History of sport Books
Triumph Books They Call Me Oil Can: Baseball, Drugs, and Life
Book SynopsisSpeaking candidly to veteran sportswriter Mike Shalin for the first time about his often tumultuous career in Major League Baseball, Dennis “Oil Can” Boyd recounts a life that began in the Deep South of Mississippi, and the events that led him toward great heights atop the pitcher’s mound at Fenway Park. As part of a stellar rotation alongside Bruce Hurst and a young Roger Clemens, Boyd served a dazzling array of pitches to opposing batters, most notably during the Boston Red Sox ill-fated 1986 World Series run against the New York Mets; and while he was at once brilliant and focused on the mound, off the field—as he affectingly reveals here—Boyd was unraveled by the personal battles he waged with substance abuse and destructive mood swings. As one of the few African American starting pitchers in the history of baseball, Boyd offers a candid, insightful, and often funny portrait of an athlete with boundless passion for the game, his teammates, and the Boston Red Sox.Trade Review"A must-read for all baseball fans, never mind Red Sox fans." -- Providence Journal"Interesting, amusing, puzzling and at times unsettling... [a] blunt, honest and sometimes painful work." --The Tampa Tribune
£20.66
Triumph Books Damned Yankees: Chaos, Confusion, and Craziness in the Steinbrenner Era
Book SynopsisA firsthand, behind-the-scenes account of the turmoil that pervaded the New York Yankee franchise in the late 1970s, this book discusses George Steinbrenner's purchase and continual rebuilding of the team—alongside a colorful cast of players and businessmen. Not merely a look at the time spent in Yankee Stadium, this chronicle also describes the team's public arguments, practical jokes, drunken excess, self-aggrandizing publicity efforts, and the ups and downs that accompanied the Yankees and George Steinbrenner through the 1970s and beyond.
£17.05
Triumph Books (IL) The Mouth That Roared: My Six Outspoken Decades
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£22.91
Triumph Books The Greatest Game Ever Pitched: Juan Marichal,
Book SynopsisThe incredible performances of Juan Marichal and Warren Spahn on July 2, 1963, would forever link their names together in baseball history, and this dual biography of these athletes weaves that 1963 contest throughout the narrative in a book that is sure to be a home run with baseball fans everywhere. Even before their epic pitching duel, Marichal and Spahn already had a lot in common. Future Hall of Famers with high-kicking deliveries, they were shaped into winners by character-building experiences in the military. Spahn had been baseball's most winning pitcher in the 1950s, and Marichal would be equally dominant in the 1960s. The Braves' Spahn and the Giants' Marichal began their duel in San Francisco's cold and windy Candlestick Park. Four hours later, the two pitching legends were deadlocked in a scoreless tie when Willie Mays hit a walk-off home run to end the greatest game ever pitched. In between, Marichal and Spahn each threw more than 200 pitches and went 16 innings without relief. Considering today's culture of pitch counts and coddled arms, it proved to be a legendary night that won't be repeated ever again.
£16.16
Triumph Books Packers Pride: Green Bay Greats Share Their
Book SynopsisFor more than 90 years, the Green Bay Packers have been the model of excellence across the National Football League. Now, LeRoy Butler—a 12-year veteran and one of the most popular Packers ever to don the uniform—teams up with Rob Reischel to tell the stories of the Packers’ most memorable players and coaches, including Bart Starr, Paul Hornung, Forrest Gregg, Jim Taylor, Herb Adderly, Willie Wood, James Lofton, Sterling Sharpe, Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers, and Donald Driver to name but a few. Packers Pride looks at the favorite games, favorite moments, and behind-the-scenes stories of the men who played and coached for the team with 13 World Championships, more than any other team in football.
£20.66
Triumph Books Johnny U and Me: The Man Behind the Golden Arm
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.
