The Franchise: Toronto Blue Jays
In The Franchise: Toronto Blue Jays, take a more profound and unique journey into the history of Canada's team. This thoughtful and engaging collection of essays captures the astute fans' history of the franchise, going beyond well-worn narratives of yesteryear to uncover the less-discussed moments, decisions, people, and settings that fostered the Blue Jays' distinctive identity. Through wheeling and dealing, mythmaking and community building, explore where the organization has been, how it came to prominence in the modern major league landscape, and how it will continue to evolve and stay in contention for generations to come. Jays fans in the know will enjoy this personal, local, in-depth look at baseball history.
The Art of Batting
'a wonderful tale' - David 'Bumble' Lloyd 'one of cricket's most distinctive writers' - Andy ZaltzmanColourful cricket history meets expert analysis in this richly researched exploration of the art of batting. Most batters just do their best, yet the top players create art. It is physically impossible to face an 80mph delivery and track it with your eyes, yet the greatest batters do more than just watch the ball, they can see into the future. This book is about the batters who see what mortals don't. Javed Miandad purposefully makes errors to manipulate the field, Sachin Tendulkar dug up a pitch to take on Warne, Shivnarine Chanderpaul practised non-stop on a beach with tennis balls until he mastered technique and Joe Root's great play against spin is known to be a confluence of three random events. Others, such as Smith, Pietersen and Richards, carried on the work of a man 100 years before their time, and Ranji changed cricket with a bucket. Their methods and stories are different, but their currency is the same: runs. Through interviews with cricketing greats such as David 'Bumble' Lloyd, Nasser Hussain, Rahul Dravid and Brian Lara, this book shows you the science, skill and culture that made the 50 greatest batters of all time - and, ultimately, how they conquered leather with willow.
Leo Lyons, the Rochester Jeffersons and the Birth of the NFL
Leo Lyons was an essential member of the group romanticized as the founding fathers of the National Football League. As the owner of the Rochester Jeffersons, one of the most successful semi-pro teams in the country, he attended the league's organizational meeting in Canton, Ohio, along with George Halas, Jim Thorpe, Carl Storck, Ralph Hay and a handful of other visionaries. This book tells the story of Lyons' participation in many of the league's important historical moments as well as the many concepts he brought to the game. A pioneer in the integration of football. Lyons hired Henry McDonald, the fourth known black professional player, in 1912. Lyons' innovative "Jeffs" logo introduced in 1915 was the first used by a professional football team. He conceptualized football trading cards as a way of promoting professional football a year later. He even collaborated with representatives from the Wilson Sporting Goods Company to transform the ball from its melon shape into the one fans recognize today. This meticulously researched biography presents Lyons' struggles to keep his team afloat in the turbulent early days of the NFL, along with his encounters with such legendary figures as Walter Camp, Jim Thorpe, Curly Lambeau, George Halas, Joe Carr, Red Grange, Art Rooney, Pete Rozelle and many more. His involvement with underground figures as he sought to sign the famous Grange for his Rochester Jeffersons is presented in fine detail in this first biography of the NFL founding father.
Battles at Annapolis
On the shores of the Chesapeake, two hard-fought Army-Navy games left a lasting mark on football and the service academies. On two cool late fall Saturday afternoons, separated by forty-nine years, the spectacle of Army-Navy football unfolded at Annapolis, Maryland, on the grounds of the United States Naval Academy. This pair of rivalry games were played in 1893 and 1942, on the edge of brackish tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay and before crowds among the smallest ever to witness the game. While often treated as sidebars in the epic Army-Navy football narrative, these two games had an outsized impact on the series, on the institutions represented on the field, and even on the sport of football. In a series that continues to be defined by toughness and resilience, these were also among the hardest-fought and roughest games ever played. Battles at Annapolis presents the context of the two most recent Army-Navy football games played at Annapolis: how the games came to be scheduled and the impact of each contest on the participating institutions, the sport of football, and the broader community. Author David Gendell also showcases the unique personalities who represented the service academies on the field, on the sidelines, and in the stands. Many of the players would soon represent the United States in combat. But before they went to war, they played football. Rear Admiral Thomas C. Lynch, USN (Ret.), a former Navy football captain and 54th Superintendent of the Naval Academy, contributes the book's Foreword.
