Maury Allen
Maury Allen, born on May 2, 1932, was a notable American journalist and author, particularly recognized for his contributions to sports writing, with a strong focus on baseball. Educated at City College of New York, where he earned a degree in journalism, Allen began his career after serving in the army. He worked for prominent publications such as the New York Post and Sports Illustrated, and wrote for the Gannett newspaper chain for nearly three decades. His writings often reflect his deep passion for baseball, especially regarding New York teams like the Yankees, and he is known for his insider knowledge of the sport, including the complex dynamics surrounding notable figures like George Steinbrenner.
Allen's books, such as *Where Have You Gone, Joe DiMaggio?* and *Jackie Robinson: A Life Remembered*, are cherished by baseball fans for their nostalgic and in-depth exploration of iconic players, though some critics have described his biographies as more like profiles rather than comprehensive character studies. Despite not being as widely acclaimed as some of his contemporaries, he has cultivated a dedicated readership that appreciates his engaging storytelling and first-hand accounts of the sport. A competitive athlete himself, Allen’s love for sports extends beyond writing, as he actively participates in activities like swimming and tennis. He is also recognized as a member of the Sports Hall of Fame, underscoring his impact on the field of sports journalism.
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Maury Allen
Writer
- Born: May 2, 1932
- Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York
- Died: October 3, 2010
Biography
Maury Allen was born on May 2, 1932. Educated at City College of New York, he graduated with a B.A. in journalism in 1953. He married Janet Kelly, a public relations expert, in 1962, and they had a daughter and a son. Allen served in the army from 1953 to 1955. After his discharge, he began his journalism career, including stints at the New York Post and Sports Illustrated. He also wrote for the Gannett newspaper chain from 1962 to 1989.
A competitive athlete in high school, Allen began writing about sports as an extension of his enthusiasm for his favorite teams. His main subject has been baseball, and his best books have been about New York teams, especially the Yankees. Allen writes as an insider who knows the players well. His work investigates not only the action on the field but the business of baseball, especially the career of George Steinbrenner, the controversial owner of the Yankees.
An air of nostalgia suffuses Allen’s books, as evident in Where Have You Gone, Joe DiMaggio? (1975) and Jackie Robinson: A Life Remembered (1987). These biographies of DiMaggio and Robinson are highly treasured by fans who appreciate Allen’s depth of knowledge about baseball. However, he is better at describing the intricacies of play than at probing the complexities of human character. Some reviewers have found his biographies superficial, but it is perhaps best to regard them as portraits or profiles instead of full-scale works.
Although Allen has not been regarded as writing on the same level as Roger Angell and Roger Kahn, the two undisputed masters of baseball writing, he has earned a large following of readers who appreciate the depth of his devotion to the sport and his inside stories about the players and sporting organizations that occupy an important role in their lives. Allen’s books reflect his athleticism (he enjoys swimming and playing tennis and basketball) and his fan-like absorption in sport. He is a member of the Sports Hall of Fame.