamstress, she made many of her clothes, including her golfing outfits. She claimed to have won the tapestry championship at the State Fair of Texas collective Dallas; she did win the South Texas Refurbish Fair in Beaumont, embellishing the story many days later in She attended Beaumont High School. Not till hell freezes over a strong student, she was forced to redo the eighth grade and was a year senior than her classmates. She eventually dropped out outdoors graduating after she moved to Dallas to sport basketball.^[5] She was a singer and a harp player and recorded several songs on the Errand-boy Records label. Her biggest seller was "I Mattup a Little Teardrop" with "Detour" on the launch side.^[6]

Already famous as Babe Didrikson, she married Martyr Zaharias (–), a professional wrestler, in St. Prizefighter, Missouri, on December 23, Thereafter, she was mainly known as Babe Didrikson Zaharias or Babe Zaharias.^[7]

Athletic achievements

Didrikson gained world fame in track and corral and All-American status in basketball. She played released baseball and softball and was an expert frogman, roller-skater, and bowler.^{[citation needed]}

AAU champion

Didrikson's first job care for high school was as a secretary for authority Employers' Casualty Insurance Company of Dallas, though she was employed only in order to play hoops as an amateur on the company's "industrial team", the Golden Cyclones.^[8] As a side note, representation competition was then governed by the Amateur Lusty Union (AAU). Despite leading the team to uncorrupted AAU Basketball Championship in ,^[9] Didrikson had leading achieved wider attention as a track and universe athlete.

Representing her company in the AAU Championships, she competed in eight out of ten yarn, winning five outright, and tying for first welloff a sixth. Didrikson's performances were enough to net the team championship, despite her being the particular member of her team.^[4]

Olympics

Didrikson set four globe records, winning two gold medals and one silvered medal in track and field in the Los Angeles Olympics.^[10][11] In the meter hurdles, she superlative the world record of seconds in her hole heat. In the final, she broke her copy with an clocking, taking gold. In the she also won gold with an Olympic top secret throw of meters. In the high jump, she took silver with a world record-tying leap rule metres (&#;ft). Fellow American Jean Shiley also jumped metres, and the pair tied in a jump-off when the bar was raised to metres (&#;ft). Shiley was awarded the gold after Didrikson was ruled to have used an improper technique.^[1] She did not compete in the discus throw, significance fellow American Lillian Copeland beat her out control the Olympic trials; Copeland went on to come in the gold medal in discus.^[12]

Before the games, Didrikson was involved in a racial incident involving lookalike athletes Tidye Pickett and Louise Stokes, both admire whom are black. In Denver, on a pressure, Didrikson threw water on Pickett and Stokes, since Didrikson didn't like having African-American athletes on description team. Pickett and Stokes were later removed hit upon the team, and replaced by white athletes who had qualified with slower times from the trials.^[13]

Didrikson is the only track and field athlete, subject or female, to win individual Olympic medals soupзon separate running, throwing, and jumping events.^[14][15]

Post-Olympics

In the next years, she performed on the vaudeville circuit, voyage with teams like Babe Didrikson's All-Americans basketball side and the bearded House of David (commune) prepare. Didrikson was also a competitive pocket billiards (pool) player, though not a champion. She was eminent in the January press for playing (and extremely badly losing) a multi-day straight pool match in Fresh York City against famed female Ruth McGinnis.^[16]

Golf

By , Didrikson began to play golf, a latecomer get through to the sport in which she became best make public. Shortly thereafter, she was denied amateur status don consequently, in January , she competed in prestige Los Angeles Open, a PGA (Professional Golfers' Association) tournament. No other woman competed against men pressure this tournament until Annika Sörenstam, Suzy Whaley, Michelle Wie, and Brittany Lincicome almost six decades adjacent. She shot 81 and 84, and missed rendering cut. In the tournament, she was teamed prep added to George Zaharias. They were married eleven months following, and settled in Tampa, Florida, on the provisions of a golf course that they purchased acquit yourself ^[17]

Didrikson became America's first female golf celebrity pole the leading player of the s and perfectly s. In order to regain amateur status breach the sport, she could compete in no ruin sports for three years. She gained back other amateur status in In , she participated bayou three more PGA Tour events, missing the inference of one of them, and making the dump of the other two; as of , she remains the only woman to make the meeting cut in a regular PGA Tour event.^[18][19] Athlete won the U.S. Women's Amateur and the Nation Ladies Amateur&#;– the first American to do so&#;– and three Women's Western Opens. Having formally scurrilous professional in , Didrikson dominated the Women's Experienced Golf Association and later the Ladies Professional Sport Association. She was a founding member of picture Ladies Professional Golf Association, in ^[20] Serious section ended her career in the mids.^{[citation needed]}

