Baseball Research Journal
The Fall 2019 issue of the Baseball Research Journal features voices old and new in baseball analytics and historical research. In this issue researchers tackle some of the hot issues of 2019, including analysis of defensive shifts, time of game, and comparing the metrics WAR and WAA. Photo historian Mark Rucker presents archival photos of one of Cuba's lost ballparks, matched with his own modern photos of the site.This is the 48th year of publication for the Baseball Research Journal and this issue includes two contributors who were both in volume two, published in 1973, Art Ahrens and Pete Palmer. Ahrens delves into the life and career of Chicago Cubs hurler Carl Lundgren while Palmer revisits the history and rationale behind OPS and why it persists as a popular measure of offensive output. Excerpts: Philadelphia in the 1882 League Alliance Robert D. WarringtonHistories of the Philadelphia Phillies portray the club's admission to the National League (NL) as a straightforward and swift process.... The facts tell a different tale. Philadelphia's journey to NL membership was complicated and protracted. The team's participation in the 1882 League Alliance was a crucial step toward major-league status, and Alfred J. Reach's enthusiasm for joining the NL may not have been as unbridled as depicted by some authors. This article examines the club's entry into the Alliance, its 1882 season, and how the transition from the Alliance to the NL unfolded. It also investigates the genesis of the team's longstanding nickname "Phillies" and questions the accuracy of the oft-told tale of how it became associated with the franchise. "Our Lady Reporter" Introducing Some Women Baseball Writers, 1900-30 Donna L. Halper, PhDNearly all news and sports reporters of the early 1900s were male [and] sending a woman ... to cover a ballgame from the "feminine point of view" was considered a jolly gimmick. The headline would often mention the "lady reporter." Readers might see headlines like this one, promoting some unique interviews about the 1912 World Series: "The heroes of the coming big baseball game personally sized up and interviewed BY A WOMAN." [A] female reporter was expected to write a human interest story--this headline was typical: "She's Going to Write About the Personality of Five Baseball Heroes." Both headlines topped syndicated articles by Idah McGlone Gibson, an experienced female columnist who absolutely did know something about baseball.Shifting Expectations: An In-Depth Overview Of Players' Approaches To The Shift Based On Batted-Ball Events Connelly Doan, MAThis paper will focus more on hitters' and pitchers' approaches to dealing with the shift, rather than merely the outcomes of the shift. It is easy to say that hitters could just bunt or hit to the opposite field when shifted on, but an in-depth overview of shift outcomes based on hard data would be a welcome addition to the discussion. To help fill this void, this paper will present an overview of shift batted-ball events from the beginning of the 2017 season through the first half of the 2018 season. Further, it will identify patterns in the data regarding both hitters' and pitchers' approaches to the shift. Finally, conclusions will be drawn in an attempt to explain why shift outcomes occurred as they did and to identify further topics of analysis. Understanding how players approach the shift in addition to understanding the tactic itself will offer insight into its effectiveness.
Nine Innings
You'll never watch baseball the same way again. A timeless baseball classic and a must read for any fan worthy of the name, Nine Innings dissects a single baseball game played in June 1982 -- inning by inning, play by play. Daniel Okrent, a seasoned writer and lifelong fan, chose as his subject a Milwaukee BrewersBaltimore Orioles matchup, though it could have been any game, because, as Okrent reveals, the essence of baseball, no matter where or when it's played, has been and will always be the same. In this particular moment of baseball history you will discover myriad aspects of the sport that are crucial to its nature but so often invisible to the fans -- the hidden language of catchers' signals, the physiology of pitching, the balance sheet of a club owner, the gait of a player stepping up to the plate. With the purity of heart and unwavering attention to detail that characterize our national pastime, Okrent goes straight to the core of the world's greatest game. You'll never watch baseball the same way again.
Top of the Heap
Perhaps more has been written about the New York Yankees than about any other sports team. And the magic that has played out on the field over the years has been rivaled only by baseball scribes' prowess on the page. Excellence breeds excellence, and for 100 years some of the best writers in America have chronicled the New York Yankees, taking a single swing or game and somehow making it singular. This brand-new anthology from the series editor of The Best American Sports Writing and author of Yankees Century collects the best writing about the Yankees over the course of their long history. Published to coincide with the team's centenary celebration, this is a must-have volume for fans the world over who claim the New York Yankees as their own.
The Great Book of Philadelphia Sports Lists
When it comes to sports talk, no city has more to say than Philadelphia.With their 2007 The Great Book of Philadelphia Sports Lists, WIP sports radio hosts Glen Macnow and Big Daddy Graham compiled dozens of sports lists to stir up dialog and debate within the buzzing Philadelphia sports community (and beyond). A lot has happened in Philly sports since 2007 -- the Phillies' 2008 World Series win; the Eagles' record-breaking 2017 season, now-famous Philly Special play, and Super Bowl LII victory over the Patriots; the Sixers' "Trust the Process" campaign; and, of course, Gritty -- so now Glen and Big Daddy are back with dozens of new lists to keep the conversation fresh, ranking things like: The most overrated and underrated players in Philly sports historyThe top 10 Philadelphia sports quotesThe 10 worst Eagles draft picks everThe greatest duos in Philly sports historyThe 10 best sports movies set in PhiladelphiaThe worst bosses in Philly sports historyand much more!
Everyday Hockey Heroes
INSTANT NATIONAL BESTSELLER An inspiring and updated volume of stories about Canada's most beloved sport--hockey--and the everyday heroes who embody the spirit of the game and help shape its future, from the pros who compete in NHL arenas to the dreamers and fans who play on backyard rinks. What does hockey look like today in Canada? Who is changing the game? Canadian broadcasters Bob McKenzie and Jim Lang bring together players, coaches, and fans to show us what hockey means to them. Meet Philadelphia Flyer Wayne Simmonds and Paralympian gold medalist Greg Westlake, who wouldn't be at the top of their sport without the never-ending support of their families and communities. Read about players who overcame catastrophic injury to keep playing the game they love, or the renowned Canadian neurosurgeon leading the charge to protect athletes from the dangers of brain trauma and concussion. From hockey commentators who broke down barriers to be on air to the youth hockey coach welcoming Syrian boys and girls to Canada through our national pastime, these are the stories of everyday hockey heroes--those who defy the odds, advocate for inclusion, and champion the next generation of hockey. From small-town rinks to big city arenas across the country, this collection celebrates everyone who loves our great game. A must-read for every hockey fan.
