Above the Rim
Above the Rim: Basketball's Global Journey is a sweeping, in-depth chronicle of how a simple game invented in a Massachusetts gymnasium became one of the most electrifying and unifying sports in the world. From the playgrounds of Manila and the courts of Lagos to the arenas of Madrid and Tokyo, this book traces basketball's rise as a truly global phenomenon.Through richly detailed chapters, it explores the cultural, political, and economic forces that helped spread the game across continents. Readers will discover how players from Africa, Europe, Asia, South America, and Oceania have not only influenced the NBA but transformed it-bringing new styles, philosophies, and voices to the court. The narrative follows the evolution of international leagues, the rise of global scouting and academies, the merging of basketball with music and fashion, and the sport's role in diplomacy, youth empowerment, and social change.Featuring case studies, historical context, and vivid storytelling, Above the Rim offers an inspiring look at how basketball has transcended borders and become a shared global language-one that unites millions and redefines what it means to be part of the game.
Scotland 74
For a small footballing nation, Scotland boasts a proud record of having qualified for the World Cup Finals on eight occasions. But this fantastic record is also tarred with the glorious failure of never having reached the latter stages of the tournament. 'Scotland '74' is a bitter-sweet celebration of the closest Scotland has ever got - so far at least - when a team of superstars managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory in the dying seconds.
Whispers of the Gods
"Anyone who has love for the game of baseball will enjoy this remarkable book." Library Journal, Starred ReviewIn Whispers of the Gods, bestselling author Peter Golenbock brings to life baseball greats from the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s through timeless stories told straight from the players themselves. Like the enduring classic The Glory of Their Times, this book features the reminiscences of baseball legends, pulled from hundreds of hours of taped interviews with the author. Roy Campanella talks about life in the Negro Leagues before coming up to the Brooklyn Dodgers. Ted Williams recounts why he believes Shoeless Joe Jackson belongs in the Hall of Fame. Tom Sturdivant provides vivid memories of Casey Stengel, Mickey Mantle, and other Yankee icons. Other voices include Phil Rizzuto, Jim Bouton, Monte Irvin, Stan Musial, Ron Santo, Rex Barney, Ellis Clary, Roger Maris, Ed Froelich, Marty Marion, Jim Brosnan, Gene Conley, and Kirby Higbe.The players interviewed were All-Stars, Hall of Famers, and heroes to many, and their impact on the national pastime is still seen to this day. Baseball history comes alive through the stories shared in Whispers of the Gods, offering a fascinating account of the golden age of baseball.
Baseball
Analytics, technology, and the most ambitious rewrite of the rulebook in fifty years have reshaped baseball. Benjamin G. Rader's account of the American pastime moves from diamonds scratched out of commons and corn fields to the multimedia theme parks doubling as today's baseball stadiums. The fifth edition follows the long arc of the game's history into the third decade of the twenty-first century, an era rich in innovation but even richer from revenue streams undreamt-of by the plutocrats of old. Rader brings readers up to date with looks at the Astros cheating scandal, on-the-field changes from power pitchers to ghost runners, data-driven player development and career rebirth, and the one-of-a-kind Shohei Ohtani. Engrossing and complete, Baseball, Fifth Edition, offers a comprehensive tour of the game and its place within American society and culture.
Field Work
Roger Angell meets Hanif Abdurraqib meets Bull Durham in this sharp new collection of baseball writing by Andrew ForbesBaseball is a sport, a pastime, an obsession, a dream--and for some, it's also a day job. A poetic survey of baseball's rich history, Field Work shines a light on the people who make the game happen, from major-league stars and little-league coaches to gamblers, ballpark operators, and minor leaguers forging lives outside the dugout. With sharp-eyed observations and beautiful digressions, these essays portray the complex relationship between work and play--both on and off the field--to demonstrate how baseball is more than just a game.
