Ahoy from Norfolk! As ye may 'ave guessed, me role model be a Pirate: Honus Wagner, “Th' Flyin' Dutchman”.
He was introduced t' th' game by his big brother, Albert, who got 'im into his first game in 1895. Aft bouncin' around in several leagues, Honus made his NL debut fer th' Louisville Colonels in 1897. He joined th' Pittsburgh Pirates in 1900 aft th' Colonels were casualties o' th' league contraction. Honus stayed loyal t' th' Pirates in 1901, declinin' huge offers from multiple teams in th' newly formed AL. He dominated in th' first decade o' th' 1900s as he lead in well-nigh every statistically category. Wit' 722 stolen bases (98.0% success rate), 640 doubles, 'n 252 triples, he earned th' nickname “Th' Flyin' Dutchman” in recognition o' his amazin' speed. Aft an outstandin' career, perhaps one o' th' best NL players o' all time, Honus played his last game fer th' Pirates in 1917.
That be only part o' wha' makes 'im a role model though. One o' nine sprogs, Honus was th' epitome o' hard work from th' time o' his birth in 1874 t' his death in 1955. His offseason workouts were well ahead o' his time. H e stayed in shape by fishin', huntin', 'n playin' th' new sport o' basketball. Although t' be fair, he hated Sprin' Trainin' 'n often held out or did his best t' avoid or at least delay it. 'cause o' his frugal livin', he was on solid financial ground when th' Great Depression hit. His resilience was truly remarkable.
His stance on tobacco use prolly be ‘is longest-lastin' off-field legacy. Although he chewed tobacco 'n smoked cigars, he didn' want t' incentivize cigarette use among sprogs. When Pirates firs' mate John Gruber sold a picture o' Wagner t' th' American Tobacco Company, Honus stopped th' deal as soon as he could. Even wit' his quick action, a few cards were produced 'n released. They be known as th' Wagner T206 cards, one o' th' most expensive in th' world. Lucky fer me, I was able t' pilfer one from th' New York Public Library. 'tis buried somewhere special; who knows, maybe I shall draw a map on me deathbed.
His humble upbringin', work ethic, 'n public health conscious make 'im a true hero.
385 words
He was introduced t' th' game by his big brother, Albert, who got 'im into his first game in 1895. Aft bouncin' around in several leagues, Honus made his NL debut fer th' Louisville Colonels in 1897. He joined th' Pittsburgh Pirates in 1900 aft th' Colonels were casualties o' th' league contraction. Honus stayed loyal t' th' Pirates in 1901, declinin' huge offers from multiple teams in th' newly formed AL. He dominated in th' first decade o' th' 1900s as he lead in well-nigh every statistically category. Wit' 722 stolen bases (98.0% success rate), 640 doubles, 'n 252 triples, he earned th' nickname “Th' Flyin' Dutchman” in recognition o' his amazin' speed. Aft an outstandin' career, perhaps one o' th' best NL players o' all time, Honus played his last game fer th' Pirates in 1917.
That be only part o' wha' makes 'im a role model though. One o' nine sprogs, Honus was th' epitome o' hard work from th' time o' his birth in 1874 t' his death in 1955. His offseason workouts were well ahead o' his time. H e stayed in shape by fishin', huntin', 'n playin' th' new sport o' basketball. Although t' be fair, he hated Sprin' Trainin' 'n often held out or did his best t' avoid or at least delay it. 'cause o' his frugal livin', he was on solid financial ground when th' Great Depression hit. His resilience was truly remarkable.
His stance on tobacco use prolly be ‘is longest-lastin' off-field legacy. Although he chewed tobacco 'n smoked cigars, he didn' want t' incentivize cigarette use among sprogs. When Pirates firs' mate John Gruber sold a picture o' Wagner t' th' American Tobacco Company, Honus stopped th' deal as soon as he could. Even wit' his quick action, a few cards were produced 'n released. They be known as th' Wagner T206 cards, one o' th' most expensive in th' world. Lucky fer me, I was able t' pilfer one from th' New York Public Library. 'tis buried somewhere special; who knows, maybe I shall draw a map on me deathbed.
His humble upbringin', work ethic, 'n public health conscious make 'im a true hero.
385 words