Spell-binding Spells
Spell-binding Spells is a book for everyone who loves cricket. It is about stunning spells--those few overs that occur rarely in cricket, when bowlers weave magic and batsmen are mesmerized.What did the stunning bowling spells of Anil Kumble, Narendra Hirwani, Ravichandran Ashwin, Padmakar Shivalkar, and Yuzvendra Chahal achieve that Kapil Dev's career best spell could not?Curtly Ambrose and Sarfraz Nawaz, 14-years apart, bowled identical deadly spells against the same opposition taking 7 wickets for 1 run. Who were the hapless victims?Why did Gary Gilmour of Australia with an ODI bowling average of 10.31 and Clarrie Grimmett of Australia after taking 13 wickets in a Test in two magnificent spells, never play for their respective countries again?Spell-binding Spells looks at 50 of the most magnificent bowling spells in the history of cricket and answers some of these questions. VVS Laxman says: "This book is a tribute to bowlers, a breed that has never profited from the benefit of the doubt in a sport whose rules have historically always favoured batsmen. This nice little treatise is a reminder that we must ensure that the history of this game continues to get passed on from one generation to the next."
The Last Pass
The New York Times bestseller Out of the greatest dynasty in American professional sports history, a Boston Celtics team led by Bill Russell and Bob Cousy, comes an intimate story of race, mortality, and regret About to turn ninety, Bob Cousy, the Hall of Fame Boston Celtics captain who led the team to its first six championships on an unparalleled run, has much to look back on in contentment. But he has one last piece of unfinished business. The last pass he hopes to throw is to close the circle with his great partner on those Celtic teams, fellow Hall of Famer Bill Russell. These teammates were basketball's Ruth and Gehrig, and Cooz, as everyone calls him, was famously ahead of his time as an NBA player in terms of race and civil rights. But as the decades passed, Cousy blamed himself for not having done enough, for not having understood the depth of prejudice Russell faced as an African-American star in a city with a fraught history regarding race. Cousy wishes he had defended Russell publicly, and that he had told him privately that he had his back. At this late hour, he confided to acclaimed historian Gary Pomerantz over the course of many interviews, he would like to make amends. At the heart of the story The Last Pass tells is the relationship between these two iconic athletes. The book is also in a way Bob Cousy's last testament on his complex and fascinating life. As a sports story alone it has few parallels: An poor kid whose immigrant French parents suffered a dysfunctional marriage, the young Cousy escaped to the New York City playgrounds, where he became an urban legend known as the Houdini of the Hardwood. The legend exploded nationally in 1950, his first year as a Celtic: he would be an all-star all 13 of his NBA seasons. But even as Cousy's on-court imagination and daring brought new attention to the pro game, the Celtics struggled until Coach Red Auerbach landed Russell in 1956. Cooz and Russ fit beautifully together on the court, and the Celtics dynasty was born. To Boston's white sportswriters it was Cousy's team, not Russell's, and as the civil rights movement took flight, and Russell became more publicly involved in it, there were some ugly repercussions in the community, more hurtful to Russell than Cousy feels he understood at the time. The Last Pass situates the Celtics dynasty against the full dramatic canvas of American life in the 50s and 60s. It is an enthralling portrait of the heart of this legendary team that throws open a window onto the wider world at a time of wrenching social change. Ultimately it is a book about the legacy of a life: what matters to us in the end, long after the arena lights have been turned off and we are alone with our memories. On August 22, 2019, Bob Cousy was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom
The Pros
To most modern day tennis fans, it was impossible to believe that until the late 1960s pro tennis players--that is those who played openly for prize money--were banned from competing in the world's major tournaments. Before this time, the great contests such as Wimbledon were exclusive to so-called amateurs. Amateur tennis players were meant to compete only for glory. Though this division arose the "pro tour" in the 1930s, and it endured for forty years. In The Pros, The Forgotten Era of Tennis, author Peter Underwood explains why professional players were forced into what was often called the traveling circus where these sporting outcasts played each other during long and rather tatty tours all over the world. Focusing on the eight champions who dominated the pro era beginning in 1930 with the ultimately tragic figure of "Big" Bill Tilden, this book follows each pro champion through the post-1962 Grand Slam pro career of Rod Laver, who then helped usher in the modern-era of pro tennis with the start of the "Open" Era in 1968.
Before the Machine
The Big Red Machine dominated major league baseball in the 1970s, but the Cincinnati franchise began its climb to that pinnacle in 1961, when an unlikely collection of cast-offs and wannabes stunned the baseball world by winning the National League pennant. Led by revered manager Fred Hutchinson, the team featured rising stars like Frank Robinson, Jim O'Toole, and Vada Pinson, fading stars like Gus Bell and Wally Post, and a few castoffs who suddenly came into their own, like Gene Freese and 20-game-winner Joey Jay. In time to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their pennant-winning season, the amazing story of the "Ragamuffin Reds" is told from start to finish in Before the Machine. Written by long-time Reds Report editor Mark J. Schmetzer and featuring dozens of photos by award-winning photographer Jerry Klumpe of the Cincinnati Post & Times Star, this book surely will be a winner with every fan in Reds country and coincides with an anniversary exhibit at the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum. Through interviews and research, Before the Machine captures the excitement of a pennant race for a team that had suffered losing seasons in 14 of the past 16 years. Schmetzer also beautifully evokes the time and place--a muggy Midwestern summer during which, as the new song of the season boasts, "the whole town's batty for that team in Cincinnati." Led by regional talk-show star Ruth Lyons (the Midwest's "Oprah") fans rallied around the Reds as never before. The year didn't begin well for the team. Budding superstar Frank Robinson was arrested right before spring training for carrying a concealed weapon, and long-time owner Powel Crosley Jr., died suddenly just days before the start of the season. Few experts--or fans--gave the Reds much of a chance at first place anyway. With powerhouse teams in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Milwaukee, the National League pennant was unlikely to fly over Cincinnati's Crosley Field. But manager Hutchinson somehow galvanized his motley crew and led them to victory after victory. Joey Jay, who had languished with the Braves, mowed down hitters while his rotation mates O'Toole and knuckleballer Bob Purkey did the same. The team also featured a dynamic duo in the bullpen in Bill Henry and Jim Brosnan, whose book about the season, Pennant Race, became a national bestseller the following year. As the rest of the league kept waiting for the Reds to fade, Hutch's boys kept winning--and finally grabbed the pennant. Though they couldn't continue their magic in the World Series against the Yankees, the previously moribund Reds franchise did continue to their success throughout the decade, winning 98 games in 1962 and falling just short of another pennant in 1964. They established a recipe for success that would lead, a few years later, to the emergence of the Big Red Machine.
Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame Highlights
As part of every Reds game broadcast on the Reds Radio Network, Greg Rhodes, noted baseball historian and director of the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum, presents a brief, colorful account of a memorable moment in the history of America's longest-running baseball team. These pieces have become a favorite feature for Reds fans, who love to celebrate the Big Red Machine's long and storied history and traditions. This collection brings together every single one of Rhodes' pieces in a single book for both Reds fans and baseball aficionados. Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame Highlights chronicles more than 130 years of history and five world series championships and includes over 300 short accounts of the team's greatest, saddest, wildest, and weirdest players and moments. Packed with over 100 photos furnished by the Reds and their museum, the book pays tribute to a team that remains one of America's favorites.
Building the Yellow Wall
WINNER OF THE TELEGRAPH FOOTBALL BOOK OF THE YEAR 2019Towards the beginning of the twenty-first century, Borussia Dortmund were on the verge of going out of business. Now they are an international phenomenon - one of the most popular clubs and fastest-growing football brands in the world. Every fortnight, an incredible number of foreigners eschew their own clubs and domestic leagues and travel to Dortmund to watch football, while people from all corners of the world dream of doing the same - of standing on the largest terrace in the world, the Yellow Wall.How did this happen? How could a club that hasn't won a European trophy in twenty years so thoroughly capture people's imaginations?Building the Yellow Wall tells the story of Dortmund's roller-coaster ride from humble beginnings and lean decades to the revolution under J羹rgen Klopp and subsequent amazing success and popularity. But it also tells the story of those people who have done as much for the club's profile as any player, coach or chairman - Dortmund's unique supporters.
Electric October
The 1947 World Series was "the most exciting ever" in the words of Joe DiMaggio, with a decade's worth of drama packed into seven games between the mighty New York Yankees and the underdog Brooklyn Dodgers. It was Jackie Robinson's first Series, a postwar spectacle featuring Frank Sinatra, Ernest Hemingway, and President Harry Truman in supporting roles. It was also the first televised World Series--sportswriters called it "Electric October." But for all the star power on display, the outcome hinged on role players: Bill Bevens, a journeyman who knocked on the door of pitching immortality; Al Gionfriddo and Cookie Lavagetto, bench players at the center of the Series' iconic moments; Snuffy Stirnweiss, a wartime batting champion who never got any respect; and managers Bucky Harris and Burt Shotton, each an unlikely choice to run his team. Six men found themselves plucked from obscurity to shine on the sport's greatest stage. But their fame was fleeting; three would never play another big-league game, and all six would be forgotten. Kevin Cook brings the '47 Series back to life, introducing us to men whose past offered no hint they were destined for extraordinary things. For some the Series was a memory to hold onto. For others it would haunt them to the end of their days. And for us Cook offers new insights--some heartbreaking, some uplifting--into what fame and glory truly mean.
How to Be a Footballer
You become a soccer player because you love soccer. And then you are a soccer player, and you're suddenly in the strangest, most baffling world of all. A world where one teammate comes to training in a bright red suit with matching top-hat, cane, and glasses, without any actual glass in them, and another has so many sports cars they forget they have left a Porsche at the train station. Even when their surname is incorporated in the registration plate. So walk with me into the dressing-room, to find out which players refuse to touch a soccer ball before a game, to discover why a load of millionaires never have any shower gel, and to hear what Cristiano Ronaldo says when he looks at himself in the mirror. We will go into post-match interviews, make fools of ourselves on social media, and try to ensure that we never again pay far too much for a haircut that should have cost ten bucks. We'll be coached and cajoled by Harry Redknapp, upset Rafa Benitez, and be soothed by the sound of an accordion played by Sven-Goran Eriksson's assistant Tord Grip. There will be some very bad music and some very bad decisions. I am Peter Crouch. This is How To Be A Footballer. Shall we?
Hell With the Lid Off
Hell with the Lid Off looks at the ferocious five-year war waged by Pittsburgh and Oakland for NFL supremacy during the turbulent seventies. The roots of their rivalry dated back to the 1972 playoff game in Pittsburgh that ended with the "Immaculate Reception," Franco Harris's stunning touchdown that led the Steelers to a win over the Raiders in their first postseason meeting. That famous game ignited a fiery rivalry for NFL supremacy. Between 1972 and 1977, the Steelers and the Raiders--between them boasting an incredible twenty-six Pro Football Hall of Famers--collided in the playoffs five straight seasons and in the AFC title game three consecutive years. Both teams favored force over finesse and had players whose forte was intimidation. Pittsburgh's Steel Curtain defense featured Mean Joe Greene, Jack Lambert, Jack Ham, and Mel Blount, the latter's heavy hits forcing an NFL rule in his name. The Raiders countered with "The Assassin," Jack Tatum, Skip Thomas (aka "Dr. Death"), George Atkinson, and Willie Brown in their memorable secondary. Each of their championships crowned the eventual Super Bowl winner, and their bloodcurdling encounters became so violent and vicious that they transcended the NFL and had to be settled in a U.S. district court. With its account of classic games, legendary owners, coaches, and players with larger-than-life personalities, Hell with the Lid Off is a story of turbulent football and one of the game's best-known rivalries.
Fight to the End
Ever since he was a kid growing up in Youngstown, Ohio, Eric Hanna knew he was born to play basketball. Despite setbacks and criticism from all angles, he never stopped practicing, always worked to improve his game, and learned about true focus and commitment along the way. In Fight to the End, Eric shares his journey from an awkward nine-year-old basketball hopeful; to a scrawny but promising high school athlete; to a 6'7", award-winning walk-on player for the Ohio State University. Eric's coming-of-age story is one of perseverance, dedication, and redefining glory through the lens of college basketball.