£20.66
History Press The 1975 Portland Timbers
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£18.69
History Press Noor
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£18.69
Arcadia Publishing Inc. Harness Racing in New York State A History of
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£18.69
History Press (SC) Gary Player Golfs Global Ambassador from South
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£23.99
Potter/Ten Speed/Harmony/Rodale The Road to Sparta: Reliving the Ancient Battle
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£20.79
Potter/Ten Speed/Harmony/Rodale First Ladies of Running: 22 Inspiring Profiles of
Book SynopsisToday, millions of women and girls around the world enjoy running and entering races. It wasn’t always so:* In 1961, when Julia Chase edged to the start of a Connecticut 5-miler, officials tried to push her off the road. * At the 1966 Boston Marathon, Roberta Gibb hid behind a forsythia bush, worried that police might arrest her. * The next year at Boston, Kathrine Switzer was assaulted mid-race by a furious race organizer. * In the mid-60s, Indianapolis high schooler Cheryl Bridges was told not to run anywhere near the boys’ track team because she might “distract” them. * When Charlotte Lettis signed up for the University of Massachusetts cross-country team in the fall of 1971, she was told to use the men’s locker room.* A few years later in coastal Maine, young Joan Benoit would stop her workouts to pretend she was picking roadside flowers, embarrassed that her neighbors might spot her running.First Ladies of Running tells the inspiring stories of these and other fiercely independent runners who refused to give up despite the cultural and sports barriers they faced. Legends such as Doris Brown, Francie Larrieu, Mary Decker, Jackie Hansen, Miki Gorman, and Grete Waitz are chronicled by Runner’s World editor Amby Burfoot. Burfoot even runs the 1994 Marine Corps Marathon with Oprah Winfrey, whose successful finish opened the floodgates for other women runners. First Ladies of Running is a beautiful and long-overdue tribute to the pioneers of women’s running, and a gift of empowerment for female runners everywhere.
£999.99
CarTech Inc Drag Racing's Rebels: How the AHRA Changed
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£30.40
Chicago Review Press Last Team Standing: How the Steelers and the
Book SynopsisTracing the history of the National Football League during World War II, this book delves into the severe player shortage during the war which led to the merging of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Philadelphia Eagles, creating the “Steagles.” The team’s center was deaf in one ear, its wide receiver was blind in one eye (and partially blind in the other), and its halfback had bleeding ulcers. One player was so old he’d never before played football with a helmet. Yet somehow, this group of players—deemed unfit for military service due to age or physical ailment—posted a winning record in the league, to the surprise of players and fans alike. Digging into the history of the war paralleled by the unlikely story of the Steagles franchise, both sports fans and history buffs will learn about the cultural significance of this motley crew of ball players during a trying time in United States history.Trade Review"Algeo's account . . . is a colorful and sympathetic one about the struggles and determination of a handful of men." -- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette"A great account of how different life was during World War II . . . geared toward both football fans and history buffs." -- Penn State Daily Collegian
£15.15
Stewart, Tabori & Chang Inc The History of Fly-Fishing in Fifty Flies
Book SynopsisNew York Times Bestseller The History of Fly-Fishing in Fifty Flies recounts the history of a sport that dates back 2,000 years, focusing on milestone flies from the first feathered hook to contemporary patterns using cutting-edge materials. Among the countless fly patterns created over the centuries, these 50 have been carefully chosen to represent the development not only of the flies themselves, but also of fly-fishing techniques—and of rods, lines, and reels. These iconic flies also chart the spread of this addictive sport from its modern origins on the chalk streams of southern England and the rivers of Scotland to the U.S., Europe, South America, Australia, and now to every country in the world. Filled with profiles of the key characters involved, tying tips, photographs and illustrations of the flies, and detailed explanations of the techniques used to fish them, The History of Fly-Fishing in Fifty Flies is a fascinating companion to the evolution of this fascinating sport.
£23.74
Time Inc Home Entertaiment Sports Illustrated Packers: Green, Gold and Glory
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£31.46
Time Inc Home Entertaiment Any Given Number: Who Wore It Best, from 00 to 99
Book SynopsisWho wore it best? Tom Brady or Terry Bradshaw (No. 12)? John Elway or Mickey Mantle (No. 7)? How about No. 2, Derek Jeter or Secretariat? Wayne Gretzky has no peer at 99, but the list is legendary for 32; Jim Brown, Julius Erving, Magic Johnson and Sandy Koufax to name a few. Flush with Sports Illustrated's stunning photography and insights from its top writers, Any Given Number give sports fans the authoritative take on which athlete is the best of the best, No. 0 to No. 99.
