Bill Becker

Bill Becker (born November 10, 1916 in Chicago, IL USA) is an American journalist noted for his coverage of atomic tests, political campaigns, scientific advances, and major sporting events. He covered over 25 Rose Bowls and five World Series.

Education

Becker attended the College of the Pacific, now the University of the Pacific (UOP) in Stockton, CA. While there he played football under the legendary coach, Amos Alonzo Stagg.

Career

Following his graduation from the University of the Pacific, Becker started his journalism career at the Arizona Republic. In 1944 he joined the Associated Press and covered numerous atomic tests. In 1956 he began a long career at The New York Times which resulted in over 600 Times articles. In 1957 he spent five months in Antarctica as a Times reporter during the International Geophysical Year.

From 1964 through 1966 he worked as writer for Universal Studios, returning to journalism in 1966 as a science writer for Caltech’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, while continuing to cover major sporting events for the New York Times.

Awards

Becker was awarded the University of the Pacific’s Amos Alonzo Stagg Award of Merit in 2008.

Selected articles

Becker, Bill, Fiery Cloud Dims the Sun as ‘Medium” Rips Desert, Washington Post, October 29, 1951, page 1

Becker, Bill, 100 U.S. Scientists Briefed on International Geophysical Year, The New York Times Sep 17, 1957. pg. 18

Becker, Bill, Delays are Seen on Man in Space,; Von Braun and Others Cite Hazards -- Hit on Moon by Rocket Is Doubted , New York Times Nov 24, 1958. p. 15

Becker, Bill, X-15 Flies 2,650 M.P.H., Cracking Record; 9-Minute Desert Test Utilizes New Engine With Giant Thrust The New York Times Mar 8, 1961. p. 1

Becker, Bill, Angels Doing Well... Except at Gate; Coast Club Drawing Poorly but Autry Is Optimistic New York Times May 14, 1961. p. S2

Becker, Bill, U.S. A-bomb Test for Peaceful Use Frees Radiation; Vapor Cloud Escapes Cave in New Mexico Blast -- A.E.C. Doubts Danger New York Times Dec 11, 1961. p. 1

Becker, Bill, Stagg Gets a Nationwide Salute; President Is Among Well-Wishers for a Happy Birthday Grand Old Man of Football, Now 100, Still Speaks Out , The New York Times Aug 17, 1962. p. 15

Becker, Bill, Cuba Quarantine Is Urged By Nixon; He Proposes Kennedy Take 'Stronger Action' at Once The New York Times Sep 19, 1962. p. 1

Becker, Bill, Hoffa Testifies in Los Angeles; Barely Misses Robert Kennedy; The New York Times Feb 14, 1963. p. 4

Becker, Bill, Negroes on Coast March at Project; Say Developer Refuses to Sell Homes to Nonwhites New York Times Jun 30, 1963. p. 46

Becker, Bill, O. J. Simpson Goes From Goat to Hero With 9-Yard Run; New York Times Oct 20, 1968. p. S4