Donald Bradman

From Wikiquote

I was never coached; I was never told how to hold a bat.

Sir Donald Bradman (27 August 1908 — 25 February 2001) also known as The Don was an Australian cricketer, generally acknowledged as the greatest batsman of all time.

[edit] Sourced

About the last thing I ever wanted in life was a knighthood, and even today some forty years after the event, I find it difficult to come to terms with a life where old and valued friends insist on calling me 'Sir' instead of Don, simply because they think it is protocol. But I have consciously shouldered these burdens because I felt that I was the medium through which cricket could achieve a higher status and gain maximum support from the people, not only in Australia but throughout the world.

If there is a threat to the game of cricket, that threat lies in the first class arena. One day cricket, especially day-night cricket, is here to stay.

I was never coached; I was never told how to hold a bat.

[edit] Quotes about Sir Donald Bradman (In Memoriam)

His love, generosity, humor and strong good sense will be very much missed.
- Son of John Bradman.

He was simply the best and I am very sad.
- Former England fast bowler Fred Truman.

He was the greatest, nobody will be anywhere near him. He was a hero to me as a young child and he remained a hero to me all of my life.
- Former Australian Prime Minister John Howard.

He was the greatest, nobody will be anywhere near him. He was a hero to me as a young child and he remained a hero to me all of my life.
John Howard

He was a great player and inspiration to millions of people including myself. His statistics are mind blowing and it's difficult to put in context -- he was a once-in-a-lifetime player and his contribution off the field is significant as well.
- Former Australian cricket Captain Steve Waugh.

He loved the game. He loved it for all the right reasons.
- Former teammate Sam Loxton.

Even when he got a duck he walked off the same way as if he'd got a hundred.
- Former Invincibles teammate Arthur Morris, on Bradman's unflappable character.

He showed that it was possible in Australia to be a young country boy, with no pretensions, someone who was a very promising country cricketer, who could then go on to play for Australia and captain Australia.
- Commentator and former Australian Captain Richie Benaud.

Here we are, 53 years after his last test match, still remembered and revered right around the world, and he leaves the game a lot better for his memory.
- Former Australian Captain Mark Taylor.

He was never overpowering with his deeds, he was meek in some ways and did not thrust it down people's throat. Today's players could learn a lot from him.
- Former England Captain Brian Close.

It is a massive blow for cricket. He had a gift. He had balance, saw the ball early and had a tremendous eye.
- Former Test Umpire Dickie Bird of Britain.

We're just lucky he was born an Australian.
- Former Australian Captain Bill Lawry.

[edit] Songs about Sir Donald Bradman

We're just lucky he was born an Australian.
Bill Lawry

[edit] Our Don Bradman

Lyrics from a song written by Jack O'Hagan (1930)

Who is it that all Australia raves about ?
Who has won our very highest praise ?
Now is it Amy Johnson, or little Mickey Mouse ?
No! it's just a country lad who's bringing down the house.

And he's Our Don Bradman - And I ask you is he any good ?
Our Don Bradman - As a batsman he can sure lay on the wood.
For when he goes in to bat
He knocks ev'ry record flat,
For there isn't any thing he cannot do,
Our Don Bradman - Ev'ry Aussie "dips his lid" to you.