Black Arsenal
Arsenal is special. Its multicultural fandom reflects a changing city and a unique relationship with Black British popular culture. Thanks to its decades of fielding iconic Black players on the pitch and the storied and diverse histories of its terraces, Arsenal has emerged as a powerful symbol of what an organic and convivial multiculture can be. From the earliest hints in the late 1960s that something remarkable was happening, up to Arsenal's ascendence as a global organisation, Black Arsenal is the first dedicated exploration of the club's relationship to contemporary Black identity and culture. It sees the club's affinity with Black identity transcend football and spread across cultures: in the media, music, fashion, politics and everyday social experiences. Explored through a combination of stunning photography and rare archival images, Black Arsenal examines how a new Black iconography emerged at Arsenal at key moments in British history that became crucial to the creation of new forms of Black identification. With contributions including former legends Ian Wright and Paul Davis, critical appraisals from Paul Gilroy, Gail Lewis and Clive Chijioke Nwonka, and personal responses from Clive Palmer, Ezra Collective, Amy Lawrence and others, Black Arsenal encounter the moments, stories and experiences of how Arsenal became an important and underexamined feature of modern Black British culture and identity.
The Wonder Boy
ESPN's Tim MacMahon chronicles the career of the Dallas Mavericks' Luka Doncic and examines the pressure of building an NBA team around a prodigy. In 2018, the Dallas Mavericks landed the most hyped European teen prospect in basketball history--Luka Doncic, who has proven to be a generational NBA talent with a flair for sensational playmaking. But that's only half the story. With The Wonder Boy, MacMahon takes us beyond the highlights to the madness that ensues as the Mavericks try to avoid blowing their golden opportunity. From the internal power struggles in owner Mark Cuban's front office during the early years of Doncic's career, to the new regime's effort to earn Doncic's loyalty and put the ruthless competitor in position to win, readers will learn never-before-reported details about the saga's biggest moments, including: the blockbuster deal for Kristaps Porzingis that blew up in the Mavs' faces the divorces with coach Rick Carlisle and GM Donnie Nelson Jalen Brunson's exit after a run to the Western Conference finals the new pairing with the mercurial Kyrie Irving the improbable journey to the 2024 Finals As the clock ticks on the Mavs' quest to win it all with their irreplaceable young star, The Wonder Boy pulls back the curtain on a dilemma every NBA team would love to have.
Tennis for Dummies
Learn the basics of tennis so you can hit the courts, improve your game, and follow the pros This updated edition of Tennis For Dummies takes you into the world of tennis today. You'll learn the history of the game, the rules, the latest gear, the hottest strategies, and everything else you need to know to get into this popular racquet sport. This easy-to-understand guide shows you what it takes to improve each time you step on the court, and puts you in the middle of the pro tennis action so you can enjoy the matches everyone is talking about. You'll learn to equip yourself with the right apparel, racquet, and accessories, so you're ready to play. Get tips for perfecting your strokes and shaping up with physical conditioning, plus dealing with common tennis injuries. You'll also explore the finer points of tennis etiquette, both on the court and as a spectator. Discover how the game of tennis is played, with helpful illustrations and court diagrams Master the mental game so you can get the most out of yourself each and every time you pick up a racquet Understand the rules of tennis, the varieties of the game, and the scoring system Learn about the most prominent players, matches, and tournaments This is a great Dummies guide for readers who want to learn the basics of tennis, so they can go out and play, or enjoy watching tournaments in person or on television. Beginners who need a general introduction and current players who want to take their game to the next level will love the quick-and-easy tips inside.
Banner Year
As Banner 18 ascended to the TD Garden rafters in October 2024, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and the Boston Celtics' reigning championship squad were in very good company. They were surrounded not only by a sell-out crowd of ardent supporters but by Celtics legends of previous eras, symbolizing the franchise's continued, unwavering commitment to greatness. Cedric Maxwell was among the former players commemorating the achievement, and he was present as a broadcaster throughout the dominant journey to the NBA title; from the offseason shake-ups that dispatched Marcus Smart while welcoming Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday, to the final buzzer against the Dallas Mavericks. Banner Year is the definitive chronicle of the Celtics' 2023-2024 season and their quest for that long-elusive 18th championship. Through exclusive insights and firsthand accounts, Maxwell and Mike Isenberg offer a behind-the-scenes look at the dynamics that fueled the team's success, including keen observations on prominent figures such as Tatum, Brown, Al Horford, and coach Joe Mazzulla. Boston fans will delight in this captivating account that captures the spirit of a franchise determined to rise once more.
