Messi
'I have seen the player who will inherit my place in Argentine football and his name is Messi' Diego Maradona FULLY UPDATED TO INCLUDE THE 2022 WORLD CUP TRIUMPH & MESSI'S TRANSFER TO INTER MIAMI As Lionel Messi raised the World Cup triumphantly into the air, the world watched on in awe. Messi's final peak conquered; his final dream achieved. It was the fairy tale ending to a glittering career. Yet despite delivering Argentina their third World Cup, Messi's time at Paris Saint-Germain came to a dramatic conclusion, and Miami awaited the Argentinian legend. Guillem Balagu矇 has had unprecedented access to Messi's inner circle including the player himself: his coaches, team-mates and family. From tracing the origins of Messi's precocious talent in Rosario, Argentina, to chronicling his peerless seventeen-season career at Barcelona, and his tumultuous Parisian adventure, Guillem takes us behind-the-scenes of Messi's World Cup triumph and his long-desired move to the MLS. This is an epic, authoritative and compelling account of an enigmatic footballing genius. 'I can tell my grandkids one day that I coached Lionel Messi' Pep Guardiola
The Book of Basketball
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - The wildly opinionated, thoroughly entertaining, and arguably definitive book on the past, present, and future of the NBA--from the founder of The Ringer and host of The Bill Simmons Podcast "Enough provocative arguments to fuel barstool arguments far into the future."--The Wall Street Journal In The Book of Basketball, Bill Simmons opens--and then closes, once and for all--every major NBA debate, from the age-old question of who actually won the rivalry between Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain to the one about which team was truly the best of all time. Then he takes it further by completely reevaluating not only how NBA Hall of Fame inductees should be chosen but how the institution must be reshaped from the ground up, the result being the Pyramid: Simmons's one-of-a-kind five-level shrine to the ninety-six greatest players in the history of pro basketball. And ultimately he takes fans to the heart of it all, as he uses a conversation with one NBA great to uncover that coveted thing: The Secret of Basketball. Comprehensive, authoritative, controversial, hilarious, and impossible to put down (even for Celtic-haters), The Book of Basketball offers every hardwood fan a courtside seat beside the game's finest, funniest, and fiercest chronicler.
Inner Game of Tennis
The timeless guide to achieving the state of "relaxed concentration" that's not only the key to peak performance in tennis but the secret to success in life itself--now in a 50th anniversary edition with an updated epilogue, a foreword by Bill Gates, and an updated preface from NFL coach Pete CarrollThis phenomenally successful guide to mastering the game from the inside out has become a touchstone for hundreds of thousands of people. Billie Jean King has called the book her tennis bible; Al Gore has used it to focus his campaign staff; and Itzhak Perlman has recommended it to young violinists. Based on W. Timothy Gallwey's profound realization that the key to success doesn't lie in holding the racket just right, or positioning the feet perfectly, but rather in keeping the mind uncluttered, this transformative book gives you the tools to unlock the potential that you've possessed all along. "The Inner Game" is the one played within the mind of the player, against the hurdles of self-doubt, nervousness, and lapses in concentration. Gallwey shows us how to overcome these obstacles by trusting the intuitive wisdom of our bodies and achieving a state of "relaxed concentration." With chapters devoted to trusting the self and changing habits, it is no surprise then, that Gallwey's method has had an impact far beyond the confines of the tennis court. Whether you want to play music, write a novel, get ahead at work, or simply unwind after a stressful day, Gallwey shows you how to tap into your utmost potential. In this fiftieth-anniversary edition, the principles of the Inner Game shine through as more relevant today than ever before. No matter your goals, The Inner Game of Tennis gives you the definitive framework for long-term success.
Cuttin Grass
Nestled beneath the escarpment and a short drive from the beach, Nunnkirk has been a dairy farming town for a hundred and fifty years. It's the kind of place where everyone knows your name-and your business-and where the local footy team, the Bulls, still matters. But Nunnkirk is changing, and not everyone can afford the price of progress.House prices are soaring as cashed-up Sydneysiders snap up property, pushing locals to the margins. School enrolments are shrinking. The Bulls can barely field a side. And the Bowling and Recreation Club, once the heart of the town, is rotting from the inside, barely surviving on pokie money and patrons who refuse to change.Jack Bond understands how rot works. A former footballer turned car salesman, he's settled comfortably into Nunnkirk. Between renovating and quietly washing dirty money through the bowling club's machines, life is good. All Jack needs is a little late-night company and a steady supply of property deals for his Sydney-based associate.Real estate agent Jan Hetherington has controlled the local market for twenty-five years. She knows every paddock, every resident, and almost every secret, almost. With her eye on a well-funded retirement in the Greek Isles, Jan is furious to discover someone is buying property behind her back. Whoever it is, they're moving fast-and on her patch.Greenkeeper Geoff Davies and his mate Steve grew up in Nunnkirk, played footy for the Bulls, and learned early how small-town dreams die. Now they're chasing a faster version of the Australian dream, cultivating "organic" crops that promise quick money-if they can stay out of trouble.As these lives converge, the town finds itself at a crossroads, the Nunnkirk Bowling and Recreation Club at its centre. With outsiders circling and easy money on the table, locals must choose between cashing out or standing their ground. In a place where loyalty is tested and greed cuts deep, the question remains: will someone do the right thing-or will they climb over each other to make a quick buck?
Turnstyle
In this issue of Turnstyle, SABR's journal of baseball arts, we showcase the artistic and literary talents of 28 SABR members, with poetry, essays, short stories, and memoirs, as well as visual arts and interviews. Mark Summerfeld takes us into his dream job working for the Orioles, while Jarrod Schenewark looks back at a special night at Fenway Park. Childhood reminiscences fuel pieces such as "Stoopball" by Daniel Farkas and "Bash" by Jonathon Symons. Russ Speiller treats us to a look behind the scenes at the movie about baseball card artist Dick Perez, The Diamond King, and introduces us to the portrait art of Jos矇e Tellier. We look at baseball card art in watercolor and in leather, and much more.
