Richard-Cramer-Obituary

Richard Ben Cramer

Age 62

About

AGE
62

Obituary

WASHINGTON (AP) - Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Richard Ben Cramer, whose narrative non-fiction spanned presidential politics and the game of baseball, has died. He was 62.

His agent, Philippa Brophy, said Cramer died Monday at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore from complications of lung cancer. He lived with his wife, Joan, on Maryland's Eastern Shore.

Cramer earned the 1979 Pulitzer Prize for international reporting from the Middle East, a topic he returned to later in his career while with the Philadelphia Inquirer.

His other notable work included a best-selling biography of New York Yankees great Joe DiMaggio, an influential magazine profile of another baseball star, Ted Williams, and a critically acclaimed, behind-the-scenes account of the 1988 U.S. presidential race, "What It Takes: The Way to the White House."

Cramer was known for an in-depth reporting style that involved spending significant time with the subjects he prof iled and recreating scenes with vivid color and dialogue. His 1986 profile of Williams in Esquire magazine traced the arc of the hitter's career - including his personal relationships and feelings on fame - from early days to post-baseball life in the Florida Keys, where, Cramer wrote, locals might run into him at the tennis club, coffee bar or tackle shop.

"It was forty-five years ago, when achievements with a bat first brought him to the nation's notice, that Ted Williams began work on his defense. He wanted fame, and wanted it with a pure, hot eagerness that would have been embarrassing in a smaller man. But he could not stand celebrity. This is a bitch of a line to draw in America's dust," Cramer wrote.

His book on the 1988 presidential race delved into the lives and careers of the candidates, explaining how eventual winner George H.W. Bush had early in his political career resisted the urging by advisers to speak openly about his war record or the death of hi s young daughter from leukemia - personal topics he later discussed movingly during his presidential campaign.

His 2000 biography of DiMaggio, "Joe DiMaggio: The Hero's Life" made best-seller lists and offered a complex, multi-faceted portrayal of his life and career.


Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Guest Book

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As the bible says at Luke 43:23 we will see Richard in paradise

My sincere condolences to the whole family. Lynne, hope you remember me...Susan Allen (Gerber). I feel sadness or your family in the loss of your brother.

Wow! 62 years old is not that old at all, my mom was 62 yrs old when she fell asleep in death. I found relief the knowing that now she is at peace,and that one day soon she will live again,in a righteous new world.Ps.29:11

Mr. Cramer seemed like a person who lived his life to the fullest, Now he's asleep hoping to hear the words Lazarus heard when Jesus resurrected him saying "Lazarus come out" meaning from the grave. So rest in peace.

"Happy are those who mourn,since they will be comforted."matt 5:4,please take comfort in these words~~~~~~~~~~

Joan, Judy, and Lynne. We are saddened to learn of Richard"s death. He was an extraordinary person. We send our condolences to you and your families. Lois and Sidney Markus (Medical Arts 1960's)

May the God of comfort strengthens you and gives you peace as you go through this difficult time.

Dear Cramer family we are sorry for your loss.Make God your strength in the days ahead.