Babe Didrikson Zaharias Biography

Babe Didrikson Zaharias

won 2 gold medals (javelin and 80-meter hurdles) and a silver (high jump) at 1932 Olympics; played baseball and acquired the nickname “Babe” for her tape measure home runs; real first name was Mildred; took up golf in 1935 and went on to win 55 pro and amateur events; won 10 majors, including 3 U.S. Opens (1948,50,54); helped found LPGA in 1949; chosen female “Athlete of the Half Century” by AP in 1950; when asked if there was anything she didn't play, she replied, “Yeah, dolls.”