Take Me To Your Paradise
TAKE ME TO YOUR PARADISE leads you through Tom Grant's early life, his family background, school days and starting work before explaining how he became a Director of Celtic FC. He details early improvements at Celtic Park before devious people joined the Board and created distrust with new stadium plans that were a smokescreen, how a secret pact was defeated and a saviour welcomed.He outlines how as Stadium Director he worked with the Design team and builders watching the new Celtic Park develop, the thrill of travelling with the First team to matches at home and abroad and then leaving the Club and entering the License trade.He details holidays with his wife Angelina to their beloved Italy and further afield, their friends and family and his continued enjoyment and pride each time he attends games at Paradise.
The Cricket of Delayed Decisions
Why do the greatest batters in cricket history always seem to have "more time" than everyone else? In The Cricket of Delayed Decisions, author Sandeep Chavan peels back the layers of statistical analysis and high-speed replays to reveal the game's true heart: a silent contest over milliseconds.While modern technology tracks ball paths and seam rotations, it often misses the most critical factor-the batter's internal decision window. This book explores how legendary players like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and modern masters like Steve Smith use balance and geometry to delay their commitment until the ball reveals its final truth.Readers will discover: The Science of Timing: Why "playing late" is a physical and psychological necessity in elite cricket.The T20 Disruption: How shorter formats are reshaping the rhythm of the game and the risk of "pre-decided" shots.The Bumrah Problem: An analysis of how elite bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah compress a batter's reaction window.A New Philosophy: Insights into how the discipline of patience at the crease mirrors the broader challenges of decision-making in life.This is not a coaching manual; it is a timeless invitation to see the game through the lens of a physicist and a lifelong observer. Perfect for fans of Beyond a Boundary or anyone looking to understand the deeper logic behind the world's most fascinating duel.
Suddenly CEO
In Suddenly CEO, Olympian Tanya Hughes translates the chaos of Name, Image, and Likeness into clear next steps. Drawing on leadership roles including NCAA SAAC Chair, IBM, FIS, and Guidehouse, along with experience serving as Interim CEO of a national entrepreneurship organization, Tanya shows how to think like a CEO without losing one's soul.From taxes and entities to branding, contracts, mental health, and community impact, Suddenly CEO pairs real stories with practical checkpoints, especially for guardians stepping into the role of parent general manager. Candid, compassionate, and actionable, this guide helps athletes keep their name, retain more of what they earn, and turn opportunity into lasting impact.Whether athlete, parent, or coach, this is the essential NIL Gameplan: structure over hype, compliance over guesswork, and purpose over noise. Open Suddenly CEO where real work begins -- it's game time.
The Six Complexities of Modern Goaltending
A former professional goaltender, LP Guindon retired in 2022 after a decorated career that culminated with the prestigious Jean B矇liveau Award as McGill's most valuable player.Rather than walk away from the game, he turned retirement into a research question: why do some goalies make it to the top, and others don't? That curiosity drove him to pursue a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology at McGill University, where his thesis focused specifically on goaltending. This book is the direct result of that work.Trained in kinesiology, human physiology, and behavioural science, he brings an evidence-based lens to a position that is too often coached by intuition alone. He is currently the goalie coach of the McGill Redbirds and runs a website dedicated to goaltending development for youth players.This book is for every goalie who ever wondered what separates good from great and was willing to look for the answer.
The Howleyites
Toronto was an international city on the rise in 1926, as Canada was starting to flex its muscles on the world stage diplomatically and economically. The country was making advances in medicine, literature, academia, the arts, transportation, and technology, and nowhere was this more evident than in Toronto. By virtue of its central location, the city was becoming a major manufacturing, financial, and transportation hub.Prosperity also created demand for leisure offerings, and baseball was one of the top entertainment draws of the era. Toronto's baseball scene featured a scenic but hard-to-access stadium on Hanlan's Point, and when entrepreneur Lol Solman sought to upgrade the baseball experience both on and off the field, he called upon a familiar face to put together the 1926 Toronto Maple Leafs.The result was a shiny new state-of-the-art facility-Maple Leaf Stadium, just a stone's throw from Rogers Centre-and an upgraded Maple Leafs roster, ready to challenge Jack Dunn's Baltimore Orioles for the International League title. And the new-look Leafs were led on the field by "Howling" Dan Howley, a baseball lifer with a fiery reputation: "full of the old paprika and hot tamale stuff that puts life in the game," according to one scribe, experience formed by serving as Ty Cobb's right-hand man and chaperone to a young and wild Babe Ruth. With a roster of experienced hands and young talent like Carl Hubbell, The Howleyites fulfilled the high expectations of Torontonians with an International League and Junior World Series title.How Howley and Lol Solman put together the Maple Leafs is told by D.M. Fox in The Howleyites: Toronto's Changing City, A Stadium Rising, and The Champions of 1926. Chronicling the rise of Toronto on the world stage and the emergence of the Maple Leafs in the baseball world. Fox tells the story of a fascinating time in Canadian history.
Sacked by Surprise
She is only a friend. Then why does he risk his rugby career to keep her safe?SCOTTIEI stay in the background to make my teammates look like Gods. I keep to myself. But when a ballet dancer sits down next to me in a cinema in Stirling, I make a mistake: I let her in.Ava's my teammate's girlfriend and off limits. She's bruised in places she won't let me see. All I'm supposed to be is her friend. But every Tuesday in that cinema, I fall harder for a woman I can't have.I'd burn my career to keep her safe. What I can't do is tell her that I'm falling in love with her, because it would destroy our friendship - and my team.AVAI'm a professional dancer trapped in a toxic relationship. My boyfriend's temper is escalating. My injury is threatening my ballet career. And the only person I trust is the quietest, largest man in Scottish rugby.Scottie doesn't ask questions. He shows up. When my relationship finally shatters, he gets me out, drives me to the Highlands, and opens the door to a family that treats me as one of their own.The problem? I'm falling for my friend. And if I cross that line, I'll lose the only person who ever made me feel safe.Sacked by Surprise is a friends-to-lovers rugby romance and the third standalone in the Scottish Rugby Rebels series.Tropes: Friends to lovers; He falls first; Only one bed in the Scottish Highlands; Hurt/ comfort; Grumpy x sunshine; DV survivor arc handled with care; Size difference: 6'4 rugby centre ? petite ballerina; Found family; Dual POV (first person) & high heatA protective rugby hero who falls first. A ballet dancer rebuilding her life after a toxic relationship. A slow-burn love story set between Stirling and the Scottish Highlands.FOR FANS OF sports romance with gut-punch emotional depth and a friends-to-lovers burn so slow it leaves scorch marks.