How To Learn To Play Golf
Golf is a Unique "Ballgame" Learning to play Golf is quite an interesting, enjoyable and fun-filled experience. However, there are a number of unusual, unexpected revelations which a new or aspiring golfer should first understand. The American public understands "Ballgames". We have grown up "playing ball". Surprisingly though, golf does not conform to the same athleticism that typically applies to our sports backgrounds. Consequently, an aspiring golfer should first understand the challenges that learning Golf poses. The Game of Golf certainly has a storied history, but the real popularity took hold in the U.S. in the early 1960's when the "Big Three" - Palmer, Nicklaus and Player brought Golf to life on television. Since this introduction, traditional "Golf Instruction" has provided the customary preparatory "fundamentals", including grip, aim, posture, keep your eyes on the ball, the left arm straight and don't look-up!!! Sound familiar? While technology and the Golf Industry, including viewership have made advancements, Golf Participation has lagged. Something has been missing Yes, the economy has had its ups and downs and had an influence on participation statistics, while many will opine that "Golf is just a very difficult Game". As a result, many prospective golfers have walked away from the Game, claiming various unfounded reasons. Have you heard it said that "Playing Golf is 90% mental and only 10% physical? Many high-powered Golf Industry executives, professional Trainers, Nutritionists, Sports Psychologists, along with other Golf Professionals have failed to grow the game. Something is missing and the real answers can be found in "How To Learn to Play Golf". Technology will not teach you Golf. The educational program in this Book will explain the pitfalls and provide the proper methods to develop a consistent motor-skill of properly Swinging a Golf Club. Without the understanding that your most important fundamental is the resolute intent To Swing the Club, you will likely become just another statistic. You deserve to share in this great Game of Golf with those of us who have been playing since we were kids, and yes, the reasons why are included. A contributing problem is that we "human beings" are not born with a DNA Profile to be a Golfer. With all of the technological advancements and professional input an important part of the puzzle is being overlooked. In my opinion Golf Instruction has been replaced by technical forms of Golf Analysis and Golf Vacation Promotional Opportunities, e.g. valuable time and effort has been spent by interested aspiring golfers who have been short-changed without a clear understanding of how to improve their Games. The first Most Important Fundamental is to adopt the belief that The Swing is the Thing. The ball just gets in the way of the club. From this point forward, the Lesson Program as presented in "How To Learn To Play Golf" will make perfect sense. Let's enjoy the process together. Jimmy Day
Wishbone
The Oklahoma Sooners dominated the world of college football during the 1950s. Under the leadership of Coach Bud Wilkinson, the team won three national titles and established an astounding record of forty-seven straight victories that still stands today. Yet by 1959, Wilkinson's Sooners were showing signs of vulnerability, marking the start of a new and challenging era in Oklahoma football. Then along came a new offensive strategy, and OU began to dominate college football once again. In Wishbone, veteran journalist Wann Smith provides an in-depth account of Sooner football from the team's final years under Wilkinson through its remarkable turnaround under Coach Barry Switzer. At the heart of this story is the phenomenal success of the Wishbone offense--a hybrid offshoot of the Split-t formation that Wilkinson employed so successfully in the 1950s. Though not without its risks, the Wishbone offense changed the face of college football and was a key factor in Oklahoma's resurgence in the 1970s with Switzer at the helm. Drawing on firsthand accounts from coaches, players, and university administrators, many never before published, Smith takes us behind the scenes during this exciting comeback period to reveal not just what happened but why and how it happened. And he brings to life the personalities who played pivotal roles in the team's renewed success, including Jack Mildren, Greg Pruitt, Joe Washington, Billy Sims, and any, many others. Sooner fans, indeed all fans of college football, will relish this account of the remaking of a football powerhouse and its return to glory.
The 1919 Black Sox Scandal
All kinds of spurious rumors had swirled around the 1919 World Series.Allegations about a fixed game between the Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies on August 31, 1920, began a chain of events that led to a grand jury indicting eight White Sox players for conspiring to throw the 1919 World Series to the Cincinnati Reds the year before.Outside the courtroom, Shoeless Joe Jackson, just coming off his best overall offensive season with .382 average, was reportedly confronted by a young fan pleading for a denial from his hero.Jackson would later deny the encounter ever occurred and also deny any guilt in the World Series fix.In the almost 100 years since eight White Sox players were banned for life, there has been little historical closure due to a fleeting consensus on a scandal that almost took down Major League Baseball.
How To Learn To Play Golf
Golf is a Unique "Ballgame" Learning to play Golf is quite an interesting, enjoyable and fun-filled experience. However, there are a number of unusual, unexpected revelations which a new or aspiring golfer should first understand. The American public understands "Ballgames". We have grown up "playing ball". Surprisingly though, golf does not conform to the same athleticism that typically applies to our sports backgrounds. Consequently, an aspiring golfer should first understand the challenges that learning Golf poses. The Game of Golf certainly has a storied history, but the real popularity took hold in the U.S. in the early 1960's when the "Big Three" - Palmer, Nicklaus and Player brought Golf to life on television. Since this introduction, traditional "Golf Instruction" has provided the customary preparatory "fundamentals", including grip, aim, posture, keep your eyes on the ball, the left arm straight and don't look-up!!! Sound familiar? While technology and the Golf Industry, including viewership have made advancements, Golf Participation has lagged. Something has been missing Yes, the economy has had its ups and downs and had an influence on participation statistics, while many will opine that "Golf is just a very difficult Game". As a result, many prospective golfers have walked away from the Game, claiming various unfounded reasons. Have you heard it said that "Playing Golf is 90% mental and only 10% physical? Many high-powered Golf Industry executives, professional Trainers, Nutritionists, Sports Psychologists, along with other Golf Professionals have failed to grow the game. Something is missing and the real answers can be found in "How To Learn to Play Golf". Technology will not teach you Golf. The educational program in this Book will explain the pitfalls and provide the proper methods to develop a consistent motor-skill of properly Swinging a Golf Club. Without the understanding that your most important fundamental is the resolute intent To Swing the Club, you will likely become just another statistic. You deserve to share in this great Game of Golf with those of us who have been playing since we were kids, and yes, the reasons why are included. A contributing problem is that we "human beings" are not born with a DNA Profile to be a Golfer. With all of the technological advancements and professional input an important part of the puzzle is being overlooked. In my opinion Golf Instruction has been replaced by technical forms of Golf Analysis and Golf Vacation Promotional Opportunities, e.g. valuable time and effort has been spent by interested aspiring golfers who have been short-changed without a clear understanding of how to improve their Games. The first Most Important Fundamental is to adopt the belief that The Swing is the Thing. The ball just gets in the way of the club. From this point forward, the Lesson Program as presented in "How To Learn To Play Golf" will make perfect sense. Let's enjoy the process together. Jimmy Day
The Ultimate Football Trivia Book
Become a football trivia expert with these tough questions! The Ultimate Football Trivia Book tests and expands your knowledge on the sport of football--covering players' careers from Draft Day to the rookie season, the Pro Bowl, and beyond! In this collection of six hundred questions, seasoned football writer Chris Price tests your level of expertise on all things football. Some of the many questions that Price poses include: Who was the last player to collect an MVP and Super Bowl trophy in the same season? (Kurt Warner)Which rookie running back set the NFL record for most rushing yards in a season? (Eric Dickerson)Who is the only quarterback in the top 10 in career playoff passing yards NOT to win a Super Bowl? (Dan Marino)What 2010 Pro Bowl quarterback never started a game in college? (Matt Cassel)Football stars and coaches past and present are represented, from Johnny Unitas to Peyton Manning, Randy Moss to Tom Brady, Bart Starr to Aaron Rodgers, Bill Parcells to Bill Belichick and everyone in between.The Ultimate Football Trivia Book is the definitive test for knowledgeable football fans!
