Jerome Holtzman 1926-2008

by Shanghai Badger on Jul 21, 2008 3:27 PM CDT

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cs-080721-jerome-holtzman-death,1,2172202.story

Hall of Fame baseball writer Jerome Holtzman passed away last weekend, the Trib is reporting. In addition to being credited with inventing the save, Holtzman uncovered Hack Wilson's "lost RBI" several years ago -- and the record book was changed to reflect 191 RBI in 1930 instead of the previously believed 190.

Holtzman served for several years as a historian for MLB after retiring from the Tribune.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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Big loss.

I grew up reading his columns. There aren’t any more like him.

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Jul 21, 2008 3:31 PM CDT reply actions

+1

by Shanghai Badger on Jul 21, 2008 3:36 PM CDT up reply actions

A sad day

One of the great ones indeed, and one whom should be looked up to by all journalists.

One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.

by chilango2 on Jul 21, 2008 3:51 PM CDT reply actions

I also remember reading him when I was a kid (and wondering if he was Ken's brother....)

and I remember my dad reading him. However, at that time, ours was still a Sun-Times household. Didn’t Holtzman write for that paper?

''Listen, losing Soriano is no box of chocolates.'' ~Lou Piniella

by JohnM on Jul 21, 2008 4:02 PM CDT reply actions

Nevermind - just read the obit linked

''Listen, losing Soriano is no box of chocolates.'' ~Lou Piniella

by JohnM on Jul 21, 2008 4:02 PM CDT up reply actions

I had the pleasure of meeting him...

In spring training in the 1984 to 1989 timeframe. I have a pic of him standing nearWalt “no-neck” Williams when he was with the Brewers, but I’m not sure where it is right now or I’d post it. Intersting man. Sorry to hear of his passing, but what a great career.

by jtiet on Jul 21, 2008 4:14 PM CDT reply actions

RIP

a great writer, they don’t make them like him anymore.

"My favorite umpire is a dead one."
-Johnny Evers

by MiCubsFan on Jul 21, 2008 4:40 PM CDT reply actions

This isn't really off topic....

... since he was a Cubs beat writer and columnist for many years, so I’m editing the title.

A great loss to baseball and fans. I hope Bruce Miles posts here, because I know he knew Jerome quite well.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Jul 21, 2008 5:14 PM CDT reply actions

He was fantastic to read

He really helped form a love a sports, and baseball in particular with his writing. Jerome will definitely be missed.

by Bill Potter on Jul 21, 2008 5:43 PM CDT reply actions

A great writer

A great writer and a good man.

Go Cubs

by puckishcubsfan on Jul 21, 2008 8:38 PM CDT reply actions

A great baseball man, and inventor of the "save"

Jerome Holtzman contributed a great deal to the game of baseball. He was an asset to the sport, and an asset to sports reporting. He had eyebrows a John Deere couldn’t mow, but that’s besides the point.

Rich Harden Fever, Catch It !!!!!!!!!!

by MDBNIU on Jul 21, 2008 9:30 PM CDT reply actions

A sad day

Honestly, I never found Mr. Holtzman to be all that outstanding a writer – meaning simply there was a certain missing ability in that area, for my preferences – but whatever shortcomings I think he may have had turning a phrase, the man made up for in integrity, diligence and plain-old journalistic chops. He may not have been one of the most eloquent, but he most certainly was one of the most passionate, hard-working, prepared reporters of the game.

Y’know, a friend once asked me why Chicago didn’t have more of a literary heritage in comparison to other large cities and I always told him that Chicago had less a fictional pedigree than a stellar journalistic pedigree. Chicago has been home to its fair share of incredible journalists. So, while others may wax poetic about the Greatest Game better than Holtzman, there weren’t many who could delve into the heart of things and examine it without flinching - the Chicago way.

Truly one of the greatest baseball ‘journalists’ is gone. RIP

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by Gibbon Jockey on Jul 21, 2008 11:41 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs

I grew up reading him

I learned so much about baseball and it’s wonderful history through his columns-truly one of the giants-he’ll be missed.

by bluekoolaide on Jul 21, 2008 11:44 PM CDT reply actions

Jerome Holtzman was a sabermetrician before sabermetricians were even invented

He had very keen insight into the intricacies into the game and wrote his sports column less on opinion and emotion. He was a heckuva one-two punch with Bob Verdi for many years. Sure beats the Paul Sullivans of the world today.

Rich Harden Fever, Catch It !!!!!!!!!!

by MDBNIU on Jul 22, 2008 8:17 AM CDT up reply actions

To A Great Baseball Man...

As they both arrived in the mail from amazon last week, I just started reading No Cheering in the Press Box and Baseball Chicago Style this week.

My interest in baseball is certainly not directed toward one person, but Mr. Holtzman is a baseball icon that represented Chicago better than anyone.

Thank you, sir, for sharing with us all your passionate soul.

HAPPY 100th ANNIVERSARY, CUBS FANS!!!!

by section229beer on Jul 22, 2008 12:59 AM CDT reply actions