Art Rust Jr., author of the pioneering baseball book "Get That Ni--er Off The Field" and WABC sports talk radio host, died Tuesday at a hospital in Manhattan. He was 82. The cause of death was from complications of Parkinson’s disease, said his daughter, Suzanne Rust.
The aforementioned book, published in 1976, chronicled the history of the Negro Leagues with much first hand input from Rust's memories watching the great black stars play in New York City as a youngster. Rust also included interviews with some of the pioneers of integration including Roy Campanella, Monte Irvin and Don Newcombe.
New York City radio listeners were familiar with his WABC sports talk radio show, where he would have vivid exchanges with the callers on air. This style preceded the format that is popular with WFAN.
Rust would later collaborate with another New York favorite, Darryl Strawberry, producing "Darryl" in 1992. The book received much attention for Strawberry's outspoken opinions and Rust's fine writing.
To quote Rust's famous sign-off, "Yesterday is a canceled check, tomorrow is just a promissory note, today is the only time we have so spend it wisely. Goodnight, Edna baby."
More Info -
New York Times Obituary - New York Times
Art Rust Jr.: Black pioneer's middle name was George, never Tom - Michael Marley (Examiner.com)
Get That Ni--er Off The Field Book Review - David Nevard
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