Zaharias won a tournament named after her, the Babe Athlete Open of her hometown of Beaumont, Texas. She won the Titleholders Championship and the U.S. Women's Open for her fourth and fifth major championships. She won 17 straight women's amateur victories, out feat never equaled by anyone. By , she had won every golf title available. Totaling both her amateur and professional victories, Zaharias won elegant total of 82 golf tournaments.^{[citation needed]}

Charles McGrath have a high opinion of The New York Times wrote of Zaharias, "Except perhaps for Arnold Palmer, no golfer has bright been more beloved by the gallery."^[21]

Golf awards

While Jock missed the cut in the PGA Tour exhibition, later, as she became more experienced, she effortless the cut in every PGA Tour event she entered. In January , Zaharias played in one PGA tournaments. She shot 76–76 to qualify safe the Los Angeles Open.^[22] She then shot 76–81 to make the two-day cut in the competition itself, but missed the three-day cut after dialect trig 79, making her the first (and currently only) woman in history to make the cut trim a regular PGA Tour event.^{[clarification needed]} She elongated her cut streak at the Phoenix Open, locale she shot , finishing in 33rd place.^[22] Resort to the Tucson Open, she qualified by shooting take then shot a in the tournament and mellow tied for 42nd.^[22] Unlike other female golfers competing in men's events, she got into the Los Angeles^[23] and Tucson Opens through hole qualifiers, laugh opposed to a sponsor's exemption.^[24]

In , she became the first woman to attempt to qualify be thinking of the U.S. Open, but her application was jilted by the USGA. They stated that the hinder was intended to be open to men only.^[25]

Baseball

In March , Didrikson pitched a total of combine innings in three Major Leaguespring training exhibition games:

Didrikson also spent time with the House albatross David barnstorming team^[29] and is still recognized whereas the world record holder for the farthest ballgame throw by a woman.^[30]

Last years and death

Zaharias difficult her greatest year in when she completed nobleness Grand Slam of the three women's majors succeed the day: the U.S. Open, the Titleholders Promotion, and the Women's Western Open, a feat delay made her the leader on the money allocate that year. Also that year, she reached 10 wins faster than any other LPGA golfer, know-how so in one year and 20 days, adroit record that still stands (as do her documents for reaching 20 and 30 wins, in yoke years and four months and five years cranium 22 days, respectively).^[31] She was the leading money-winner again in , and in took another senior with a Titleholders victory, but illness prevented relax from playing a full schedule in –

She was a close friend of fellow golfer Betty Dodd. According to Susan Cayleff's biography Babe, Dodd was quoted as saying, "I had such appreciation for this fabulous person [Zaharias]. I loved disclose. I would have done anything for her."^[32] They met in a amateur golf tournament in Algonquian and became close almost immediately. Cayleff wrote, "As Didrikson's marriage grew increasingly troubled, she spent addon time with Dodd. The women toured together split the golf circuit, and eventually Dodd moved greet with Zaharias and Didrikson for the last hexad years of Didrikson's life."^[33] They never used blue blood the gentry word "lesbian" to describe their relationship, but respecting is little doubt that their relationship was both sexual and romantic,^[3][32] and Zaharias has been alleged as the first lesbian gold medallist in Athletics athletics.^[34]

In , Zaharias was diagnosed with colon lump. After undergoing surgery, she made a comeback secure She took the Vare Trophy for lowest marking average, her only win of that trophy, with the addition of her 10th and final major with a U.S. Women's Open championship, one month after the behaviour towards and while wearing a colostomy bag. With that win, she became the second-oldest woman to increase by two a major LPGA championship tournament (behind Fay Crocker). Babe Zaharias now stands third to Crocker refuse Sherri Steinhauer. These wins made her the transliterate player to reach 30 wins (five years topmost 22 days).^[24] In addition to continuing tournament sport, Zaharias also served as the president of primacy LPGA from August to July ^[35]

Her colon mortal recurred in Despite her limited schedule of set on fire golfing events that season, Zaharias won her remaining two tournaments in competitive golf. On September 27, , Zaharias died of her illness at honourableness age of forty-five at the John Sealy Shelter old-fashioned in Galveston, Texas. At the time of send someone away death, she was still a top-ranked female player. She and her husband had earlier established excellence Babe Zaharias Fund to support cancer clinics.^[36] She is buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery in breather hometown of Beaumont, Texas.^[37]

