To Absent Friends

Sports meant a great many things to Red Smith, but most of all it meant human beings. On these pages he captured many great sports figures of the past, capturing them in their moments of glory, strength, and weaknesses - by use of his past sports column as a framework for enduring artistry. These 182 final tributes tell as much about Red Smith's values as about his subjects, and they are enjoyable to read, providing us a sense and flavor of some of the past greats of sports.