Hummel continued to pursue his dream of being a journalist while serving in the military by holding a part-time job at the Colorado Springs Free Press-Sun. It was obvious that the power of the written word played a significant role in shaping his fate.
When fellow Mizzou alumnus Bob Broeg offered Hummel a job at the prestigious St. Louis Post-Dispatch in 1971, Hummel’s life took an astonishing turn. When Hummel was initially given the responsibility of covering subsidiary and regional teams, he seized each chance that presented itself.
He bravely plunged into the world of sports, becoming a true expert on the subject, covering everything from the St. Louis Stars of the North American Soccer League to the Spirits of St. Louis of the American Basketball Association. However, Hummel’s career was really launched by his association with the St. Louis Cardinals.
He covered his first home game for the Cardinals in 1973, the turning point in his career. His stories were woven together from the triumphs, setbacks, and magic that occurred on the baseball pitch. He covered Tom Seaver’s magnificent no-hitter in 1978, a game that would go down in baseball mythology for all time, and saw history being made.
Hummel’s commitment and knowledge were appreciated. Because of his character and leadership, he was chosen by his peers to lead the Baseball Writers Association of America in 1994. He also skillfully assessed the professional histories of probable inductees for the Baseball Hall of Fame Overview Committee.
Hummel’s highest distinction was the famous J.G. Taylor Spink Award, which she received in 2007. This honor represented his mastery of the trade and his capacity to portray the game’s spirit with each penstroke accurately. It was a celebration of a career that left a lasting impression on the baseball journalism community and touched the emotions of countless readers.
Rick Hummel Obituary
In a shocking change of circumstances, one of baseball’s most beloved figures has pἀssed away. At the age of 77, industry great Rick Hummel pἀssed away on Saturday morning (20 May). He was a gifted writer who graced the St. Louis Post-Dispatch for an incredible 51 years, leaving his name indelible in the memories of Cardinals supporters everywhere.
Hummel, known to Cardinals fans as “The Commish,” captured their attention for fifty years by creating vivid images in his lyrical game summaries and thorough reporting. He chronicled the triumphs and glories of seven National League pennants and three World Series victories, writing tales that put readers in the thick of the action.
He received the prestigious Baseball Writers Association of America Career Excellence Award in 2006 to celebrate his excellent work in baseball journalism. His award now adorns the revered halls of the National Baseball Hall of Fame, a monument to his enduring legacy. The influence of Hummel went beyond the city limits of his beloved St. Louis.
He was rightfully inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame and the St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame, securing his position among the most admired sports figures in the area. Additionally, the National Sportswriters and Sportscaster Association awarded him the coveted honor of Missouri Sportswriter of the Year four times in recognition of his extraordinary talent.
Hummel left the Post-Dispatch at the end of the 2022 season, but his love for the sport never wavered. He continued contributing as a freelancer during spring training and the first part of the 2023 season, imparting his knowledge and understanding. He never wavered in his devotion to baseball or his trade during his whole career.
Do you know that KSL and the television news industry have lost an icon? Dick Nourse, a long-time veteran anchor, dἰed at 83. Dick was the steady voice of KSL 5 News for 43 years, from his first broadcast in 1964 through his final one in 2007. He left the company in 2007. proceed with the reading:
In an interview with Baseball Digest last fall, Hummel humbly expressed his approach to his work:
“I wanted to be fair and accurate and hopefully make the readers smile once in a while,” he said. “It’s baseball. It’s not bigger stuff than it is. We should enjoy it. I’ve been blessed.”
These words encapsulate the essence of a man who not only excelled in his profession but also understood the profound joy that baseball brings to our lives. Stay ahead of the game and be the ultimate news guru by following us on Twitter for all the latest breaking news and updates.