Two Outs, So What!
Celebrating the 2001 Mariners 25 years after their magical seasonTwenty-five years ago, the Seattle Mariners had a magical season and pennant fever gripped the Pacific Northwest. This book collects biographies of every player on the 2001 roster and looks back at key games and moments in their record-setting run-a 116-win season, the best in American League history. Their penchant for comeback victories inspired the catchphrase: "Two Outs, So What!"The M's built a large division lead early and never let up. Just as they were about to clinch the AL West Division title, the 9/11 terrorist attacks shocked the nation and interrupted the season. When play resumed a week later, they clinched in front of an emotional Safeco Field crowd. The offensive attack started with Ichiro Suzuki, a Japanese sensation who posted a historic rookie season. His MVP campaign overshadowed a career year by teammate Bret Boone, who finished third in the MVP voting. The lineup also boasted future Hall of Famer Edgar Mart穩nez, five-tool center fielder Mike Cameron, and steady first baseman John Olerud, all of whom enjoyed All-Star seasons. The 2001 Seattle Mariners were arguably as well-rounded as any team in major-league history. The roster, constructed by general manager Pat Gillick and piloted by Lou Piniella, dominated the opposition in every facet of the game. The M's scored more runs than any other team, allowed the fewest, and led the majors in ERA, OBP, and stolen bases. The resulting 116 regular-season wins tied the 1906 Chicago Cubs for the most wins in a single season. Seattle's pitching staff featured soft-tossing southpaw Jamie Moyer, who won 20 games, whilea young workhorse named Freddy Garc穩a produced an All-Star campaign. Out of the bullpen, Arthur Rhodes, Jeff Nelson, and Kazuhiro Sasaki were nearly flawless in the late innings. Although Seattle fell short of winning the American League pennant, losing to the New York Yankees in the ALCS, the 2001 Mariners and their historic season maintain a special place in the hearts of a long-suffering fan base. This book, released on the 25th anniversary of the 2001 Mariners, represents a collaborative effort of more than 50 SABR members.
Cricket Explained
Discover cricket in this updated edition of Cricket Explained: your guide to understanding one of the world's most strategic and eccentric sports. This is the definitive beginner's guide to the game of cricket, from the singular voice of Rob Eastaway, a true aficionado of the sport. Told through engaging anecdotes and Eastaway's unmatched humor, this updated classic grabs you by the hand and takes you along for a comprehensive tour of cricket. Here, you will gain a range of knowledge from the game's fundamentals--basic laws, terminology, equipment--to the finer points of strategy, individual playing styles, and cricket lore. To keep things accessible, this book includes a combined glossary/index for easy reference and lighthearted, explanatory illustrations by British cartoonist Mark Stevens. So even if you don't know "short leg" from "silly mid off", or a leg break from a googly, you'll come away from Cricket Explained with an understanding for this truly international sport which, like baseball, is loved both for its elegant simplicity and its vexing complexity. Among the topics covered in Cricket Explained's concise, user-friendly entries are: -Cricket's history-Twenty20 and other forms of cricket-Making sense of the action on the field-Batters and the batting order-Bowlers and their individual styles-Fielders and fielding positions-Tactics-Scoring and statistics-How, like chess, a game can be won or sometimes drawn
Cursed No More
June 19, 2016. Oakland, California. Down three games to one against the greatest regular-season team in NBA history, the Cleveland Cavaliers stood at the edge of another Cleveland sports disaster - another entry in a catalog of heartbreak that had been growing for fifty-two years.Then LeBron James made a block that shouldn't have been possible. Kyrie Irving hit a shot that will echo forever. And 52 years of accumulated suffering finally came to an end.But the championship was only meaningful because of everything that came before it. Cursed No More tells the full story - from Cleveland's last championship in 1964 through the frozen playoff losses, the betrayals, the relocated franchise, and the night one kid from Akron finally brought the city home.This flagship volume in the Infamous Moments in Cleveland Sports series moves through all eight defining heartbreaks in sequence - Red Right 88, The Drive, The Fumble, The Shot, The Move, The Mesa, The Decision - not as separate tragedies but as chapters in a single story about a city that kept showing up. Every crushing loss, every named moment, every winter of waiting contributed to the weight that made June 19, 2016 feel unlike any championship victory in American sports history.Featuring 48 atmospheric black-and-white illustrations and drawing on decades of Cleveland sports history, Cursed No More is the definitive account of the longest wait and the night it finally ended.
Missing In Action
Why do the most prepared, most talented, most physically elite performers go missing when it matters most?On the biggest stages - championship games, boardroom presentations, high-stakes decisions - something happens in the mind that no amount of physical training can fix. Athletes check out mid-game. Leaders freeze under pressure. First responders lose clarity when lives are on the line.Missing in Action reveals exactly where the mind goes under pressure, and how to get it back in seconds.Written by Mental Performance Coaches Amon Woulfe and Derek Leddie, with a foreword by Dr. Don Greene (former US Olympic Sport Psychologist and Green Beret), this book introduces a diagnostic framework that maps the four mind states people default to under pressure - and a neuroscience-backed reset toolkit that works in real time, when it matters most.Built on a decade of work with championship-winning sporting teams, C-suite executives at global brands, military personnel, and emergency services professionals, Missing in Action makes the case that mental performance is the most undertrained skill in high performance - and that it can be measured, developed, and mastered with the same precision we apply to the body.This is not self-help. This is not motivation. This is Mental Performance Training - systematic, measurable, and built for the moments that define careers.
