Biography: sport Books

Book SynopsisAfter 19 seasons in the major leagues, all with a single team—a feat few athletes in today’s modern sport can match—Mariano Rivera closes out his career with the New York Yankees at the conclusion of the 2013 season. New York’s much-loved closer retires as baseball’s all-time leader in saves, ERA, and appearances, and he holds the Yankees’ single-season saves record as well. Few could have predicted when the Yankees brought Rivera up to the majors in 1995 that he would one day hold the record for most career games pitched with a single team. Rivera did much more than lead by example; he powered his team to five World Series championships: 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2009. Celebrate Mo’s amazing career with this full-color pictorial keepsake packed with unique images and exemplary writing from New York’s award-winning newspaper, the New York Post.

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Book SynopsisThis biography of Joe Paterno by his son Jay is an honest and touching look at the life and legacy of a beloved coaching legend. Jay Paterno paints a full picture of his father’s life and career as well as documenting that almost none of the horrific crimes that came to light in 2012 took place at PennState. Jay Paterno clear-headedly confronts the events that happened with cool facts and with passion, demonstrating that this was just one more case of an innocent man convicted by the media for a crime in which he had no part. Noting that the scandal itself was but a short moment in Joe Paterno’s life and legacy, the book focuses on Paterno’s greatness as a father and grandfather, his actions as a miraculous coach to his players, and his skillful dealings with his assistant coaches. A memorial to one of the greatest coaches in college football history, the book also reveals insightful anecdotes from his son and coaching pupil.

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Book SynopsisJohnny Unitas is widely considered the finest quarterback ever to play the game. Much has been written about his life, but for the first time, Unitas’s son, John, writes about his father and reveals information about his family and father’s career that has never before been brought to light. For anyone who holds an interest in either Unitas’s life or NFL history, John Unitas Jr.’s revealing and touching biography honoring the life and times of his father is a must-read. It sheds light on the character and convictions of the man who has lived on in NFL history, both on and off the field, offering clues to what made him the man and the player he was.

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Book SynopsisIn 2007, after collapsing on a practice field at the Nike campus, champion marathoner Alberto Salazar's heart stopped beating for 14 minutes. Over the crucial moments that followed, rescuers administered CPR to feed oxygen to his brain and EMTs shocked his heart eight times with defibrillator paddles. He was clinically dead. But miraculously, Salazar was back at the Nike campus coaching his runners just nine days later.Salazar had faced death before, but he survived that and numerous other harrowing episodes thanks to his raw physical talent, maniacal training habits, and sheer will, as well as—he strongly believes—divine grace.In 14 Minutes, Salazar chronicles in spellbinding detail how a shy, skinny Cuban-American kid from the suburbs of Boston was transformed into the greatest marathon runner of his era. For the first time, he reveals his tempestuous relationship with his father, a former ally of Fidel Castro; his early running life in high school with the Greater Boston Track Club; his unhealthy obsession to train through pain; the dramatic wins in New York, Boston, and South Africa; and how surviving 14 minutes of death taught him to live again.Trade Review“14 Minutes is an inspirational account of a man who has fought with the Grim Reaper and won. Since he put on his first pair of running shoes, Alberto Salazar has been defying the odds. Through his memoir, people have the privilege to get to know this truly great man and walk away with a renewed appreciation for life.” —Lance Armstrong, cancer survivor and 7-time Tour de France champion“A World Record holder who prided himself on his focus, inner drive, and admitted obsession with detail almost loses a race he never thought he'd enter: the one against time. How and why did Alberto survive for 14 minutes with no pulse? His quest to intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually answer these questions gave me a wonderful glimpse inside the mind of this elite marathoner.” —Frank Shorter, Olympic gold medalist, marathon, 1972 “Alberto Salazar has lived a remarkable life—two lives, actually—and this engrossing book does justice to them both, knitting miraculous victories with mysterious declines, and the blind ferocity of competition with the clarity of death. It is a story about running, but it is also about faith, grit, and the importance of chasing something larger than ourselves.” —David Willey, editor-in-chief, Runner’s World“I've known Alberto Salazar since he was a high school runner, but 14 Minutes opened my eyes to who he really is, what he values most, and why he aimed so high. I always felt Alberto had ‘heart' and this book proves it. It's a terrific read!” —Bill Rodgers, Boston and New York City Marathon champion“A dramatic account of the risks and rewards of top-level long-distance running.” —Kirkus Reviews

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Book SynopsisRare is the athlete who captures the imagination of a generation. In Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle, sports culture had two such figures. Undoubtedly, DiMaggio and Mantle are two of the most revered names in baseball literature. However, there is one particular moment that has been overlooked by baseball historians and writers: the 1951 pennant-winning New York Yankees team—DiMaggio's last year and Mantle's rookie season. For that one year, the paths of these two baseball icons converged, the naissance of Mantle's career poignantly juxtaposed with the slow descent of DiMaggio's final season. Strangers in the Bronx is more than a chronicle of a World Series–winning team, it is also a study of heroes: the decline of an all-too mortal American icon and the emergence of the newest sensation in sport.

