Spoiler (1957 politics, 1928 boxing)

[Bapopik at AOL.COM]

  Oh, all right, I'll talk about "spoiler" in this Sunday's NEW YORK TIMES "On Language" column.  It's before 1959 (political sense) and before the 1940s (sports), and it does appear to come from sports.
  Easier to check are "role of spoiler" or "spoiler role" with "election."  "Spoiler" was used first possibly in boxing.


(NEW YORK TIMES)
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/06/06/magazine/06ONLANGUAGE.html

Spoiler, a slashing word in politics, is apparently of recent vintage. When the conservative columnist William F. Buckley ran for mayor of New York against the liberal Republican John V. Lindsay in 1965, thereby splitting the expected vote against the Democrat, Abe Beame, The New York Times observed, ''William F. Buckley Jr., the Conservative nominee, has dropped any pretense that his role in the campaign is other than that of a spoiler.''
(...)
The word, in roughly its present political sense, may have come from sports. I recall from days in the Ebbets Field bleachers (but cannot find a citation for) its use in baseball in the 40's to describe a hitter who, in the final inning of a game, ''spoiled'' a pitcher's no-hitter by getting a hit. The O.E.D. has a 1948 item from The Baltimore Sun about boxing's Jersey Joe Walcott: ''In the language of the ring he is known as a 'spoiler,' the type of fighter who can make an opponent look bad but who can never look good himself.'' In 1950, The Sun's sports pages applied the word to pro football: ''In meeting San Francisco here . . . the Colts will get a crack at their biggest 'spoiler' of the past two seasons.''

Political etymologists need help. Earliest use I can find -- though not quite in the sought-after sense of ''vote splitter'' -- is by The Times's Anthony Lewis in 1959, who recounted a legislative maneuver of Senate Majority Leader Lyndon Johnson to outfox Democratic liberals: ''The Senator from Texas obviously enjoyed the role of spoiler hugely.''



(PROQUEST HISTORICAL NEWSPAPERS) ("spoiler" + "election" + "win")
1. FORGING HER OWN CHAINS; THE SOUTH BENT ON RE-ENTERING HER OLD CONDITION. Taking a Course That Threatens the Disruption of the Party to Which She Owes Her Political Freedom -- Making Probable by Her Blind Adherence to Free Coinage the Re-establishment of Negro Domi- nation and Military Rule.
New York Times (1857. Jun 28, 1896. p. 5 (1 page)
   ...the giving over of the South to the political spoiler.

2. District Boy Trails From Start of Bout; Italian Exhibits Speed; Torrance Technical K.O. Victim.
The Washington Post (1877-1954). Washington, D.C.: Aug 10, 1937. p. 15 (1 page):
   Murray Kasner, occupying his customary role of spoiler, marred the evening from Jack Torrance's viewpoint when he laid the retired Olympic shot-putter on the canvas at the end of the fifth round to win by a technical knockout.

3. KEATING IS TARGET OF CONSERVATIVES; Party Will Pick Candidate to Oppose Him in November KEATING IS TARGET OF CONSERVATIVES
By RONALD SULLIVAN. New York Times (1857-Current file). New York, N.Y.: Mar 26, 1964. p. 1 (2 pages)
Second page (Pg. 32, col. 2):  But perhaps most important, the Conservatives are looking to the future and, they hope, a stronger role in the selection of Republican candidates.  They are willing to play the role of a "spoiler--" lose an election, but win a future battle.


(PROQUEST HISTORICAL NEWSPAPERS) ("role of spoiler")
1. District Boy Trails From Start of Bout; Italian Exhibits Speed; Torrance Technical K.O. Victim.
The Washington Post (1877-1954). Washington, D.C.: Aug 10, 1937. p. 15 (1 page)

2. Busy Week Ahead for Heurich Five; Brewers Have Chance To Spoil Standsings Of League Leaders
The Washington Post (1877-1954). Washington, D.C.: Feb 26, 1939. p. X4 (1 page)

3. Cards Out To Avenge 1939 Defeat; Students Give Team Pep Rally; Bergman Sends Squad Through Drill
The Washington Post (1877-1954). Washington, D.C.: Oct 10, 1940. p. 22 (1 page)

4. FELLER TOPS YANKS WITH NO-HITTER, 1-0; Six Reach Base, 5 on Walks, as the Indians' Ace Hurls Classic for Second Time 38,112 THRILLED BY FEAT 11 New Yorkers Are Struck Out--Home Run by Hayes in Ninth Sets Back Bevens Bears Down All the Way Keller Ever Dangerous Gives Credit to Hayes Has Six One-Hitters
By LOUIS EFFRAT. New York Times (1857-Current file). New York, N.Y.: May 1, 1946. p. 41 (1 page)