£17.95
Bloomsbury Publishing USA Sweat: A History of Exercise
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£14.24
Charlesbridge Publishing,U.S. Football: Great Records, Weird Happenings, Odd
Book SynopsisThe ultimate collection of epic stories from the gridiron! Packed with cool football trivia, history-making records, unforgettable moments, and hilarious true tales about the game’s greatest match-ups, players, and teams College and pro football fans of all ages will love this jam-packed compendium of fascinating, wacky, and just plain weird stories from their favorite game. Find out all about the culture of superstition and the crazy events that surround the game, about the hazing that''s an integral part of the sport, and about how a team''s captain gets his fellow players all fired up. Fascinating stories include: • The Eagles beating the Giants just before time ran out• New York''s fumble that led to Philadelphia''s miracle at the Meadowlands• How Dallas Cowboys'' coach Jimmy Johnson managed to catch a glimpse of the Buffalo Bills'' new formation when a television station accidentally broadcast it• How San Francisco 49ers'' Ronnie Lott gave 110% and his pinky all for the love of the sport This exciting, engrossing compilation of football lore is sure to please even the toughest fans of the game.
£7.99
Charlesbridge Publishing,U.S. Baseball: Great Records, Weird Happenings, Odd
Book SynopsisJam-packed with cool baseball trivia, history-making records, unforgettable moments, and wacky true tales of your favorite games, players and events. This book hits a grand slam right out of the park!A perfect gift for the die-hard fan of America''s favorite pasttime. Baseball is rich in anecdotes about team superstitions (from the black cat that haunted the Cubs to the "Curse of the Babe"), the antics of the superstars, and other facts that come out of left field. Think today''s umpires have a temper? Wait till you read about the 19th century New Jersey ump who pulled out a gun and shoved it in the face of a player who came at him with a bat. Or about the time three Brooklyn Dodger runners found themselves at third base--together. Fans will laugh, they''ll learn--and they won''t put this down!
£7.99
Page Street Publishing Co. The Ultimate Yankee Book: From the Beginning to
Book SynopsisThe perfect gift for the diehard fan in your life or an enviable treasure for yourself, The Ultimate Yankee Book is the most current and comprehensive resource of trivia, people and stories from the team's creation in 1901 to today. Harvey Frommer is a renowned baseball historian and the author of eight books about the Yankees, including The New York Yankee Encyclopedia and Remembering Yankee Stadium. A fountainhead of all things Bronx Bombers, The Ultimate Yankee Book has much new material and combines oral history with stories of legendary figures and epic Yankee feats. Featuring an inclusive timeline, a 150-question Yankee quiz and Yankees by the Numbers, this highly readable book has enough data and facts to please serious baseball trivia junkies. Fans of the Yankees are proud to call their team the greatest of all time-not only have they boasted the most World Series championships and the most players in the Hall of Fame, they're also the most hotly discussed team in the news media, social media and in books. This book gives fans what they love-the best stories and winning data about the Yankees that fuel their pride-all the way up to 2016. This book has 125 photos.
£29.75
Triumph Books Strangers in the Bronx: DiMaggio, Mantle, and the
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.
£20.66
Triumph Books Red Sox Nation: The Rich and Colorful History of
Book SynopsisIn Red Sox Nation, five-time New York Times bestselling author Peter Golenbock brings forth the definitive oral history of the Boston Red Sox. His focus is on the players, managers, and owners who were the colorful characters and legends who guided their legion of fans. Experience the entire history of the Red Sox, in the words of the players and personalities who made it, and get the proper perspective on the Red Sox’s place in baseball history. Updated through the 2013 championship season, it contains everything fans want to know about the team’s World Series wins in 2007 and 2013.
£17.05
Triumph Books High Five: Duke's Unforgettable 2015 Championship
Book SynopsisDuke’s win over Wisconsin in the 2015 NCAA championship game was the culmination of a basketball season no Blue Devils fan will ever forget. Led by a talented freshman class featuring All-American center Jahlil Okafor, guard Tyus Jones, and forward Justise Winslow, Coach Mike Krzyzewski’s squad collected seven wins over ranked teams in the regular season to earn a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Duke then stormed past Robert Morris, San Diego State, Utah, and Gonzaga to reach the Final Four for the 12th time in Krzyzewski’s career. In Indianapolis, Duke dominated Michigan State in the semifinal to reach the title game. Against Wisconsin in the final, Okafor, Jones, and fellow freshman Grayson Allen led a stunning comeback as the Blue Devils overcame a nine-point deficit early in the second half to knock off the Badgers, 68–63.Packed with expert analysis and stunning action photography, High Five: Duke’s Unforgettable 2015 Championship Season takes fans through Duke’s amazing journey, from their early season wins over Michigan State and Wisconsin to Coach K’s historic 1,000th career win to the final seconds in Indianapolis. This commemorative edition also features in-depth profiles of Krzyzewski, senior leader Quinn Cook, Okafor, Winslow, and Jones.