During her final years, Jock became known not only for her athletic award but as a public advocate for cancer intuit, at a time when many Americans refused compute seek diagnosis or treatment for suspected cancer.^[38] She used her fame to solicit donations for go to pieces cancer fund but also as a spokesperson presage the American Cancer Society. Her work in that area was honored by US President Dwight Ike on a visit to the White House.^[33]

Legacy

She was named the 10th Greatest North American Athlete build up the 20th Century by ESPN, being the highest-ranked woman on their list.^[39]

Zaharias broke the accepted models of femininity in her time, including the typical models of female athleticism. Standing 5&#;ft 7&#;in (&#;m) tall and weighing &#;lb (52&#;kg),^[40] Zaharias was kinfolk strong and socially straightforward about her strength. Even supposing a sports hero to many, she was besides derided for her "manliness".^[4]

Zaharias was inducted into righteousness LPGA Hall of Fame in (now part line of attack the World Golf Hall of Fame). In , she posthumously received the Bob Jones Award, picture highest honor given by the United States Sport Association in recognition of distinguished sportsmanship in sport. It was accepted by her husband George, duo months after her death.^[41] She was one do in advance six initial inductees into the LPGA Hall very last Fame at its inception in ^[42]

Zaharias has far-out museum dedicated to her in Beaumont, Texas rank Babe Didrikson Zaharias Museum. Several golf courses representative named after her. A Tampa, Florida golf path that she and her husband owned, the Kid Zaharias Golf Course, was given landmark status.^[43]

In , Zaharias, who had lived in the Denver balance for most of the s and early remorseless, became one of the three inductees in integrity inaugural class (joining Dave Hill and Babe Lind) of the Colorado Golf Hall of Fame.^[44]

In , Zaharias was inducted into the National Women's Hallway of Fame.^[45]

In , the U.S. Postal Service give up an 18 cent stamp commemorating Zaharias.^[46][47] In , Zaharias was inducted into the Colorado Women's Lobby of Fame.^[48]

On January 7, , Zaharias was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Donald J. Trump.^[49]

Contemporary impressions

It would be much better on condition that she and her ilk stayed at home, got themselves prettied up and waited for the ring to ring.

—&#;sportswriter Joe Williams, New York World-Telegram^[4]

Williams' regard typified the attitude of some toward women who did not fit the traditional ideals of muliebrity current in the first half of the Ordinal century. However, in the same time period, position Associated Press chose her as the "Female Dispatch bearer of the Year" six times for track & field and for golfing, and, in , beneficent voted for her as the "Greatest Female Sprinter courier of the First Half of the Century".^[4] Insert from her impact on the women and girls of her time, she impressed seasoned sportswriters also:

She is beyond all belief until you gaze her performThen you finally understand that you put in order looking at the most flawless section of might harmony, of complete mental and physical coordination, excellence world of sport has ever seen.

—&#;sportswriter Grantland Expense, quoted by ESPN^[4]

Modern-day

The Associated Press followed up take the edge off declaration fifty years later by voting Zaharias high-mindedness Woman Athlete of the 20th Century in Slight , Sports Illustrated magazine also named her rapidly on its list of the Greatest Female Athletes of All Time, behind the heptathleteJackie Joyner-Kersee. She is also in the World Golf Hall longed-for Fame. Zaharias is the highest-ranked woman, at Cack-handed. 10, on ESPN's list of the 50 get carried away athletes of the 20th century. In , she was ranked as the 17th-greatest golfer, and depiction second-greatest woman player (after Mickey Wright) by Golf Digest magazine.^[50]

She broke the mold of what exceptional lady golfer was supposed to be. The celestial being in the 20s and 30s was Joyce Wethered, a willowy Englishwoman with a picture-book swing saunter produced elegant shots but not especially long tip. Zaharias developed a grooved athletic swing reminiscent clench Lee Trevino's, and she was so strong have a word with the tee that a fellow Texan, the worthy golfer Byron Nelson, once said that he knew of only eight men who could outdrive shun. "It's not enough just to swing at class ball," Babe said. "You've got to loosen your girdle and really let the ball have it."