5. SENATORS DEFEAT YANKS IN 12TH, 4-3; Newsom, Going Route for 4th Victory, Makes Winning Run on Vernon's Long Single BOMBERS GET 3 IN SECOND Chandler, Hurling 10 Innings, Fails to Maintain Lead and Murphy Loses in Relief Priddy's Fly Falls Safely Robinson Launches Attack Griffith Receives Citation
By LOUIS EFFRAT Special to THE NEW YORK TIMES.. New York Times (1857-Current file). New York, N.Y.: Aug 8, 1946. p. 32 (1 page)

6. Caps Face Celtics Here
The Washington Post (1877-1954). Washington, D.C.: Jan 29, 1947. p. 10 (1 page)

7. RANGERS TO MEET TORONTO TONIGHT; Blue Shirts Seeking Season's Third Victory Over Leaf Sextet in Garden Clash
New York Times (1857-Current file). New York, N.Y.: Dec 28, 1947. p. S4 (1 page)

8. Detroit Halts Cleveland by 4-3, Hutchinson Outpitching Lemon; Indians' Only Runs Off Tiger Righthander Counted on Homers by Doby, Keltner and Gordon -- Wakefield and Wertz Star
New York Times (1857-Current file). New York, N.Y.: Sep 25, 1948. p. 12 (1 page)

9. Hutch, Wertz Star In Detroit Victory; Indians Boot Chance for Lead
By Joe Reichler. The Washington Post (1877-1954). Washington, D.C.: Sep 25, 1948. p. 11 (2 pages)

10. Bruins Oppose Santa Clara in Battle of Spoilers Today; Unbeaten Uclans Favored to Dump Foes in Coliseum Gridiron Tussle
PAUL ZIMMERMAN. Los Angeles Times (1886-Current File). Los Angeles, Calif.: Oct 15, 1949. p. B1 (1 page)

14. Bladensburg Tries Role Of Spoiler
The Washington Post (1877-1954). Washington, D.C.: Nov 17, 1950. p. B8 (1 page)

15. Sports of The Times; Back to Fundamentals He Sees the Light Quick Switch
By ARTHUR DALEY. New York Times (1857-Current file). New York, N.Y.: Oct 25, 1951. p. 40 (1 page)

16. This Morning
With Shirley Povich. The Washington Post (1877-1954). Washington, D.C.: Nov 23, 1951. p. 13 (1 page)

17. Princeton Captures Eastern Basketball League Title by Defeating Columbia; LAST-PERIOD SURGE BEATS LIONS, 70-65 Princeton Erases Nine-Point Edge Rolled Up by Columbia in the Third Quarter CLINCHES N. C. A. A. BERTH Reutlinger, Emery and Cooper Star in Rally -- Tritschler Sets a Tiger Record
By JOSEPH M. SHEEHANSpecial to THE NEW YORK TIMES.. New York Times (1857-Current file). New York, N.Y.: Mar 13, 1952. p. 36 (1 page)

18. GIANTS HOPE TO USE LONG HERE SUNDAY; Menasco Available for Action on Defense Against Eagles in Polo Grounds Game
New York Times (1857-Current file). New York, N.Y.: Nov 25, 1953. p. 31 (1 page)

19. Eastern Hurts Wilson's Title Hopes, 73-65
By Dave Kelly Post Reporter. The Washington Post (1877-1954). Washington, D.C.: Feb 3, 1954. p. 15 (1 page)

20. CHAMPIONS DIVIDE; Yankees Beat Orioles, 3-1, After They Bow to Turley by 2-1 YANKS WIN BY 3-1 AFTER 2-1 DEFEAT
By JOSEPH M. SHEEHAN. New York Times (1857-Current file). New York, N.Y.: Jun 6, 1954. p. S1 (2 pages)

21. Sophomore Scores Two TDs Against Gamecocks; Maryland Beats South Carolina, 20-0
By Herb Heft Staff Reporter. The Washington Post and Times Herald (1954-1959). Washington, D.C.: Oct 31, 1954. p. C1 (2 pages)

22. Ramos Will Try to Halt Chisox for Nats Tonight
By Bob Addie Staff Reporter. The Washington Post and Times Herald (1954-1959). Washington, D.C.: Jul 29, 1955. p. 35 (1 page)

23. Nats Turn Attention to Last-Place Baltimore
By Bob Addie Staff Reporter. The Washington Post and Times Herald (1954-1959). Washington, D.C.: Aug 9, 1955. p. 11 (1 page)