Rainmaker
NATIONAL BESTSELLER From his work with Tiger Woods and Greg Norman to his thoughts on golf's current money-grab era, golf superagent Hughes Norton presents a rollicking tell-all that "takes you inside the room with some of golf's biggest personalities for some never-before-heard stories" (Chris Solomon, host of No Laying Up). When twenty-one-year-old Tiger Woods stunned the world by winning The Masters by a mind-blowing twelve strokes, the first thing he did was embrace the three most important people in his life: his father, his mother, and Hughes Norton. At the peak of his career, agent Norton earned a million-dollar salary, flew to all corners of the world in first class, and enjoyed a lifestyle nearly as lavish as his A-list clients. That dizzying success, however, came at a high price. The seventy-hour work weeks, constant travel, and intense pressure--both from his players and their corporate partners--took Norton away from his family and ultimately led to divorce. At the same time, to protect his players and his career, he found himself making ethical and moral choices he would later regret. Soon, he realized he had made as many enemies as friends. Now, in Rainmaker, Norton offers "the most amazing 'behind the curtain' view ever written about the world of sports management" (Jim Nantz, CBS Sports). With exclusive insights, he discusses what it was like being Tiger's first agent, his time representing the narcissistic Greg Norman, and shining a bright light on his sudden--and controversial--ouster as the head of IMG's Golf Division--a juggernaut he helped build. This is an engaging and unforgettable memoir that explores golf as never before.
Playing Dirty
Greed and self-preservation have overtaken professional golf, with factions battling to buy and control its ecosystem without accounting for the cost and collateral damage of their ambitions. As the top level of golf threatens to tear itself in two, Golf Digest senior writer Joel Beall travels to Scotland, the birthplace of golf, to see if the soul of the sport is intact. Here, far from the boardroom battles, the game still breathes as it was meant to-pure and democratic. Links and life intertwine without ceremony: fairways spill into village squares, first tees lurk behind bus stops, flagsticks wave to fishermen. Duck into any pub and you'll find half the day's tee sheet has preceded you, scorecards spread across tables like battle maps, pints marking the spots where glory was found or lost. This is golf's last pure kingdom, where wealth is measured not in gold but in twilight rounds, where every weary wanderer can find refuge. Where the past feels present and the game never gets old, because good things never do. Not perfect, mind you; nothing wrapped in human hands ever is, yet Scotland golf is as unadulterated of a product as we get. It reminds us that all that is good with this beautifully dumb sport can continue in the face of the unknown. Whatever happens ... well, professional golf tournaments come and go, but Scotland golf is forever. With a hyper focus on the towns and courses and people that ensure the game of golf remains a game of the people, Beall examines golf's roots hoping to find an answer to where the sport is headed, who decides its fate, and if the game can truly be bought ... before golf swallows itself whole.ADVANCED PRAISE"There is a deep contrast in modern golf between the sacred and the profane, and though many writers have explored the gulf, none have done it with such eloquence and insight as Joel Beall in his tremendous work Playing Dirty. This is a masterful examination of where golf went wrong at the professional level, and how salvation must come from its historical roots. This book is the reckoning we needed, and it comes with a bold and bracing refusal to let the mistakes of the past define the future. Like so many fans, I have spent the last few years wondering where golf's heart has gone. I don't have to wonder anymore-Joel Beall has found it." -Shane Ryan, New York Times-bestselling author of Slaying the Tiger "Nobody in golf marries world class reporting and storytelling as well as Joel Beall. He hunts down facts that nobody else has discovered and weaves them together with the aplomb of a novelist. In a world where everything in golf hurtles toward uniformity, Joel's writing stands out as supremely unique. He is truly a one of one in the modern golf media landscape, and his hunt for golf soul amid all the chaos reflects this reality."-Kyle Porter, Founder of Normal Sport, formerly with CBS Sports "This here is an act of love. Joel Beall was meant to write this book, what amounts to a journey of how we square all the realities of a game that's ours to play, but controlled by forces beyond our grasp. Beall approaches golf from two directions. He's the gifted journalist covering the game's civil war. And he's the player looking to believe there's still some good in something that's gone so far awry. You will join him for the ride, from frontline coverage of the PGA Tour and LIV, to the shorelines of Scotland, and maybe see things differently in the end." -Brendan Quinn, Senior enterprise writer for The Athletic/New York Times
