Frank G. Menke
Encyclopedia
Frank Grant Menke was an American newspaper reporter, author, and sports historian. He wrote for the Hearst Newspapers from 1912 to 1932 and his articles appeared daily in 300 newspapers across the country. He was billed by the Hearst syndicate as "America's Foremost Sport Writer". He later devoted much of his effort to his work as an author of books on sports history. Two of his works, The All Sports Record Book and The Encyclopedia of Sports, became known as authoritative reference works that were revised and reissued for several decades.
in 1885. His father, Christopher J. Menke, was an Ohio native and a printer. He worked in construction as a teenager and played semi-professional baseball as a pitcher and outfielder. From 1906 to 1911, he worked as a reporter for the Cleveland Press
and the Cleveland News.
(INS) the wire service for the Hearst newspapers. He remained with the INS until late 1916 when he formed The Menke Syndicate, Inc. By March 1917, Menke returned to the Hearst newspapers as a feature writer and sports editor for Hearst's Newspaper Feature Service, also known as the King Features Syndicate
. Menke's daily sports column appeared in 300 newspapers across the United States and Canada in the late 1910s and early 1920s and was translated into Spanish, French and Chinese for publication abroad. He was billed by the Hearst newspapers as "America's Foremost Sport Writer" and the "'Babe Ruth' of the Scribes". In 1931, Bill Ritt, sports editor of a competing syndicate, paid tribute to Menke:
From 1913 to 1922, Menke's college football All-America team selections were published in newspapers across the United States.
From 1918 through the 1920s, Menke wrote about no athlete more frequently than Jack Dempsey
. The two became friends, and Menke was long a supporter of Dempsey. In 1926, Dempsey went into the horse racing business and named a thoroughbred hose "Frank G. Menke" after Menke.
Menke spent one year as the editor of the New York Press in 1934.
, Gene Tunney
, and James J. Corbett
on their autobiographies and ghost wrote articles for Babe Ruth
. In 1929, Menke published The All Sports Record Book, which was re-issued and updated annually throughout the 1930s. In 1939, he published a new work, The Encyclopedia of Sports. He thereafter published revised and expanded editions of his encyclopedia through 1953. The final edition of The Encyclopedia of Sports published during Menke's lifetime was 1,018 pages. It was periodically updated with revised editions being published even after his death. The sixth revised edition, published in 1978, covered 68 major sports in 1,125 pages.
As baseball prepared to celebrate the centennial of the sport in 1939, Menke released the results of his research showing that the sport was not invented in 1839 by Abner Doubleday
in Cooperstown, New York
. Menke first published his findings in a magazine called Ken and then reprinted in the first edition of The Encyclopedia of Sports, which was released in February 1939. Menke concluded that the game had been played along the East Coast since at least 1805 and pointed out that Doubleday was 20 years old and enrolled at a military academy when he was supposed to have invented the game. While the quality of Menke's research was acknowledged by leading newspapers including The Sporting News
, the Little Falls Times, a newspaper serving the Cooperstown area, wrote that Menke had an ulterior motive for his claims and belonged to "the class that would belittle Washington, Lincoln and other men who have played their part in American history".
In the late 1930s and 1940s, Menke worked for eight years as the publicity director for Churchill Downs
, the home of the Kentucky Derby
. During his years working with Churchill Downs, he published several books about horse racing, including The Story of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby (1940), Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby Since 1875 (1942), Down the Stretch: The Story of Colonel Matt J. Winn (1945), and Harness Horse History (1945).
, after suffering a heart attack while returning from a vacation in California to his home in Fairfield, Connecticut
.
Early years
He was born in Cleveland, OhioCleveland, Ohio
Cleveland is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and is the county seat of Cuyahoga County, the most populous county in the state. The city is located in northeastern Ohio on the southern shore of Lake Erie, approximately west of the Pennsylvania border...
in 1885. His father, Christopher J. Menke, was an Ohio native and a printer. He worked in construction as a teenager and played semi-professional baseball as a pitcher and outfielder. From 1906 to 1911, he worked as a reporter for the Cleveland Press
Cleveland Press
The Cleveland Press was a daily American newspaper published in Cleveland, Ohio from November 2, 1878, through June 17, 1982. From 1928 to 1966, the paper's editor was Louis Seltzer....
and the Cleveland News.
Sports writer and editor for Hearst newspapers
In 1911, Menke moved to New York and, in 1912, became a sportswriter for the International News ServiceInternational News Service
International News Service was a U.S.-based news agency founded by newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst in 1909.Established two years after the Scripps family founded the United Press Association, INS scrapped among the newswires...
(INS) the wire service for the Hearst newspapers. He remained with the INS until late 1916 when he formed The Menke Syndicate, Inc. By March 1917, Menke returned to the Hearst newspapers as a feature writer and sports editor for Hearst's Newspaper Feature Service, also known as the King Features Syndicate
King Features Syndicate
King Features Syndicate, a print syndication company owned by The Hearst Corporation, distributes about 150 comic strips, newspaper columns, editorial cartoons, puzzles and games to nearly 5000 newspapers worldwide...
. Menke's daily sports column appeared in 300 newspapers across the United States and Canada in the late 1910s and early 1920s and was translated into Spanish, French and Chinese for publication abroad. He was billed by the Hearst newspapers as "America's Foremost Sport Writer" and the "'Babe Ruth' of the Scribes". In 1931, Bill Ritt, sports editor of a competing syndicate, paid tribute to Menke:
Should sports writers, in congress assembled, ever decide to award a medal to the scribe who has given the most meritorious service in behalf of his fellow laborers in the athletic vineyards, this department's nomination would be Frank G. Menke. Menke for many years a nationally known sports writer, is also the Lincoln, the BancroftFrederic Bancroft-Biography:He was born in Galesburg, Illinois and was graduated with an A.B. from Amherst College and received a Ph. D. from Columbia University. He was a lecturer for one year at Columbia, and served as Librarian of the State Department from 1888 to 1892....
