Sports

More than a Game.
"He who would know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball," observed culturist Jacques Barzun. To look at baseball and other sports to see how they wove themselves into the fabric of American life in that crazy time when the baby boomers were growing up is more than an exercise in nostalgia. It reveals an important aspect of the American character and suggests the seriousness of sports to Americans—the extent to which spectators involve themselves in sporting contests, and the way in which sports become, for the enthusiast, a metaphor for life. (added by **Courtright**)

Sports Heroes of the 1950's  Jackie Robinson:

Jackie Robinson was born in Georgia on January 31, 1919. Jackie Robinson was the first black man to erase to color barrier that had previously shrouded professional baseball. He played professionally for the Brooklyn Dodgers. He was named National League MVP in 1949. Willie Mays:

Willie Mays was known as the "Say Hey Kid", and was known for his enthusiasm for the sport, baseball. His career statistics include 3,283 hits and 660 home runs. He remains one of Baseballs most beloved stars. Jim Brown:

Jim Brown is one of footballs best running backs. Standing 6'2" and 230 pounds he was an imposing figure. Jim Brown retired at the age of 30 to star in movies. While he played he earned the rushing title every year except one and never missed a game. He continues to work to this day remaining active in Civil Rights groups. **__Rock__**
 * __ Rocky Marciano: __**

Rocky Marciano is the only undefeated champion in any weight class in boxing history. His streak started in 1952, and he ended with a record of 49-0-0. One day before his 46th birthday, on August 31, 1969, Marciano died tragically in a plane crash.
 * __Bob Cousy:__ **

Bob Cousy was one of the greatest sports stars of the 1950's He played for the Boston Celtics from 1950 to 1963. During his career he led the Celtics to six championships including 5 in a row from 1959 to 1963. Known as the "Houdini of the Hardwood", he led the league in assists 8 times and won the MVP award in 1957, Stan Musial:

Stan Musial played for the St. Louis Cardinals from 1941-1963. He was selected for the Sporting News Major League Player of the Year in 1951. Sports Illustrated selected him as their Sportsman of the Year in 1957. The Sporting News honored him as Sportsman of the Decade for the years 1946-1956. In 1954, he became the first player to hit 5 home runs in a double header. Sugar Ray Robinson:

Sugar Ray Robinson was a 5 time middleweight champ between the years 1951 and 1960. In total he only lost 19 fights out of 201. His total record is 174 wins, 19 losses, and 6 undecided. ( added by **Courtright** )