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The art of sport

Fred Jeter | 2/25/2021, 6 p.m.
As a mere whippersnapper, I took a keen interest in watching sports, writing about sports and drawing pencil pictures at ...
Arthur Ashe Jr.: If someone was to ever make a list of Richmond’s all-time greatest athletes, they’d start with Mr. Ashe.

As a mere whippersnapper, I took a keen interest in watching sports, writing about sports and drawing pencil pictures at the kitchen table of my favorite sports figures.

Nothing has changed after all these decades.

Mr. Jeter

Mr. Jeter

From the Waynesboro High School Gold & Purple Glimpses (Class of 1968), to the Waynesboro News-Virginian, to the VCU Commonwealth Times, to Richmond Newspapers to the Richmond Free Press beginning in 2009, the passion remains.

I like to say I’ve written about just about everyone who has hit, thrown, rolled or bounced a ball anywhere in my path.

But that’s not all. Along the way, I have done hundreds of drawings—many of famous athletes and some of the not-so-famous.

In honor of Black History Month, here’s a small sampling I hope you will enjoy.

Wilt Chamberlain: A true colossus, “Wilt the Stilt” was bigger than life, towering above every one of his generation.

Wilt Chamberlain: A true colossus, “Wilt the Stilt” was bigger than life, towering above every one of his generation.

Bernard Harris: This VCU Ram once told me, “If you ain’t laughing, you ain’t living.” “Supernard” became “Benkku” in Finland, where he moved.

Bernard Harris: This VCU Ram once told me, “If you ain’t laughing, you ain’t living.” “Supernard” became “Benkku” in Finland, where he moved.

Frank Mason III: Emerged as a star at Petersburg High and never lost stride en route to the University of Kansas and the NBA.

Frank Mason III: Emerged as a star at Petersburg High and never lost stride en route to the University of Kansas and the NBA.

1948 players: Don Newcombe, Jackie Robinson, Roy Campanella and Larry Doby were the first Black All-Stars after starting careers in the Negro Leagues.

1948 players: Don Newcombe, Jackie Robinson, Roy Campanella and Larry Doby were the first Black All-Stars after starting careers in the Negro Leagues.

Hank Aaron: Some may surpass “The Hammer’s” home run totals. No one will ever surpass his style and grace.

Hank Aaron: Some may surpass “The Hammer’s” home run totals. No one will ever surpass his style and grace.