Books and articles about Jim Thorpe

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When Thorpe won both the pentathlon and the decathlon at the 1912 Olympics, King Gustav of Sweden, the host country, said, "Sir, you are the greatest athlete in the world." Sadly, Thorpe had to return his Olympic medals when it was discovered he'd played professional baseball in a low minor league for about $60 a month in 1909. Signed by the Giants, Thorpe had an undistinguished six-season ML career. Manager John McGraw claimed Thorpe couldn't hit a curveball, but he actually disliked Thorpe's easygoing personality. In 1919 Thorpe hit .327 in limited play with the Braves. Thorpe was twice All-America at Carlisle Indian School, and his later professional football career earned him enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. In 1950 he was voted the greatest athlete of the half-century. He appeared as a bit player in several movies, the best-known being the famous Cagney vehicle White Heat. (JK)

FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY » June 16, 1909: Jim Thorpe makes his baseball pitching debut for Rocky Mount (Eastern Carolina League) with a 4-2 win over Raleigh. It is the professional play in this year that will cause him to lose the medals he'll win in the 1912 Olympics. » February 1, 1913: Jim Thorpe signs with the New York Giants, but the Indian Olympic-medal winner will be more of a gate attraction than a threat at the plate. » June 9, 1913: In Chicago, The Giants score six runs in the 3rd inning, against Lou Richie and Lefty Leifield, and roll to an 11–3 win. Christy Mathewson goes eight innings before Jim Thorpe pinch hits for him. » May 26, 1914: At Chicago, the Giants come from behind to defeat the Cubs, 10–7. New York is lead by a crew of pinchhitters: Jim Thorpe with a 2-run double, Red Murray with a sac fly, and in the 8th inning, Mike Donlin belts a 3-run homer. » April 23, 1917: The Reds purchase Jim Thorpe from the Giants, but return the Olympic star to New York in August. » May 2, 1917: The Cubs lefthander Hippo Vaughn and righthander Fred Toney of the Reds toe the mound in Chicago for a one-of-a-kind game. The Reds put up an all righthanded batting order, benching Edd Roush, who will lead the NL with a .341 BA. At the end of 9, both pitchers have no-hitters. With one out in the top of the 10th, Larry Kopf lines the first hit of the game. One out later, Hal Chase lines to Cy Williams, who drops the ball for an error. Chase then steals 2B, and with runners on 2B and 3B, Jim Thorpe hits a swinging bunt near the mound. Vaughn picks it up and, with no play at 1B, fires home, but C Art Wilson, not expecting the throw, freezes and the ball hits his chest protector. Kopf slides in for the only run. Toney sets the Cubs down in order and has the 4th 10-inning no-hitter to date. The run scored by the Reds is their first in 34 innings. » May 21, 1919: The Giants send Jim Thorpe to Boston for the $1,500 waiver price.