Football for a Buck
From Jeff Pearlman--the New York Times best-selling author of Three Ring Circus--comes the rollicking, outrageous story of the USFL, full of larger-than-life characters and you-can't-make-this-up stories featuring some of the biggest celebrities and buffoons in the game. The United States Football League--known fondly to millions of sports fans as the USFL--did not merely challenge the NFL, but cause its owners and executives to collectively shudder. In its three seasons from 1983-85, it secured multiple television deals, drew millions of fans and launched the careers of legends such as Steve Young, Jim Kelly, Herschel Walker, and Reggie White. But then it died beneath the weight of a particularly egotistical and bombastic team owner--a New York businessman named Donald J. Trump. In Football for a Buck, Jeff Pearlman draws on more than four hundred interviews to unearth all the salty, untold stories of one of the craziest sports entities to have ever captivated America. From 1980s drug excess to airplane brawls and player-coach punch outs, to backroom business deals and some of the most enthralling and revolutionary football ever seen, Pearlman transports readers back in time to this crazy, boozy, audacious, unforgettable era of the game. He shows how fortunes were made and lost on the backs of professional athletes and how, forty years ago, Trump was already a scoundrel and a spoiler. For fans of Terry Pluto's Loose Balls or Jim Bouton's Ball Four and of course Pearlman's own stranger-than-fiction narratives, Football for a Buck is sports as high entertainment--and a cautionary tale of the dangers of ego and excess.
I`ll Show You
In 2012, Derrick Rose was on top of the world. After growing up in Chicago's Englewood neighborhood, Rose achieved an improbable childhood dream: being selected first overall in the NBA draft by his hometown Chicago Bulls. The point guard known to his family as "Pooh" was a phenom, winning the Rookie of the Year award and electrifying fans around the world. In 2011, he became the youngest MVP in league history. He and the Bulls believed the city's first berth in the NBA Finals since the Jordan era was on the horizon. Rarely had a bond between a player and fans been so strong, as the city wrapped its arms around the homegrown hero. Six years and four knee surgeries later, he was waived by the Utah Jazz, a once surefire Hall of Fame career seemingly on the brink of collapse. Many speculated his days in the NBA were over. But Derrick Rose never doubted himself, never believed his struggles on and off the court were anything other than temporary setbacks. Rather than telling the world he had more to give, he decided to show them. I'll Show You is an honest, intimate conversation with one of the world's most popular athletes, a star whose on-court brilliance is matched only by his aversion to the spotlight. Written with New York Times bestselling author Sam Smith, Rose opens himself up to fans in a way they've never seen before, creating a document that is as unflinching--and at times as uncomfortable--as a personal diary. Detailing his childhood spent in one of his city's most dangerous neighborhoods; his relationships with both opponents and teammates; the pain and controversies surrounding his career-altering injuries; his complicated relationship to fame and fortune; and his rise, fall, and reemergence as the player LeBron James says is "still a superhero," I'll Show You is one of the most candid and surprising autobiographies of a modern-day superstar ever written.
No Excuses
From the legendary Oklahoma coach, a candid and inspiring memoir.When Bob Stoops took over as football coach in 1999, the Oklahoma Sooners were in disarray with back-to-back losing seasons. But in just two years' time, Stoops achieved the seemingly impossible: winning a national championship and returning the struggling Sooners to their powerhouse status, churning out NFL talent, Heisman Trophy winners and conference championships, bowl wins and national title runs on a regular basis.During his 18 seasons at OU, his record was a remarkable 190-48. At only age 56, at the peak of his career, he stunned the college football world by walking away.For the first time, Bob opens up about his career alongside the evolution of the game itself. From his unlikely emergence as a star player at the University of Iowa, to his coaching apprenticeships under giants like Hayden Fry, Bill Snyder, and Steve Spurrier, Stoops recounts how the game he fell in love with as a boy has evolved into a billion-dollar business often compromised by recruiting wars, aggressive agents, overzealous boosters and alumni, and the emergence of the CEO head coach rather than mentor and teacher. Bob holds nothing back while explaining why it was time to step away from the game--and players--he still loves.Told with a rare combination of sincerity, vulnerability, and pure heart, No Excuses is both an engaging and eye-opening football memoir and an unprecedented portrait of a coach of one of the greatest legacy programs in the history of the college game.
Fore! Seasons
Golfers will love this book. The stories will remind them of similar personal experiences with the game and their fellow golfers. All readers will relate to this dive into the human experiences that abound in a life of golf. Like a golf course with 18 holes of varying lengths and designs, this book offers 18 stories that can be enjoyed whenever time permits. Each story is connected to a golf experience of the author but the themes are much broader: from politicians to socialites, Augusta National to the Open, race relations to life lessons, sorrow to ecstasy. The prologue elucidates golf terminology and a comprehensive glossary assists neophytes in understanding this game that so captivates we golfers, whether hackers or pros.
Fore! Seasons
Golfers will love this book. The stories will remind them of similar personal experiences with the game and their fellow golfers. All readers will relate to this dive into the human experiences that abound in a life of golf. Like a golf course with 18 holes of varying lengths and designs, this book offers 18 stories that can be enjoyed whenever time permits. Each story is connected to a golf experience of the author but the themes are much broader: from politicians to socialites, Augusta National to the Open, race relations to life lessons, sorrow to ecstasy. The prologue elucidates golf terminology and a comprehensive glossary assists neophytes in understanding this game that so captivates we golfers, whether hackers or pros.