The Threshold
What truly changed Indian cricket in 1983?Was it simply a surprising tournament victory-or was it something deeper?In The Threshold, author Sandeep J. Chavan explores one of the most defining moments in the history of sport: India's unexpected triumph in the 1983 Cricket World Cup under the leadership of Kapil Dev. While many books have revisited the matches, innings, and statistics of that unforgettable tournament, this book looks beyond the scorecards to uncover the deeper transformation that took place.For decades before 1983, Indian cricket carried an invisible psychological boundary. The team possessed talent and discipline, but the belief that global dominance belonged elsewhere quietly shaped expectations. Victories were celebrated, yet the idea of conquering the world stage still felt distant.Then came a team that refused to accept those limits.Through the fearless leadership of Kapil Dev, a group of players entered the tournament as underdogs and emerged as world champions. Their journey did more than win a trophy-it altered the confidence of an entire generation. The victory at Lord's introduced a new mindset into Indian cricket, one that gradually transformed the game's ecosystem, its institutions, and its global influence.In this thought-provoking narrative, Sandeep J. Chavan explores how certain moments in history become threshold events-points where systems cross invisible boundaries and begin to operate in entirely new ways. The book examines leadership, belief, collective psychology, and the long-term consequences of breakthrough victories.Readers will discover: - How Kapil Dev's leadership reshaped team psychology- Why the 1983 World Cup became a turning point in Indian cricket- How belief spreads within teams and societies- Why certain moments transform entire systems- How one victory helped redefine India's place in world cricketBlending sports history, leadership insight, and systemic thinking, The Threshold offers a fresh perspective on one of cricket's most celebrated achievements.This is not just a story about a tournament.It is the story of the moment Indian cricket crossed its psychological boundary-and the future changed forever.
Fields of Glory
That grand old tune "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" must have been playing the day author Michael Janacek came into the world. For more than six decades, Janacek, a lifelong baseball fan, was involved at the amateur level as a player, coach, and team manager. With immense passion and an encyclopedic knowledge of the game, he walks us through the history of baseball from 1876 to the present day and regales us with stories of some of the Major League greats-Stan Musial, Eddie Matthews, Andre Dawson, Rickey Henderson, Smokey Joe Wood, Yogi Berra, and many, many more-in Fields of Glory.When Warren Spahn and Juan Marichal went head to head in the "greatest game ever pitched" with neither team scoring a single run until the 16th inning! The time pitcher Ray Caldwell was struck by lightning mid-game, picked himself up, dusted himself off, and returned to the mound to finish the game! The girl who struck out Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig! It's all here in the pages of this fascinating baseball book.
Fields of Glory
That grand old tune "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" must have been playing the day author Michael Janacek came into the world. For more than six decades, Janacek, a lifelong baseball fan, was involved at the amateur level as a player, coach, and team manager. With immense passion and an encyclopedic knowledge of the game, he walks us through the history of baseball from 1876 to the present day and regales us with stories of some of the Major League greats-Stan Musial, Eddie Matthews, Andre Dawson, Rickey Henderson, Smokey Joe Wood, Yogi Berra, and many, many more-in Fields of Glory.When Warren Spahn and Juan Marichal went head to head in the "greatest game ever pitched" with neither team scoring a single run until the 16th inning! The time pitcher Ray Caldwell was struck by lightning mid-game, picked himself up, dusted himself off, and returned to the mound to finish the game! The girl who struck out Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig! It's all here in the pages of this fascinating baseball book.
Fix Anterior Pelvic Tilt
Anterior pelvic tilt is a common postural imbalance caused by tight hip flexors, weak glutes, and underactive core muscles, often associated with prolonged sitting and reduced mobility. This book examines the anatomical and muscular factors behind anterior pelvic tilt and explains how it can influence posture, lower back pain, athletic performance, and everyday movement. It provides a clear overview of how pelvic misalignment develops and why correcting muscle imbalances is essential for restoring neutral alignment and functional stability. Designed for individuals experiencing posture-related discomfort, fitness enthusiasts, and athletes seeking improved movement efficiency, this guide offers a practical and structured approach to correction. The content combines explanation and application, outlining targeted stretching routines, glute and core strengthening exercises, breathing techniques, and posture adjustments for sitting, walking, and sleeping. A progressive 30-day plan is included to help readers systematically retrain movement patterns and build long-term postural awareness through consistent practice.
Touchdown Under
Embark on a Rousing Quest through Rugby League LoreImagine unlocking a world where adrenaline surges through roaring stadiums, where every tackle, kick, and try tells a tale of passion and prowess. "Touchdown Under: An American's Guide to Rugby League and the NRL" is your all-access pass to the riveting universe of one of the most exhilarating sports on the planet. As an American, you're no stranger to the thrill of sports, but what awaits you in these pages is a voyage into the heart of Australia's beloved game.Plunge into the Introduction, and feel the pulse of the crowd as you discover the pleasure of the try. With each turn of the page, gain in-depth knowledge starting from Chapter 1, unraveling the essence of Rugby League, the game's origins, and what sets it apart from its cousin Rugby Union. By detangling the sometimes perplexing rules and terms of the game, you ensure you're as ready for kickoff as the players on the field.Ever wondered about the strategic depth beneath those muddy uniforms and bruised shins? Chapters 2 through 8 meticulously guide you across the field, through the crucial roles of each team position, right into the intricate nuances of game structure. Get to grips with the unique scoring system, the tactical ballet of the play-the-ball, and the decisive power of the tackle.Submerge yourself in the exhilarating spectacle of the NRL season, from the electrifying regular season games to the climactic Grand Final detailed in Chapter 9. Relive history and stir your spirit with Chapter 11's recounting of spine-tingling moments in NRL history, making you feel every heart-stopping play and groundbreaking achievement.For the prospective fan abroad, the Appendices serve as your trusty compass to navigating matchdays from afar, solidifying your burgeoning fandom. Let "Touchdown Under: An American's Guide to Rugby League and the NRL" be the companion that transforms you from a curious onlooker to a devoted aficionado of this dynamic sport. Adopt a new legacy, and join the legion of Rugby League enthusiasts today!
SkateGuard
Every elite young hockey player dreams of a career in the sport they love-but few are truly prepared for everything that comes with it. SkateGuard is a guide for elite athletes and their families who want to build success that lasts beyond the rink. Rob Martini, who brings firsthand experience as an international-level hockey coach and former elite player, and Mike Jaczko bring decades of experience advising professional athletes and managing the complex financial lives of players. Through SkateGuard, they extend that expertise to the next generation, helping young players and parents make smart choices in a competitive and often unforgiving world. This new edition looks well beyond money, offering real-world lessons on personal branding, sponsorship deals, media and social pressures, billeting, mental wellness, and building a trusted team of advisors. Grounded in real stories and practical guidance, SkateGuard empowers players to take control of their paths-on the ice, off the ice, and for the long run.