L.A. Story
The definitive portrait of Shohei Ohtani's momentous debut season in Dodger blue Baseball has never seen a player like Shohei Ohtani. After six seasons establishing himself as a once-in-a-century two-way star but making zero playoff appearances, Ohtani's record-shattering $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers paired the sport's most prominent global celebrity with one of it's crown-jewel franchises, located in the entertainment capital of the world. "You might have played with other teams -- that's the big leagues," Hall of Famer Tommy Lasorda used to say about his beloved team. "But when you come to the Dodgers, it's the major leagues." L.A. Story is a multifaceted, insider's portrait of a debut season for the ages. Veteran baseball scribe Bill Plunkett deftly captures the phenomenon of baseball's "unicorn", with storylines including Ohtani's offensive explosion while recovering from Tommy John surgery, his first flirtations with postseason glory, and the gambling scandal involving his longtime interpreter and close friend that nearly upended everything before he could take his first at-bat at Dodger Stadium. Built on daily reporting and conversations, this is an insightful, intriguing ride for Dodgers fans and keen baseball observers.
Golf's Sacred Journey, the Sequel
Golf is more than a game. Behind every stroke and ace, there are hours of practice. Before every trophy, there is sacrifice. At every driving range, there are successes and failures. And inside every golfer, there is a story.In Golf's Sacred Journey, the Sequel, the book that follows bestselling Golf's Sacred Journey, professional golfer Luke Chisholm returns to his winsome and wise mentor, Johnny Crawford, for what he's best at: advice. This time, Luke needs help of a different sort. He needs guidance on playing in the most difficult golf tournament in the world: the U.S. Open. Victory is in sight.From bestselling author and performance psychologist Dr. David Cook, Golf's Sacred Journey, the Sequel, is the fascinating byproduct of counseling thousands of athletes over the decades--from PGA Champions to Olympic athletes. His expertise weaves throughout this suspenseful and memorable sequel.Luke's story unfolds from the practice course of Utopia, Texas, to the fairways of the U.S. Open. It's there that T.K., Luke's rival, re-enters the picture. Their rivalry comes to a head at the U.S. Open. Their clash is epic, the payoffs and costs are great.In this memorable book, readers will acquire lessons about golf and life that they never expected as Luke and T.K. overcome gripping fears, trials, and brokenness as they pursue their God-given dreams. Golf's Sacred Journey, the Sequel will deeply inspire readers both on and off the green.This is a story of two golfers. This is a story of redemption. And in the end, it's not just about a game.
The Nba's Global Empire
During the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, the Dream Team, a collective of the National Basketball Association's top talent led by Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird and Charles Barkley, shook up the world as they amazed spectators and opponents on their way to winning gold. Their success introduced the world to the NBA's charismatic superstars and their artistic brand of basketball. Over the next two decades, youth outside of America dreamed of becoming the next Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James. The NBA took advantage of its popularity in China by forming lucrative television and streaming deals and opening training academies. By the 2022-23 NBA season, there were 109 international players from 39 countries, a Canadian franchise, and a league in Africa. Today's best players are Africans, Canadians and Europeans like Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama. This book presents the history of the NBA's ascension to a billion-dollar global empire, analyzing the globalization of American sports since the end of the Cold War and the dawn of the millennium. How essential is globalization for the NBA to thrive in the 21st century? Do the benefits outweigh the geopolitical controversies associated with being a global brand? Is globalization responsible for a decline in American-born NBA players and declining domestic popularity? These questions and others are answered in this first treatment of the NBA's global reach.
