The Red Smith Reader

The Red Smith Reader is a collection designed for the general reader unlucky enough to have missed Smith's reign as the most beloved sportswriter in America. Beginning at the Milwaukee Sentinel, Red Smith wrote for the St. Louis Journal, Philadelphia Record, New York Herald Tribune, and the New York Times. He wrote about the sports that interested him such as baseball, football, boxing, horse racing -- and often about one of his passions, fly-fishing. His style was strictly journalistic, avoiding sporting clichés and over-dramatic description. This stance was ratified when he was awarded a Pulitzer Prize in 1976, for distinguished commentary. Asked about the difficulty of turning out a column, Mr. Smith's reply has become legend: ''Writing is easy, '' he said. ''I just open a vein and bleed.''