Polo's Grande Dame
Sue Sally dreamed of joining a sport that was reserved for men only. With no money, no predecessor and no path to follow, she repeatedly broke down barriers and shattered glass ceilings, blazing a trail that would impact the future of her greatest passion, polo. Given her first polo mallet in the 1940s, Sue Sally played polo when and where she was allowed, at times disguised as a man. She was a polo pioneer, campaigning for more than 20 years to be included in the sport's governing body, the United States Polo Association (USPA), when women polo players weren't permitted. A do-it-yourselfer from a very young age, Sue Sally had a physical hand in everything she did. "Can't" was not a word allowed in her dictionary. With a passion for polo that guided and sustained her throughout her life, she lived incredible highs and debilitating lows. Through wealth, poverty, joy, heartbreak, discipline, sacrifice and hard work, Sue Sally Hale became Polo's Grande Dame. This is an inspirational story about living an unthinkable dream that features more than 175 photographs! "Penned by Hale's daughter, Stormie Hale as a promise to her mother...the author takes readers inside of the sport, its rules, its customs, its players...a fascinating story of success, of realizing the American Dream and one that reminds us that purposeful persistence when well executed can yield rewards." Diane Hensley "Lot's of personal thoughts penned by Sue Sally Hale herself during her life are included and they add such a realistic touch to the book ... and great photos! A must read." Maria Layton
Green Bay Packers
The Big 50: Green Bay Packers is an amazing look at the fifty men and moments that have made the Packers the Packers. Longtime sportswriters and radio host Drew Olson and Jason Wilde recount the living history of the team, counting down from number fifty to number one. The Big 50: Green Bay Packers brilliantly brings to life the historic franchise's remarkable story, from Vince Lombar­di and Bart Starr to Brett Favre, Reggie White, Aaron Rodgers, and beyond.
100 Things Michigan Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die
Most Michigan Wolverines fans have taken in a game or two at legendary Michigan Stadium, have sported khaki pants on gameday like Jim Harbaugh, and have heard the story of the 10-Year War. But only real fans know the legend behind the M Ring, the best place to eat when on a road trip to Ohio State, or all the lyrics to "The Victors." 100 Things Michigan Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die is the ultimate resource guide for true fans of Michigan Wolverines football. Whether you're a die-hard booster from the days of Bo Schembechler or a new supporter of Coach Harbaugh, these are the 100 things every fan needs to know and do in their lifetime. In this revised and updated edition, Angelique Chengelis, who covers the Wolverines for the Detroit News, has collected every essential piece of Michigan knowledge and trivia, as well as must-do activities, and ranks them all from 1 to 100, providing an entertaining and easy-to-follow checklist as you progress on your way to fan superstardom.
Chasing the Bear
A dual biography of two coaching legends -- Bear Bryant and Nick Saban -- who built the Alabama Crimson Tide into a true football dynasty.Both Bear Bryant and Nick Saban are undeniable kings of college football, two coaches at Alabama who have each won more national championships -- six apiece -- than anyone else in the history of the game. CHASING THE BEAR examines how they did it, revealing along the way their similarities in style, background, football philosophy, and recruiting methods, while providing readers a rare inside look at two of the greatest leaders in the history of sports. Bear Bryant and Nick Saban never met, but they have more in common than either of them realize. Both grew up in small towns -- Bryant in Moro Bottom, Arkansas, a dot on the map, and Saban from Monongah, West Virginia, population five hundred. As a child, Saban pumped gas at his father's service station, washing and waxing cars and doing anything he could to help the business. Bryant's father suffered from multiple physical ailments, which forced Bryant to work to keep the family farm going. Both men knew the value of hard work from the time they were young boys, and both understood that there were no shortcuts to success. But both dreamed of escaping their hometowns, and both used football as the means to do so. Separated by two generations, Bear Bryant and Nick Saban are mythic figures linked by a school, a town, and a barroom debate centering on one question: Which is the greatest college coach of all time?
Overtime
NATIONAL BESTSELLERFrom the "poet laureate of Michigan football," a riveting inside chronicle of the Jim Harbaugh era, and "an unprecedented look at the inner workings" (Sporting News) of a big-time college football programJohn U. Bacon received rare access to Head Coach Jim Harbaugh's University of Michigan football team: coaches, players, and staffers, in closed-door meetings, locker rooms, meals, and classes. Overtime captures this storied program at the crossroads, as the sport's winningest team battles to reclaim its former glory. But what if the price of success today comes at the cost of your soul? Do you pay it, or compete without compromising?In the spirit of HBO's Hardknocks, Overtime delivers a deeply reported human portrait that follows the Wolverine coaches, players, and staffers. Above all, this is a human story. In Overtime we not only discover what these public figures are like behind the scenes, we learn what the experience means to them as they go through it - the trials, the triumphs, and the unexpected answers to a central question: Is it worth it?From the "poet laureate of Michigan football" (according to New York Times's Joe Drape), and one of the keenest observers of college football, Overtime offers a window into a legendary program and the sport itself that only John U. Bacon could deliver.
The 50 Greatest Players in Pittsburgh Steelers History
The 50 Greatest Players in Pittsburgh Steelers History examines the careers of the 50 men who made the greatest impact on one of the NFL's most iconic and successful franchises. The author ranks, from 1 to 50, the top 50 players in team history. Quotes from opposing players and former teammates are provided along the way, as are summaries of each player's greatest season, most memorable performances, and most notable achievements.
The 50 Greatest Players in Dallas Cowboys History
The 50 Greatest Players in Dallas Cowboys History examines the careers of the 50 men who made the greatest impact on one of the National Football League's most iconic and successful franchises. The 50 Greatest Players in Dallas Cowboys History ranks, from 1 to 50, the top 50 players in team history. Quotes from opposing players and former teammates are provided along the way, as are summaries of each player's greatest season, most memorable performances, and most notable achievements,
The Judge
Robin Smith was one of England's most popular cricketers of the 1990s. The Judge, as he was known to all, took on some of the most dangerous fast bowlers of all time with a skill and fearlessness that ensured hero status. His savage square cut drew roars of approval from fans all around the world, especially those of his beloved England and Hampshire. But when he was prematurely dumped from the England set-up at the age of 32, he had to face his toughest opponent of all - himself. Smith suffered a debilitating loss of identity, especially when he retired from professional cricket in 2003, and struggled to deal with the contradictions in his personality. Was he The Judge, the fearless warrior, or Robin Smith, the frantic worrier?Without a support structure to transition from cricket to the outside world, Smith suffered from mental health, alcohol, marital and financial problems until he hit rock bottom and planned to take his own life. In The Judge - More than Just a Game, he revisits his experience of extreme darkness and challenges old-fashioned notions of masculinity. He also shares the many highs and lows of his eventful international and county career, when cricketers worked hard and partied even harder; a time almost unrecognisable to the modern day.
