Articles written by David Hornestay
Showing 1-100 of 114 Articles
|
Tommy Henrich, the Yankees' Old Reliable
As more heralded stars sometimes struggled, a solid but unspectacular performer often stepped into the breach and helped sustain baseball's greatest dynasty.
|
|
The Year the Yankees Lost the Pennant
It took a record-breaking performance by the Cleveland Indians in 1954 to end a record-breaking run of success by the New York Yankees.
|
|
Some Great Men Who Never Became US President
It takes ability, personality, support, and luck to become President. Some who had much to offer never made it over the electoral hurdles.
|
|
Harry Truman's Impossible Election
An "accidental" President who antagonized the left and right wings of his party, Truman was given no chance of reelection. His upset win confounded the experts.
|
|
The 1961 New York Yankees
Many fans considered the 1961 Yankees a throwback to the legendary 1927 team of Ruth and Gehrig. They did hit more home runs, led by two contenders for Ruth's record.
|
|
Who Was General George Marshall?
The World War II Chief of Staff successfully managed a two-front world conflict, attempted to make peace in China, then led U.S. responses to post-war challenges.
|
|
Greatest Moments in the World Series
The crowning event of the baseball season has not always been exciting. But 104 years of high-level competition have left fans with many memorable thrills.
|
|
The 1927 New York Yankees
A powerful combination of hitters and pitchers gave New York a record number of wins and a World Series sweep in 1927. Many still consider them the best team ever.
|
|
The Yankees and Dodgers in October
What began as a Subway Series eventually went transcontinental and continued to provide incomparable baseball thrills.
|
|
Connie Mack and the Philadelphia Athletics
In a sport marked by high managerial turnover, Connie Mack piloted the Philadelphia Athletics for 50 years. He created two great dynasties but lost far more than he won.
|
|
Who Was Senator Joe McCarthy?
One of the most powerful accusations hurled in politics to this day is McCarthyism. Who was McCarthy and why did the ism become a term of reproach?
|
|
Bob Feller and His Amazing Fastball
Bob Feller hit the big leagues in 1936 as a 17-year-old high schooler. Within a year, he was being compared to the best of all time and many say he was just that.
|
|
Who Was Spud Chandler?
Spud Chandler once numbered top managers, hitters, and catchers among his admirers. Now long forgotten, he still holds the record for best career winning percentage.
|
|
The World Series No-Hitter That Wasn't
More than four decades of Fall Classics had never seen a no-hit game. An unimposing member of the 1947 Yankees was one batter away from making history.
|
|
Israel's History and Natural Beauty
Concerns about Mideast security, a lengthy trip, and lack of information deter many potential travelers to Israel. It's time to rethink the pluses and minuses.
|
|
How is Your President Performing?
Periodic surveys can give an accurate assessment of the public's opinion of a President's performance at a given moment, but not much about his place in history.
|
|
Sex-and-Politics Scandals Then and Now
Sex scandals have long shamed and enlivened American politics. They have figured in presidential elections and an impeachment and still derail presidential prospects.
|
|
A Baseball Tragedy Goes to the Movies
A Bernard Malamud novel and a film starring Robert Redford centered on the shooting of a baseball player. Eddie Waitkus was the true victim of the fictionalized event.
|
|
Almost a Yankee Immortal
Hardhitting Yankees outfielder Charlie Keller seemed headed for superstardom after his debut season. Injuries ruined that prospect after several productive seasons.
|
|
Mr. Justice Benjamin Cardozo
A renowned jurist in his time, Benjamin Cardozo has been largely forgotten outside the legal community. An Hispanic Supreme court nomination has revived interest in him.
|
|
The Black Sox Scandal of 1919
Several White Sox players confessed to deliberately losing the 1919 World Series. Although they later recanted, eight men were banned for life and the sport almost died.
|
|
Baseball's First Immortals
The Baseball Hall of Fame opened in 1939 to mark the centennial of the game's legendary founding. The first five players elected are still legends.
|
|
Eisenhower as Supreme Commander
The commanding general of the greatest invasion in history had never led troops in combat. It was unique analytical and interpersonal skills that made him a success.