, the Emil LudwigEmil LudwigEmil Ludwig was a German author, known for his biographies.-Biography:Emil Ludwig was born in Breslau, now part of Poland. Ludwig studied law but chose writing as a career. At first he wrote plays and novella, but also worked as a journalist...
, the Sherlock Holmes of sideline scribblers.
From 1913 to 1922, Menke's college football All-America team selections were published in newspapers across the United States.
From 1918 through the 1920s, Menke wrote about no athlete more frequently than Jack Dempsey
Jack Dempsey
William Harrison "Jack" Dempsey was an American boxer who held the world heavyweight title from 1919 to 1926. Dempsey's aggressive style and exceptional punching power made him one of the most popular boxers in history. Many of his fights set financial and attendance records, including the first...
. The two became friends, and Menke was long a supporter of Dempsey. In 1926, Dempsey went into the horse racing business and named a thoroughbred hose "Frank G. Menke" after Menke.
Menke spent one year as the editor of the New York Press in 1934.
Author
Menke also worked with Ty CobbTy Cobb
Tyrus Raymond "Ty" Cobb , nicknamed "The Georgia Peach," was an American Major League Baseball outfielder. He was born in Narrows, Georgia...
, Gene Tunney
Gene Tunney
James Joseph "Gene" Tunney was the world heavyweight boxing champion from 1926-1928 who defeated Jack Dempsey twice, first in 1926 and then in 1927. Tunney's successful title defense against Dempsey is one of the most famous bouts in boxing history and is known as The Long Count Fight...
, and James J. Corbett
James J. Corbett
James John "Gentleman Jim" Corbett was an Irish-American heavyweight boxing champion, best known as the man who defeated the great John L. Sullivan. He also coached boxing at the Olympic Club in San Francisco...
on their autobiographies and ghost wrote articles for Babe Ruth
Babe Ruth
George Herman Ruth, Jr. , best known as "Babe" Ruth and nicknamed "the Bambino" and "the Sultan of Swat", was an American Major League baseball player from 1914–1935...
. In 1929, Menke published The All Sports Record Book, which was re-issued and updated annually throughout the 1930s. In 1939, he published a new work, The Encyclopedia of Sports. He thereafter published revised and expanded editions of his encyclopedia through 1953. The final edition of The Encyclopedia of Sports published during Menke's lifetime was 1,018 pages. It was periodically updated with revised editions being published even after his death. The sixth revised edition, published in 1978, covered 68 major sports in 1,125 pages.
As baseball prepared to celebrate the centennial of the sport in 1939, Menke released the results of his research showing that the sport was not invented in 1839 by Abner Doubleday
Abner Doubleday
Abner Doubleday was a career United States Army officer and Union general in the American Civil War. He fired the first shot in defense of Fort Sumter, the opening battle of the war, and had a pivotal role in the early fighting at the Battle of Gettysburg. Gettysburg was his finest hour, but his...
in Cooperstown, New York
Cooperstown, New York
Cooperstown is a village in Otsego County, New York, USA. It is located in the Town of Otsego. The population was estimated to be 1,852 at the 2010 census.The Village of Cooperstown is the county seat of Otsego County, New York...
. Menke first published his findings in a magazine called Ken and then reprinted in the first edition of The Encyclopedia of Sports, which was released in February 1939. Menke concluded that the game had been played along the East Coast since at least 1805 and pointed out that Doubleday was 20 years old and enrolled at a military academy when he was supposed to have invented the game. While the quality of Menke's research was acknowledged by leading newspapers including The Sporting News
The Sporting News
Sporting News is an American-based sports magazine. It was established in 1886, and it became the dominant American publication covering baseball — so much so that it acquired the nickname "The Bible of Baseball"...
, the Little Falls Times, a newspaper serving the Cooperstown area, wrote that Menke had an ulterior motive for his claims and belonged to "the class that would belittle Washington, Lincoln and other men who have played their part in American history".
In the late 1930s and 1940s, Menke worked for eight years as the publicity director for Churchill Downs
Churchill Downs
Churchill Downs, located in Central Avenue in south Louisville, Kentucky, United States, is a Thoroughbred racetrack most famous for hosting the Kentucky Derby annually. It officially opened in 1875, and held the first Kentucky Derby and the first Kentucky Oaks in the same year. Churchill Downs...
, the home of the Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby is a Grade I stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbred horses, held annually in Louisville, Kentucky, United States on the first Saturday in May, capping the two-week-long Kentucky Derby Festival. The race is one and a quarter mile at Churchill Downs. Colts and geldings carry...
. During his years working with Churchill Downs, he published several books about horse racing, including The Story of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby (1940), Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby Since 1875 (1942), Down the Stretch: The Story of Colonel Matt J. Winn (1945), and Harness Horse History (1945).
Family and death
In May 1954, Menke died in his hotel room in Cincinnati, OhioCincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio. Cincinnati is the county seat of Hamilton County. Settled in 1788, the city is located to north of the Ohio River at the Ohio-Kentucky border, near Indiana. The population within city limits is 296,943 according to the 2010 census, making it Ohio's...
, after suffering a heart attack while returning from a vacation in California to his home in Fairfield, Connecticut
Fairfield, Connecticut
Fairfield is a town located in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States. It is bordered by the towns of Bridgeport, Trumbull, Easton, Redding and Westport along the Gold Coast of Connecticut. As of the 2010 census, the town had a population of 59,404...
.
Baseball
- Federal League Worries Fultz (Federal LeagueFederal LeagueThe Federal League of Base Ball Clubs, known simply as the Federal League, was an American professional baseball league that operated as a "third major league", in competition with the established National and American Leagues, from to...
