AMONG SPORTS-MINDED PRESIDENTS, THERE WERE NO "BUSH LEAGUERS"

 by Rene Torres

Journey with me to visit two of the most notable presidents of this country— George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. 

They ventured into the sports arena during a time when they were wearing expressions of alarm due to the Revolutionary and Civil war.

Both were engaged in athletics and spoke on the topic; not as an activist, not as a liberal or conservative, but as an avid sports enthusiast.

Washington was described as a famously powerful athlete, with a throwing arm that could have taken him straight into today’s minor leagues.

He would spend hours with his aides-de-camp playing games of catch. 

The game he played was most likely a variation of the English game of “Rounders,” which evolved into our modern game of baseball.

Evidence to that was given when a soldier wrote home having had witnessed the presiden engaged in playing catch.

I remind you that catching barehanded was common then—according to baseball historians the glove had its debut between 1860-1875 and those who used them at the beginning were labeled a “sissy.”

According to Thomas Jefferson, the 6’2 Washington, was the best horseman of the age. 

In his day, there was no sport beyond his reach; mastering archery, fox hunting, swimming, sword fighting and wrestling.

George was no scrub in the wrestling ring—taking the school crown at the James Maury’s Academy in Fredericksburg, Va.

Around the pool table, he could have played a part in the movie the “Hustler,” as he was somewhat of a pool shark.

He was a Commander-in-Chief who had successful brushes with war, peace and sports.

Lincoln was known as the Prairie Panther, his legacy beyond the “Emancipation Proclamation,” is replete with his love for the games of his day, especially wrestling.

He was a giant, at 6-feet, 4 inches in height, who, by no means was a push-over when it came to the sport of wrestling.

He was habitually good enough that he was enshrined into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Unofficial records indicate that the country boy from Illinois fought about 300 matches with only one defeat.

In a sketch of Lincoln, published in the Brownsville Herald, the commander was described as one of our most athletic presidents. 

Here, we read about a wrestling encounter, with one known as Nathan Thompson.  After this match, Lincoln declared, “He was the strongest man I ever met.” This battle convinced him to keep his day job.

Lincoln was no stranger to the baseball diamond, either. But most stories relating to him

playing America’s game were invented rather than fact.

One such story comes from his death bed when he told Abner Doubleday, “Don’t let baseball

die.” 

The only problem was that Lincoln was unconscious throughout and Abner was not present when he died.

But it is true that baseball was a game he played and enjoyed…taking many turns at bat on the commons.

 Out of the Civil War, the United States came to the realization that baseball indeed was its national sport, America’s Game.

At 21, he excelled in such pioneer sports as fighting, foot racing, jumping, pitching the crowbar, sculling, logrolling, lifting and knocking off hats.

In the two periods of this country’s darkest moments—Washington and Lincoln made time to intermingle with the troops in the games of the era.

Other presidents in sports?

There are many other presidents who were touched by the thrill of sports, but one commander who ranks among the best was, Gerard Ford. 

Although he was portrayed on Saturday Night Live as a stumbling athlete, his actions on the football field proved otherwise.

He played at Michigan, on two national championship teams and in 1934 was selected as MVP. He was also an avid swimmer, runner and could volley with the "best at the net.”

Chris Chase, senior writer with Fox Sports, listed the 10 most athletic presidents. Included in the list were: Gerald Ford, Dwight Eisenhower, George H.W. Bush, Ronald Reagan, John F. Kennedy, George W. Bush, Teddy Roosevelt. Barack Obama, Woodrow Willison and Richard Nixon.

See you at the park!