|
|
Yogi Berra and the Yankee Dynasty
Yogi Berra made an early impression as a slugger of dubious catching skills. Over 17 years, he became a feared hitter as well as a universally admired receiver.
|
|
Getting the First Job when Jobs are Scarce
A good education or good training was supposed to result in a choice of jobs. Today's labor market realities may require extra preparation for beginning a career climb.
|
|
Baseball's Greatest Pitchers
A renowned manager once said that pitching was 75 percent of baseball. The exact percentage may be debated, but it has consistently separated winners from losers.
|
|
MacArthur in Korea
Douglas MacArthur had the most brilliant military career in U.S. history. An unexpected final campaign that he seemed to have won ultimately did him in.
|
|
Revisiting the Spanish Civil War
An early casualty of the Great Depression was the long-decaying Spanish monarchy. Its fall ushered in eight years of dashed hopes ending in war and dictatorship.
|
|
Television Enters America's Homes
Television was on futuristic display at the 1939 World's Fair. Delayed by World War II, it struggled for an identity but was in half of America's homes by 1955.
|
|
The First TV Political Conventions
The presidential nominating conventions of 1952 were the first to be nationally televised. They were the last in which the nominees were not foregone conclusions.
|
|
The Biblical Gem Called Esther
The Scroll of Esther, an early and exquisite historical novella, deserves literary appreciation along with Old Testament favorites like Psalms, Proverbs, and Prophets
|
|
MacArthur's Return to the Philippines
General Douglas MacArthur's flight from the Philippines symbolized America's demoralizing reverses early in world War II. His return dramatized the dawn of victory.
|
|
From Victory to Cold War
The United States and the Soviet Union each contributed much to the defeat of a common enemy in World War II. How did they become bitter adversaries so quickly?
|
|
Baseball's Greatest Third Basemen
A good third baseman has to charge bunts and cut off doubles down the line. If he can do both and hit with consistency and/or power, he'll be ranked among the greats.
|
|
Whitey Ford and the Yankee Dynasty
Whitey Ford's mound success and high spirits characterized a period of Yankees greatness. For longevity and consistency, he may have been their best pitcher ever.
|
|
To be a Good Supervisor
Many organizations overlook the difficulty of selecting the right people to be supervisors. Even the most suitable then need development to make them effective.
|
|
Greenberg Wins the Pennant
With most of baseball's greats in military service, 1945 was largely dullsville. A last-day pennant-winning home run by a returning star provided a rare bright spot.
|
|
Clark Gable and His Perfect Movie Roles
Although Clark Gable has been a larger-than-life symbol of Hollywood for decades, his iconic status rests largely on three perfectly fitting roles from the 1930's.
|
|
Jackie Robinson and Baseball's Color Line
Most of post-World War II America was ready for the national pastime to become an equal opportunity employer. It took a special player to defeat the die-hard opposition.
|
|
The Year the Brownies Won the Pennant
For most of a half century, the St. Louis Browns compiled a consistent record of futility. But at the height of World War II in 1944, it finally came together.
|
|
Mickey Mantle and the Yankee Dynasty
Most who saw Mickey Mantle in his prime agreed he was one of the greatest talents ever on any ballfield. The disagreements were about how much he did with that talent.
|
|
The Unending Cycle of Violence
An intensification of violence between Israel and the Gaza Strip has each side pursuing the need to defend against the aggression of the other? Can the cycle ever end?
|
|
Baseball's Surprise World Champions
For over a century, the World Series has decided baseball's champion for the year. Surprising results featuring upset winners have been a regular feature.
|
|
The Bible and Human Relationships
The Bible is divinely inspired truth to some; a literary masterpiece to others. But many miss the essence of lessons on human relationships in the Book of Genesis.
|
|
The Great Secretaries of State
Some of the greatest figures of American history have held the top Cabinet position of Secretary of State. For some it was a stepping stone; for others a frustration.
|
|
Presidential Transition in Economic Crisis
As America struggles with its potentially worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, there is a danger that the Presidential transition can make it worse.
|
|
Baseball's Greatest Second Basemen
Second base has been covered by some of baseball's outstanding hitters, fielders, and baserunners. Amazingly, most of them played more than a half-century ago.
|
|
Presidential Election Cliffhangers
American Presidential elections generally produce a clear preference among candidates. But the winners of close races have produced history-altering results.
|
|
Baseball's Greatest First Basemen
Baseball old timers long debated which of their idols was the all time best at first base. It looks as if today's fans will have a strong candidate of their own.
|
|
Baseball's Historic Tiebreakers
A baseball playoff was once a rare device employed only to break a season-end first-place tie. Some of those contests produced high drama and heartbreak.
|
|
Term Limits for Parties?