Road to Glory - AB de Villiers
'AB hopped over the boundary rope and onto the field, grinning at the sight and sound of a packed Wanderers Stadium. He swung his bat from side to side and listened to the crowd roaring his name.'With two much older brothers, AB learned early how to play hard and never give up. In this inspiring and entertaining story we watch one of South Africa's favourite sporting stars rise to fame as he progresses through school and university, playing against the best. The story takes the reader close to the action and the ups and downs in AB's life.AB de Villiers is part of the series, Road to Glory, which covers some of South Africa's sporting legends as they set out on their journeys to becoming national and international stars.
The Final Test
'[A] compelling book... Test cricket is hanging on. It's a worry' - Graham Gooch 'Huw Turbervill is the ultimate passionate polemicist for the Test format with a zeal that manages to weave both George Orwell and Basil Fawlty into his arguments' - David Gower OBE 'As cricket expands into ever more formats and franchise leagues, more and more voices are to be heard; but the editor of The Cricketer should always be listened to' - Scyld Berry The editor of The Cricketer goes on a soul-searching journey to discover what the future holds for Test cricket. As T20 grows like Japanese knotweed, Test cricket is in mortal danger. White-ball tournaments - mainly T20 and T10 - are now sprouting in places like the US and Saudi Arabia, and Test cricketers are commonly being offered all-year-round contracts by IPL owners, allowing them to play short-form tournaments in the West Indies, the UAE and elsewhere. The IPL has expanded, but Australia's Big Bash is contracting; the 2023 men's Ashes were concertinaed into a tiny window but The Hundred continues to dominate. Is there still hope for Test cricket in this tumultuous sporting landscape? Turbervill recalls the poignancy of the final Test of the English summer at The Oval in 2022, and describes how the match could be seen as a metaphor for the demise of the longer game. As cricket fans seem divided in the sport's own version of the culture wars: traditionalists refusing to accede territory; pragmatists wanting to achieve a healthy balance and progressives conceding the change, Turbervill asks cricketers, commentators and writers about the future of Test cricket. With guest appearances including David Gower, Graham Gooch, Merv Hughes, Reece Topley and many more, this book reveals if Test cricket can truly survive the next decade.
Perfect Match
Celebrating 150 years of the racquet sports brand for champions--Babolat A century and a half ago, Babolat began as a family business in Lyon, France, venturing into the world of sports when tennis and badminton were still in their infancy. Since then, Babolat has evolved techniques, developed innovations, and supported athletes to become the leader of racquet-sports equipment and technical equipment for racquet preparation professionals. Perfect Match is a beautifully illustrated book celebrating that history. Featuring images of players on the court alongside their words and stories, readers will bear witness to the ongoing relationship between athletes and the household name in sporting equipment. Researchers and designers also share a peek inside the manufacturing process, from raw materials to finished product. Perfect Match is a necessary book for sports fans, honoring the choice of champions playing at the world's most prestigious badminton, tennis, pickleball, and padel competitions.
Los Angeles Dodgers Transactions, 1958-2024
Baseball transactions--trades, sales, purchases, free-agent activities--ignite passions. Whether it is the purchase or sale of a veteran star during the heat of a pennant race, a multi-player trade in the dead of winter, or the scramble for desirable free agents during the offseason, player transactions engender more interest and heated debate among fans than almost any other aspect of the game. This book covers the transactions of the Los Angeles Dodgers, one of the game's most storied teams, from their move from Brooklyn in 1958 through the 2024 season. Each transaction is viewed in historical perspective, explaining the reasons that the teams made the deal; the expectations of owners, general managers, and managers for the new players; and, where possible, the players' views on their former and current teams. Here is the full story of the Dodgers' player trades.
Clash Of The Agnivores
They all knew it was coming but, still, the news hit them hard. Rangers was dead. Life wasn't worth living anymore. But wait - what was that? Rangers isn't dead at all? Only the holding company died?And so the Big Lie was born, agreed to by our football authorities and disseminated by our compliant media. Rangers was still around; but that wasn't enough for some people, or, rather, People. It couldn't be the same club while strangers were in charge. Did these new men have the 'right' outlook on life? Did they kick with the right foot? Were they 'Real Rangers Men'?And so, the Big Lie spawned a battle for control at Ibrox as The People fought to get the 'right' kind of folk installed at the top of the marble staircase. This book tells the story of that battle: the highs, the lows, the pish-stained bedsheets. It's the incredible story of how a new club has been nearly destroyed, and might well disappear, because it pretended to be another, older club. Cheer the heroes, boo the villains and get the ice-cream out. Hold your nose and dive into the story of The Big Lie and its consequences.
