Professional wrestler, sports promoter, manager.
Born Theodosios Vetoyanis.
Wrestled professionally as a villain, from 1932 to his retirement in 1938. His wrestling weight was 300 lbs. He was known as "The Crying Greek from Cripple Creek." He retired after marrying Mildred Ella "Babe" Didrikson December 23, 1938; she died of cancer in 1956. He promoted wrestling matches in Colorado and managed Babe's golf games until her death. He also owned a cigar store in Denver. He was inducted into the Athletic Hellenic Hall of Fame, for Greek-American athletes. He was instrumental in the creation of the Associated Press' Woman Athlete of the Year award. George was a major benefactor of children's golf in Tampa Bay, Florida.
The 1975 T.V. movie "Babe" was based on their lives together.
"Husband of athlete Babe Zaharias dies" Published May 23, 1984 Beaumont Enterprise.
"Whatta Woman" Published March 10, 1947 The New York Times.
Born Theodosios Vetoyanis.
Wrestled professionally as a villain, from 1932 to his retirement in 1938. His wrestling weight was 300 lbs. He was known as "The Crying Greek from Cripple Creek." He retired after marrying Mildred Ella "Babe" Didrikson December 23, 1938; she died of cancer in 1956. He promoted wrestling matches in Colorado and managed Babe's golf games until her death. He also owned a cigar store in Denver. He was inducted into the Athletic Hellenic Hall of Fame, for Greek-American athletes. He was instrumental in the creation of the Associated Press' Woman Athlete of the Year award. George was a major benefactor of children's golf in Tampa Bay, Florida.
The 1975 T.V. movie "Babe" was based on their lives together.
"Husband of athlete Babe Zaharias dies" Published May 23, 1984 Beaumont Enterprise.
"Whatta Woman" Published March 10, 1947 The New York Times.
Professional wrestler, sports promoter, manager.
Born Theodosios Vetoyanis.
Wrestled professionally as a villain, from 1932 to his retirement in 1938. His wrestling weight was 300 lbs. He was known as "The Crying Greek from Cripple Creek." He retired after marrying Mildred Ella "Babe" Didrikson December 23, 1938; she died of cancer in 1956. He promoted wrestling matches in Colorado and managed Babe's golf games until her death. He also owned a cigar store in Denver. He was inducted into the Athletic Hellenic Hall of Fame, for Greek-American athletes. He was instrumental in the creation of the Associated Press' Woman Athlete of the Year award. George was a major benefactor of children's golf in Tampa Bay, Florida.
The 1975 T.V. movie "Babe" was based on their lives together.
"Husband of athlete Babe Zaharias dies" Published May 23, 1984 Beaumont Enterprise.
"Whatta Woman" Published March 10, 1947 The New York Times.
Born Theodosios Vetoyanis.
Wrestled professionally as a villain, from 1932 to his retirement in 1938. His wrestling weight was 300 lbs. He was known as "The Crying Greek from Cripple Creek." He retired after marrying Mildred Ella "Babe" Didrikson December 23, 1938; she died of cancer in 1956. He promoted wrestling matches in Colorado and managed Babe's golf games until her death. He also owned a cigar store in Denver. He was inducted into the Athletic Hellenic Hall of Fame, for Greek-American athletes. He was instrumental in the creation of the Associated Press' Woman Athlete of the Year award. George was a major benefactor of children's golf in Tampa Bay, Florida.
The 1975 T.V. movie "Babe" was based on their lives together.
"Husband of athlete Babe Zaharias dies" Published May 23, 1984 Beaumont Enterprise.
"Whatta Woman" Published March 10, 1947 The New York Times.
Gravesite Details
Thanks to CHERI GARDINER for the photo of the marker.
