Today in Comics History, October 23: Happy birthday, Ewell Blackwell!

A very happy birthday today to born-in-1922's Ewell Blackwell (nicknamed "The Whip" and "Blackie"), phenomenal Major League Baseball pitcher, primarily with the Cincinnati Reds. Also: professional eater of the "Breakfast of Champions":


Wheaties advertisement in DC Comics cover-dated September 1948, creators unknown and uncredited



So extraordinary was his trademark "sidewinder" pitching style that this entire comic book feature was devoted to Blackwell taking time from his busy careers as baseball player, Wheaties spokesman, and fashion critic to show kids how to pitch like him.




from "Ewell Blackwell's Pitching Tips" in Bill Stern's Sports Book v.1 #10 [#1] (Ziff-Davis, Spring 1951), "script by Ewell Blackwell," letters by Ben Oda
Why, with features like these, it's a wonder coaches even exist!

"Starring in Sports" in King Comics #146 (David McKay, June 1948), text by Buck Sawyer
(Click picture to extra innings-size)
Happy birthday, Blackie!