When you think of basketball players on Wheaties boxes, the image of Michael Jordan soaring across a vibrant orange background immediately springs to mind. Indeed, Jordan's repeated appearances have made him almost synonymous with the iconic "Breakfast of Champions."
However, long before Jordan ever laced up his sneakers, a trailblazing female athlete had already made her mark on those famous cereal boxes. Mildred "Babe" Didrikson Zaharias, a multi-sport legend, became the first basketball player to ever be featured on a Wheaties box back in 1934.
Call me Babe
She excelled in a remarkable range of sports from a young age and earned the nickname "Babe" after hitting five home runs in a single baseball game. Her feats on the baseball field reminded spectators of Babe Ruth, the legendary baseball player. This comparison led to her being called "Babe," a name that stuck with her throughout her illustrious career in sports.
Olympic & Golf Champion
By the time Babe graced the Wheaties cover, she had already captivated the world with her sporting endeavors. At the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics, she won two gold medals in the javelin throw and the 80-meter hurdles, and a silver medal in the high jump, setting world records that stood for decades.
Her success was not limited to the track; later in life she also dominated in golf, winning 10 LPGA major championships, was the first American to win the British Women's Amateur and to achieve a Grand Slam in women's golf.
Basketball & Wheaties
However, it was her prowess in basketball that catapulted her into Wheaties fame. After leaving high school, Babe earned a spot with the Golden Cyclones and soon led them to the AAU National Championship in 1931. Her skills on the basketball court were unparalleled, marked by her fierce competitiveness and strategic thinking. Post Olympics, she returned to basketball to headline a barnstorming team named the Babe Didrikson's All-Americans which toured the country beating all opponents.
Babe Didrikson's story is a poignant reminder of the power of media representation. Her image on a box of Wheaties, seen at breakfast tables across America, was a daily affirmation showing young girls and women everywhere that they too could aspire to be champions and that their achievements could and should be recognized on a national scale.
So move over Michael and make room for Babe Didrikson, the first basketball player to appear on a Wheaties box.