£12.56
Triumph Books Hawks Dynasty: The Chicago Blackhawks' Run to the
Book SynopsisThe Chicago Blackhawks’ 2015 postseason run culminated in the team’s third Stanley Cup since 2010, the sixth championship in the Original Six franchise’s history. The road to hoisting the Cup was the bumpiest of Chicago’s three titles under head coach Joel Quenneville. The Blackhawks finished third in the NHL’s Central Division following a season in which key players, including Patrick Kane and Corey Crawford, missed time due to injury. But the Hawks stormed past Nashville, Minnesota and Anaheim to set up a Stanley Cup Final matchup against a young, fast Tampa Bay Lightning team. With new heroes emerging throughout the postseason, the Blackhawks battled through a tough, six-game first round series against Nashville before sweeping the Minnesota Wild to reach the Western Conference Final. In an epic series that featured three overtime contests, the Blackhawks overcame a 3-2 deficit to defeat the Ducks in seven games to advance to the Stanley Cup Final. Packed with one of a kind analysis and stunning photography from the Chicago Tribune, Hawks Dynasty takes fans through the Blackhawks’ journey, from the crushing loss to the Los Angeles Kings in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals in 2014 through the final seconds against Tampa Bay. This commemorative edition also includes profiles of Kane, Crawford, Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith, Brandon Saad and Scott Darling.
£12.56
Triumph Books Forty Years in The Big House: Michigan Tales from
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.
£19.76
Triumph Books Taking Flight: The St. Louis Cardinals and the
Book SynopsisWritten by veteran sportswriter and Cardinals insider Rob Rains, Taking Flight answers two basic questions – what makes the Cardinals different from other organizations, and why are they so successful? Perhaps the most important man in the history of the organization was George Kissell. Among the future managers who came under Kissell’s tutelage were Sparky Anderson, Joe Torre, Tony La Russa and the Cardinals’ current manager, Mike Matheny. Kissell’s imprint is still everywhere on the Cardinals’ organization, nearly five years after his death. So too is the work of longtime coach and catching instructor Dave Ricketts, the man who first trained Matheny and later, Yadier Molina. It is the men such as Kissell and Ricketts, who worked for years without fame or notoriety, who helped mold the Cardinals into the franchise it is today.
£19.76
Triumph Books Ben Hogan
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.
£19.76
Triumph Books Sweet 16: Alabama’s Historic 2015 Championship
Book SynopsisSweet 16 is inside story of the Alabama’s magical 2015 football season and triumphs over Michigan State and Clemson to capture the College Football Playoff National Championship. Featuring stunning action photography and expert analysis from author Christopher Walsh, this is the definitive account of Alabama’s 16th national championship. There was no holding back the Crimson Tide in 2015. Alabama’s triumph in Arizona capped a 14-1 campaign. Behind Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry and the nation’s top defense, Coach Nick Saban’s team overcame a Week 3 loss to Ole Miss and emerged as the top team in the SEC, posting statement wins over three Top 10 opponents in conference play before topping Florida in the SEC Championship Game. That win earned Alabama a spot in the College Football playoff for the second year in a row. Alabama avenged a loss to Ohio State in the semifinal a year earlier, throttling Michigan State 38-0 to set up the matchup with Clemson. Sweet 16 takes fans through Alabama’s exciting journey. From the season-opening victory over Wisconsin to dominant wins over Georgia and LSU to the to the nail-biting drama of the College Football Playoff, this commemorative edition includes profiles of Henry, quarterback Jake Coker, linebacker Reggie Ragland, and other Alabama Stars. Also featuring a foreword by The Voice of Alabama Football, Eli Gold, Sweet 16 is the perfect book for Alabama fans.