Another Agnivore in a Different Kitchen
As usual, The People were all excited about the coming season. With a new manager, Boxy, and a raft of summer signings, they were going to knock Celtic off their perch and attain that mythical '55'.Also as usual, the team lurched from one disaster to another, often relying on the help of match officials to get over the line.Boxy left and Murty took over again as interim manager. This time it turned out to be a long interim and Murty was in charge almost to the end of the season. Almost.Celtic inflicted untold misery on The People, absolutely slaughtering Neo-Gers on the pitch. The People were incensed and turned on Honest Dave and his board. But King had an ace up his sleeve and the mollified People were ready to welcome yet another messiah.Financial worries were never far away from Ibrox and the Takeover Panel was determined that Honest Dave was going to make an offer for the shares outside his concert party. The Cold Shoulder surely couldn't be far away.At the season's end, the pressure got to Honest Dave and he became as mad as Boxy and as paranoid as The People. At last, there was somebody The People could get behind.
The Cheesehead Devotional
Judy DuCharme became a Packer fanatic in 1984. In The Cheesehead Devotional, she uses Packer events to lead readers into God's presence. Sometimes humorous and sometimes serious, Judy shows us that walking with God is as fun as watching a Packer game. By combining the love of football with insights from the Word of God, the reader will find this book fun, inspirational, and even life-changing. The Cheesehead Devotional is a great adventure for those who may not pick up a Bible for guidance." Sara White, wife of the late Reggie White "I have always believed the Packers were religion in these parts. The Cheesehead Devotional brings that spiritual message to life." Wayne Larrivee, American sportscaster and current play-by-play announcer for the Green Bay Packers "I am certain you will love this little book. Judy has captured the true heart of a Christian Packer fan!" Rev, Arni Jacobson "A witty, uplifting and truthful approach that all Packer fans will appreciate. It's definitely a must read for all Cheeseheads."- Joy Lang, owner of Jerry's Flowers "Family, Our Faith and The Green Bay Packers. Judy has captured the true meaning of our Lord being in our daily lives, not only on the football field but in everything we do. This book is very inspirational as well as being educational. I highly recommend it to all Green Bay Packer fans young and old. GO PACK, GO."- Bonita Favre (Brett's mom)
Never Mind the Zombies, Here’s the Agnivores
'Clash of the Agnivores' left our intrepid heroes in the summer of 2014, with Honest Dave King running his season-book 'Trust Fund' to deprive the club's board of funding. The bedsheet-wavers were still out in force and the struggle to get Real Rangers Men into the Blue Room continued unabated.It was going to be an exciting season in the Championship and Neo-Gers were odds-on to win and progress to the Premiership. 'The Journey' was moving along, albeit stuttering and spluttering along the way. All it needed now was for Sooperally to make a few improvements to the team.To the delight of much of The People and the agnivores in the media, the Real Rangers Men eventually won out. All was right with the world and the rest of European football was going to be left behind in the wake of Neo-Gers as they were 'coming down the road.Meanwhile, there was a new PR company in town. Our old pal Jabba was back, now dispensing succulent lamb instead of eating it. The Scottish media fell into line, printing nothing but good news concerning the Ibrox team. It was just like the old days, with nobody in the press questioning a single thing they were told.So, it was the 1990s revisited, with no bad news at all, Real Rangers Men in charge and the promise of front-loaded warchests. It was as if the last three years had never happened. (Wake up, Pamela - somebody's in the shower!)This being Neo-Gers, however, everything wasn't quite what it seemed.
