Heroes: Stories of Sports, Courage and Class

by Ralph Wimbish

What makes HEROES unique is that author Ralph Wimbish puts himself into many of his stories, a perspective we do not often see in sports writing today. Wimbish's recollections of the sports figures he met as a youngster and later in a 37-year career as a newspaperman make for riveting reading. His father was Dr. Ralph M. Wimbish, a prominent figure in the NAACP's efforts to rid the South of racial discrimination in the late '50s and early '60s. Wimbish the writer has some interesting observations and previously untold stories about Black athletes such as Jackie Robinson, Curt Flood, Elston Howard, Tiger Woods and others. HEROES is a collection of stories about stories - sitting with 1956 perfect-game pitcher Don Larsen while watching David Cone's 1999 perfect game is a perfect example. These are stories you wish you had been able to read earlier. Now you can.

206 pages, Paperback

Published April 13, 2021

Reviews

[LuAnne E Schurtz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book that provides insights into the human side of segregation in the South and the impact on a family, combined with a love story about sports. The stories about Black athletes and entertainers crashing in a young boy’s bedroom because there weren’t hotels where they could stay are remarkable and give a view of a time in history that is shocking because it’s not from that long ago. I don’t know about a lot of the athletes in the book but Wimbish’s portrayal of them was so heartfelt and tender. And there are plenty of light moments. I highly recommend this book!

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was most interested in the stories of growing up in St Petersburg and the author's parents, Ralph and Bette Wimbish, especially regarding baseball and segregation. Looking forward to hearing the author speak at the Community Conversations event sponsored by the African American Heritage Association and The Deuces Live on September 23.