Bert Lytell. "The Beast of Stillman's Gym"

Can't say enough good things 'bout this moving chapter, S89.

If history's not your thing, savor the writing -- it's a feast.

 

Can any boxing writer in recent memory weave a visual tapestry as adroitly as Springs Toledo?

Sweat, blood, smoke, suffering, anger, rage, redemption, pain, pathos, art, music, literature, nature, noir....he draws imagery from every imagineable well. In lesser hands using these risky resources could plummet a piece into campy pretentiousness. But like a master chemist Springs knows exactly the right serving of each to achieve maximum effect without going overboard. Nothing masturbatory here; every image serves a function and a purpose.

Lines like this are so simple yet brilliant that it's impossible to imagine it not becoming part of boxing phraseology:

Bert Lytell broke into the top ten of the middleweight division like a brick through a window.

For me, that's right up there with "Fighter A couldn't hit fighter B in the ass with a handful of rice". It's one for the ages.

"I wish the stage were as narrow as a tight rope so that no incompetent would dare walk on it." -- Goethe

I've shared this quote with you before. It could and should apply to boxing writing as well as theater. Writers like yourself further narrow that tightrope Mr. Goethe speaks of and we're all the better for it. Hopefully others will strive for this type of excellence.

Bravo Stonehands. My 10-plus years journey to unlocking the mysteries of Bert Lytell's life and career are finally over, thanks to you and your diligent research.

 

bravo!!!!!!! Sb

 

No, he deserves BETTER. The IBHOF inducts too many unworthies for me to take it seriously.

But all personal issues aside, yes he does deserve the honor.

 

Now who here besides me would like to see Stonehands, when he's had a break, tackle the mysterious Curtis "Hatchetman" Sheppard?

 

excellent SHs, really enjoyed that

 

Stoney,all the photos I have seen of Bert Lytell show him as an orthodox stance,
[left hand in front], yet he is listed as a southpaw on his resume. W as his posing for photos as an orthodox fighter, a ploy not to scare away opponents, who by and large
want no part of southpaws ?

 

Hey Stony,

Rumor has it, sorry adele, both boys boys in this tangle were gay.
If true neither fought like a girl that's for dang sure!!

Preview Woods Baffles Lytell to Win Garden Feature

Keane, Clif. Daily Boston Globe (1928-1960) [Boston, Mass] 09 June 1945: 2. ... Walter "Popeye" Woods, New York's antiquated clown, proved before 4859 at the
Popeye Woods Meets Bert Lytell Tonight in Garden Feature

Keane, Clif. Daily Boston Globe (1928-1960) [Boston, Mass] 08 June 1945: 16.

 

S, i once saw Walter "popeye" Woods walking down Stillman's gym steps with me. He was balding and never looked effeminate...Looked like a tough guy...

 

burt remember that pat you got in you can??
it was Popeye