The Hidden Language of Baseball
Baseball is set apart from other sports by many things, but few are more distinctive than the intricate systems of coded language that govern action on the field and give baseball its unique appeal. During a nine-inning game, more than one thousand silent instructions are given--from catcher to pitcher, coach to batter, fielder to fielder, umpire to umpire--and without this speechless communication the game would simply not be the same. Baseball historian Paul Dickson examines the rich legacy of baseball's hidden language, offering fans everywhere a smorgasbord of history and anecdote. Baseball's tradition of signing grew out of the signal flags used by ships and hand signals used by soldiers during battle and were first used in games during the Civil War. The Hartford Dark Blues appear to be the first team to steal signs, introducing a larcenous obsession that, as Dickson delightfully chronicles, has given the game some of its most historic--and outlandish--moments. In this revised and expanded edition through the 2018 season, Dickson discusses recent developments and incidents, including the illegal use of new technology to swipe signs. A roster of baseball's greatest names and games, past and present, echoes throughout, making The Hidden Language of Baseball a unique window on the history of our national pastime.
The 50 Greatest Players in Denver Broncos History
The 50 Greatest Players in Denver Broncos History examines the careers of the 50 men who made the greatest impact on one of the National Football League's most successful franchises. Using as measuring sticks the degree to which they impacted the fortunes of the team, the extent to which they added to the Bronco legacy of excellence, and the levels of statistical compilation and overall dominance they attained while wearing a Bronco uniform, The 50 Greatest Players in Denver Broncos History ranks, from 1 to 50, the top 50 players in team history. Quotes from the players themselves and former teammates are provided along the way, as are summaries of each player's greatest season, most memorable performances, and most notable achievements. From Hall of Fame players such as John Elway, Floyd Little, and Shannon Sharpe to forgotten greats such as Rulon Jones and Lionel Taylor, the Broncos' best are profiled here in what is bound to be a much-discussed book among the team's broad fan base.
Present at the Creation
Upton Bell grew up at the knee of the NFL's first great commissioner, his father, the legendary Bert Bell, who not only saved the game from financial ruin after World War II but was one of its greatest innovators. Present at the Creation details Bell's firsthand experiences, which started as he watched his father draw up the league schedule each year at the kitchen table using dominoes. There he learned the importance of parity, which is a hallmark of the league's success, and also how to create it. Over the past fifty-three years, Bell has been an owner, a general manager, a personnel executive, a scouting director for two Super Bowl teams, a television commentator and analyst, and a talk-radio host. He has seen the NFL from the inside and has experienced many of the most important moments in NFL history. Bell was player personnel director for the Baltimore Colts when the team played in three championship games and appeared in two Super Bowls. At thirty-three he became the youngest general manager in NFL history when he joined the Patriots in that role in 1971. He left the NFL in 1974 to compete against it, joining the upstart World Football League as owner of the Charlotte Hornets, which lasted just two years. In 1976 Bell began his forty-year career as a radio and TV talk-show host, yet he remains a football guy who was in the middle of the game's most significant moments and knows that half the story has never been told, until now. Watch a book trailer.
Hate Me Now, Love Me Later
Former NFL player Jason Brown is a recruiter and college football coach. Coach Brown became widely known as the no-nonsense coach on Seasons 3 and 4 of Netflix's smash hit Last Chance U. He currently resides in San Diego, CA with his best friend, Stogie. "Coach Brown is 1 of 1. A total original. Watching him on Last Chance U was the most interesting thing on TV since The Sopranos. He's the Tony Soprano of football." -- Michael Rapaport, Actor/Comedian "JB was the first QB I coached at Compton College. Jason's father came to me to make sure I would look after him and I took that task on head first and with honor. Jason not only became my first All-American QB, he went on and did everything he said he would. This book epitomizes who he is: straightforward, driven, emotional, and 100% invested in the WIN." -- Coach Cornell Ward, Former Head Coach, Compton Community College "I did not have a single college scholarship offer coming out of high school. Jason Brown saw potential in me when no one else did. He helped teach and mold me into a future NFL QB." -- Brad Sorensen, Quarterback, San Diego Chargers, Tennessee Titans, Minnesota Vikings "Jason and I have known each other for twenty years. I coached against Jason while he was a player and together on the same staff. The general public does not know how caring and committed he is to the well-being of his players. Many outside of his circle fail to ascertain this quality in him but once you get to know JB, you will appreciate Jason Brown." -- Marguet Miller, Head Football Coach, West Los Angeles College
Hate Me Now, Love Me Later
Former NFL player Jason Brown is a recruiter and college football coach. Coach Brown became widely known as the no-nonsense coach on Seasons 3 and 4 of Netflix's smash hit Last Chance U. He currently resides in San Diego, CA with his best friend, Stogie. "Coach Brown is 1 of 1. A total original. Watching him on Last Chance U was the most interesting thing on TV since The Sopranos. He's the Tony Soprano of football." -- Michael Rapaport, Actor/Comedian "JB was the first QB I coached at Compton College. Jason's father came to me to make sure I would look after him and I took that task on head first and with honor. Jason not only became my first All-American QB, he went on and did everything he said he would. This book epitomizes who he is: straightforward, driven, emotional, and 100% invested in the WIN." -- Coach Cornell Ward, Former Head Coach, Compton Community College "I did not have a single college scholarship offer coming out of high school. Jason Brown saw potential in me when no one else did. He helped teach and mold me into a future NFL QB." -- Brad Sorensen, Quarterback, San Diego Chargers, Tennessee Titans, Minnesota Vikings "Jason and I have known each other for twenty years. I coached against Jason while he was a player and together on the same staff. The general public does not know how caring and committed he is to the well-being of his players. Many outside of his circle fail to ascertain this quality in him but once you get to know JB, you will appreciate Jason Brown." -- Marguet Miller, Head Football Coach, West Los Angeles College
Kobe Bryant
KOBE BRYANTAre you interested in learning more about the beginnings, career, milestones, and future plans of one of the stalwarts of professional basketball? In this book, we will explore where Bryant grew up, what he was like as a child, how his NBA career panned out, and where is headed now. Although it has been a few years since Bryant retired from the game of basketball, he continues to be a tour de force in the sport and in popular culture, and his name has inspired a whole new generation of rising NBA stars who are following in his footsteps. Bryant may have bid farewell to playing professional basketball, but his influence continues to permeate the four corners of the league and even beyond because of his active participation in various causes. Get this book today, and be inspired by the basketball legend, Kobe Bryant! Here Is A Preview Of What You'll Learn About Inside... Kobe's Childhood High School Career Going Straight To The Pros Kobe & Shaq Kobe's Personal Struggles Kobe's Records In The NBA What's Next For Kobe Bryant Much, Much More!