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Book SynopsisIn this revealing biography, the exhaustive research of acclaimed sports historian Carlo DeVito sheds new light on football coaching legend Bill Parcells, exposing the two-time Super Bowl–winning coach's moxie and lifelong dedication to football. The book digs deep into Parcells' past to unlock the secrets of what made him who he is today, following him from his childhood, through 15 years of college coaching, to his first big chance in the pros and the year that almost broke him. With more than 3,000 interviews, newspaper and magazine articles, and scores of primary resources, DeVito's book brings Parcells to life as readers have never seen him before.

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Book SynopsisAfter 20 major league seasons—all with the New York Yankees—Derek Jeter is hanging up his spikes at the conclusion of the 2014 campaign. The Yankees’ captain since 2003, the shortstop is considered the greatest Yankee of his generation. Jeter’s Yankees teams won five World Series, including three in a row in 1998, 1999, and 2000. The all-time postseason leader in hits, doubles, and triples, Jeter earned the nickname “Captain Clutch” for his game-changing performances during the Yankees’ championship era. Through stories and powerful images from the pages of the New York Times, Derek Jeter: Excellence and Elegance celebrates the career of this New York icon from Jeter’s debut in 1995 through his final game in 2014. This full-color pictorial keepsake also features an introduction by Tyler Kepner, the Times’ award-winning baseball reporter.

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Book SynopsisAn inside look at the University of Michigan’s football program from the man who was the team’s equipment manager for more than four decades Forty years ago, Michigan equipment manager Jon Falk began his legacy, becoming a living encyclopedia of Michigan football tradition and history. Hired by Bo Schembechler in 1974, the now retired Falk shares his firsthand, inside stories from in the locker room, on the sideline, and on the road with one of college football’s most storied institutions. He may not be as well known as the Big House or the Little Brown Jug, but among coaches, players, and a good portion of the Michigan football faithful, Jon Falk has fashioned a lively legend of his own. Falk’s recollections connect the past and present to highlight the importance of the relationships created during the best four years of any college player’s life and it’s those relationships that drive the Wolverines to success.

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Book SynopsisBen Hogan’s accomplishments on the golf course are the stuff of legends, but his life off it was exceedingly private. In this biography, author Tim Scott demonstrates why such public perception was not representative of Hogan’s personality, offering a firsthand glimpse into the famous golfer’s humor and sensitivity. Hogan wasn’t perfect, and many of his fine qualities were never made public until now, as Tim Scott shares his personal experience with Hogan as well as Hogan’s friends, family, and acquaintances. Along the way, a clearer picture emerges of Hogan as a man, a golfer, a friend, and a husband.

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Book SynopsisAn autobiography of one of the greatest players in New England Patriots history Spotlighting a New England sports icon, this autobiography chronicles the extraordinary life and career of Troy Brown, the talented athlete who played 15 seasons with the New England Patriots. Brown demonstrates how his grit, hustle, and hard work endeared him to a generation of football fans. Brown's past is explored, relating how he made it through college and into the pros despite being given up on several times. His years with the Patriots are documented in detail, covering what it was like to play for Coach Belichick, why Tom Brady has been so successful, and the secrets behind his three Super Bowl wins. Traveling from his younger years in South Carolina through his college career in West Virginia and to the pinnacle of the NFL, this inspirational, rags-to-riches sports memoir will entertain, inform, and inspire football fans of all stripes, especially the hundreds of thousands of fans who support the Patriots—one of the most successful franchises in the league.

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Book SynopsisA former NFL ref and acclaimed rules expert shares his insights and thoughts on the rules of the sport Only recently in the world of NFL media have “rules experts” become an essential part of a fan’s viewing experience. As the league continues to implement rule changes that have more and more of an impact on games and, sometimes, the final outcome, it’s become imperative that fans understand the rules and how they’re applied. But often, they need help. Mike Pereira, hired by Fox Sports in 2010 as the rules expert for both the NFL and college football, was not only the first to rise to prominence in the role, but he is consistently lauded as being the best by his peers and even rival media networks. Viewers have come to rely on Pereira, the former vice president of NFL officiating, to provide entertaining, informative, and reliable explanations of the league’s often baffling and controversial rulings during games. Now, Pereira digs a little deeper and gives NFL fans and casual viewers alike insight into NFL rules, their applications, and some of the most controversial calls in recent memory, in terms both can understand. In this book, Pereira draws on professional experience and his personal life, both his years of work at the pinnacle of the officiating world and his upbringing as the child of longtime official, Al Pereira.

