Bert Sugar was born on June 7th, 1936

Written by: Thomas Blackwood

Bert Sugar: The Sage of Boxing and Baseball

Bert Sugar was an American boxing writer and sports historian, renowned for his signature fedora and unlit cigar, and more importantly, his unparalleled expertise in the world of pugilism and America's favorite pastime. He was a prolific writer, editor, and publisher, who left an indelible mark on the literary landscape of sports journalism.

Early Life and Education

Sugar was born on June 7, 1936, in Washington, D.C. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1953, where he was a reporter and columnist for the school's newspaper. His entry in the high school yearbook predicted that he would become a radio announcer or sports writer, a prophecy that would soon become a reality.

Sugar went on to graduate from the University of Maryland before earning a JD and MBA from the University of Michigan in 1960. This solid educational foundation would serve him well in his future endeavors as a writer, editor, and publisher.

Career Highlights

Sugar's career was a testament to his passion for sports and his dedication to his craft. He worked in advertising, including with the McCann Erickson agency, before becoming the Publisher/Editor of Baseball Monthly magazine in 1962.

In 1969, Sugar bought Boxing Illustrated magazine and was its editor until 1973. He later became the editor and publisher of The Ring magazine from 1979 to 1983, and again became editor of Boxing Illustrated in 1988.

In 1998, Sugar founded Bert Sugar's Fight Game, a platform that allowed him to share his vast knowledge of boxing with the world.

Literary Legacy

Sugar wrote over 80 books, focusing on his favorite sports of boxing and baseball. Some of his notable works include:

• Great Fights
• Bert Sugar on Boxing
• 100 Years of Boxing
• Sting like a Bee (with Jos Torres)
• The Ageless Warrior (with Mike Fitzgerald)
• Boxing's Greatest Fighters

In 2009, Sugar published Bert Sugar's Baseball Hall of Fame: A Living History of America's Greatest Game, a testament to his love for baseball.

Awards and Recognition

Sugar was ranked as "The Greatest Boxing Writer of the 20th Century" by the International Veterans Boxing Association, a testament to his contribution to the sport.

Personal Milestones

Sugar's personal style was as iconic as his writing. He was often seen wearing a fedora and holding an unlit cigar, a trademark that became synonymous with his image.

Sugar was also known for his wit and humor, often injecting his writing with a sense of nostalgia and charm.

Influence on Modern Society

Sugar's writing and legacy continue to inspire a new generation of sports writers and enthusiasts. His contributions to the world of boxing and baseball have left an indelible mark on the sporting landscape.

As sportscaster Bob Costas once remarked, Sugar's writing style was "Runyonesque," a nod to the great Damon Runyon, a legendary sportswriter of the early 20th century.

Through his writing, Sugar brought the world of sports to life, transporting readers to a bygone era of heroes and legends. His legacy continues to live on, inspiring a new generation of writers, athletes, and sports enthusiasts alike.