Eliot's Vision for Harvard Athletics

Charles William Eliot (1834–1926), was an educator and long-time president of Harvard College(1869–1909). During his many years at Harvard, Charles W. Eliot frequently expressed reservations about sports. At one point, after a particularly successful baseball season, Eliot announced he was considering dropping the sport entirely.

When asked for an explanation, he replied, “Well, I’m told the team did well because one pitcher had a fine curveball. I understand a curveball is…