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Book SynopsisIn this honest, no-nonsense book by one of the greatest American stars the NHL has ever known, Jeremy Roenick showcases his skill as a hockey storyteller In his one-of-a-kind way, Roenick shares stories from his 20-year career with the Chicago Blackhawks, Phoenix Coyotes, Philadelphia Flyers, Los Angeles Kings, and San Jose Sharks, providing an inside perspective on the oddities of life as a pro athlete. He explains why he openly considered the pros and cons of fighting a fan, opens up about tales of partying on road trips, and even how he became friends with former Vice President Dan Quayle. In one chapter, Roenick lends the pen to his wife, Tracy, to tell her side of the story. Nothing is held back as J. R. reveals his opinions about teammates, opponents, and the future of the game.

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Book SynopsisFew athletes become as synonymous with their town as Doug Buffone was with Chicago. Though he came from the hard hills of Pennsylvania, he came to embody everything Chicagoans love. Doug was taken too young, passing away suddenly on April 20, 2015, shortly after finishing this book with famed sportscaster Chet Coppock. Doug’s was a life well-lived—he was tough enough for Papa Bear George Halas and never afraid to speak his mind. Doug Buffone lived life his way and pulled no punches. He grew up in Yatesboro, Pennsylvania, and found his way to the Chicago Bears by way of the Louisville Cardinals. And even though he played with Hall of Famers like Dick Butkus and Gale Sayers, Doug never experienced championships as he battled through the brutal NFL of the 1970s. But in many ways it was after his career that Doug achieved greatness, because that’s when the radio introduced us to the fiery, hilarious “Uncle Doug” that we all came to love. He felt each Bears win and loss with to-the-bone passion. He lived his life fully and in his book you will find unbelievable stories of celebrities and superstars, of fights and camaraderie and crazy nights, of a man who lived his life his way.

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Book SynopsisA tribute to Ernie Banks, regarded by some as one of the greatest baseball players of all timeChicago will never forget Ernie Banks’s ever-present smile and trademark, “Let’s play two." The Cubs’ beloved #14 passed away on January 23, 2015 at the age of 83. The Chicago Cubs’ first African American player was an 11-time All-Star and two-time National League Most Valuable Player. He finished with 512 home runs and had 1,636 RBIs, earning induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977. In this tribute to the legendary Cub that features nearly 100 images, Triumph Books partners with the Chicago Tribune to celebrate Banks's Chicago legacy and all that he meant to baseball fans in the city.

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Book SynopsisThe Princess of Darkness. Former NFL team executive Amy Trask has held many titles during her career – including chief executive, analyst, and author – but this nickname is what she is first and foremost known by to Raiders fans. Trask joined the Raiders as an intern during law school after the team moved from Oakland to Los Angeles – the position the result of a cold call she made to the team. From there, she worked her way up through the ranks of the organization, to the post she would eventually hold as chief executive. Along the way, Trask worked extremely closely with the late Al Davis, a man who treated her and others on his team without regard to gender, race, and age. Trask may have been the highest-ranking female executive in the NFL during her tenure with the Raiders, but in You Negotiate Like a Girl: Reflections on a Career in the National Football League, she shares how she found success by operating without regard to gender. Replete with insider tales about being part of the Raiders' front office, behind the closed doors of NFL owners meetings, and Davis himself, Trask's book is a must-read not only for football fans, but anyone who wants to succeed in business.

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Book SynopsisThe Crimson Tide have won 16 national championships (more than any other school), produced more than 100 All-Americans, and sent more than 200 players to the NFL. Alabama is arguably the most successful and most prestigious college football program in history, shaped by proud players wearing the Crimson and White and molded by hugely successful coaches. In Crimson Nation, Voice of the Crimson Tide Eli Gold shares what he sees as the greatest moments that shaped the Alabama football program. Recalling everything from the beginning of radio broadcasting to the four recent national championships under Nick Saban, this book gives a private look into Bama football. It’s all here and told as only Eli Gold can tell it.

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Book SynopsisOne of the greatest pitchers of his generation, Tom Glavine delivered the defining moment of the Atlanta Braves’ 1990s dynasty. Glavine took the Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium mound for Game 6 of the 1995 World Series and allowed just one hit as the Braves won 1–0 to clinch Atlanta’s first, and only, World Series title. Glavine captured the World Series MVP trophy and the hearts of Braves fans forever. In Inside Pitch, the left-hander tells the story that led up to this moment of glory and countless others in a Hall of Fame career that spanned 22 seasons. Glavine provides an in-depth look at the Braves’ glory years, including his friends and fellow Cy Young Award winners Greg Maddux and John Smoltz and manager Bobby Cox. Glavine also shares memories of teammates from Deion Sanders to Chipper Jones and of playing for owner Ted Turner. He also tells his own story from growing up in a working-class family, pushing himself to succeed and his decision to turn down a chance to play pro hockey, opting for baseball instead. He describes his 300th win, his election to baseball’s Hall of Fame, and his later seasons with the New York Mets before returning to close out his career with the Braves. Fans of the Braves, and of baseball, will love Glavine's book. It is filled with all the drama and inspiration that make the game America’s passion.