), February 27, 1914 - Baseball Good Revenue Getter: In Later Years Has Become Very Remunerative Business, March 3, 1914
- Sport Dope (column about George StallingsGeorge StallingsGeorge Tweedy Stallings was an American manager and player in Major League Baseball. His most famous achievement – leading the Boston Braves from last place in mid-July to the National League championship and a World Series sweep of the powerful Philadelphia Athletics – resulted in a nickname he...
and 1914 Boston Braves1914 Boston Braves seasonThe 1914 Boston Braves was a season in American baseball. The team finished first in the National League, winning the pennant by 10½ games over the New York Giants...
), September 30, 1914 - Sport Dope (1914 World Series1914 World SeriesIn the 1914 World Series, the Boston Braves beat the Philadelphia Athletics in a four-game sweep.A contender for greatest upset of all time, the "Miracle Braves" were in last place on July 4, then roared on to win the National League pennant by games and sweep the stunned Athletics...
), October 8, 1914 - In the World of Sport (1914 World Series), October 17, 1914
- Sport Dope (column about peace talks with the Federal LeagueFederal LeagueThe Federal League of Base Ball Clubs, known simply as the Federal League, was an American professional baseball league that operated as a "third major league", in competition with the established National and American Leagues, from to...
), December 1, 1914 - Sport Dope (highest baseball salaries), December 26, 1914
- Sport Dope (proposal to play World Series in multiple cities), January 9, 1915
- Sport Dope ("Wild Bill" Donovan), January 12, 1915
- Sport Dope (Bill HinchmanBill HinchmanWilliam White Hinchman , was a professional baseball player who played outfielder in the Major Leagues from 1905-1920. He played for the Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Naps, and Pittsburgh Pirates.-External links:...
/Battling NelsonBattling NelsonOscar Mathæus Nielsen, also known as Battling Nelson, was a Danish boxer who held the world lightweight championship on two separate occasions...
), January 22, 1915 - Sport Dope (National League pennant race), March 4, 1915
- Tener Is New Czar In Baseball World (John K. TenerJohn K. TenerJohn Kinley Tener was a Major League baseball player and executive and, from 1911 to 1915, served as the 25th Governor of Pennsylvania.-Biography:...
), February 8, 1916 - Collins Has the Edge on Tris Speaker, Says Menke (Eddie CollinsEddie CollinsEdward Trowbridge Collins, Sr. , nicknamed "Cocky", was an American Major League Baseball second baseman, manager and executive...
/Tris SpeakerTris SpeakerTristram E. Speaker , nicknamed "Spoke" and "The Grey Eagle", was an American baseball player. Considered one of the best offensive and defensive center fielders in the history of Major League Baseball, he compiled a career batting average of .345 , and still holds the record of 792 career doubles...
), April 30, 1916 - American League Jockeyed With Entire Circuit Balanced, May 2, 1916
- Cleveland Paid Too Much for Tris Speaker Thinks Expert Menke (Tris SpeakerTris SpeakerTristram E. Speaker , nicknamed "Spoke" and "The Grey Eagle", was an American baseball player. Considered one of the best offensive and defensive center fielders in the history of Major League Baseball, he compiled a career batting average of .345 , and still holds the record of 792 career doubles...
), April 18, 1916 - Joe Jackson Is a Great Slugger, But Can Not Beat Cobb's Record (Shoeless Joe JacksonShoeless Joe JacksonJoseph Jefferson Jackson , nicknamed "Shoeless Joe", was an American baseball player who played Major League Baseball in the early part of the 20th century...
), June 17, 1916 - Menke Declares Sox Will Win Series in Five Game Romp (1916 World Series1916 World SeriesIn the 1916 World Series, the Boston Red Sox beat the Brooklyn Robins four games to one.Casey Stengel shone on offense for the Robins in the 1916 Series but the Red Sox pitching core ultimately proved too much for the denizens of Flatbush...
), October 8, 1916 - Clout by Ty Cobb Causes a Divorce; Matty Gives Good Advice on Hurling (Ty CobbTy CobbTyrus Raymond "Ty" Cobb , nicknamed "The Georgia Peach," was an American Major League Baseball outfielder. He was born in Narrows, Georgia...
/Christy MathewsonChristy MathewsonChristopher "Christy" Mathewson , nicknamed "Big Six", "The Christian Gentleman", or "Matty", was an American Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher. He played his entire career in what is known as the dead-ball era...
), July 20, 1918 - John Heydler Is Right Man Head of Major League (John HeydlerJohn HeydlerJohn Arnold Heydler was an American executive in Major League Baseball.-Biography:Born in La Fargeville, New York, he began working as a printer, eventually being employed at the U.S. Government Printing Office....
), November 27, 1918 - Pitchers Finally Got Next to Babe Ruth's Slugging and His Average Began to Drop (Babe RuthBabe RuthGeorge Herman Ruth, Jr. , best known as "Babe" Ruth and nicknamed "the Bambino" and "the Sultan of Swat", was an American Major League baseball player from 1914–1935...
), April 27, 1919 - Reds Lose Lead; Sox Come from Behind (1919 World Series1919 World SeriesThe 1919 World Series matched the American League champion Chicago White Sox against the National League champion Cincinnati Reds. Although most World Series have been of the best-of-seven format, the 1919 World Series was a best-of-nine series...
), October 7, 1919 - One More Defeat and White Sox Dream Are Ended (1919 World Series), October 7, 1919
- White Sox Take Another and Fatten Chances (1919 World Series1919 World SeriesThe 1919 World Series matched the American League champion Chicago White Sox against the National League champion Cincinnati Reds. Although most World Series have been of the best-of-seven format, the 1919 World Series was a best-of-nine series...
