AUgust 16, 1954: Sports Illustrated Hits The Newstands

     On August 16, 1954, Sports Illustrated hit the newsstands for the first time. The issue's cover featured Sports Illustrated. Milwaukee Braves slugger Eddie Mathews swinging the stick, while Wes Westrum of the New York Giants was crouched behind him awaiting a ball to hit his mitt in front of a capacity crowd at County Stadium in Milwaukee. While SI was not the first sports magazine to hit the newsstands it was magazine that brought about innovation in the industry of sports journalism. It became the preeminent magazine for sports fans, and because of that it is still in existence today. While evolution has changed the way we get information, the magazine is something I still enjoy. One my favorite things that SI has done for many years are the great photos that are featured in the first few pages of the publication. They are simply an appetizer for all of the great articles that are packed inside. Happy Birthday Sports Illustrated.