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Book SynopsisAlready a superstar in the MMA and entertainment worlds, Ronda Rousey's devastating 34-second KO of Bethe Correia vaulted her into the mainstream like never before. From her undefeated exploits in The Octagon to appearing on the cover of Sports Illustrated to starring in blockbuster film Furious 7, Rousey is the preeminent combination of athletic and pop culture stardom. Rowdy Rousey: Ronda Rousey's Fight to the Top is the ultimate tribute to this multi-talented powerhouse. Including nearly 100 full-color photographs, fans are provided a glimpse into this star's life - from her days as a young Judo champion at the Olympics to her ascent to the top of MMA as the UFC champion. This keepsake also explores Rousey's vast success outside of the ring through acting, modeling and interacting with her great fans, and looks ahead to her upcoming film roles and future UFC blockbuster fights.

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Book SynopsisAaron Rodgers is the best quarterback in the NFL, one of the faces of the league and already a Packers legend, but his journey to the top was far from easy. Rodgers has gone on to win a Super Bowl and Super Bowl MVP award, has twice been voted NFL MVP and has placed himself directly on the path to the Hall of Fame. Including dozens of full-color photographs, fans are provided a glimpse into Rodgers’ life. Written by heralded Packers scribe Rob Reischel, this keepsake is sure to inspire and entertain Packers and football fans alike.

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Book SynopsisJ.J. Watt is the best defensive player in the NFL, one of the faces of the league and has a larger-than-life personality to boot, but his journey to the top was far from easy. Watt burst on to the scene with multiple NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards and placed himself directly on the path to NFL super-stardom. Including nearly 100 full-color photographs, fans are provided a glimpse into Watt’s life–from his days as an unheralded college recruit to his journey to the top of the sport with the Houston Texans. This keepsake also explores Watt’s vast popularity off the gridiron through acting, community service, and charity work, and celebrates the man who truly embodies his motto: Dream Big, Work Hard.

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Book SynopsisFor more than three decades, the New York Giants have been one of the most competitive teams in the National Football League, winning four Super Bowls and eight conference championships in that time. Now, Lawrence Taylor—Hall of Fame player and consummate Giant—teams up with William Wyatt to tell the stories of the Giants’ most memorable players and coaches, including Bill Parcells, Rays Perkins, Carl Banks, Harry Carson, and Gary Reasons to name but a few. In My Giant Life, Taylor looks back at the best games, best moments, and behind-the-scenes stories of the men who played and coached for the team.

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Book SynopsisAn elite pass rusher who was in the prime of his career, Charles Haley was traded from the San Francisco 49ers to an NFC rival, the Dallas Cowboys. Why would they make such a trade? The 49ers did so because Haley had become so difficult for teammates and coaches alike. It turns out that he acted this way because he had bipolar disorder. Haley, a Hall of Famer and the only NFL player who earned five Super Bowl rings, documents what it was like suffering from that condition and how he overcame it. He details what it was like to play for two championship organizations and the fights, transgression, and squabbles that marked his career.

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Book SynopsisWhen University of Minnesota football coach Jerry Kill stepped down due to health concerns in October 2015, he said, “I can’t do what I love doing anymore.” What Kill loved doing, and did remarkably well, was turn around college football programs. In this book Coach Kill shares for the first time his inspirational, thought-provoking, and heartwarming story, from his early years playing for and working under Dennis Franchione to guiding the Gophers to a New Year’s Day bowl game and being named Big Ten Coach of the Year. Kill describes his dedication to his players, how he drove them, and made them into disciplined and inspired football players. Readers will also learn about Kill’s work to bring awareness to cancer and epilepsy.

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Book SynopsisWith 14 All-Star appearances, 13 Gold Gloves, a Most Valuable Player Award, and, of course, a World Series ring, Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez has more than earned his spot in Cooperstown as one of the best Major League catchers of all time. In They Call Me Pudge, Rodriguez tells the story of his unforgettable baseball journey, from signing his first professional contract as a 16 year-old in Puerto Rico, to his years in Texas, Detroit, and beyond, to the World Series stage in Miami, and behind the doors of the Texas Rangers front office. Rodriguez's accomplishments, his teammates, and his biggest challenges all receive time in the spotlight in this refreshing memoir of a life and Hall-of-Fame career.