), October 8, 1919 - Stove Leaguers Don't Have To Select All-American Baseball Team -- It Picks Itself (1921 All-America Baseball Team), November 19, 1921
- Menke Recalls Days When College Boys Found Going Rough, January 11, 1922
- Legislative Folks Do Lot Of Vain 'Sloganing' Against Judge Landis: Baseball's Chieftan Merely Chuckles At 'Out With Landis' (Kenesaw Mountain LandisKenesaw Mountain LandisKenesaw Mountain Landis was an American jurist who served as a federal judge from 1905 to 1922 and as the first Commissioner of Baseball from 1920 until his death...
), January 24, 1922 - Preponderance of Backstops Guiding Teams This Season (catchers as managers), February 22, 1922
- 'Showdown' Expected in Holdout Squabble: Fabulous Prices of Rookies Wreck Morale of Club, March 4, 1922
- Gentle Barney Gets Hooked (Barney DreyfussBarney DreyfussBernhard "Barney" Dreyfuss was an executive in Major League Baseball who owned the Pittsburgh Pirates franchise from 1900 to 1932....
), October 27, 1924 - Aspiring Twirler Now Finds Curve Ball Necessary, April 20, 1923
- Frank Frisch Luckiest of Ball Players (Frankie FrischFrankie FrischFrancis “Frankie” Frisch , nicknamed the "Fordham Flash" or "The Old Flash", was a German American Major League Baseball player of the early twentieth century....
), October 22, 1924 - Miller Huggins Made Hornsby a Hitter (Miller HugginsMiller HugginsMiller James Huggins , nicknamed "Mighty Mite", was a baseball player and manager. He managed the powerhouse New York Yankee teams of the 1920s and won six American League pennants and three World Series championships....
/Rogers HornsbyRogers HornsbyRogers Hornsby, Sr. , nicknamed "The Rajah", was an American baseball infielder, manager, and coach who played 23 seasons in Major League Baseball . He played for the St. Louis Cardinals , New York Giants , Boston Braves , Chicago Cubs , and St. Louis Browns...
), December 26, 1924 - Four Men Left of 1920 World Champions (1920 Cleveland Indians1920 Cleveland Indians seasonThe Cleveland Indians season was the 20th season in franchise history. The Indians won the American League pennant and proceeded to win their first World Series title in the history of the franchise. Pitchers Jim Bagby, Stan Coveleski and Ray Caldwell combined to win 75 games...
), January 3, 1925 - Jack Dunn Is Genius Of Baseball World, Frank Menke Thinks (Jack DunnJack DunnJohn Joseph Dunn was an American pitcher in Major League Baseball at the turn of the 20th century who later went on to become a minor league baseball club owner....
), February 9, 1925 - Chris Von Der Ahe's Baseball Party (Chris von der AheChris von der AheChristian Friedrich Wilhelm von der Ahe was a German-American entrepreneur, best known as the owner of the St. Louis Brown Stockings of the American Association, now known as the St. Louis Cardinals....
), June 5, 1925 - $11,000 'Lemon' Pitching In All His Early Glory (Rube MarquardRube MarquardRichard William "Rube" Marquard was an American left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball in the 1910s and early 1920s...
), July 17, 1925 - Heydler's Advice to Jake Not Common Sense (John HeydlerJohn HeydlerJohn Arnold Heydler was an American executive in Major League Baseball.-Biography:Born in La Fargeville, New York, he began working as a printer, eventually being employed at the U.S. Government Printing Office....
/Jack FournierJack FournierJohn Frank "Jack" Fournier was a first baseman in Major League Baseball. He played for the Chicago White Sox, New York Yankees, St...
), November 25, 1925 - Home for Indigent Players Aim of Diamond Fraternity, January 4, 1926
- Tobacco Chewing Habit Caused Pennock Misery (Herb PennockHerb PennockHerbert Jefferis Pennock was a left-handed Major League Baseball pitcher best known for his time spent with the star-studded New York Yankee teams of the mid to late 1920s and early 1930s. Pennock won two World Series championships with the Red Sox and then four World Series championships with the...
), October 15, 1926 - Menke Predicts Yanks Will Flop Next Year (1927 New York Yankees1927 New York Yankees seasonThe New York Yankees season was their 25th season. The team finished with a record of 110-44, winning their fifth pennant and finishing 19 games ahead of the Philadelphia Athletics. New York was managed by Miller Huggins. The Yankees played at Yankee Stadium. In the World Series, they swept the...
), October 28, 1926 - Landis May Be Ousted From Czar Post Next Year: Some Moguls Against His Appointment; Would Like to Know If He Is Worth $50,000 a Year (Kenesaw Mountain Landis), December 1, 1926
- Menke Suggests Red Sox Sign Speaker, Collins, Cobb: Trio Sure To Bring Pennant To Bean Town; Tris and Ty Will Find It Hard to Resist Game, December 21, 1926
- Menke Takes Rap at Landis as Sensation Seeker: Silver Thatch Busy Dodging Verbal Bricks; Scandal Has Rocked Ex-Jurist Like a Ship in a Storm (Kenesaw Mountain Landis), December 31, 1926
- Menke Says Connie Mack No Longer 'Miracle Man': New Failures Show Players Brought Fame; Has Been Getting Sad Results for Last 13 Years (Connie MackConnie MackConnie Mack may refer to:* Connie Mack I , Hall of Fame baseball manager, player, owner* Connie Mack III , U.S. Representative , U.S. Senator from Florida * Connie Mack IV , U.S...
), July 27, 1927 - Reilly Made Shrewd Deal When He Sold Delaney's Contract (Jack DelaneyJack DelaneyJack Delaney was a former light heavyweight boxing champion of the world and contender for the heavyweight crown...
