Sport: Honors

Mildred (“Babe”) Didrikson Zaharias was chosen 1947-3 “woman athlete of the year,” in the annual A.P. sportwriters’ poll. It was the fourth time for the versatile Babe, the third time in a row as a golfer. She was also woman of the year in 1932 (when she broke the Olympic hurdling and javelin records).

Notre Dame’s great passing Quarterback Johnny Lujack, who made All-America in 1946 and 1947, won the A.P.’s title as “male athlete of the year.” Soon to turn pro, Lujack is one of the four Notre Dame athletes in history who have won four major letters (football, baseball, basketball, track) in a single year. Runners-up to Lujack: Jake Kramer, Joe DiMaggio.

Joe Louis also gained recognition of a sort. The sportwriters rated his performance against Jersey Joe Walcott as the “flop of the year.” Off next month to give exhibitions in London, Joe was in for a warm reception. Thirty British Guardsmen (all about 6 ft. and 180 lbs.) have volunteered to serve as his sparring partners. Said a spokesman of the Guards: “If any of them get knocked silly—well they’ll regard it as an honor.”