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Book SynopsisFor more than a decade, Tim Raines patrolled left field for the nascent Montreal Expos, igniting the powder keg of what would become one of the most innovative, entertaining, and talented teams of the modern era. Raines, nicknamed “Rock,” hit and stole his way into the hearts of baseball fans across North America. The seven-time all-star tore through the Expos record books before moving on to the Chicago White Sox, New York Yankees, Oakland Athletics, Baltimore Orioles, and Florida Marlins, ultimately earning three World Series rings. And now Raines sit on the cusp of entering Major League Baseball’s Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. But it wasn’t always easy playing for the upstart Montreal Expos or being Tim Raines. Raines' performance dipped in 1982, and at the end of the season, Raines entered treatment for substance abuse for cocaine addiction. To avoid leaving the drug in his locker, Raines would carry it in his hip pocket, and would slide headfirst when stealing bases. He used cocaine before games, in his car, after games, and on some occasions between innings in the clubhouse. Raines would later testify at the infamous Pittsburgh drug trials, in September 1985, and would ultimately resume his career at a high level and once again become one of baseball’s brightest stars, on and off the field. This memoir entails the life and playing career of one of the sport’s all-time greatest leaders and personalities, an honest, raw, and compelling tale of triumph and redemption.

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Book SynopsisDuring his nearly 50 years of sportswriting, including 28 at Sports Illustrated, readers of Dr. Z came to expect a certain alchemical, trademark blend: words which were caustic and wry, at times self-deprecating or even puzzling, but always devilishly smart with arresting honesty. A complex package, that's the Doctor. The one-time sparring partner of Ernest Hemingway, Paul Zimmerman is one of the modern era's groundbreaking football minds, a man who methodically charted every play while generating copious notes, a human precursor to the data analytics websites of today. In 2008, Zimmerman had nearly completed work on his personal memoirs when a series of strokes left him largely unable to speak, read, or write. Compiled and edited by longtime SI colleague Peter King, these are the stories he still wants to see told. Dr. Z’s memoir is a rich package of personalities, stories never shared about such characters as Vince Lombardi, Walter Payton, Lawrence Taylor, and Johnny Unitas. Even Joe Namath, with whom Zimmerman had a legendary and well-documented 23-year feud, saw fit to eventually unburden himself to the remarkable scribe. Also included are Zimmerman's encounters with luminaries and larger-than-life figures outside of sports, notably Donald Trump, Rupert Murdoch, and Hunter S. Thompson. But not to be missed are Zimmerman's quieter observations on his own life and writing, witticisms and anecdotes which sway between the poignant and hilarious. No matter the topic, Dr. Z: the Lost Memoirs of an Irreverent Football Writer proves essential, compelling reading for sports fans old and new.

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Book SynopsisSpotlighting a New England sports icon, this autobiography chronicles the extraordinary life and career of Troy Brown, the talented athlete who played 15 seasons with the New England Patriots. Brown demonstrates how his grit, hustle, and hard work endeared him to a generation of football fans. Brown's past is explored, relating how he made it through college and into the pros despite being given up on several times. His years with the Patriots are documented in detail, covering what it was like to play for Coach Belichick, why Tom Brady has been so successful, and the secrets behind his three Super Bowl wins. Traveling from his younger years in South Carolina through his college career in West Virginia and to the pinnacle of the NFL, this inspirational, rags-to-riches sports memoir will entertain, inform, and inspire football fans of all stripes, especially the hundreds of thousands of fans who support the Patriots—one of the most successful franchises in the league. This new paperback edition features an additional afterword on the Patriots' unforgettable 2016 championship season and Super Bowl LI victory.

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Book SynopsisThroughout his 13-year professional and collegiate career, Braylon Edwards has heard all the talk—that he's only out for himself, only about the money; he’s a bust, a bad guy, a troublemaker, a typical wide receiver who doesn’t get it. He's also heard the cheering fans singing "The Victors" after victories in the Big House and cherished the smiles he saw in the crowd. Now, for the first time, the misunderstood receiver, who so often got in trouble for speaking the truth, is telling his own personal history—through the ups of athletic honors, success, and fame and the downs of injury, addiction, and arrests—in his own words. The son of start Michigan player and NFL running back Stan Edwards, Braylon emerged from the shadows of his father, with who, he has a complicated relationship, to create his own All-American legacy at Michigan—but no without clashes with his eventual mentor, head coach Lloyd Carr. Braylon takes readers inside his decorated four-year career at Michigan, the intense rivalry games against Ohio State and Michigan State, and the back-to-back Rose Bowls. Drafted third overall by a struggling Browns franchise, he endured a turbulent time in Cleveland, which included a misreported fight at a club with a member of LeBron James inner circle. Braylon resuscitated his career in The Big Apple, belting out Frank Sinatra tunes while reaching to AFC Championships Games with the New York Jets before playing under Jim Harbaugh with the San Francisco 49ers, catching passes from Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, and delving into a broadcasting career. In this frank, unflinching autobiography, Braylon shares how football helped him find his place and gave him a voice. He lays bare all the bumps, bruises, and unexpected turns along the way.