), January 5, 1928 - Menke Figures Athletics To Capture World Series: Macks Have It On Cubs, He Asserts (1929 World Series1929 World SeriesIn the 1929 World Series, the Philadelphia Athletics beat the Chicago Cubs in five games.The famous "Mack Attack" occurred in 1929, named for manager of the Athletics, Connie Mack, in which the Athletics overcame an eight-run deficit by scoring ten runs in the seventh inning of Game 4...
), September 28, 1929 - 'Copper' Thinks Athletics Will Cop Big Crown (1931 World Series1931 World SeriesIn the 1931 World Series, the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Philadelphia Athletics in seven games, a rematch and reversal of fortunes of the 1930 World Series.The same two teams faced off during the 1930 World Series and the Athletics were victorious...
), October 7, 1931
Boxing
- Wants Pugilists Better Governed: National Commission To Have Supervision Over Sport Is Proposed (advocating creation of a national boxing commission), February 3, 1914
- Sport Dope (Jack JohnsonJack Johnson (boxer)John Arthur Johnson , nicknamed the “Galveston Giant,” was an American boxer. At the height of the Jim Crow era, Johnson became the first African American world heavyweight boxing champion...
/Jess WillardJess WillardJess Willard was a world heavyweight boxing champion. He won the heavyweight title from Jack Johnson in April 1915 and lost it to Jack Dempsey in July 1919....
), January 8, 1915 - Sport Dope (Battling NelsonBattling NelsonOscar Mathæus Nielsen, also known as Battling Nelson, was a Danish boxer who held the world lightweight championship on two separate occasions...
), January 18, 1915 - Sport Dope (Jack Johnson/Jess Willard), February 18, 1915
- Menke Says Betting Favors Frank Moran (Frank MoranFrank MoranCharles Francis "Frank" Moran was an American boxer and film actor who fought twice for the Heavyweight Championship of the World, and appeared in over 135 movies in a 25 year film career.-Sports career:...
), October 19, 1915 - Little Jack Dillon Springs Ring Surprise of Year -- Whales Frank Moran in Easy Fashion at Brooklyn (Jack DillonJack DillonErnest Cutler Price was light heavyweight boxing champion of the world.-Personal:...
), June 30, 1916 - Scribe Says Fulton Afraid of Dempsey: Salt Lake Boy Earns Right To Contest (Fred FultonFred FultonIf you were looking for the New Brunswick murder victim see here.Fred Fulton , alias The Rochester Plasterer, was a heavyweight professional boxer, born in Blue Rapids, Kansas, resided and died in Park Rapids, Minnesota. -Professional career:Fulton made his professional debut in 1913 and did not...
/Jack DempseyJack DempseyWilliam Harrison "Jack" Dempsey was an American boxer who held the world heavyweight title from 1919 to 1926. Dempsey's aggressive style and exceptional punching power made him one of the most popular boxers in history. Many of his fights set financial and attendance records, including the first...
), March 19, 1918 - Checkers Started Miske in Boxing (Billy MiskeBilly MiskeBilly Miske, alias The Saint Paul Thunderbolt , was a professional boxer from Saint Paul, Minnesota. -Professional Boxing Career:...
), July 20, 1918 - Will Dempsey-Willard Go Be Staged? Frank Menke Not So Sure That It Will; Jess May Have Idea in His Madness (Jess WillardJess WillardJess Willard was a world heavyweight boxing champion. He won the heavyweight title from Jack Johnson in April 1915 and lost it to Jack Dempsey in July 1919....
/Jack Dempsey), February 14, 1919 - Championship Fight Between Willard and Jack Johnson Was Real Fake, Says Menke (Jack Johnson/Jess Willard), March 23, 1919
- Dempsey Shuns Lady Nicotine But Falls for Sweet Stuff (Jack DempseyJack DempseyWilliam Harrison "Jack" Dempsey was an American boxer who held the world heavyweight title from 1919 to 1926. Dempsey's aggressive style and exceptional punching power made him one of the most popular boxers in history. Many of his fights set financial and attendance records, including the first...
), May 18, 1919 - Beckett Proves To Be Over-Rated Boxer: So as Carpentier Licked Beckett, So Will Dempsey Trounce Georges in Ring, Menke Believes (Georges CarpentierGeorges CarpentierGeorges Carpentier was a French boxer. He fought mainly as a light heavyweight and heavyweight in a career lasting from 1908-26. Nicknamed the "Orchid Man", he stood and his fighting weight ranged from...
/W. N. T. BeckettW. N. T. BeckettCaptain Walter Napier Thomason Beckett, MVO, DSC, RN was a noted Royal Navy officer in both World War I and World War II. He was known to most people as “Joe” Beckett, after a famous British boxer of the same era, as they shared the same surname...
), December 13, 1919 - Time to Lift Ban on Fight Movies, View of Menke (advocating repeal of federal law prohibiting moving pictures of boxing contests), April 25, 1920
- http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/freep/access/1782380572.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Jan+30%2C+1921&author=&pub=Detroit+Free+Press+(1858-1922)&desc=Leight-Weight+Family+of+the+Heavy-Weight+Champion&pqatl=googleLeight-Weight Family of the Heavy-Weight Champion: Why Has Jack Dempsey a Giant's Physique and Tremendous Powers of Endurance When His Parents, Sisters and Brothers Have Been Frail, Underweight or Invalids All Their Lives?] (Jack Dempsey), January 30, 1921
- Life Ceases To Be Bed of Sweet Scented Roses for America's Thumb Ipressario (Tex Rickard), November 10, 1921
- Clique Combine Against Rickard May Result in Repeal of New York's Boxig Law: Fist Slingers Let Money-Mad Managers Gamble Meal Tickets (Tex Rickard), November 29, 1921
- Heavyweight Champion More Apt To Be Beaten By Smaller Opponent, December 27, 1921
- Thump Impressario Insists That Champ Box At 135 Pounds (Benny LeonardBenny LeonardBenny Leonard was an American lightweight boxer. He was named as number 8 on Ring Magazine's list of the 80 Best Fighters of the Last 80 Years and number 7 on ESPN's 50 Greatest Boxers of All-Time....
