Lonnie Wheeler

Lonnie Wheeler was an American sportswriter and author best known for his collaborations with baseball legends and his insightful works on the sport. He co-wrote several acclaimed autobiographies, including "I Had a Hammer: The Hank Aaron Story" and "Stranger to the Game: The Autobiography of Bob Gibson," both of which highlighted the careers of Baseball Hall of Famers. His later works, such as "Pitch by Pitch," which chronicled Gibson's historic 1968 World Series performance, and "Intangiball," which explored the intangible qualities of baseball players, further cemented his reputation as a skilled chronicler of the game. Wheeler's contributions earned him multiple Casey Award nominations and the 2016 SABR Baseball Research Award.

A native of St. Louis, Wheeler began his journalism career in Missouri before studying at the University of Missouri. He worked for prominent newspapers such as "The Cincinnati Enquirer", "The Cincinnati Post", and "USA Today", eventually transitioning to freelance writing and authorship. Beyond baseball, Wheeler co-wrote memoirs like "Hard Stuff" with Detroit Mayor Coleman Young and "Street Soldier" with Omega Boys Club founder Joe Marshall. His versatility extended to college sports, as seen in "Blue Yonder," which delved into Kentucky basketball culture. Wheeler was posthumously inducted into the Greater Cincinnati Journalism Hall of Fame in 2022, honoring his enduring legacy in sports journalism.

Wheeler's writing often blended meticulous research with engaging storytelling, capturing both the technical and human elements of his subjects. His collaborations with iconic athletes provided readers with rare insights into their careers and personalities. Wheeler and his wife, Martie, raised three children in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he remained active in writing until his passing. His body of work continues to be celebrated for its depth, authenticity, and contribution to sports literature.