£13.25
Triumph Books Doug Buffone: Monster of the Midway: My 50 Years
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.
£20.66
Triumph Books The Dolphins at 50: Legends and Memories from
Book SynopsisRelive the drama and excitement of the Miami Dolphins' amazing journey to their 50th year in the NFL. This commemorative book, chronicled by the Sun Sentinel team of sports reporters and photographers, takes you inside all the thrilling championships, the heartbreaking losses, the legendary coaches and players and so much more. Foreword by Jason Taylor.
£23.70
Triumph Books Crimson Nation: The Shaping of the South's Most
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.
£19.76
Triumph Books If These Walls Could Talk: Milwaukee Brewers:
Book SynopsisChronicling the Brewers from the Suds Series of 1982 to the 2011 National League Central title and from Bambi’s Bombers of the late '70s to Harvey’s Wallbangers of the early '80s, Bill Schroeder, a longtime Brewers color commentator and former Brewers catcher, provides insight into the Brewers inner sanctum as only he can. Read about what goes on in the equipment and training rooms, how batting practice can be chaotic, what it’s like to travel with the team, and off-the-wall anecdotes like the time Steve Sparks injured his shoulder trying to rip a phone book in half after listening to a motivational speaker.
£14.20
Triumph Books Inside Pitch: Playing and Broadcasting the Game I
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.
£21.56
Triumph Books Gehrig and the Babe: The Friendship and the Feud
Book Synopsis2018 Casey Award for Best Baseball Book Finalist The legendary achievements of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig are undeniable hallmarks of baseball history. Much has been written about the two men as teammates, but Ruth and Gehrig's relationship away from the field is rarely, if ever, explored. In Gehrig and the Babe, Tony Castro portrays Ruth and Gehrig for what they were: American icons who were remarkably different men. For the first time, readers will learn about a friendship driven apart, an enduring feud which wove its way in and out of their Yankees glory years and chilled their interactions until July 4, 1939—Lou Gehrig Day at Yankee Stadium—when Gehrig’s famous farewell address thawed out their stone silence.
£20.66
Triumph Books Rod Laver: an Autobiography
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£17.95
Triumph Books The Score of a Lifetime: 25 Years Talking Chicago
Book SynopsisFor 25 years, Chicago sports fans invited Terry Boers into their homes, cars, and offices as one of the premier voices of WSCR radio. Covering the latest championships and trades, Boers was a Windy City constant until his retirement in 2017. In his highly-anticipated memoir, Boers delivers a trove of lively anecdotes and personal reflections from journey through sports media—from raucous banter with Mike Ditka during The Score's early days to the Cubs' World Series celebration in 2016. A must-read for any of the thousands who made Boers part of their daily routine, The Score of a Lifetime is a freewheeling, frank portrait of a man, a career, a station no one thought would survive, and a city that loves its sports.
£17.05
WW Norton & Co The Arena: Inside the Tailgating,
Book SynopsisThe American sports stadium, for all its raucous glory, is an overlooked centerpiece—a veritable temple—of our national culture. A hallowed ground for communal worship, this is where history is made on grass, artificial turf, hardwood, and even ice; where nostalgia flows as freely as ten-dollar beers; where everything thrills, from exploding fireworks to grinning cheerleaders. In The Arena, "an altogether new and riveting sports classic" (Josh Wilker), intrepid sportswriter Rafi Kohan crisscrosses the country, journeying from one beloved monument to the next. As he finagles access to the unexpected corners and hidden corridors of our most frequented fields, he discovers just what makes them tick—and what keeps us coming back time and time again. Beginning with the "old-timers," Kohan pays his respects to Chicago’s ivy-laced Wrigley and Green Bay’s lovable Lambeau, which have creakily adjusted to the twenty-first century while maintaining those age-old quirks fans have prized for generations. Juxtaposing these cherished time capsules with mighty new mammoths like Dallas’s shiny AT&T Stadium, Kohan examines the often-punishing realities of how they are built, from architectural ambition to controversial funding and political strong-arming. Meanwhile, just outside the turnstiles of these commercial cathedrals, whole ecosystems flourish, buzzing with charming merch men and cutthroat ticket scalpers. Trips to Cleveland’s Progressive Field and Quicken Loans Arena illuminate such shadow economies, revealing the remarkable impact a team—and even just a single player (yes, we’re looking at you, LeBron James)—can have on an