Hot Foot
Roger McDowell dishes on everything from the New York Mets to Seinfeld in this lively new memoir Over the course of Roger McDowell's twelve-year career in Major League Baseball, the laughs were never in short supply. His teammates were always on guard, careful not to become the next victim of his dreaded "Hot Foot." McDowell's fun-loving nature, however, was matched only by his tenacity on the pitching mound. Praised as a "battler" and a "gamer" by those same pranked teammates, Roger was all business when he went out between the lines. Priding himself on toughness and reliability, McDowell's 723 big league appearances from 1985 to 1996 were exceeded only by Lee Smith during those years. Responding to every challenge even on the grandest of stages, he helped the irascible 1986 New York Mets fight their way past other teams - and each other - toward a World Series title. Now, forty years later, Roger discusses his earliest beginnings in the game, his climb to professional baseball, and then brings the reader onto the 1986 Mets' roster for all the bus rides, dugout jokes, and locker room antics. Whether it was soaking Lenny Dykstra's bat in rubbing alcohol and lighting it on fire, tricking Tommy Lasorda into eating dog treats in the clubhouse, or sneezing fake snot onto Cubs fans in the first row of seats at Wrigley Field, no one knew where McDowell would strike next. ​This memoir - which includes contemporary interviews with Roger's teammates such as Dwight Gooden, Keith Hernandez, Ray Knight, Howard Johnson, Wally Backman, and many others - is the story of a life that was passionately devoted to one man's love for the game.
Ironclad Iron-Play
Ironclad Iron-play is the second book in the Tee It Up series. The first book in the series laid the mental groundwork for making tough decisions on the course. In Ironclad Iron-play, we learn to put that toughness to use in mastering the scoring clubs in golf: the irons.The gap between a 15-handicap and single digits isn't talent. It's iron play.This book shows you how to close that gap.Once you're on the fairway, getting to the green and close to the pin, positions you for a low score.IRONCLAD IRON-PLAY IS YOUR ROADMAP TO WHAT ALL GOLFERS WANT: A LOW HANDICAP.Its an ultimate guide to moving from a 15-handicap to upper single figures or lower."Written by a fellow golfer who's walked the path, in the same no nonsense caddie style as the first book, it cuts straight to what all great golfers possess: honest self-assessment, purposeful practice, and smart course management."Inside this book: Championship iron shots are decoded: how the famous clutch shots of Watson, Nicklaus, Spieth, Fitzpatrick and others reveal about preparation and commitmentThe iron swing setup fundamentals, and what to ignoreDistance and trajectory control on the course, not just the rangePractice drills for developing swing resilienceCourse management strategies that will save you 3 strokes per round, without changing your swingPersonal yardage chart, pre-shot routine checklist, and quick-reference drill guidesIn twelve months from now, you could be a 7-handicap hitting ten greens per round. Your iron play could be reliable, your position play more strategic. Your path to becoming that golfer is in this book.Ironclad Iron-play will teach you: To know your real numbers and why golfers overestimate their distancesTo examine elite players for clues to great iron playTo execute under pressure with a good pre-shot routineTo practice with purpose with proven drillsTo think your way around the course to avoid trouble and create birdie chancesTo build a 90 day framework and track your progress with confidence.Read this book. Apply the advice. Track your progress. And watch your handicap drop.This is book two in the Tee It Up series.The series aims to build complete golfers through mental game mastery and technical excellence.185 pages 40,000 words Includes practical templates and drill guides
Basketball for Dummies
Understand basketball basics and get up to speed on leagues around the world Basketball For Dummies is a fully updated fan's guide to this exciting sport. This fun reference is great for anyone interested in following or playing basketball at any level. You'll learn the history of the game, the basic rules, and techniques for shooting, playing offense, playing defense, and rebounding. Get the inside scoop on high school, college, professional, and international leagues--including the wildly popular and exciting women's game--so you can follow the intricacies of play as you support your favorite team. This edition covers the latest changes to the sport, keeping coaches, fans, and players up to date with essential basketball knowledge. Find all the information you need to understand basketball basics like shooting, passing, dribbling, rebounding, and different player positions Learn how the pro game has evolved, including changes to the rules Get caught up on Women's NCAA Basketball, the WNBA, and women's leagues around the world Improve your NCAA tournament picks with expert tips on key factors to consider Basketball For Dummies is perfect for anyone who wants to know more about playing or following the game.
Coach to Coach
More than just wins and losses, sports build character and relationships, promote personal growth, and provide purpose. James Avery's Coach to Coach brings a fresh and holistic approach to coaching the athletes at all levels of sport. Based on 25 years of personal experience, both successes and failures, this reflective and practical guide is written from the perspective of a longtime high school football coach and former player. With an engaging and faith-based take on coaching that goes beyond strategy and physical training, Coach Avery emphasizes the importance of nurturing the whole athlete. Players are not just physical performers but also emotional, mental, and spiritual beings. With Coach to Coach, he shares a dynamic, evolving coaching style that is compassionate, thoughtful, and grounded in foundational values. Whether new to coaching or a longtime expert, this book offers any coach a deeper, more meaningful approach to the profession and how it affects the lives of athletes.
Coach to Coach
More than just wins and losses, sports build character and relationships, promote personal growth, and provide purpose. James Avery's Coach to Coach brings a fresh and holistic approach to coaching the athletes at all levels of sport. Based on 25 years of personal experience, both successes and failures, this reflective and practical guide is written from the perspective of a longtime high school football coach and former player. With an engaging and faith-based take on coaching that goes beyond strategy and physical training, Coach Avery emphasizes the importance of nurturing the whole athlete. Players are not just physical performers but also emotional, mental, and spiritual beings. With Coach to Coach, he shares a dynamic, evolving coaching style that is compassionate, thoughtful, and grounded in foundational values. Whether new to coaching or a longtime expert, this book offers any coach a deeper, more meaningful approach to the profession and how it affects the lives of athletes.
