The Roaring Twenties, a decade known for its exuberance and transformation, is often remembered for its cultural and social changes. However, one of the most enduring legacies of this era is its remarkable sports history.
“I have only one superstition: touch all the bases when I hit a home run.”
— Babe Ruth
The 1920s was a period of iconic sports figures and legendary moments. From the aftermath of the Black Sox scandal of 1919 to Babe Ruth’s record-breaking feats, Red Grange’s football prowess, Knute Rockne’s coaching dominance, Jack Dempsey’s knockout power, and Man o’ War’s racing victories, this decade represents a golden age for American sports.
Newspapers played a crucial role in popularizing sports, turning them into a national pastime and providing a welcome distraction for an American public recovering from the trauma of World War I. Sportswriters became storytellers, capturing the imagination of a nation eager for heroes.
Baseball: America’s Pastime
Babe Ruth was the defining figure of 1920s baseball. Known for his prodigious home runs and larger-than-life persona, Ruth, alongside Lou Gehrig, formed an extraordinary partnership for the New York Yankees’ “Murderer’s Row.” Ruth’s impact extended beyond the game itself, reaching into the broader cultural sphere. As W.O. McGeehan noted:
“Babe Ruth, with his bat, pounded baseball back into popularity after the Black Sox scandal. He swings with utmost sincerity. When he hits the ball, it goes into wide-open spaces. When he misses, he misses with vehement sincerity.”
Ruth’s flamboyant style and charismatic presence captured the spirit of the Roaring Twenties, contrasting sharply with the more reserved Gehrig.
Football: A New Era of Excitement
Red Grange, known as the “Galloping Ghost,” and Notre Dame coach Knute Rockne were pivotal in propelling football into a new era. With the rise in college enrollment during the post-war years, college football surged in popularity. Grange, playing for the University of Illinois, was celebrated for his remarkable agility and power, earning him the title of the “Greatest College Football Player of All Time” decades after his collegiate career ended.
His running style was described with vivid imagery:
“A streak of fire, a breath of flame, eluding all who reach and clutch; a gray ghost thrown into the game that rival hands may never touch; a rubber bounding, blasting soul whose destination is the goal.”
Boxing: Jack Dempsey’s Era
Jack Dempsey, like Ruth, epitomized the spirit of the Roaring Twenties with his rugged background and intense training methods. Dempsey’s reign in boxing was marked by the first million-dollar gate in sports history during his 1921 title defense against George Carpentier. Known for the power in his right hand, honed from his early mining days, Dempsey’s prowess in the ring was a defining feature of the decade.
Horse Racing: The Legacy of Man o’ War
Man o’ War, often called “Big Red,” was the undisputed champion of horse racing. His career included astounding victories, such as winning a race by a staggering 100 lengths. Although he never won the Triple Crown due to his owner’s concerns about his age, Man o’ War sired his own Triple Crown winner, War Admiral. He remains widely regarded as the greatest racehorse in history.
Tennis: Bill Tilden and Helen Wills
Before John McEnroe’s dramatic presence on the tennis court, “Big” Bill Tilden was the sport’s star. Known for his theatrical flair and showmanship, Tilden was as much a performer as a player. His matches were often crafted to create excitement, with Tilden even financing theatrical plays in which he starred.
Helen Wills, another prominent tennis figure, was known for her composed and businesslike approach to the sport. Winning her first title in 1923 at just 17 years old, Wills earned the nickname “Little Miss Poker Face” for her calm demeanor on the court.
Swimming: Gertrude Ederle’s Historic Achievement
The 1920s were marked by extraordinary feats, such as Gertrude Ederle’s historic swim across the English Channel in 1926. Ederle became the first woman to complete the crossing, finishing in 14 hours and 31 minutes—nearly two hours faster than any man had achieved at the time. Her accomplishment was hailed as “the greatest sports story in the world.”
Golf: The Legacy of Bobby Jones
Before Tiger Woods, Arnold Palmer, and Jack Nicklaus, there was Bobby Jones. In just eight years, Jones won 13 national championships across Europe and the United States. Known for his brilliant yet sometimes volatile performances, Jones captivated the American public with his remarkable skill and distinctive style. Despite occasional outbursts, Jones became a beloved figure in the world of golf.
In conclusion, the 1920s was a formative period for sports, characterized by a blend of innocence and emerging commercialization. The legends of this era continue to resonate, celebrated for their remarkable achievements and the unique spirit they brought to their respective sports.