Born: June 26, 1911 (Port Arthur, Texas)
Died: September 27, 1956
Biography:
Mildred Ella Babe Didrikson Zaharias was a remarkable American athlete who showcased her talents in a wide range of sports including golf, basketball, baseball, and track and field. Born on June 26, 1911, in Port Arthur, Texas, she was the sixth of seven children born to Norwegian immigrants, Hannah and Ole Didriksen. While her elder siblings were born in Norway, Babe and her three younger siblings were born in Texas. Later in life, she changed the spelling of her surname from Didriksen to Didrikson.
From a young age, Babe was already displaying her athletic prowess. She even claimed to have received her famous nickname Babe after hitting five home runs in a childhood baseball game, though her Norwegian mother had been calling her Bebe from the time she was a toddler. Despite her reputation as an exceptional athlete, Babe had many other talents. She had a knack for sewing and was an excellent seamstress, crafting many of her own clothes, including her golfing outfits. In fact, she boasted about winning the sewing championship at the 1931 State Fair of Texas in Dallas.
Attending Beaumont High School, Babe faced academic challenges and was held back a year, making her slightly older than her classmates. Eventually, she dropped out without graduating, relocating to Dallas to pursue basketball. Alongside her athletic pursuits, Babe was also a singer and harmonica player. She even recorded several songs under the Mercury Records label, with her biggest hit being I Felt a Little Teardrop featuring Detour on the flip side.
In St. Louis, Missouri, on December 23, 1938, Babe tied the knot with George Zaharias, a professional wrestler. Following her marriage, she became known as Babe Didrikson Zaharias or simply Babe Zaharias. Her impact extended beyond the sports arena, as she was a pioneer for women’s rights and equality, advocating for gender equality in athletics during an era when women were still fighting for recognition and respect.
Throughout her career, Babe achieved unparalleled success in various sports. She gained international recognition in track and field, earning two gold medals at the 1932 Summer Olympics. Her incredible athletic ability also led her to become an All-American basketball player, while also partaking in baseball, softball, diving, roller-skating, and bowling, showcasing her versatility in sports.
Initially working as a secretary for the Employers’ Casualty Insurance Company of Dallas after high school, Babe’s main motivation was to continue playing basketball as an amateur on the company’s industrial team, the Golden Cyclones. Under the governance of the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), Babe remarkably led her team to an AAU Basketball Championship in 1931, marking a significant achievement.
Transitioning to professional golf, Babe became a trailblazer in the sport and dominated the field. She won a total of 10 major championships in the LPGA, solidifying her legacy as one of the greatest female golfers of all time. Babe Zaharias’ contributions to women’s golf and her performances on and off the course opened doors for future generations of female athletes, inspiring countless women to pursue their athletic dreams.
Babe Zaharias left an indelible mark on the world of sports by breaking barriers and defying expectations. Her achievements as a multi-sport athlete, her relentless drive for excellence, and her significant influence on gender equality have forever solidified her place in history. Tragically, Babe passed away on September 27, 1956, but her legacy continues to live on, inspiring generations of athletes and leaving an enduring impact on women’s history.
Awards:
– Two gold medals in track and field at the 1932 Summer Olympics
– 10 LPGA major championships.