Badminton Tactics in Singles and Doubles Play
This vintage book contains a concise guide to the game of badminton, with information on tactics and strategy for both singles and doubles games. Badminton is a racket sport whereby a shuttlecock is hit back and forth across a net. Although larger teams are possible, it is most commonly played in "singles" (with one player per side) and "doubles" (with two players per side). This volume contains all the information needed to learn the game of badminton, and as such it is highly recommended for new players. Contents include: "Singles", "Doubles", "Side-By-Side Method", and "Back-and-Front Method". Many vintage books such as this are increasingly scarce and expensive. It is with this in mind that we are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially commissioned new introduction on the history of badminton.
The Game of Badminton - The Rules and Tactics of a Singles Match
"The Game of Badminton" contains a concise guide to the game of badminton, with information on tactics and strategy for singles play. Badminton is a racket sport whereby a shuttlecock is hit back and forth across a net. Although larger teams are possible, it is most commonly played in "singles" (with one player per side) and "doubles" (with two players per side). This volume contains all the information needed to learn the game of badminton, and as such it is highly recommended for new players. Many vintage books such as this are increasingly scarce and expensive. It is with this in mind that we are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially commissioned new introduction on the history of the rugby.
A Brief History of Badminton from 1870 to 1949
This vintage book contains a detailed account of the history of badminton, from its conception in the late nineteenth century to 1949. Badminton is a racket sport whereby a shuttlecock is hit back and forth across a net. Although larger teams are possible, it is most commonly played in "singles" (with one player per side) and "doubles" (with two players per side). This interesting volume explores its origins in India and follows its subsequent development and evolution, with reference to notable events, figures, and organisations. "A Brief History of Badminton" constitutes a must-read for those with an interest in the sport, and it would make for a fantastic addition to collections of allied literature. Many vintage books such as this are increasingly scarce and expensive. It is with this in mind that we are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially commissioned new introduction on badminton.
When You Come to a Fork in the Road, Take It!
An exciting new collection of sublimely simple wisdom from a bestselling author, celebrated athlete, and a true American hero. Three-time MVP and Hall of Famer Yogi Berra hit home runs twice in a row with his two previous books, The Yogi Book and It Ain't Over. Now, his winning streak will continue with this latest work -- a collection of appealing, funny, and surprisingly moving essays on life, happiness, and getting through the slumps. Filled with another delightful helping of Yogi's inimitable and unwittingly wise aphorisms, these reflections focus on the valuable lessons he's learned on and off the field. From his early years as an immigrant's son who dropped out of the eighth grade through his triumphant career as a player and manager who played in a record seventy-five World Series games, Yogi illustrates his homespun philosophies with apt analogies to his trove of baseball stories. He expounds on such topics as Patience (Waiting for your pitch); Sacrifice (Laying down a bunt); Trusting Others (Taking direction); and Staying Focused (Keeping your eye on the ball), to show how the rules of life and baseball are uncannily similar. And, in the tradition of Don't Sweat the Small Stuff and All I Really Need to I Know I Learned in Kindergarten, he explains his recipe for fulfillment and happiness with life lessons that are profoundly simple, simply profound--and classic Yogi to the core. Following on the heels of two New York Times bestselling books and filled with memorable photos, this new collection of Yogi wisdom will undoubtedly expand his growing legion of fans. When You Come to a Fork in the Road, Take It! is a wise, humble, touching book that's a guaranteed winner. In short, it's D矇j? vu all over again. A baseball legend reflects on the following lessons..."A nickel ain't worth a dime any more.""It ain't over til it's over.""You can't think and hit at the same time.""I didn't really say everything I said.""The future ain't what it used to be." . . . and many more.
The Doubles Game in Badminton - With Chapters on Tactics and the Skills Needed
"The Double Game in Badminton" is a comprehensive guide to playing badminton "doubles". Badminton is a racket sport whereby a shuttlecock is hit back and forth across a net. Although larger teams are possible, it is most commonly played in "singles" (with one player per side) and "doubles" (with two players per side). This volume contains all the information needed to learn how to play badminton in pairs, and as such it is highly recommended for new doubles players. Contents include: "Side by Side Formation", "Back and Front Formation", "Doubles, or the Four Handed Game", "Combination", "Double Teamwork", and "Badminton". Many vintage books such as this are increasingly scarce and expensive. It is with this in mind that we are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially commissioned new introduction on the history of rugby.
In Every Kid There Lurks a Tiger
Rudy Duran's unique and proven program is divided into skill levels that can be adapted to suit any child's needs. Lacing his book with anecdotes from his own youthful experiences, his years with Tiger, and his work with other young golfers, Rudy starts with basic instructions and etiquette, and then explores putting, swings, and general knowledge. His words are simple, to the point, and illustrated with numerous photos.
Homegrown
"Alex Speier spins a compelling narrative about how great scouting and player development created a perennial contender in baseball's toughest division, without losing sight of the people at the heart of his story." -- Keith LawThe captivating inside story of the historic 2018 Boston Red Sox, as told through the assembly and ascendancy of their talented young core--the culmination of nearly a decade of reporting from one of the most respected baseball writers in the country.The 2018 season was a coronation for the Boston Red Sox. The best team in Major League Baseball--indeed, one of the best teams ever--the Sox won 108 regular season games and then romped through the postseason, going 11-3 against the three next-strongest teams baseball had to offer.As Boston Globe baseball reporter Alex Speier reveals, the Sox' success wasn't a fluke--nor was it guaranteed. It was the result of careful, patient planning and shrewd decision-making that allowed Boston to develop a golden generation of prospects--and then build upon that talented core to assemble a juggernaut. Speier has covered the key players--Mookie Betts, Andrew Benintendi, Xander Bogaerts, Rafael Devers, Jackie Bradley Jr., and many others--since the beginning of their professional careers, as they rose through the minor leagues and ultimately became the heart of this historic championship squad. Drawing upon hundreds of interviews and years of reporting, Homegrown is the definitive look at the construction of an extraordinary team.It is a story that offers startling insights for baseball fans of any team, and anyone looking for the secret to building a successful organization. Why do many highly touted prospects fail, while others rise out of obscurity to become transcendent? How can franchises help their young talent, in whom they've often invested tens of millions of dollars, reach their full potential? And how can management balance long-term aims with the constant pressure to win now?Part insider's account of one of the greatest baseball teams ever, part meditation on how to build a winner, Homegrown offers an illuminating look into how the best of the best are built.
