Babe Zaharias

Biography

Babe Zaharias didn't just play sports - she conquered them. Three Olympic gold medals in track and field at the 1932 Los Angeles Games. All-American status in basketball. A baseball pitcher who struck out Joe DiMaggio in an exhibition. Then golf, where she won 10 majors despite starting relatively late. The 17 consecutive tournament victories in 1946-47 remains one of sport's most unbreakable streaks. She helped found the LPGA and dominated its early years. Cancer took her at 45, but not before she won her final U.S. Women's Open while desperately ill. "The Babe" earned the nickname through achievement across sports that may never be replicated.

Career Highlights

• 10 Major championships
• 3 Olympic gold medals (track & field)
• Founding member of LPGA
• Won 17 straight golf tournaments
• Greatest female athlete of first half of 20th century

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