Few personalities dominated the American scene like basball slugger George Herman “Babe” Ruth. He entered the major leagues as a pitcher, but also won fame with the Boston Red Sox as a powerful hitter. Since a pitcher can’t play every day, somebody recommended Babe be placed in the outfield. This may have been one of baseball’s greatest decisions. Babe was traded to the New York Yankees in 1920, and became a superstar, media personality, and a hero to millions. He played 22 years, compiled a lifetime batting average of .342, and slammed an amazing 714 home runs. In 1927 he also set a season record for homers with 60. That mark stood until 1961. Babe was a large, powerful man. When I watch him in old newsreels, it appears he’s swinging to hit the home run. He once said, “If I just tried to hit singles, I’d bat .600.” The Babe knew his fame came from power hitting. It’s what the fans came to see, and he seldom disappointed them. One time somebody asked Babe if he ever felt guilty that he made more money than the President of the United States. Asked Babe, “How many home runs did the President hit last year?” Even back then, Babe symbolized a publicity secret we sometimes forget: recognition often comes to (a) the first to accomplish something, (b) the best at it, or (c) the first one to tell the world about it. Rix Quinn is a specialist at short writing. His book on the subject, “Words That Stick” is available at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1580085768/qid/ To reach him for consultation, e-mail mailto:rixquinn@charter.net
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