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Book SynopsisPatience, persistence, and the most unlikely of circumstances vaulted Edgar Martinez from a poor neighborhood in Dorado, Puerto Rico to the spotlight in Seattle, where he spent the entirety of his 18-year major league career with the Mariners. At last, his path is destined for one last stop: the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.Long before he cemented his status as one of the finest players of his generation, Martinez honed his batting skills by hitting rocks in his backyard and swinging for hours at individual raindrops during storms. Loyal and strong-willed from a young age, he made the difficult decision at only 11 to remain behind with his grandparents while his family relocated to New York, attending school and then working multiple jobs until a chance Mariners try-out at age 20 changed everything.In this illuminating, highly personal autobiography, Martinez shares these stories and more with candor, characteristic humility, and surprising wit. Highlights include the memorable 1995 and 2001 seasons, experiences playing with stars like Randy Johnson, Ken Griffey Jr., and Alex Rodriguez, and life after retirement as a family man, social advocate, and Mariners hitting coach. Martinez even offers practical insight into the mental side of baseball and his training regimen, detailing how he taught himself to see the ball better than so many before and after him.Interwoven with Martinez’s own words throughout are those of his teammates, coaches, and contemporaries, contributing a distinctive oral history element to this saga of a remarkable career.

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Book Synopsis“If you are a basketball fan, you should be aware of Spencer Haywood’s immense historical importance. If you’re not aware, you should be.” —Bob Ryan, The Boston Globe Hall of Famer, Olympic gold medalist, MVP, and All-Star could all be used to describe the illustrious career of Spencer Haywood on the hardwood. From picking cotton in rural Mississippi to the historic 1968 Olympics to Winning ABA MVP to the battle with the NBA that would go all the way to the Supreme Court and change the league forever, Spencer Haywood’s life has been a microcosm of 20th-century sports and culture. One of the most dominant big men of his era, Haywood burst onto the international scene as a teenager with a revelatory performance at the Mexico City Olympics. Yet, while his basketball career was just beginning back in that summer of ’68, it was only one of many notable moments in the extraordinary and fateful life of the big man from Silver City, Mississippi. In The Spencer Haywood Rule, Marc J. Spears of ESPN’s The Undefeated and Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe worked with Spencer to tell the remarkable story of a man who was born into indentured servitude in rural Mississippi, and all of the unbelievable trials, tribulations, successes, failures, and redemptions that followed. Haywood would go on to be the ABA Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season, but his triumphs on the court are only part of the legend. His winding journey off the court saw him challenge the NBA’s draft-entry rules and win at the Supreme Court level; run in New York City high-fashion circles in the mid-70s with his then-wife, supermodel Iman; and bottom out with alcohol and drug addiction during the infancy of the Showtime Lakers dynasty.  Spears and Washburn explore how Haywood’s impact was felt throughout the NBA and in society at large—and still is to this day—culminating in Haywood’s inspiring second act as an advocate for current and retired NBA players alike. Trade Review"Marc Spears and Gary Washburn tell this story beautifully." -- LA Times"An important book on an under-appreciated Black athlete." -- Kevin Merida, The Undefeated"If you are a basketball fan, you should be aware of Spencer Haywood's immense historical importance. If you're not aware, you should be. In either case you should read Gary and Marc's book." -- Bob Ryan, The Boston Globe"Haywood's frank personality takes center stage, and he movingly talks about racism on and off the court." -- Publishers Weekly

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Book SynopsisFor ESPN's Ryan McGee, football is a lifelong passion formed from growing up as the son of Dr Jerry McGee, a man who wore stripes for decades as one of the most highly-decorated officials in college football history. In this book Ryan McGee teams up with his father and brother to share lessons learned between the white lines, featuring a cast of characters that runs from no-name small college athletes and coaches to one-name legends such as Holtz, Paterno, Tebow, and Bo. The McGees provide a rare and often hilarious glimpse inside the lives of college officials, detailing how a love for the game convinces accomplished professionals from all walks of life to voluntarily endure ceaseless insults, public criticism, and the expressed goal of doing one's job on a very public stage in a way that will hopefully NOT draw any attention to how that job is done. From hilarious stories of brawling high school referees and making awkward small talk with George Lucas and Darth Vader at the Rose Bowl to the heart-tugging story of young sons in the stands on a Saturday as a stream profanity-laden insults directed at their father drowns out the marching band, Sidelines and Bloodlines delivers laughs, tears, and a deeper understanding of a life in stripes.Trade Review"I came for the hilarious stories about the strange place referees occupy in our sporting world and found myself pulled deep into a tale of family, fathers and sons, and how we never forget the way back home." -- Wright Thompson, ESPN senior writer"Able sportswriting that, due to its focus on a little-known aspect of the game, will be illuminating even for die-hard fans." -- Kirkus Reviews"It's uniquely structured with the voices of all three McGees coming through." -- The Daily Independent"A story well told as [Ryan McGee] shares the football officiating experiences of his dad and family." -- SEC Commissioner Greg Sankes"Ryan McGee is a master storyteller who imbues all his work with wit, warmth, and brains. No one knows college football better than McGee...Sidelines and Bloodlines is a love letter to the game and to the ties that bind fathers and sons." -- Jeremy Schaap, ESPN host, Outside the Lines"In my 40-plus years of coaching, I never shared a sideline with a more respected official than Jerry McGee." -- Lou Holtz, Hall of Fame coach