entire city. With infectious enthusiasm and wit, Kohan also explores the behind-the-scenes logistics and deeply ingrained traditions within these bustling facilities, cracking open a secret world of unforgettable characters—groundskeepers, mascots, halftime performers—who work tirelessly to make the live event worth the price of admission. If you’ve ever wondered how they coordinate those fighter jet flyovers with the national anthem, how many hot dogs they serve in a day at Citi Field, how boozy pregame tailgates are kept in line, or what on earth AstroTurf is made of, look no further. As rowdy and rollicking as its subject, The Arena is a must-read for diehard fans, shameless bandwagoners, umpires, broadcasters, groundskeepers, culture junkies, tailgaters, and anyone else who’s ever eagerly headed off to the ballpark to catch a game.Trade Review"Smart, readable, deeply reported and researched, engagingly personal, funny and often surprisingly poignant." -- Jay Jennings - New York Times Book Review"[The Arena] covers everything from how those fighter jet flyovers sync with the national anthem to an inside look at the disease that is rabid fandom (in the chapter "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Gross"). Think of it this way: for less than the price of admission to most any of these stadiums, Kohan will let you travel from Wrigley to Lambeau to the Superdome in the most American way possible. Without ever having to leave the comfort of your couch." -- GQ"Fascinating….He comes across as the Studs Terkel of stadium life, demonstrating an easy camaraderie with his sources…It’s his sod-level reporting that animates the book, lending a distinctive blue-collar vibe of bantering co-workers who take pride in jobs well done—jobs like painting the logo on a playing field or combing over the bald spots in the ivy-covered outfield walls of Wrigley Field." -- Will Blythe - Wall Street Journal"The Arena is fun because of the author’s wit and style – a kind of gonzo/embedded journalism hybrid…But most importantly it’s fun because it is, metaphorically speaking, a circus mirror reflection of who we are as a nation 'psychologically, economically, politically, culturally, historically.'" -- Christian Science Monitor"The Arena is an inventive, fast-paced look at what have become our modern shrines in a sports-obsessed society. But it artfully illuminates us - including the often quirky people flocking to these shrines - even more than the structures." -- Tom Verducci, Best-Selling Author, Sports Illustrated Senior Writer"This is an irresistible tour de force that reveals how and why our monuments to games are hard-wired to fans’ most thrilling and heartbreaking memories. A fabulous book." -- Don Van Natta Jr., ESPN, Pulitzer Prize winner, and New York Times best-selling author"Rafi Kohan’s terrific The Arena sees stadiums as a reflection of ourselves, in all of our glory, all our failings, and all our desires. It also made me want to go to a game, immediately." -- Will Leitch, author of Are We Winning? and God Save The Fan, senior writer Sports On Earth and founder of Deadspin"Kohan answers a central question: If every game is on TV, why do we still shell out hundreds to see them live? Hint: Even in this era of HDTV and disposable stadiums, we still need to be together. The Arena is a pioneering work of athletic anthropology—and just plain fun." -- John U. Bacon, New York Times best-selling author of Three and Out, Fourth and Long, and Endzone"An altogether new and riveting sports classic. A copy of Kohan’s brilliant, funny, illuminating book should be sealed in a vault beside every one of these places we go to yell ourselves hoarse, so that future archaeologists sifting through our ruins can understand who we were and why we gathered together." -- Josh Wilker, author of Benchwarmer and Cardboard Gods"An addictive, detailed look at the lives of sports arenas . . . . Kohan’s curiosity and empathy are infectious as he demonstrates how human this corporate aspect of sports can be. He has created an immersive, informative work that will delight and enlighten a wide range of readers." -- Publishers Weekly"Highly compelling . . . . Part history and sociology, part ethnography, and part journalism—sometimes straight shoe-leather, sometimes participatory, and oftentimes a little bit gonzo—the book features many of the behind-the-scenes questions you have always had and a few that you never considered. . . . Kohan brings the modern sporting arena to life in this fine exploration of the ‘corners of American stadiums that aren't necessarily hidden but are almost assuredly unseen.'" -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review"Fascinating…comprehensive, accurate, and often quite funny." -- Booklist"A unique and readable perspective on the impact of U.S. sports stadia and arenas." -- Library Journal
£20.89
WW Norton & Co The Arena: Inside the Tailgating,