), January 4, 1922 - Fistic Champions Take Turns In Playing Title Role In 'The Dodgers': Ring Bosses Would Rather Loaf Than Fight Tough Ones, February 2, 1922
- 'Battling Bill' Brennan Reads Paper and Promptly Faints: Scorer of 60 Kayo Victories Told To Go and Secure 'Rep' (Bill BrennanBill BrennanBill Brennan was an American boxer who fought and lost to World Heavy Weight Champion Jack Dempsey twice...
), March 18, 1922 - Dempsey In Loud Clothes: Champ Doesn't Understand Why Frank Menke Doesn't Appreciate His Remarkable Toggery (Jack Dempsey), July 2, 1922
- Havana Logical Scene of Dempsey-Wills Go, Says Meinke (Jack DempseyJack DempseyWilliam Harrison "Jack" Dempsey was an American boxer who held the world heavyweight title from 1919 to 1926. Dempsey's aggressive style and exceptional punching power made him one of the most popular boxers in history. Many of his fights set financial and attendance records, including the first...
/Harry WillsHarry Wills240px|rightHarry "The Black Panther" Wills was perhaps the most well known victim of the "color line" drawn by white heavyweight champions after the title reign of Jack Johnson...
), November 22, 1922 - Langford Had To 'Pull' Punches To Get Bouts Asserts Menke (Sam LangfordSam LangfordSam Langford was a Black Canadian boxing standout of the early part of the 20th century. Called the "Greatest Fighter Nobody Knows," by ESPN. He was rated #2 by The Ring on their list of "100 greatest punchers of all time". Langford was originally from Weymouth Falls, a small community in Nova...
), April 28, 1923 - Dual Plan Behind Bout: Shelby Affair Merely Means to Ballyhoo Dempsey-Wills Engagement (Dempsey vs. Tommy GibbonsTommy Gibbons- Biography :Thomas J. Gibbons was a nearly undefeated heavyweight boxer. The brother of Mike Gibbons, Tommy started boxing professionally in 1911 as a middleweight. Like his brother he was a master scientific boxer who chose to outbox his opponents...
), June 2, 1923 - Dempsey-Gibbons Bout West's Lone Topic of Conversation (Dempsey vs. Gibbons), June 13, 1923
- Firpo Deserves Royal Welcome by His Countrymen (Luis Firpo, "The Wild Bull of the Pampas), September 29, 1923
- Wills Will Never Get Crack At Title Held By 'Jack' Dempsey (Harry WillsHarry Wills240px|rightHarry "The Black Panther" Wills was perhaps the most well known victim of the "color line" drawn by white heavyweight champions after the title reign of Jack Johnson...
), October 1, 1923 - Harry Greb Reckless At Spouting Charges In Newspapers (Harry GrebHarry GrebHarry Greb was an American boxer. He was World Middleweight boxing Champion from 1923 to 1926 and American Light Heavyweight title holder 1922–1923. He fought a recorded 303 times in his 13 year-career, against the best opposition the talent-rich 1910s & 20s could provide him, frequently squaring...
), January 8, 1924 - Montana Comes Back Despite Ring Bloomer (Dempsey vs. Gibbons), October 25, 1924
- Johnson's Ring Fame Due To Wild Blow (Jack JohnsonJack Johnson (boxer)John Arthur Johnson , nicknamed the “Galveston Giant,” was an American boxer. At the height of the Jim Crow era, Johnson became the first African American world heavyweight boxing champion...
), November 1, 1924 - Flowers Finds Himself in Tough Spot (Tiger FlowersTiger FlowersTheodore Flowers became the first African-American middleweight boxing champion, defeating Harry Greb in 1926. Known as "Tiger", he began boxing professionally in 1918 at the age of 23 while working at a Philadelphia shipbuilding plant...
), January 5, 1925 - Menke Sees Mystery In Terrific Punch of Jack Delaney (Jack DelaneyJack DelaneyJack Delaney was a former light heavyweight boxing champion of the world and contender for the heavyweight crown...
), February 4, 1925 - Jack Dempsey Will Never Fight Harry Wills (Jack Dempsey/Harry Wills), April 9, 1925
- Benny Leonard's Old Pals Gone to Bow-wos (Benny Leonard), October 7, 1925
- Dempsey Today Is Better Than Ever, Says Menke (Jack Dempsey), November 13, 1925
- Walker Draws Up Smart Deal with Kearns (Mickey Walker/Jack KearnsJack KearnsJack "Doc" Kearns was an American boxing manager from the state of Washington. He is most famous for managing Jack Dempsey, who was World Heavyweight Champion from 1919 to 1926. He also managed Mickey Walker, Joey Maxim, and Archie Moore. He was given the nickname "Doc" from Dempsey....
), November 27, 1925 - 'Wife of Champ Has No Easy Life,' Jack's Estelle Sighs (Jack Dempsey), January 6, 1926
- Scramble to Groom Next Heavy Champ Under Way, April 30, 1926
- Menke Defends Dempsey, Declares Champ Is Fit (Jack Dempsey), June 26, 1926
- Quitting Mix When Beat Not Sign of Yellow, July 20, 1926
- Menke Sees Little Logic In Harry Wills' Claims, August 10, 1926
- Dempsey of Old Will Be In Ring, Menke Declares (Jack Dempsey vs. Gene TunneyGene TunneyJames Joseph "Gene" Tunney was the world heavyweight boxing champion from 1926-1928 who defeated Jack Dempsey twice, first in 1926 and then in 1927. Tunney's successful title defense against Dempsey is one of the most famous bouts in boxing history and is known as The Long Count Fight...
