Jimmy Cannon Quotes

Powerful Jimmy Cannon for Daily Growth

About Jimmy Cannon

Jimmy Cannon (1912-1978), an American sports journalist, was known for his vivid and colorful writing style that revolutionized sports journalism during the mid-twentieth century. Born in New York City on August 30, 1912, Cannon's passion for sports emerged early, as he played semi-professional baseball before pursuing a career in journalism. Cannon began his professional writing career at the age of eighteen with the New York Daily News, where he worked alongside legendary sportswriters such as Damon Runyon and Red Smith. His breakthrough came in 1936 when he covered the Olympics in Berlin for the newspaper. In 1946, Cannon moved to the New York Post, where he wrote a daily column that became one of the most popular and influential sports columns in America. Known as "The Whiz," Cannon's writing was characterized by his use of puns, colloquial language, and vivid descriptions. His unique style led him to interview some of the biggest names in sports, including Joe DiMaggio, Hank Aaron, and Muhammad Ali. Cannon's major works include "My Life in Baseball: The True Record" (1962) and "The Lords of the Realm: A History of Major League Baseball" (1970). These books, along with his columns, provided insights into the personalities and politics of the sports world that were unparalleled at the time. Despite his success, Cannon's life was marked by struggles with alcoholism, which led to several stints in rehabilitation centers. He died on April 5, 1978, at the age of 65, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence sports journalism today. Jimmy Cannon's impact on sports writing is undeniable; his bold and engaging style paved the way for future generations of sportswriters to tell the stories of athletes in an authentic and captivating manner.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"It isn't over till it's over."

The quote "It ain't over 'til it's over" by Jimmy Cannon emphasizes resilience, perseverance, and the importance of not giving up until a situation or event has truly concluded. It suggests that until the final outcome is determined, there remains hope, possibility, and the chance to turn things around. This idea encourages optimism in the face of adversity, encouraging individuals to keep pushing forward despite challenges and setbacks.


"A successful man is one who makes more money than his wife can spend. A successful woman is one who can find such a man."

This quote, though written in a humorous and seemingly gender-stereotypical manner for its time (1940s), reflects the societal perception of success during that era. The quote emphasizes material wealth as a measure of individual success, which is largely criticized today due to its narrow focus. In modern terms, it could be interpreted as: A successful person is one who creates abundance and prosperity for themselves or their family. A successful partner in this context would be someone who supports that growth, regardless of gender. It's essential to recognize the evolution in societal views on success, which now emphasizes not only material wealth but also personal fulfillment, emotional intelligence, and making a positive impact on others.


"Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth."

Jimmy Cannon's quote, "Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth," metaphorically suggests that well-laid plans can crumble when faced with adversity or an unexpected challenge. It serves as a reminder that even the best laid strategies may not be enough when dealing with unforeseen circumstances, and it emphasizes the importance of resilience, adaptability, and quick thinking in overcoming obstacles.


"Boy, if I'm going to die, I don't want to die lonely, I want to die with my people around me, so when it comes time to go, I'll be able to say to God, 'I've been a good man, and I've had a lot of good friends.' That's all I ask."

This quote conveys the desire for connection, love, and community in one's life, even at its end. The speaker expresses a preference to die surrounded by loved ones, as an indication of a life rich in relationships. He hopes to look back on his life with pride, knowing he was a good person, and having made meaningful connections with others. Ultimately, the quote underscores the importance of human connection and companionship for a fulfilling existence.


"It takes two to make a thing go right; it takes one to go wrong."

This quote highlights the collaborative nature of success, suggesting that for things to work effectively or succeed, two parties (or elements) are necessary. However, when something goes wrong, it often only requires one person or factor to cause the issue. Essentially, Jimmy Cannon is emphasizing that teamwork and harmony are essential for positive outcomes, but a single individual can disrupt progress or bring about failure.


A rabid sports fan is one that boos a TV set.

- Jimmy Cannon

Fan, TV, Set, Rabid

I can't remember ever staying for the end of a movie in which the actors wore togas.

- Jimmy Cannon

Remember, Which, Ever, Wore

Fishing, with me, has always been an excuse to drink in the daytime.

- Jimmy Cannon

Always, Been, Excuse, Fishing

Christmas is a holiday that persecutes the lonely, the frayed, and the rejected.

- Jimmy Cannon

Christmas, Holiday, Rejected, Lonely

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