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Book SynopsisPatience, persistence, and the most unlikely of circumstances vaulted Edgar Martinez from a poor neighborhood in Dorado, Puerto Rico to the spotlight in Seattle, where he spent the entirety of his 18-year major league career with the Mariners. At last, his path is destined for one last stop: the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.Long before he cemented his status as one of the finest players of his generation, Martinez honed his batting skills by hitting rocks in his backyard and swinging for hours at individual raindrops during storms. Loyal and strong-willed from a young age, he made the difficult decision at only 11 to remain behind with his grandparents while his family relocated to New York, attending school and then working multiple jobs until a chance Mariners try-out at age 20 changed everything.In this illuminating, highly personal autobiography, Martinez shares these stories and more with candor, characteristic humility, and surprising wit. Highlights include the memorable 1995 and 2001 seasons, experiences playing with stars like Randy Johnson, Ken Griffey Jr., and Alex Rodriguez, and life after retirement as a family man, social advocate, and Mariners hitting coach. Martinez even offers practical insight into the mental side of baseball and his training regimen, detailing how he taught himself to see the ball better than so many before and after him.Interwoven with Martinez’s own words throughout are those of his teammates, coaches, and contemporaries, contributing a distinctive oral history element to this saga of a remarkable career.

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Book SynopsisAn unforgettable look at a lifetime of Twins baseball packed with Bremer's self-deprecating humor and passion for the game ​ Dick Bremer's distinctive baritone has served as the soundtrack of Minnesota Twins baseball for over three decades. Millions of fans have enjoyed his observations, insight, and magical storytelling on television broadcasts. Now, in this striking memoir, the Minnesota native and lifelong Twins fan takes fans behind the mic, into the clubhouse, and beyond as only he can. Told through 108 unique anecdotes—one for each stitch in a baseball—Bremer weaves the tale of a lifetime, from childhood memories of the ballfield in smalltown Dumont, Minnesota, to his early radio days as “The Duke in the Dark,” to champagne-soaked clubhouses in 1987 and 1991, and his encounters with Twins legends ranging from Calvin Griffith and Harmon Killebrew, to Kirby Puckett and Kent Hrbek, to Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau. This honest and engaging autobiography gives fans a rare seat alongside Bremer and his broadcast partners, including Killebrew, Bert Blyleven, Jack Morris, Jim Kaat, Tom Kelly, and other Twins legends.

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Book SynopsisMillions of fans have enjoyed his infectious enthusiasm, insight, and storytelling on regular television broadcasts, through moments of triumph and defeat. Now, in this striking autobiography, the longtime broadcaster takes fans behind the mic as only he can. Emrick's love for hockey is obvious to anyone who's heard him call a game, and it's multi-layered. Tradition. The Stanley Cup chase. Suspense. Passion. Teamwork. History. Handshakes. An endless list. Yet it’s the people he treasures most of all, and Doc has more than his fair share of stories from countless interactions—more than he's even been able to tell during four decades in the broadcast booth. Through both his early life and his unparalleled career, readers will meet the full cast of characters who have made their mark on the man who's voice has defined the hockey experience for so many. Equal parts riveting and hilarious, this memoir gives fans a rare seat alongside Emrick and serves as a profound ode to the sport of hockey.

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Book SynopsisFootball is a game of lines—on and off the gridiron. For ESPN’s Ryan McGee, football is a lifelong passion formed from growing up as the son of Dr. Jerry McGee, a man who wore stripes for decades as one of the most highly-decorated officials in college football history. Sidelines and Bloodlines features a cast of characters that runs from no-name small college athletes and coaches to one-name legends such as Holtz, Paterno, Tebow, and Bo. The McGees provide a rare and often hilarious glimpse inside the lives of college officials, detailing how a love for the game convinces accomplished professionals from all walks of life to voluntarily endure ceaseless insults, public criticism, and the expressed goal of doing one’s job on a very public stage in a way that will hopefully NOT draw any attention to how that job is done. From hilarious stories of brawling high school referees and making awkward small talk with George Lucas and Darth Vader at the Rose Bowl to the heart-tugging story of young sons in the stands on a Saturday as a stream profanity-laden insults directed at their father drowns out the marching band, Sidelines and Bloodlines delivers laughs, tears, and a deeper understanding of a life in stripes.