), September 18, 1926 - Menke Says Dempsey Forgot Famous Shift (Dempsey vs. Tunney), September 29, 1926
- Marines Have Another One Looking for Title (Albert Foreman), October 16, 1926
- Monte Munn Abandons Politics for Squared Ring: Begins Battle For Ring Fame at 28 Years; Grid Star Shows Promise, But Has Only Met Punks (Monte Munn), November 1, 1926
- Menke Warns Fighters to Ignore Greeley's Advice: Many Champs Hit for West and Oblivion, December 13, 1926
- Sport World Reluctant to Accept Tunney as Champ: Bumped Over Gibbons, Carp and Dempsey; Beat 'Em All as They Came Along, Yet Is Not 'Accepted' (Gene TunneyGene TunneyJames Joseph "Gene" Tunney was the world heavyweight boxing champion from 1926-1928 who defeated Jack Dempsey twice, first in 1926 and then in 1927. Tunney's successful title defense against Dempsey is one of the most famous bouts in boxing history and is known as The Long Count Fight...
), December 20, 1926 - Only Four Contenders Remain for Tunney's Title: Many Cleared from Path of Heavy Champ, January 5, 1927
- Menke Sees Operation as One hope for Dempsey: Recurrence of Old Ill Makes Jack Sick Man; Ex-Champ Insists He Needs No Surgical Treatment (Jack Dempsey), March 15, 1927
- Dempsey Pins Hope On Bout About July 4: Ex-Champ Looking Over Sites for His Training Camp (Jack Dempsey), March 20, 1927
- Dempsey-Sharkey Bout Appears Out of Question: Former King Says He Has 'Lost' Punch; But Sparring Mates Give Proof He Is Playing Possum, June 7, 1927
- Menke Favors Dempsey by Knockout in Five Rounds: Expert Gives Reasons for Picking Jack; Says Tunney Can Not take a Shellacking Around Body (Dempsey vs. Tunney), September 22, 1927
- Was Kelly Game? Fought Better Man He Wouldn't Quit Pounded to Death (Andy Kelly), December 11, 1927
- Joe Jeannette One Battler McVey Couldn't Keep Down: Sam Knocked Him Down 36 Times In Bout; Wore Himself Out by Punching Fore and Resigned in 49th (Sam McVeySam McVeySam McVey or Sam McVea was a Hall of Fame heavyweight boxer during the early 20th century. He fought out of Oxnard, California. McVey ranked alongside Sam Langford and Joe Jeanette as one of the top black fighters during a famed career that took him across the globe...
/Joe JeannetteJoe JeanetteJeremiah "Joe" Jeannette is considered one of the best African-American heavyweight boxers of the early 20th century.-Early life and career:...
), February 2, 1928 - Menke Figures Tom Will Win, (Gene Tunney vs. Tom HeeneyTom HeeneyThomas Heeney , commonly called Tom Heeney, was a professional heavyweight boxer from New Zealand, best known for unsuccessfully challenging champion Gene Tunney for the heavyweight championship of the world in New York City on 26 July 1928.Heeney was born in Gisborne, New Zealand, and worked as a...
), July 24, 1928 - Dempsey Brought Success; Garden Claimed Credit(Sharkey-Stribling fight), April 4, 1929
- Dempsey To Quit Promoting Fights: Will Forget All About It Unless Business Conditions Improve, May 15, 1930
- Schmeling and Sharkey Start Getting Bold: They Expect Nothing Short of Murder When They Meet June 21, June 8, 1932
- Max Baer Beats Fish Vender In 20-Round Tilt (Max BaerMax BaerMax Baer was an American boxer of the 1930s as well as a professional wrestler and referee, and had an occasional role on film or television. He was the brother of twice World Champion boxing contender Buddy Baer and father of actor Max Baer, Jr...
/King LevinskyKing LevinskyKing Levinsky , also known as Kingfish Levinsky, was an American heavyweight boxer who fought during the 1930s...
), July 5, 1932 - Farley Not to Resign As Head of Fight Board (James FarleyJames FarleyJames Aloysius Farley was the first Irish Catholic politician in American history to achieve success on a national level, serving as Chairman of the New York State Democratic Committee, Chairman of the Democratic National Committee and as Postmaster General simultaneously under the first two...
), December 23, 1932
American Football
- Sport Dope (Michalis DorizasMichalis DorizasMichalis Dorizas was a bronze medal winner for stone throw and javelin throw in the 1906 Summer Olympics. He was a graduate of Robert College....
), November 5, 1914 - Sport Dope (1914 College Football All-America Team1914 College Football All-America TeamThe 1914 College Football All-America team consists of American football players selected to the College Football All-America Teams selected by various organizations in 1914. The organizations that chose the teams included Collier's Weekly selected by Walter Camp...
), November 25, 1914 - Sport Dope (1914 Michigan Wolverines football team1914 Michigan Wolverines football teamThe 1914 Michigan Wolverines football team represented the University of Michigan in the 1914 college football season. The team's head coach was Fielding H. Yost. The Wolverines played their home games at Ferry Field.-Schedule:-Letter winners:...
), December 2, 1914 - Mightiest Ground Gainers on Gridiron Depend Upon Strength of Line - Meinke: Greatest Halfback Dub On Grid Machine With Comparatively Weak Line (role of linemen), November 17, 1921
- Stars Reap Golden Harvest For Few Minutes of Play: 'Bo' McMillan, Star of Centre College Team Offered $1,000 Per Game -- Jim Thorpe, the Great Indian Averages $1,000 For Each Engagement (birth of professional football), December 8, 1921
- Veteran Football Officials Sidetracked for 'Fledglings' -- Critics Say: Holier-Than Thou Grid Nabobs Come In For Raking Over, January 23, 1922
- Forward Pass Is Sad Failure in Offense, Says Meinke (Forward passForward passIn several forms of football a forward pass is when the ball is thrown in the direction that the offensive team is trying to move, towards the defensive team's goal line...