American Presidents, with one exception, have been limited to two terms in office, first by tradition, then by Constitutional Amendment. How about their parties?
|
|
Winning Issues in Presidential Elections
Presidents of the United States have largely been chosen for what they could do for the economy and society. Some notable elections have turned on events far from home.
|
|
Winning the White House
Many U.S. Presidential elections have turned on a single phrase or theme that resonated with the voting public. Some were calculated; others surprised even the winners.
|
|
Prince Valiant, An Arthurian Epic
With seven decades of ongoing narrative, the comic strip Prince Valiant continues to delight its readers with romance and action in a somewhat altered Arthurian setting.
|
|
Baseball's Greatest Outfielders
The most storied baseball players have been outstanding run-producers who played the outfield. Some also contributed significantly with their range and throwing arms.
|
|
Getting Real About Retirement Planning
Retirement planning has two vital aspects: activity and finances. Preparation for both should be deliberate and serious, but above all it must be realistic.
|
|
Baseball's Greatest Shortstops
Great shortstops have been key to many baseball championships. They have done it with the bat, the glove, spirit, or leadership. The best have done it with all of them.
|
|
Greater Love Hath No Man
A doomed troopship provided the backdrop as four chaplains crafted one of World War II's most enduring and poignant lessons in brotherhood and self-sacrifice.
|
|
Baseball's Greatest Catchers
Although many catchers labor almost anonymously behind their masks, the contributions of the best of them have long been hailed. Some are among baseball's immortals.
|
|
A Holocaust Refuge in France
A Protestant town in southeastern France became an avowed refuge for Jews fleeing from the Holocaust. Tthey saved approximately 5,000 men, women, and children.
|
|
The Long Pennant Race
Two teams finished the 1948 American League season in a tie, with a third team eliminated only one day before. The thrills continued in a first-ever one-game playoff.
|
|
Be A More Valued Employee
Doing your job well is paramount. But most organizations can benefit from constructive suggestions on how to do things better.
|
|
The Biggest Game Winners
Home runs have provided some of the highest drama in baseball history. They are at their best when they provide a sudden end to an important game.
|
|
Qualified To Be President
Some of the great US presidents have entered office with great resumes. So have some of the failures and mediocre ones. Does experience matter and, if so, what kind?
|
|
The Inconvenient Palestine Facts
Understandably emotional arguments about Israel and Palestine ignore or obscure indisputable facts. Acceptance of the truth might promote accommodation.
|
|
Honesty And Career Success
Honesty at work, as elsewhere, is the best policy. But tact and judgment are needed to prevent the truth from hurting others--or yourself.
|
|
Turning the Tide in World War II
Six decades after World War II, historians still debate which battles really stopped the Germans and gave victory in europe to the Allies.
|
|
Do Managers Win Baseball Games?
Managers of winning baseball teams are often hailed as geniuses. History suggests that ballplayer talent counts for more, but that good managers can make a difference.
|
|
Koufax or Gibson?
Sandy Koufax and Bob Gibson were the consistently dominant pitchers of the 1960s. Koufax was more spectacular for a few years, but Gibson stayed great much longer.
|
|
Baseball Bounces Back From War
High expectations, surprising achievements, and baffling disappointments marked the return of baseball's top stars from the war.
|
|
Will U.S.Voters Turn Out in 2008?
Voter turnout in presidential elections has fluctuated widely in the last half century. It takes vital issues or appealing candidates to get them to the polls.
|
|
Security Vs. Civil Liberties
The U.S. government has honored its people's civil liberties through most of its history, allowing some serious infringements in time of actual or perceived peril.
|
|
Should the U.S. Have Taken Berlin?
