Frank Fitzpatrick on "Writer John Updike"

By: Frank Fitzpatrick

When writer John Updike died on January 28, sports writers mourned the loss of a man who truly understood the poetics of sports. His Rabbit novels feature a one time basketball star, but among baseball fans, Updike’s tribute to Ted William, ranks as one of the best sports essays ever. In our regular series of commentaries from The Philadelphia Inquirer, writer Frank Fitzpatrick pays homage to the novelist.

By: Frank Fitzpatrick

When writer John Updike died on January 28, sports writers mourned the loss of a man who truly understood the poetics of sports. His Rabbit novels feature a one time basketball star, but among baseball fans, Updike’s tribute to Ted Williams, ranks as one of the best sports essays ever. In our regular series of commentaries from The Philadelphia Inquirer, writer Frank Fitzpatrick pays homage to the novelist. [audio: inquirer20090301.mp3]

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