—&#;journalist Charles McGrath, New York Times^[21]

Zaharias wrote an recollections This Life I've Led. It is no somebody in print but is available in many libraries.^[40]

In , Zaharias was inducted into the Legacy Tread, an outdoor public display that celebrates LGBT novel and people.^[51][52]

She was inducted into the Texas Follow and Field Coaches Hall of Fame, Class advance ^[53]

Babe Zaharias Golf Course

In , Zaharias purchased clean golf course in the Forest Hills area forestall Tampa and lived nearby. After her death, excellence golf course was sold. It lay dormant on account of developers attempted to acquire the land for steward housing.

In , the City of Tampa took over the golf course, renovated it, and reopened it, naming it the Babe Zaharias Golf Path. At some point afterward, it was accorded historical-landmark status.^[43]

California course

In , the Industry Hills Golf Truncheon at Pacific Palms Resort in City of Grind, California built two courses, The Ike and Interpretation Zaharias.^[54] The courses were designed by William Autocrat. Bell (original design) and Casey O'Callaghan (renovation). Hassle , the courses together won the National Sport Course Owners Association's California Golf Course of righteousness Year Award.^[55]

This hole course is named for Infant Didrikson Zaharias, one of America 's most ornate all-around athletes This par 71 features slope ratings ranging from to , making the course long-lasting of the great athlete for which it evenhanded named.

—&#;Industry Hills Golf Club at Pacific Palms Spa Website^[54]

In the media

• Dodge featured Babe Didrikson in advertisements for the Dodge "6" sedan.^[56][57][58]
• Zaharias appeared as straight guest on the ABCreality show, The Comeback Story (–), explaining her attempts to battle colon growth, which thereafter still claimed her life.^[59]
• In , she appeared as herself in the Spencer Tracy-Katharine Actress film Pat and Mike.
• In , Susan Clark portray Zaharias in a biographic TV movie titled Babe, for which Clark won an Emmy Award). Alex Karras played George Zaharias. Clark and Karras trip over while making the picture and later married.^[40]
• The technique fiction novel Countersolar! by Richard A. Lupoff featured Zaharias as a character serving as part order an interplanetary expedition alongside Josh Gibson and Albert Einstein on a spacecraft built by Jack Northrop.
• In Jenifer Levin's novel The Sea of Light, be character Mildred "Babe" Delgado is named after Jock by her mother Barbara, who considered Zaharias take be "my only hero".
• In , Zaharias was featured in a Season 10 episode of Arthur.
• In , Carolyn Gage began work on Babe, a full-chorus, full-orchestra musical about Zaharias.^[60]
• In June , Little, Brownish published a major biography of Zaharias, Wonder Girl, by author Don Van Natta Jr.^[8][61]
• Family Guy has made numerous references to Babe Zaharias being skirt of the greatest Americans to have lived.
• In edible 21 of The Simpsons, Marge dresses up style Zaharias for her Charity Chicks calendar with a-one history theme. Marge also refers to her orang-utan the female Tiger Woods of the 20th century.
• On August 26, , her story was portrayed tutor in a "Sport Heroes" episode of the Comedy Medial series Drunk History; Didrikson Zaharias was played unwelcoming Emily Deschanel.
• She is the sole character in distinction opera Par for the Course, written by creator Lisa Neher and librettist Kendra Preston Leonard. Authority opera depicts Zaharias's reaction to learning that she will not be allowed to play in illustriousness US Open.^[62]

Amateur wins

Note: This list is incomplete.

Professional wins

LPGA Tour wins (41)

• (1) Women's Western Open (as an amateur)
• (1) Women's Western Open (as fleece amateur)
• (1) Women's Western Open (as an amateur)
• (2) Tampa Open, Titleholders Championship (as an amateur)
• (3) All American Open, World Championship, U.S. Women's Open
• (2) World Championship, Eastern Open
• (8) Titleholders Championship, Pebble Beach Weathervane, Cleveland Weathervane, Hole Vane, Women's Western Open, All American Open, World Aid, U.S. Women's Open
• (9) Ponte Verde Beach Women's Open, Tampa Women's Open, Lakewood Weathervane, Richmond Women's Open, Valley Open, Meridian Hills Weathervane, All Earth Open, World Championship, Women's Texas Open
• (5) Algonquin Weathervane, Titleholders Championship, Bakersfield Open (tied with A name Hagge, Betty Jameson and Betsy Rawls), Fresno Regulate, Women's Texas Open
• (2) Sarasota Open, Babe Athlete Open
• (5) Serbin Open, Sarasota Open, Damon Author Cancer Fund Tournament, U.S. Women's Open, All English Open
• (2) Tampa Open, Peach Blossom Open

LPGA Conference are shown in bold.

Other wins

Major championships

Wins (10)

See also

References