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Book SynopsisAn unforgettable look at a lifetime of baseball packed with humor and passion for the game With a career that has now touched eight decades, Jim Kaat has had a prime front row seat for baseball's continuing evolution. Not only was he a major-league pitcher for 25 seasons, but his time as a pitching coach and his many years as a broadcaster have given him a singular long view of the game. In Good as Gold, Kaat weaves the tale of a lifetime, taking fans on the field, into the clubhouse, and behind the mic as only he can.Full of priceless stories from New York, Minnesota, and across the major leagues, this honest and engaging autobiography gives fans a rare seat alongside Kaat on a tour of baseball history.

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Book SynopsisA celebration and remembrance of baseball's home run king "Hammerin'" Hank Aaron was unquestionably one of baseball's greatest icons, revered for his powerful bat, intense resolve, and steadfast generosity. The Braves legend's passing in 2021 was mourned across baseball, inspiring countless tributes to Aaron and his 23-year Hall of Fame career.Hank Aaron: A Tribute To The Hammer is a celebration of Aaron's incomparable presence in Atlanta, Milwaukee, and beyond, from his immediate impact as a 20-year-old with the Braves to breaking Babe Ruth's longstanding home run record in 1974 to the strength he embodied while facing insidious racism throughout his career and remaining an advocate for civil rights as long as he lived.Through memorable stories and historic photography from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, fans will join in commemorating Aaron's legacy, reliving an unparalleled career one striking moment at a time.

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Book SynopsisCelebrating a New York icon and one of baseball's most beloved superstars Derek Jeter made his major-league debut at age 20 in 1995. The following year, he earned Rookie of the Year honors as the starting shortstop as the Yankees won the team’s first championship since 1978. Over the next two decades, Jeter kept hitting and the Yankees kept winning. By the time he hung up his pinstripes at the end of the 2014 season, the Yankee captain had collected five World Series rings and 3,465 hits. He was named to 14 American League All-Star teams and boasts a .321 career batting average in the World Series. It was no surprise when Jeter was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 2020, receiving more than 99% of the vote. In celebration of Jeter’s induction in Cooperstown in 2021, these moments and memories are collected in Derek Jeter: A Celebration of the Yankee Captain, a fully illustrated gift book commemorating the career of the most beloved Yankee of his generation. Featuring more than 100 photographs and unparalleled written coverage from the pages of Sports Illustrated, this new volume provides readers a complete portrait of the ultimate team player who became a role model and a baseball icon—from earning the Yankees starting shortstop job in spring training in 1996 to his record-setting postseason play and his walk-off single in his final game at Yankee Stadium.This lavish keepsake also features Sports Illustrated’s best written coverage of Jeter’s career, including pieces by Tom Verducci, Joe Posnanski, Michael Silver, and more.

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Book SynopsisThe oldest professional sports team in the Bay Area, the San Francisco 49ers have thrilled their loyal fans for seven and a half decades. Founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference, the 49ers joined the NFL when the leagues merged in 1949. Playing in old Kezar Stadium at in Golden Gate Park, the 49ers found fleeting success in their early years, reaching the playoffs just once in the 1950s and '60s. From those humble beginnings emerged one of the NFL's most successful franchises. Seven Super Bowl appearances, five Super Bowl victories. A head coach in Bill Walsh who forever changed the sport. And a roster of Hall of Famers: Y.A. Tittle, Joe Montana, Steve Young, Jerry Rice, Ronnie Lott, and more. Sports Illustrated™ celebrates the franchise with The San Francisco 49ers at 75, an extraordinary collection of classic stories and photographs from the pages of SI. This commemorative book also solutes, in words and pictures, the 49ers' dedicated fans.

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Book SynopsisA compelling autobiography from one of Detroit's favorite sons At 15, Willie Horton received his first contract offer to become a professional baseball player. At 20, he smacked his first major-league home run. At 24, Horton stood in full uniform on the hood of his car, in the midst of burning homes and overturned vehicles, and pleaded for an end to the violence of the 1967 Detroit riots. In this new autobiography, Horton shares the fascinating story of his life and career, from growing up in Detroit's Jeffries Projects as the youngest of 21 children to winning a World Series with his hometown Tigers in 1968. Horton also candidly discusses the opposition he faced as a Black player, his fond memories of Al Kaline, the joy he felt in returning to the Tigers as a front office executive, and the many ways he still tries to give back to Detroit and his community. By turns heartrending and hilarious, this timely chronicle is an essential contribution to baseball's written history.

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