Leonard Koppett

Who was Leonard Koppett?

Leonard Koppett was one of the most influential sportswriters of the 20th century.

Born in Moscow, Koppett moved with his family from Russia to the United States when he was five years old. They lived in The Bronx, New York, a block away from Yankee Stadium, sparking his early interest in sports.

A graduate of Columbia University, he was a reporter and columnist for the New York Herald Tribune, the New York Post, The New York Times, the Peninsula Times Tribune, and The Sporting News, and he authored 16 books on sports. He also published many magazine articles. His writings have been noted for their intellectual rigor, social commentary, and wit.

Best known were his works on baseball: Concise History of Major League Baseball and The Thinking Fan's Guide to Baseball are considered definitive works on the game.