24. Porterfield Tries to Beat Yanks Today
By Bob Addie Staff Reporter. The Washington Post and Times Herald (1954-1959). Washington, D.C.: Sep 2, 1955. p. 31 (1 page)

25. Piazza Ties It on Pass To Comacho
By Jerry Davis Staff Reporter. The Washington Post and Times Herald (1954-1959). Washington, D.C.: Nov 5, 1956. p. A16 (2 pages)

26. Elis Can Win Title in Ivy League
By Shirley Povich Staff Reporter. The Washington Post and Times Herald (1954-1959). Washington, D.C.: Nov 24, 1956. p. A10 (1 page)

27. This Morning...
With Shirley Povich. The Washington Post and Times Herald (1954-1959). Washington, D.C.: Nov 14, 1957. p. D1 (1 page)

28. LINCOLN ROAD WINS; 2-5 CHOICE FIRST Lincoln Road Captures Jersey Stakes, First Victory of 1958 LINCOLN ROAD, 2-5, SCORES IN JERSEY
By LOUIS EFFRATSpecial to The New York Times.. New York Times (1857-Current file). New York, N.Y.: May 25, 1958. p. S1 (2 pages)

29. SENATORS ENJOY MOMENT OF AMITY; But the Era of Good Feeling Fails to Outlast Opening Prayer and Ritual
By ANTHONY LEWISSpecial to The New York Times.. New York Times (1857-Current file). New York, N.Y.: Jan 8, 1959. p. 15 (1 page)

(MENTIONED IN TODAY'S "ON LANGUAGE" COLUMN--ed.)

30. Drysdale Gets Call Tonight Against Phils
FRANK FINCH. Los Angeles Times (1886-Current File). Los Angeles, Calif.: Sep 9, 1959. p. C1 (1 page)

31. Eagles Out to 'Get Les Richter' Because of Van Brocklin Feud
CAL WHORTON. Los Angeles Times (1886-Current File). Los Angeles, Calif.: Nov 21, 1959. p. A3 (1 page)

32. ANAHEIM CAGERS NOW TOP LEAGUE; Santa Ana's Forfeit of Games Played by L. J. Wheeler Alters Standings
Los Angeles Times (1886-Current File). Los Angeles, Calif.: Feb 4, 1960. p. D8 (1 page)

33. County's Spikers to Clash at OCC; Santa Ana Probable Choice to Take Triangular Meet Honors
Los Angeles Times (1886-Current File). Los Angeles, Calif.: Mar 24, 1960. p. D10 (1 page)

34. Diablos Take on Role of Spoilers
Los Angeles Times (1886-Current File). Los Angeles, Calif.: Feb 16, 1961. p. F12 (1 page)

35. YALE, VILLANOVA I.C.4-A FAVORITES; Elis Rely on Stack, Carroll and Mack in Title Track at Garden Tonight
By DEANE McGOWEN. New York Times (1857-Current file). New York, N.Y.: Mar 11, 1961. p. 16 (1 page)

36. Minnesota Beaten, 5-3; 3 ORIOLE HOMERS TOPPLE TWINS, 5-3
New York Times (1857-Current file). New York, N.Y.: Sep 23, 1962. p. 199 (2 pages)

37. Orioles Win, Twins' Hopes About Over
The Washington Post, Times Herald (1959-1973). Washington, D.C.: Sep 23, 1962. p. C3 (1 page)

38. Spoiler Tribe Out to Upset USC Today
PAUL ZIMMERMAN. Los Angeles Times (1886-Current File). Los Angeles, Calif.: Nov 10, 1962. p. A1 (1 page)

39. U.N. Border Mission
The Washington Post, Times Herald (1959-1973). Washington, D.C.: Jun 7, 1964. p. E6 (1 page):
   The interesting point is that two of the countries which often have played the role of spoilers in SOutheast Asia found themselves able to contribute, or to allow, a temporary balm.

40. Senator Luce?
New York Times (1857-Current file). New York, N.Y.: Aug 7, 1964. p. 28 (1 page):
   While Mr. Goldwater and his national managers are engaged in hot pursuit of party harmony among all Republicans, the Conservative party in New York--which, if that is possible, stands to the right of the G. O. P. Presidential nominee--seems bent on playing the role of spoiler.  By running a third-party candidate against Representative John V. Lindsay in Manhattan's 17th District and by proposing to nominate its own substitute for Mr. Keating, it may without any logical expectation of electing anybody still chip away enough normally Republican votes to give the Democrats a victory.


