Before, I was Wallace Matthews’s colleague and, for a time, editor, I was a Wallace Matthews fan.
A lifetime ago for me, before I became a member of the press, Wally was required reading every time he published a column in the New York Post.
A clever wordsmith, Wally is able to entertain while giving writing poignant columns. He could be funny when the situation called for it, but also write on a serious subject as well.
It’s that balance and range that not many can do. Most writers and columnists can do a few things well. Wally does them all.
That said, I was proud to have him join the NY Sports Day team back in November as he looked for other gigs. Wally immediately elevated the stature of our outlet and it even rose to national prominence, when he announced he was giving up his Hall of Fame vote.
More importantly, though, Wally is the example every young writer should follow. Besides being the consummate professional, he also takes time out to help the younger writers – including myself – to make them better. Even before he was with NYSD, Wally was always willing to lend a helping hand.
With the type of competition that goes on in this business, you just don’t see that from writers with other outlets.
There aren’t many journalists like him out there. And this is the reason why Wally, receiving the Dick Young Award tomorrow at the Hank’s Yanks golf outing, is so deserving. I can go on and on about why he merits this award, but believe me, when you know him, it’s obvious.
I hope one day, NYSD will be able to compete with the New York Times’ money and we will be able to lure Wally back. He’s a gentleman, a class individual and will always be welcomed with the Sportsday family.
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