Who's on your sports writing Mount Rushmore?

[hondo]

I had forgotten about Smith's piece on the boating accident. I haven't read it since it was published, but I remember how engrossing it was.

Smith also did a great piece on David Duval and how his older brother (by 3 years) died after Duval donated bone marrow when he was 9 years old ... and apparently, the procedure back then was nothing a 9-year-old should have to go through.

 

[LanceyHoward]

Smith also did a great piece on David Duval and how his older brother (by 3 years) died after Duval donated bone marrow when he was 9 years old ... and apparently, the procedure back then was nothing a 9-year-old should have to go through.

I think that DeFord and Smith are the GOAT's of all time as long-form feature writers. When I read either one I would frequently finish the story and be wide-eyed and say that I have just read something completely unique.

When I read the other great Sports Illustrated feature writers like Reilly or Price I would read it and say that was really good, like watching a player have a career night and scoried 50 points. And Reilly, Price and others had a lot of caerer nights ebcause they were great. Awesome in its execution but similar to other stories I have read.

This is personal but I rank DeFord a bit higher than Smith because when I got my copy of SI I would immediately read a DeFord piece just to see what he did with it. As gifted as Smith was I never thought he was never quite as innovative as DeFord. So I think Smith is the second best of all time.

 

[Songbird]

I never read much of Deford's stuff. I probably knew him better by his TV appearances.

Went to the SI Vault and read the first one that came up which was pretty good.

WHEN THE NBA WAS YOUNG

 

[Songbird]

In terms of sheer impact on the rest of the profession: W.C. Heinz, Wright Thompson, Bill Simmons, Gary Smith.

Think it's hard to find four who molded the industry more.