(WWW.NEWSPAPERARCHIVE.COM) ("role of spoiler" + "election")
Holland Evening Sentinel - 8/27/1957
...an outside chance OF playing the ROLE OF "SPOILER" for a second time. Be ran.....more solid control OF the Senate. ELECTION OF Kohler would put Republii..
Holland, Michigan   Tuesday, August 27, 1957  829 k
Pg. 6, col. 1:  Running independently are Howard Boyle, a "McCarthy Republican;" Mrs. Georgia Cozzini and Douglas Wheaton.
   Boyle was given an outside chance of playing the role of "spoiler" for a second time.
   he ran in the Republican Senate primary in 1956 as a backer of McCarthy and drew 19,800 votes.  Boyle's total hurt the chances of Former Rep. Glenn R. (Col. 2--ed.) Davis, who lost to Sen. Alexander Wiley by 10,000 votes in that race.

Walla Walla Union Bulletin - 4/19/1948
...has an excellent chance to play the ROLE OF SPOILER when he neets world.....Umapine high school ;tudent body held ELECTION OF OFficers Friday with Fred..
Walla Walla, Washington   Monday, April 19, 1948  934 k

Lowell Sun - 11/3/1965
...the Conservative candidate cast in the ROLE OF SPOILER OF Lindsay's bid in a.....Buckley did achieve one OF his ELECTION goals in that his 13 per cent..
Lowell, Massachusetts   Wednesday, November 03, 1965  743 k

Valley Independent - 10/2/1964
...District Teams Rostraver Eyes ROLE OF SPOILER It took Rostraver High.....the State Legislature in the November ELECTION. "Consequently, they indirectly..
Monessen, Pennsylvania   Friday, October 02, 1964  729 k

Valley Independent - 1/11/1965
...performance and ahead to playing the ROLE OF SPOILER in the Western Division.....0-L 'Sparks' Slated To Meet Tonight ELECTION OF OFficers will highlight a..
Monessen, Pennsylvania   Monday, January 11, 1965  772 k

East Liverpool Review - 1/10/1951
...Steubenville's Big Red, who played the ROLE OF "SPOILER" last The defending.....and Birkholz. Also on the schedule Is ELECTION OF one director. William Murray..
East Liverpool, Ohio   Wednesday, January 10, 1951  511 k

Hawarden Independent - 10/15/1953
...the week before, they played the ROLE OF SPOILER for the second time in.....OF the Independent party seeking ELECTION November 3 over the other..
Hawarden, Iowa   Thursday, October 15, 1953  835 k


(WWW.NEWSPAPERARCHIVE.COM) ("spoiler" + "baseball"/"fighter")
Coshocton Tribune - 6/20/1928
...the title. Risko is known rather as a SPOILER of good fighter than an.....and Emniett. Reilly, zanesville's BASEBALL boss, standing pat .on their..
Coshocton, Ohio   Wednesday, June 20, 1928  1013 k

Coshocton Tribune - 12/27/1929
...10 via knockouts. Ribio, citibbed the -SPOILER" as a result of his habit of.....to one's success but. then, BASEBALL clubs never were distinguished..
Coshocton, Ohio   Friday, December 27, 1929  695 k

Coshocton Tribune - 12/11/1930
...going nowhere; the lion-hearted "SPOILER." Johnny Risko of Cleveland is.....Sticker Solution By EDDIE BYAN BASEBALL, that great national pastime..
Coshocton, Ohio   Thursday, December 11, 1930  779 k

Appleton Post Crescent - 3/30/1931
...ring-time tonight. Risko, called the "SPOILER" because he has ruined the title.....respects were paid by '.scores of BASEBALL magnates and friends. The body..
Appleton, Wisconsin   Monday, March 30, 1931  1077 k

Bee - 2/25/1933
...to take the 'Baker Boy' Still 'SPOILER' of Heavywight Contenders by.....nlghways, I am beginning to take my BASEBALL seriously. Have decided to play..
Danville, Virginia   Saturday, February 25, 1933  705 k

Bismarck Tribune - 3/29/1933
...March (fi Johnny Risko, the "Old SPOILER" of heavyweight championship.....Dale Gear. i A meeting of Dickinson BASEBALL enGear Wednesday said Des..
Bismarck, North Dakota   Wednesday, March 29, 1933  644 k

News - 6/28/1933
...have to run triplehave said, the mere BASEBALL changes, I BASEBALL down in the.....of Niagara, Alls ssaadog OB ibe old SPOILER. tbe baata yellisg. as a great..
Frederick, Maryland   Wednesday, June 28, 1933  626 k