Damned Agnivores
Warbs's tea was oot almost as soon as Season 2016-2017 started. With The People and the agnivores claiming that Neo-Gers were 'going for 55' his number was up. How could he possibly cope with such unrealistic expectations?Warbs's philosophy was that they should 'be patient'; Rome wasn't built in a day. Such thoughts were anathema to The People; they demanded immediate success from what they insisted was 'still Rangers'. And Warbs should thank God that he never used the 'Rome' analogy - he'd have been lynched!So Warbs was out and Boxy, a Portuguese messiah, arrived to take his place. Unfortunately for Neo-Gers, The People and the agnivores, he turned out to be a wheel short of a unicycle. He was completely off his trolley and seemed to think his job consisted of saying, 'We are The People' at regular intervals.Craig Whyte's trial, the TAB ruling on Honest Dave's 'concert party', the Supreme Court decision on the EBTs and the excessive demands of The People meant that things weren't easy for Neo-Gers. It was another memorable season - for all the wrong reasons!
The Cheesehead Devotional
"This book is a blessing to comfort when it's fourth and one, or you've just fumbled in your own life." Kevin Harlan, CBS TNT WestwoodOne Sports "The reading is simple, the characters are very different, and Coach Lombardi's challenge will guide us one day at a time." Sara White, wife of the late Reggie White "Judy DuCharme has taken the quotes of Lombardi and the spirit of some of the greatest Packers' players of all time and skillfully woven them into a series of inspirational messages for us all." Wayne Larrivee, game-day radio voice of the Packers Walk with Judy DuCharme and Packer greats down the road of adventure, honor, and faith. Maybe you've attended the games, listened to them on the radio, or watched them on TV. Maybe you're reading about the Packers for the first time. Either way, these stories will challenge and encourage you to strive for greatness. Judy connects each player, each glorious victory, and each devastating loss to eternal truths and principles for purposeful living. Find your place in life and in Christ, right alongside these Hall of Famers. Enjoy the glory of a life of excellence.
The Golfing Annual
"The Golfing Annual, Volume 6" offers a comprehensive look at the world of golf during the period it was written. Compiled anonymously, this volume provides insights into the rules, players, and significant events shaping the sport. It is an invaluable resource for enthusiasts and historians alike, offering a detailed snapshot of golf's evolution. Explore the rich heritage of golf through this meticulously documented annual, capturing the essence of the game's early days. A must-read for anyone passionate about the history and tradition of golf.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
Slot's Masterstroke
No one expected this.Arne Slot had huge boots to fill. As the successor to Jurgen Klopp - a Liverpool legend - the history books show that clubs are more likely to fall away when such a figure departs. Think Sir Matt Busby and Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. Arsene Wenger at Arsenal. Everyone predicted that Slot's debut season would be a period of transition, not one of instant success. Yet, he led Liverpool to the league title at his first attempt. Slot's Masterstroke provides a detailed game-by-game tactical analysis of this achievement, examining the Dutchman's use of innovative formations, in-game adjustments, and changes to player roles that contributed to Liverpool's success. Perfect for Liverpool fans, coaches, and tactical enthusiasts, the book details the 56 games behind a landmark Liverpool season, provided through a coach's lens alongside tactical illustrations. In Slot's Masterstroke, discover how Arne Slot and Liverpool FC became Premier League Champions!About the Author: Peter Prickett is the international best-selling author of Football's Principles of Play and the 3v3 Soccer Coaching trilogy. He has over a decade of coaching and coach education experience, and most recently published The Bearded Coach's Football Session Planner.
The Golfing Annual
"The Golfing Annual, Volume 6" offers a comprehensive look at the world of golf during the period it was written. Compiled anonymously, this volume provides insights into the rules, players, and significant events shaping the sport. It is an invaluable resource for enthusiasts and historians alike, offering a detailed snapshot of golf's evolution. Explore the rich heritage of golf through this meticulously documented annual, capturing the essence of the game's early days. A must-read for anyone passionate about the history and tradition of golf.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
Tennis Tactics
Unlock your full potential on the court with "Tennis Tactics" by Raymond Demorest Little. This comprehensive guide delves into the strategic elements of tennis, offering invaluable insights for players of all skill levels. Learn how to outmaneuver your opponents, anticipate their moves, and dominate the game with clever planning and skillful execution. From fundamental positioning to advanced game strategies, "Tennis Tactics" provides a clear and concise approach to mastering the mental aspects of tennis. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out, this book will elevate your game and give you the competitive edge you need to succeed. Rediscover the timeless wisdom in "Tennis Tactics" and transform your approach to the sport.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.