Rodeo
A dust-laden breeze sweeps across the Montana plains, where youth and hardship collide beneath the open sky. In the shadow of wide-brimmed hats and the thrum of hooves, a young man stands poised at the edge of tradition and change, his fate entwined with the legacy of a storied ranch and the relentless spectacle of rodeo adventure. Set against the evocative backdrop of the 1920s, this coming-of-age tale pulses with the raw energy of the American West, inviting readers into a world where family bonds are tested by ambition and the land itself is both adversary and inheritance. Rediscovered after decades out of print and now republished by Alpha Editions, this novel has been meticulously restored for today's and future generations. Its pages capture the spirit of western fiction at its finest, blending the grit of cowboy stories with the nuanced storytelling that made early historical novels so enduring. The narrative draws upon the unique rhythms of ranch life, painting vivid portraits of Montana's untamed landscape while exploring the universal struggles of growing up and forging identity. Echoes of B.M. Bower's most beloved works-such as the iconic Chip of the Flying U-resonate throughout, offering both long-time aficionados and new readers a rare glimpse into the era's cultural heartbeat. This edition is not just a reprint - it's a collector's item and a cultural treasure, preserving the artistry and authenticity of a genre that shaped literary history. Whether you are seeking an immersive escape into a bygone world or enriching a classic collection, this restored work stands as a testament to the enduring allure of young adult fiction set amid the dust and dreams of the West. Its return is a celebration of heritage, courage, and the timeless journey from youth to adulthood on the wild frontier.
Dodgerland
The 1977-78 Los Angeles Dodgers came close. Their tough lineup of young and ambitious players squared off with the New York Yankees in consecutive World Series. The Dodgers' run was a long time in the making after years of struggle and featured many homegrown players who went on to noteworthy or Hall of Fame careers, including Don Sutton, Steve Garvey, Davey Lopes, and Steve Yeager. Dodgerland is the story of those memorable teams as Chavez Ravine began to change, baseball was about to enter a new era, and American culture experienced a shift to the "me" era.Part journalism, part social history, and part straight sportswriting, Dodgerland is told through the lives of four men named Tom, each representing different aspects of this LA story. Tom Lasorda, the vocal manager of the Dodgers, gives an up-close view of the team's struggles and triumphs; Tom Fallon, a suburban small-business owner, witnesses the Dodgers' season and the changes to California's landscape--physical, social, political, and economic; Tom Wolfe, a chronicler of California's ever-changing culture, views the events of 1977-78 from his Manhattan writer's loft; and Tom Bradley, Los Angeles's mayor and the region's most dominant political figure of the time, gives a glimpse of the wider political, demographic, and economic forces that affected the state at the time.The boys in blue drew baseball's focus in those two seasons, but the intertwining narratives tell a larger story about California, late 1970s America, and great promise unrealized.
Crosbie, Centre-half
When the Great War broke out there were British citizens who had the misfortune to find themselves trapped within German borders. Ruhleben, the site of a Berlin racecourse, became a prison camp for such citizens. Steve Bloomer of Derby County and England fame was one of them. Being England's most prolific goalscorer of his day, his fame ascended to legendary status. A fellow prisoner was John Cameron who had been player-secretary-manager of Tottenham Hotspur's FA Cup winning team of 1901. He was the first secretary of the Players' Union and a prime force in guiding Spurs from the Southern League to the higher echelons of the English game. Both Bloomer and Cameron were on coaching assignments in Germany at an inopportune time. They were largely influential in organising football leagues whilst in captivity. With the proliferation of former professional footballers within their midst, the standard of football was consistent with the meticulous planning. In Crosbie, Centre-half, his first novel, established football historian and author Duncan Carmichael imagines a similar scenario from a different angle.
Henry Aaron
"Trying to throw a fastball past Henry Aaron is like trying to sneak a sunrise past a rooster."-Curt Simmons, pitcher Henry Aaron is one of the greatest baseball players of all time, a great humanitarian, and a deserving subject for this in-depth examination of his life and his impact on baseball and the world. This SABR book includes twenty essays examining Aaron's life and career as well as over a dozen detailed recaps revisiting significant games in which he played, from his debut in 1952 to first grand slam with the Braves to his curtain call in Milwaukee in 1976. Born in 1934, one of eight siblings, Aaron first joined the ranks of professional baseball players as a member of the Indianapolis Clowns of the Negro American League. He would eventually play 23 years in the National League, and win three Gold Gloves, one MVP award, and the 1957 World Series with the Milwaukee Braves. He was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982, his first ballot, and to MLB's All Century Team in 1999. Among his many career highlights, on May 17, 1970, Aaron became the first player to compile both 3,000 career hits and more than 500 homers. But the moment that lives indelibly in baseball history took place on April 8. 1974, when he broke Babe Ruth's previously unassailable career record of 714 home runs. As Aaron circled the bases, broadcaster Vin Scully told his audience, "What a marvelous moment for baseball. What a marvelous moment for Atlanta and the state of Georgia. What a marvelous moment for the country and the world. A Black man is getting a standing ovation in the Deep South for breaking a record of an all-time baseball idol."Hate mail by the bagful followed Aaron during his quest to hit 715 career home runs and pass the legendary Babe Ruth. "Hammerin' Hank" responded with class and a beautiful line-drive swing. He retired with 755 home runs, a .305 batting average, .555 slugging percentage, and .928 OPS.This book represents the collaborative effort of 40 members of SABR, the Society for American Baseball Research.
Never Daunted
This is the story of how a visionary president, an astute athletic director, and a genius head coach assembled a group of misfit players-and turned the losingest program in college football history into champions.For more than a century, the Indiana University Hoosiers lived at the bottom of the college football world-outmatched, overlooked, and resigned to history. Then Curt Cignetti arrived and told anyone who would listen that Indiana would win. Not someday. Soon.What followed wasn't a miracle. It was a standard.Never Daunted chronicles the most improbable rise in modern sports history: how a program without recruiting clout, tradition, or margin for error built a national champion through discipline, belief, and relentless execution. Eschewing hype and shortcuts, Cignetti installed a Process rooted in habits, accountability, and playing every snap as if it mattered-because it did.Through unforgettable game analysis, behind-the-scenes insight, and the voices of the people who lived it, this book reveals how Indiana didn't just beat college football's giants-it out-prepared them, out-finished them, and outlasted them.This is the story of a team that proved excellence isn't about stars or swagger.It's about standards.And once Indiana set theirs, everything changed.