Book SynopsisIn this “addictive” (Publishers Weekly) romp, intrepid sportswriter Rafi Kohan finagles access to our most beloved fields to find out just what makes them tick: from old-timer Wrigley, creakily adjusting to the twenty-first century, to the oversized monstrosity of Jerry’s World in Dallas. Investigating harrowing logistics and deeply ingrained traditions, Kohan employs his infectious “wit and style” (Christian Science Monitor) to expose the realities of building and maintaining these commercial cathedrals of sports worship. “Highly compelling” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review), The Arena is a must-read for superfans, shameless bandwagoners, athletes, groundskeepers, culture junkies, and anyone who’s ever headed off eagerly to the ballpark to catch a game.Trade Review"Smart, readable, deeply reported and researched, engagingly personal, funny and often surprisingly poignant." -- Jay Jennings - New York Times Book Review"[The Arena] covers everything from how those fighter jet flyovers sync with the national anthem to an inside look at the disease that is rabid fandom (in the chapter "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Gross"). Think of it this way: for less than the price of admission to most any of these stadiums, Kohan will let you travel from Wrigley to Lambeau to the Superdome in the most American way possible. Without ever having to leave the comfort of your couch." -- GQ"Fascinating….He comes across as the Studs Terkel of stadium life, demonstrating an easy camaraderie with his sources…It’s his sod-level reporting that animates the book, lending a distinctive blue-collar vibe of bantering co-workers who take pride in jobs well done—jobs like painting the logo on a playing field or combing over the bald spots in the ivy-covered outfield walls of Wrigley Field." -- Will Blythe - Wall Street Journal"The Arena is fun because of the author’s wit and style – a kind of gonzo/embedded journalism hybrid…But most importantly it’s fun because it is, metaphorically speaking, a circus mirror reflection of who we are as a nation 'psychologically, economically, politically, culturally, historically.'" -- Christian Science Monitor"The Arena is an inventive, fast-paced look at what have become our modern shrines in a sports-obsessed society. But it artfully illuminates us - including the often quirky people flocking to these shrines - even more than the structures." -- Tom Verducci, Best-Selling Author, Sports Illustrated Senior Writer"This is an irresistible tour de force that reveals how and why our monuments to games are hard-wired to fans’ most thrilling and heartbreaking memories. A fabulous book." -- Don Van Natta Jr., ESPN, Pulitzer Prize winner, and New York Times best-selling author"Rafi Kohan’s terrific The Arena sees stadiums as a reflection of ourselves, in all of our glory, all our failings, and all our desires. It also made me want to go to a game, immediately." -- Will Leitch, author of Are We Winning? and God Save The Fan, senior writer Sports On Earth and founder of Deadspin"Kohan answers a central question: If every game is on TV, why do we still shell out hundreds to see them live? Hint: Even in this era of HDTV and disposable stadiums, we still need to be together. The Arena is a pioneering work of athletic anthropology—and just plain fun." -- John U. Bacon, New York Times best-selling author of Three and Out, Fourth and Long, and Endzone"An altogether new and riveting sports classic. A copy of Kohan’s brilliant, funny, illuminating book should be sealed in a vault beside every one of these places we go to yell ourselves hoarse, so that future archaeologists sifting through our ruins can understand who we were and why we gathered together." -- Josh Wilker, author of Benchwarmer and Cardboard Gods"An addictive, detailed look at the lives of sports arenas . . . . Kohan’s curiosity and empathy are infectious as he demonstrates how human this corporate aspect of sports can be. He has created an immersive, informative work that will delight and enlighten a wide range of readers." -- Publishers Weekly"Highly compelling . . . . Part history and sociology, part ethnography, and part journalism—sometimes straight shoe-leather, sometimes participatory, and oftentimes a little bit gonzo—the book features many of the behind-the-scenes questions you have always had and a few that you never considered. . . . Kohan brings the modern sporting arena to life in this fine exploration of the ‘corners of American stadiums that aren't necessarily hidden but are almost assuredly unseen.'" -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review"Fascinating…comprehensive, accurate, and often quite funny." -- Booklist"A unique and readable perspective on the impact of U.S. sports stadia and arenas." -- Library Journal
£14.43
Bold Type Books Soccernomics (2022 World Cup Edition): Why
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£22.30
