Oldest working sports writer in the world dies

Those of you in Connecticut may remember the initimable John William Randolph "Jack" Cruise, who was still reporting in his late 70s/early 80s.

Tie and suit jacket. Politest man I ever met. Always brought a lawn chair. Devout, pious and one of the last of the breed.

He was a strictly local guy, and he figured there were at least two situations where he covered a man, his son and his grandson in high school/college sports.

 

And he probably covered North Bumfuck JV soccer and how hard the kids worked in his spare time as well.

RIP.

 

Not even close, drip.

Willie was forced to retire at 83, died at 87.

 

My bad. Thought he was older.

 

We've had an "old sports journalists" thread elsewhere, but the baton now is held by ...?

 

I can name a few who I think are in their late 70s or early 80s, but no one close to 90.

 

Used to run across Mr. Strauss while reporting in Florida. He was the very definition of crusty old sportswriter. But in a good way.

 

And it was the guy's first post. Meaning, he consciously signed up with that handle with the express purpose of delivering this solemn news.

It might say something about my maturity level, but I think that is awesome.

 

I'll admit it. I laughed.

 

Your paper doesn't have a ski editor?

 

Really? No one wants to say it?

Fine, I will. See quote edit above.

 

I knew where this was headed before I clicked. The "just in time" and "buyout of all buyouts" lines are classic.