Draft:John Holway

John B. Holway (born 1929) is a renowned figure in the field of baseball research, whose extensive contributions have spanned over several decades. With a career dating back to 1944, Holway has become a notable authority on various aspects of baseball history, particularly focusing on the Negro Leagues and international baseball.

Early life

Holway's interest in baseball began at an early age, leading him to embark on a lifelong journey of research and writing within the realm of the sport. After witnessing his first Negro League game in 1945 between Satchel Paige's Monarchs and Josh Gibson's Grays in Washington, DC, Holway's passion for baseball history was ignited.

Contributions to Baseball Research

In 1954, Holway wrote his first book, "Japan Is Big League in Thrills," marking the first English-language publication on Japanese baseball. This was followed by "Sumo" in 1955, the first English book on the subject of sumo wrestling.

Throughout his career, Holway has published numerous significant works on the Negro Leagues, including "Voices from the Great Black Baseball Leagues" (1975), a groundbreaking collection of interviews with legendary players such as Cool Papa Bell, Buck Leonard, and Willie Wells. He has also authored comprehensive books on individual players such as Josh Gibson, as well as broader topics like "The Complete Book of the Negro Leagues" (2001), considered one of the most ambitious projects in Negro League research.

In addition to his writings on baseball, Holway has delved into other areas of interest, such as his oral history of the Tuskegee Airmen, titled "Red Tails, Black Wings."

Work and recognition

Holway's dedication to baseball research has earned him widespread recognition, including the Bob Davids Award and the Casey Award for "Blackball Stars," which was voted the best baseball book of 1988. He has served as the chairman of the Negro Leagues committee for the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) and has contributed extensively to various publications, including The New York Times, Sports Illustrated, and Baseball Weekly.

Legacy

Throughout his career, John B. Holway has played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting the history of baseball, particularly the often-overlooked contributions of players from the Negro Leagues. His meticulous research and dedication to uncovering hidden stories and debunking myths have enriched the understanding of baseball history for generations to come.

Personal life

Outside of his baseball research endeavors, Holway has worked as an economics analyst for the Voice of America and has covered international conferences around the world. He has also made appearances on television networks such as CNN, ABC-TV, and the History Channel.

Published works

• "Japan Is Big League in Thrills" (1954)
• "Sumo" (1955)
• "Voices from the Great Black Baseball Leagues" (1975)
• "The Complete Book of the Negro Leagues" (2001)
• "Red Tails, Black Wings" (oral history of the Tuskegee Airmen)
• "The Last 400 Hitter" (1991)
• "The Baseball Astrologer and Other Weird Tales" (1999)
• "TED, the Kid" (2006)
• "Bessie Coleman Pioneering Black Aviator" (2012)