Bold Type Books Hail Mary: The Rise and Fall of the National
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£19.79
WestBow Press God's Beauty in the Deep
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£18.99
Reedy Press Miami Heat An Illustrated Timeline
£999.99
Blue River Press Bob Uecker
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£15.20
Tatra Press The Story of The Masters: Drama, Joy and
Book SynopsisThe Story of the Masters is the first comprehensive year-by-year history of the world's most famous golf tournament. Veteran golf journalist David Barrett draws upon contemporaneous reporting and other source material to offer dramatic accounts of each year the tournament has been played, starting in 1934. The story of the tournament progresses from the early years when it was founded by golf great Bobby Jones and quickly established itself as an elite event, to the post-World War II era when Sam Snead and Ben Hogan dominated. The thrilling exploits of dashing hero Arnold Palmer brought the tournament into the television age and the sustained excellence of Jack Nicklaus helped to further the prestige of the tournament. Nearly two full decades of European dominance of the Masters heralded the international age of golf. Then Tiger Woods came along and used the Augusta stage for his coming-out party in 1997 and then for his epic comeback in 2019. In Barrett's telling, each year has its own story to tell as the Augusta National course provides the perfect setting for tournament excitement, noted for suspenseful back-and-forth action between multiple contenders—the norm at the Masters. The nature of the course's layout creates opportunities for stirring charges and heroic shots to determine the champion, while filled with enough danger to provoke monumental collapses that also become part of Masters lore. Through the decades, the game's greatest players have shined their brightest at the Masters. Many golfing careers have been shaped and defined by this tournament, and Barrett shares unknown and forgotten stories of not only the sport's stars, but also the many others who challenged them over the years at Augusta.
£17.05
Mosaic Press Immaculate: A History of Perfect Innings in
Book SynopsisGetting 3 batters out in order on nine pitches is one of the most remarkable feats in baseball. Since the late 1800s, only 71 pitchers have been able to do it. Yet, unlike other rare achievements in baseball, such as pitching a perfect game, the "immaculate inning" does not capture the same attention or consideration. In a game that is as unpredictable as baseball, perfection, when it occurs, should be cause for both reflection and celebration. Cairney provides a short history of perfect innings through the stories of the pitchers who pitched them. Beginning with an brief overview of the numbers, the remaining chapters, one for each immaculate inning on record in major baseball, provides insight into the men, their careers and details of the inning itself, from the first recorded perfect inning in 1889 to the most recent string of innings last MLB season in 2014. The names include pitching greats such as Jim Bunning, Sandy Koufax, Nolan Ryan and Randy Johnson, but also many lesser known, if not colourful, pitchers like "Sloppy" Thurston and Bill Wilson. The teams include famous franchises like the Detroit Tigers and the New York Yankees, but also clubs now defunct like the Boston Beaneaters and the Montreal Expos. Using immaculate innings as benchmarks, the book provides an engaging and entertaining journey through the history of professional baseball that will delight both the serious student of the game, as well as the fan who enjoys reading about the game.
£14.24
Pitch Publishing Ltd The Stories of Cricket's Finest Painting: Kent v
Book SynopsisKent v Lancashire 1906 tells the story of a remarkable painting, commissioned at the height of cricket's golden age and at the apogee of Britain's colonial power. The man whose idea it was, the fourth Lord Harris, chairman of Kent County Cricket Club, was no aesthete; but in asking Albert Chevallier Tayler, a cricket-loving painter, to paint a scene from Kent's triumphant season, showing Colin Blythe bowling to Johnny Tyldesley, he helped create a masterpiece that changed the way we look at cricket. The painting now hangs at Lord's, having been sold by Kent in 2006 for GBP600,000, then a record amount for a cricket painting. A full-size copy still hangs at Canterbury. The book also follows the lives of the players and umpires portrayed in the painting, two of whom did not survive the Great War. The painting may be timeless, but changes in the way cricket is played, administered and financed in Britain mean that many aspects of the game today would be unrecognisable to those sun-blessed men on the Canterbury turf over a century ago.
£22.88
Merrion Press Ireland’s Call: Irish Sporting Heroes Who Fell in
Book Synopsis
£23.57