Stars of Basketball
By the bestselling author of Stars of Football, this richly illustrated book showcases the best basketball players in the world. Kevin Durant, Tim Duncan, Allen Iverson, Luc Longley, Luol Deng, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, Stephen Curry, Richard Dacoury, Joel Embiid, LeBron James, Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Michael Jordan, Shaquille O'Neal, Tony Parker, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, Bill Russell, Russell Westbrook, and Kobe Bryant are just a few of the legendary players who have left an indelible mark on the history of the NBA. This beautifully illustrated collector's book invites you to delve into the extraordinary journeys of over 30 remarkable athletes, showcasing their iconic teams and celebrating the unforgettable matches and finals that have captured the hearts of millions of sports enthusiasts around the globe. Each page is richly adorned with stunning photographs, complementing never-before-told stories that honor the greatest names in basketball. Prepare to relive the electrifying moments, the fierce rivalries, and the triumphs that define the essence of the sport.
Buckeye Brotherhood
The definitive chronicle of the Ohio State Buckeyes' 2024 college football championship season In Buckeye Brotherhood, Bill Rabinowitz (The Chase) takes readers inside the Ohio State Buckeye's legendary run to their first national championship in a decade. Navigating a new world for college football, featuring conference realignments, NIL deals, and a brand new playoff format, OSU shook off disappointing regular season losses and came together when it mattered most. ​Featuring in-depth reporting and an unforgettable cast of characters--including newcomers Caleb Downs, Will Howard, and Jeremiah Smith alongside experienced Buckeyes Emeka Egbuka and Jack Sawyer--this is the story of how the team built their own brand of football, silenced their critics, and returned championship glory to The Ohio State University.
The Hole Truth
Ever wonder whether Tiger Woods in his prime would have beaten Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan, or Jack Nicklaus in their primes? And could any of them have beaten Babe Zaharias? Obviously, if Bobby Jones were returned to life and health and then given his old hickory-shafted mashie, persimmon-headed driver, and rubber-core ball in a match against Jordan Spieth, the outcome would be foreordained. But what if the impact of the training, equipment, courses, and traveling conditions could be neutralized in order to create a measurement? Now for the first time, questions are answered about the relative abilities of the greatest players in the history of professional golf. In The Hole Truth Bill Felber provides a relativistic approach for evaluating and comparing the performance of golfers while acknowledging the game's changing nature. The Hole Truth analyzes the performances of players relative to their peers, creating an index of exceptionality that automatically factors the changing nature of the game through time. That index is based on the standard deviation of the performances of players in golf's recognized major championships dating back to 1860. More than two hundred players are rated in comparison with one another, more than sixty of them in detail with profiles providing context on their ranking. For the dedicated golf fan, The Hole Truth is an engaging way to see in the numbers where their favorite golfers rank across eras and where current players like Rory McIlroy and Inbee Park compare to the game's greats.
A Year of Baseball Trivia! Page-A-Day(r) Calendar 2027
BASEBALL FUN: Here's everything you love about the game, right on your desktop every day of the year: Hall of Famers, Famous Firsts, Immortal Records, Dubious Distinctions, quotes, and more. HOME RUN GIFT: Trivia fans and stat geeks will love testing their knowledge with this collection of fascinating factoids from the author of The Major League Baseball Book of Fabulous Facts and Awesome Trivia. NOW PLASTIC-FREE!: Page-A-Day(R) Calendars are environmentally friendly! Printed on responsibly sourced paper and 100% recyclable, with sturdy cardboard backers.
The Tennis Court Wall Calendar 2027
Spend the year on the most breathtaking tennis courts around the world.INCREDIBLE COURTS: Discover a different tennis court from around the world each month and celebrate the global power of tennis from the Maldives to Spain to South Korea. EXPERT AUTHOR: Nick Pachelli is a competitive tennis player and journalist who covered tennis for the New York Times, Esquire, Conde Nast Traveler, and other major media publications. GREAT GIFT: Perfect for avid players and tennis fans. NOW PLASTIC-FREE!: Workman wall calendars are completely plastic-free! Now printed with an extended paper flap closed with a fully recyclable seal--no more shrink-wrap!
A Year of Football Trivia! Page-A-Day(r) Calendar 2027
Spend the year celebrating your favorite game with daily trivia, stats, and quotes to satisfy the football fanatic. GRIDIRON OBSESSION: Just like football, this calendar is full of stats, trivia, immortal records, and wisdom from the greats, not to mention outsized personalities and decades long rivalries. TOUCHDOWN TRIVIA: Test your knowledge of the Super Bowl, Draft History, Dubious Distinctions, and more trivia categories. AWESOME GIFT: Football fans of all ages will love discovering fun facts (or confirming what they already know!) every day. NOW PLASTIC-FREE!: Page-A-Day(R) Calendars are environmentally friendly! Printed on responsibly sourced paper and 100% recyclable, with sturdy cardboard backers.
Ultimate AAU & College Recruiting Playbook
The Ultimate AAU & College Recruiting Playbook is a structured resource designed to support students, families, and educators navigating the modern landscape of youth athletics and college recruitment. Written by experienced educators and former collegiate athletes, the book provides clear, practical guidance on AAU basketball, the college recruiting process, and Name, Image, and Likeness considerations.Organized into concise modules, the guide outlines each stage of the recruiting journey with an emphasis on preparation, decision-making, and accountability. Short quizzes at the end of each module encourage reflection and reinforce key concepts, making the book suitable for independent study, group discussion, or program-based use. The final section includes a series of articles that place athletic development and recruiting within a broader educational and social context.Designed as a reference tool rather than a narrative text, this book is well-suited for school and public libraries, athletic departments, guidance offices, and youth development programs seeking a clear, accessible resource on contemporary recruiting practices.
The Mental ABCs of Pitching
Author H.A. Dorfman brings his years of expertise as instructor/counselor with the A's, Marlins, and Devil Rays to provide an easy-to-use, A-to-Z handbook which will give insight and instruction on how to pitch to peak performance at every level of the game. Perfect for pitchers who need that extra edge or hitters who want to better understand the mental moves on the mound. With a new foreword by Rick Wolff!
The Mental Game of Baseball
In this book, authors H.A. Dorfman and Karl Kuehl present their practical and proven strategy for developing the mental skills needed to achieve peak performance at every level of the game.The theory and applications are illustrated by anecdotes and insights from major and minor league players, who at some point discovered the importance of mastering the inner game in order to play baseball as it should be played. Intended for players, managers, coaches, agents, and administrators as well as fans who want a more in-depth look at the makeup of the complete baseball player.
