Red Smith Quotes

Powerful Red Smith for Daily Growth

About Red Smith

Red Smith (Robert Roswell Smith), born on February 5, 1905, in Jermyn, Pennsylvania, was an acclaimed American sports journalist who became a household name with his evocative storytelling and eloquent prose. Smith's journalistic journey began at the Associated Press (AP) in 1924. His career took off when he moved to the New York Herald Tribune, where he covered the 1936 Berlin Olympics, a significant event that marked his transition from general reporting to sports journalism. In 1942, Smith joined The New York Times, and it was here that he truly flourished. His daily "On My Way to the Game" column became a staple of the newspaper, attracting legions of readers with its unique blend of wit, insight, and poetic flair. Smith's influence on sports journalism is immeasurable. He was a pioneer in the use of literary devices and allusions in sports reporting, transforming sports columns into works of art. His prose style, often characterized by its elegance, wit, and poetic flair, greatly influenced a generation of sports journalists. Some of Smith's most memorable works include his coverage of Muhammad Ali's historic boxing matches, the New York Yankees' dominant 1961 baseball season, and the triumphant return of Jackie Robinson to Dodger Stadium in 1972. Smith passed away on October 10, 1986, leaving behind a rich legacy in sports journalism. His work continues to inspire journalists worldwide, and his quotable phrases like "How can you not be romantic about baseball?" remain iconic today. Smith was posthumously awarded the Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction in 1976 for "The Red Smith Sports Library."

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Writing isn't about making a living, it's about making a difference."

This quote by Red Smith underscores the idea that writing is not solely a means to earn income; rather, its purpose lies in creating impact or leaving a lasting impression on readers. It's about sharing thoughts, emotions, ideas, and stories that resonate with people and stimulate their minds, fostering growth, empathy, and understanding. In essence, great writing has the power to change perspectives, influence opinions, and make a difference in our lives and society as a whole.


"Baseball is the only field of endeavor where a man can succeed three times out of ten and be considered a good performer."

This quote emphasizes the unique aspect of baseball, where even a player who successfully executes his actions 30% (three out of ten) of the time is still highly valued and considered successful. In most other fields or sports, this level of success might not be considered satisfactory. It highlights the statistical nature of the game, but also its inherent difficulty due to the large number of variables involved in each play, making even a high percentage of success rate seem remarkable.


"Sports do not build character. They reveal it."

This quote suggests that sports do not inherently create good moral values, but rather they expose or bring out a person's existing character traits. In other words, how one behaves, reacts, and competes in sports reflects their inherent qualities such as discipline, teamwork, resilience, sportsmanship, and integrity.


"The Giants won again yesterday, but if they'd lost, I'd have to keep writing about them today anyway."

Red Smith's quote emphasizes the enduring nature and necessity of sports journalism. Even in a loss, a team like the Giants continues to be relevant and newsworthy due to their prominent status. The journalist has an ongoing duty to cover such teams, regardless of the game's outcome. This quote highlights the constant cycle of sports news, where one event feeds into the next, maintaining the public's interest in sports coverage.


"There are only two seasons: winter and baseball."

Red Smith's quote, "There are only two seasons: winter and baseball," reflects a deep appreciation for baseball as an integral part of life and culture in America. The quote suggests that while the natural seasons might be winter, spring, summer, and fall, for those who love baseball, it exists as its own cyclical year: the "winter" being the off-season or waiting period before the next baseball season begins. This quote encapsulates the passion many Americans feel towards baseball and underscores the game's importance in shaping their identity and sense of community.


It was an ideal day for football - too cold for the spectators and too cold for the players.

- Red Smith

Players, Ideal, Too, Spectators

The natural habitat of the tongue is the left cheek.

- Red Smith

Tongue, Natural, Habitat, Cheek

I like to get where the cabbage is cooking and catch the scents.

- Red Smith

Like, Get, Cabbage, Catch

If you're searching for quotes on a different topic, feel free to browse our Topics page or explore a diverse collection of quotes from various Authors to find inspiration.