The Courageous Claire Smith
Date Published: 7/26/2017
Claire Smith is an African-American sportswriter who was the first female Major League Baseball beat writer. She covered the New York Yankees from 1983-1987 for "The Hartford Courant."
Claire Smith was famously not allowed in the locker room after the first game of the 1984 National League Championship Series between the Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres. When Padres Hall of Fame first baseman Steve Garvey heard Claire wasn't allowed in, he proceeded to walk out of the locker room. He comforted Claire for a few moments, then answered all the questions Claire needed to write her story. After that day the MLB changed its policy and allowed anybody with a press credential access to the locker room.
Claire broke down many barriers as a female beat writer. She was recently honored with the J.G. Taylor Spink Award. The J.G. Taylor Spink Award is the highest honor one can get from the Baseball Writers' Association of America. She will be the first female to receive this award.
As she continues to inspire and break barriers, my wish is for us to try and break down barriers ourselves. Whether it's a personal barrier or one at our workplace, we need to remember that we can get through any barrier. We can all persist past our barriers if we come together and share our stories.
Peace and Love,
Andrew of We Take Note for The Wishwall
Photo Credit: Philly.com
Claire Smith was famously not allowed in the locker room after the first game of the 1984 National League Championship Series between the Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres. When Padres Hall of Fame first baseman Steve Garvey heard Claire wasn't allowed in, he proceeded to walk out of the locker room. He comforted Claire for a few moments, then answered all the questions Claire needed to write her story. After that day the MLB changed its policy and allowed anybody with a press credential access to the locker room.
Claire broke down many barriers as a female beat writer. She was recently honored with the J.G. Taylor Spink Award. The J.G. Taylor Spink Award is the highest honor one can get from the Baseball Writers' Association of America. She will be the first female to receive this award.
As she continues to inspire and break barriers, my wish is for us to try and break down barriers ourselves. Whether it's a personal barrier or one at our workplace, we need to remember that we can get through any barrier. We can all persist past our barriers if we come together and share our stories.
Peace and Love,
Andrew of We Take Note for The Wishwall
Photo Credit: Philly.com