), November 13, 1922 - Menke Comes to the Front, Praises Line That 'Helps' Backs (line for Notre Dame's Four Horsemen), December 25, 1924
- Publicity Made Grange Great, Says Frank Menke: Illinois Star Good Only in Open Field Running and Is Not As Great As Tryon and Oberlander (Red GrangeRed GrangeHarold Edward "Red" Grange, nicknamed "The Galloping Ghost", was a college and professional American football halfback for the University of Illinois, the Chicago Bears, and for the short-lived New York Yankees. His signing with the Bears helped legitimize the National Football League...
), December 11, 1925 - College Football Steeped In Hypocrisy, Menke Cries, January 7, 1926
- Heston Greatest Grid Star of All Time -- Yost (Willie HestonWillie HestonWilliam Martin "Willie" Heston was an American football player and coach. He played halfback at San Jose State University and the University of Michigan. Heston was the head football coach for Drake University in 1905 and North Carolina College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts, now North...
), November 2, 1926 - Great Among the Greats, Says Menke of Rockne: Taught Army 'U' Value of Forward Pass; Combination With Dorais Brought Fame to Notre Dame (Knute RockneKnute RockneKnute Kenneth Rockne was an American football player and coach. He is regarded as one of the greatest coaches in college football history...
), November 9, 1926 - Menke Says Huddle System Should Be Barred: Asserts Game Needs Radical Improvement; Would Cut Number of Subs Used in Each Period, December 2, 1926
- Wade and Assistants Have Great Record at Alabama: Coach's Easy Ways Keep His Record Hidden (Wallace Wade), December 11, 1926
- Menke Charges Varsity Football Commercialized: Quotes W. Va. Wesleyan As Good Example; Says Larger Schools Must Pay More Than $500 for Stars (corruption in college football), January 7, 1927
- 'Cold' Football Players Easily Injured - Menke: I.N.S. Sports Editor Tells Of Own Observation of Cripplings, December 11, 1931
- Lower Prices Real Cure For Football 'Evil': Menke Says High Prices Have Been Responsible For Present Conditions, December 20, 1931
Horse racing
- In the World of Sport (call for reform in horse racing), March 13, 1915
- Short Stories of the Track (Tod Sloan (jockey)Tod Sloan (jockey)James Forman "Tod" Sloan was an American thoroughbred horse racing jockey. He was elected to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1955.-Early life and U.S. racing career:...
), May 21, 1925 - Moral of This Race Tip Is Plain to All (corruption in horse racing), October 17, 1925
- Visit To Tijuana Sees Many Celebrities At Race Track, January 5, 1926
- Whitney Horses Gallop Into Big Fortune Class (Harry Payne WhitneyHarry Payne WhitneyHarry Payne Whitney was an American businessman, thoroughbred horsebreeder, and member of the prominent Whitney family.- Early years :...
), November 8, 1926 - Breeder of Fine Derby Winners Returns to Racing: John Madden Famous for Sharp Trades; Bred Flying Ebony and Zev Among Other Turf Stars (John E. MaddenJohn E. MaddenJohn Edward Madden was a prominent AmericanThoroughbred and Standardbred owner, breeder and trainer in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. He owned Hamburg Place Stud in Lexington, Kentucky and bred five Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes winners.He was inducted into the National...
), November 24, 1926
Other
- With Menke At the Waldorf Gazing At The Big Smokes, December 12, 1913
- Most Athletes Are Married Men: Formerly, The Reverse Was True, But Cupid Has Now Changed Things, March 5, 1914
- Menke Sees Something Good in Yale After All -- Listen, April 24, 1916
- Wealth of Croesus Plunged on Battle Between 'Scorpions': Pair of Tarantula Can Whip a Vinagaroon, Say Wager-Mad Sports Fiends and Battle Ground is Selected for Battle of Death -- Game is Run Secretly (new Texas "sport" matching tarantulas against vinegaroons), November 29, 1921
- Standardization of Bowling Urged By 'Grand Old Man of Alleys': Alley Game Deals Old Pop Wallop, Says Expert (Joe ThumJoe ThumJoe Thum, whom many consider to be the father of Ten-pin bowling, was a restaurateur who on September 9, 1895 created America's first bowling organization, the American Bowling Congress ....
), February 7, 1922 - Flying Falls Rule Sized Up As Catastrophe for Curley's Clique: Flying Falls Knock Pre-Arranged Bouts 'Gang Aglae' -- Claim (Jack CurleyJack CurleyJack Curley was a sports promoter of the early 1900s. He managed several high-profile boxing events around the turn-of-the-century and he also established professional wrestling as a viable business in the big city, and he eventually built the New York office into an industry power while...
/pro wrestling), February 17, 1922 - New York Sports Fans More Gullible Than Any, February 1, 1923
- American Doctors Say Weak Hearts Killed Golfers Past Fifty, October 2, 1923
- Suzanne Tennis Marvel Of All Time, Says Menke (Suzanne LenglenSuzanne LenglenSuzanne Rachel Flore Lenglen was a French tennis player who won 31 Championship titles between 1914 and 1926...
), October 27, 1926 - Joie Ray's Display of Courage Draws Tribute From Feature Writer: Frank G. Menke Has High Praise for Great Performance of Ray in Recent Boston Marathon -- Joie Came Out of Oblivion to Stage Fine Comeback (Joie Ray), May 18, 1928