The Golf Lover's Guide to Wales
A comprehensive guide to discovering Wales' most beautiful and unique golf courses, from legendary links to hidden gems.A golf journey through Wales is filled with discovery and delight. Beyond the majestic Royal courses of Porthcawl and St David's, unexpected treasure awaits in every part of the principality - from Pennard's incomparable 'Links In The Sky' to Welshpool's unforgettable panorama 'perched on the roof of the world' and The Rolls Of Monmouth's serene parkland paradise, to name just a few.Rising high above the valleys, at the foot of towering mountains, and along rugged coastlines, wherever your travels take you, you're assured the warmest welcome, breathtaking scenery, and golf courses that will leave you yearning to return.This guide offers everything you need to enjoy an unforgettable round of golf at the best courses Wales has to offer: course yardage, green-fee price indicators, booking procedure, the history of each club, and what to expect when you play.For too long, the glorious golf courses of Wales have been regarded as the British Isles' best-kept secret. If a golfer's true calling is to seek out places they've never seen before, then mae gwlad y g璽n yn aros amdanoch chi... the land of song awaits you.
The Long Red Line
Cornell lacrosse entered 2025 with one objective: End a forty-eight-year championship drought. What followed was a season of grit, heartbreak, and redemption--a relentless march through adversity that tested every ounce of resolve.In The Long Red Line, Christian Swezey details everything from the sting of an early-season overtime loss to Penn State to the razor-thin margins of Ivy League battles. In this dramatic season, the Big Red faced injuries, doubts, and the weight of history. Captain CJ Kirst, chasing records and playing through a broken hand, embodied the team's mantra: "Well done is better than well said." Alongside him were warriors like Hugh Kelleher, Mikey Long, and Chris Davis--whose comeback after two back surgeries became a defining moment of courage. Behind the scenes, coaches Connor Buczek and Jordan Stevens forged a culture of accountability and brotherhood.Through snow-swept practices, grueling conditioning, and unforgettable senior speeches, Cornell clawed its way back to the NCAA tournament. When the Big Red stormed through Championship Weekend in Foxborough, it was the culmination of almost half a century of sacrifice and belief and honored the memories of two Cornell lacrosse legends: George Boiardi and Richie Moran.Packed with insider stories, vivid game-day action, and the voices of those who lived the drama, The Long Red Line is more than a chronicle of a lacrosse season--it is a testament to resilience, leadership, and the pursuit of greatness. For Cornell alumni, lacrosse fans, and anyone who loves an underdog story, this is the ultimate ride to Memorial Day glory.
States of Play
THE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER SHORTLISTED FOR FOOTBALL BOOK OF THE YEAR & BEST SPORTS WRITING AWARD AT THE 2025 SPORTS BOOK AWARDSA TIMES SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEARA TELEGRAPH BOOK OF THE YEARAN IRISH TIMES BOOK OF THE YEARAN IRISH INDEPENDENT BOOK OF THE YEAR Fully updated to cover Saudi Arabia's 2034 World Cup bid, the Manchester City charges case and the events of the 2024/25 season. 'Important, perfectly timed and hugely necessary.' The Guardian'Football needs this book. A monumental piece of investigative journalism.' Irish Times'A must-read on how modern football works.' Ian Wright'Brave, forensic and utterly gripping.' Tom Holland ______________________________ The definitive account of how capitalism and the world's elite corrupted modern football.As the 2022 World Cup in Qatar drew to a close, there was a bitter undercurrent to Argentina's triumph. Throughout the tournament, numerous allegations of sportswashing and financial misconduct had been made against the state of Qatar, moving what had previously been a smaller conversation into the worldwide spotlight. The question had been asked, who really owns and runs football? Journeying from Abu Dhabi to Newcastle, and onto London, Paris, Moscow and New York, journalist Miguel Delaney investigates the allegations of sportswashing and misconduct in the beautiful game. The result is a gripping account of how football has been taken over by the world's wealthiest businessmen, state-backed corporations, media tycoons and oil-rich oligarchs. From Neymar's 瞿198 million transfer to Paris Saint-Germain and Abu Dhabi's construction empire in Manchester to failed Financial Fair Play constraints and the dawn of the European Super League, Miguel draws on exclusive interviews and unprecedented access to key stakeholders to produce an all-encompassing expos矇 of modern footballs highest echelons. Authoritative, riveting and eye-opening, States of Play reveals how football has become a tool for the world's elite.______________________________ 'The moral compass that the game needs.'Andy Brassell 'In this excellent investigation, Delaney reveals the ugly side of the beautiful game.'Oliver Bullough 'The most important football book of its generation.'Jack Pitt-Brooke 'Tackles the major issues affecting football today with fearlessness and forensic scrutiny. An important investigation for our times.'Laurie Whitwell 'A majestic book. The essential guide to how the people's game has become the plaything of the very rich and powerful.'Jonathan Wilson Miguel Delaney's STATES OF PLAY was ranked in the Irish Times bestsellers list the weeks of 11th-18th November & 9th December 2024.
Tulsa Baseball History 2026 Edition
Tulsa's longest relationship with any professional sport has been with baseball. And that love affair with its minor league teams has endured its share of peaks and valleys, of passionate embraces, periods of frustration and despair and joyous celebrations. Ten major league franchises, from powerhouses such as the Los Angeles Dodgers and St. Louis Cardinals to the woeful St. Louis Browns, have placed developmental teams in Tulsa with varying degrees of success.Tulsa Baseball History: 2026 Edition tells the stories of the men who played for Tulsa's teams as well as others who came through town and left their mark on the sport, for better or for worse. You can read about ... How a crude invention by the manager of the 1966 Tulsa Oilers helped young boys and girls around the world to hit a baseball...and how he lost out on millions of dollars by not marketing tee-ball correctly.A fan who was fed up with constant booing, so he created a rallying cry that was synonymous with Tulsa baseball.How the 1921 Oilers and their home stadium were involved in one of America's darkest hours, the Tulsa Race Massacre.What happened when future Hall of Fame players and managers visited the Oil Capital of the World to play exhibition games.How the Tulsa Drillers became the launching pad for superstar careers of several members of the Texas Rangers, Colorado Rockies, and Los Angeles Dodgers.And how the 1966 Oilers lost nine games in a row and, incredibly, strengthened their hold on first place.
