Born July 26, 1897 in New York City. Famed novelist and sports writer, Gallico graduated from Columbia University in 1921 with a Bachelors of Science degree.
From 1922-23 he was the motion picture critic for the New York Daily News before joining the sports department. Named sports editor in 1923, he penned a daily sports column and became a national celebrity and one of the most well-known sports writers in the country. Gallico famously sparred Jack Dempsey (he was knocked out within two minutes) to write about what it felt like to be hit by the heavyweight champion.
Gallico's lasting contribution to the sport of boxing came in 1927 when he created the world famous amateur boxing tournament, the Golden Gloves.
By 1934, Gallico shifted his focus away from sports and began penning books (including Farewell to Sport), essays and short stories, many which were published in Saturday Evening Post. Several of his works, including The Pride of the Yankees and The Poseidon Adventure, were made into major motion pictures.
He died on July 15, 1976 in Monaco.
Born: July 26, 1897
Died: July 15, 1976
Induction: 2009
Paul Gallico