The Soviet capture of Berlin led to decades of Cold War tension and near-hostilities. Did our political and military decisions make that inevitable?
|
|
Could Hitler Have Won?
American public opinion opposed intervention in world War II. A little more patience by Hitler could have given him the time to complete his conquests.
|
|
Two No-Hitters in a Row
A Cincinnati Reds pitcher of modest attainments performed a feat never equalled before or since: he pitched two consecutive no-hit games in 1938.
|
|
Was It Really 'The Good War?'
Movies, TV, and later anti-war activists have glamorized, if not glorified, World War II. Can it really be called "good."
|
|
Getting Ahead in Your Government Career
Advancing in government requires understanding some of the differences in public service employment and how to make the most of the opportunities they present.
|
|
Loyalty in Baseball
Four Red Sox stars of the 40's and 50's forged a lifelong friendship that gave new meaning to the concept of team.
|
|
Baseball Survives World War II
The quality of big league ball almost hit bottom in 1945. V-E and V-J Days started the return of the stars just in time.
|
|
Israel's Risky Choices
Israel is often told it must yield some security to achieve peace. A wrong choice could leave it with neither.
|
|
Great Baseball Movies
Although baseball has provided the subject matter for some fine movies, there's no sure-fire formula. Some big names have flopped and some have become controversial.
|
|
The Legend of Joe DiMaggio
Although Joe DiMaggio's excellent stats fell short of baseball's greatest, he won and retains a special hold on fans. A lot of it had to do with unmeasurables.
|
|
Great World War II Movies
The movies made during the war, even the classics, emphasized patriotism. The perspective of time introduced more realism.
|
|
Do Presidential Elections Matter?
Despite decades of low voter turnout and apathy, many far-reaching changes in American history hinged on who was elected President.
|
|
Baseball's Greatest Records
Recent years have seen the shattering of some of baseball's most admired records. Can any truly stand the test of time?
|
|
Surviving a Government Career
An analysis of some of the obstacles and frustrations encountered in government employment.
|
|
Cubs Are '08 Baseball Champs
Winning the 1907 and 1908 World Series made the Chicago Cubs the first team to win two of the Fall Classics.
|
|
Succeed in Your Career by Asking
In a rapidly changing work environment, asking the right questions can be more important than knowing yesterday's right answers.
|
|
World Series Flops
Some of baseball's greatest stars have flopped in the limelight of the World series.
|
|
Walter Johnson's World Series
Eighteen years into baseball's greatest pitching career, Walter Johnson is in his first World Series, loses twice, and gets an unexpected final chance.
|
|
A Shortstop to Remember
The on-field exploits and special contributions of one of the all-time Yankee stars.
|
|
Historical Fiction Plain But Tasty
Alfred Duggan and Cecelia Holland give history lessons that are relatively brief and down-to-earth, but never dull.
|
|
For the Duration
The war intruded into children's lives with excitement, confusion, and fear. But there was plenty of time and space for normal routine.
|
|
The Sacrifice of Shoeless Joe
Banning eight "Black Sox," including the immortal Joe Jackson, helped save baseball regardless of the still disputed innocence or guilt of the accused.
|
|
Improving Your Interviewing
Careful study and analysis are needed to prepare for interviewing job applicants. A comfortable atmosphere and attentive listening are essential for conducting them.
|
|
Does America Want Efficient Government?
Quadrennial pledges to make government smaller and more efficient are rarely fulfilled. Taxpayers need to pay more attention to why there is little real change.
|
|
Cubs Are '07 Baseball Champs
The Chicago Cubs, one of the most successful baseball teams of the first decade of the twentieth century, won their first World Series in 1907--and their last in 1908.
|
|
Bias in International News
Reporting of international conflicts often seems one-sided. The benefit of the doubt seems to go to the underdogs--unless they get too violent.
|
|
World Series Perfection
A mediocre Yankees righthander, in full view of America's baseball fans, makes history by retiring every batter in a World Series game.
|
|
Mighty Ruth (Among Others) Strikes Out
Carl Hubbell's pitching feat against five future Hall of Famers beginning with Ruth and Gehrig helped make the All Star game the midsummer classic.
|
Page:
1 | 2
