Today is a celebration of American athletics. Of American genius. Of American glory.
Count ’em – 600 or more. That’s right, folks – 600!
In the Olympics, the U.S. has won 600 more gold medals than Russia, its nearest competitor. In the NFL, Tom Brady threw his 600th touchdown pass in October 2021, the only quarterback ever to do so.
Only 20 NHL players have scored 600 or more goals, including Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemeiux, Brett Hall and Alex Overchkin. And just nine Major Leaguers have hit 600 or more home runs, including Barry Bonds, Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, Wille Mays and Sammy Sosa.
And now we come to today’s milestone. And you’re here to celebrate it.
This essay is the 601st “snack for the mind” served up by the 30SecondRead.com website. (The cheerleaders go ballistic!)
Quietly and methodically since the height of the pandemic in 2020, Editor/Coach Jeff Gauger has recruited a dynasty of work to rival any team in the sport.
Count ’em – 600 – and the future’s so bright, we have to wear ball caps. (And the crowd goes crazy!)
A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR: Thomas Gunning, my friend of 40 years and a fellow scribbler, pitched an essay marking publication of 30-Second Read’s 600th essay. I perhaps should have asked what, exactly, he’d write. Because, of course, 30-Second Read isn’t a towering sports franchise, and I’m less athletic than lettuce. Still, Tom’s essay is fun, and I appreciate his kind words. I appreciate his regular contributions even more. Thank you to Tom and to all 30-Second Read contributors.
– Jeff Gauger
Congrats on 600. That milestone is a guarantee for the Baseball Hall of Fame, unless you padded your work with performance-enhancing drugs and/or lied about it. Editor’s note: Alex Rodriguez hit 696. Ken Griffey Jr. hit 636. Only he, Hank, Babe and Willie really count. So don’t cheat on the 180-word limit! But the posting total is remarkable. Take a bow!
No, sir. I did not take performance-enhancing drugs. That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it. Thank you, Steve.