Ultimate Guide to Golf
Ultimate Guide to Golf - The Journey Begins Transform your golf game from frustrating to fantastic with the Ultimate Guide to Golf your comprehensive roadmap to mastering the fundamentals and fine-tuning your skills on the course. Drawing from over two decades of professional coaching experience, certified golf instructor Glen Bowen breaks down the complexities of golf into clear, actionable strategies that work for both complete beginners and weekend warriors looking to lower their scores. Through a unique approach that combines traditional technique with cutting-edge biomechanics, this guide delivers: - A step-by-step system for developing a reliable, powerful swing - Simple fixes for the most common mistakes that plague amateur golfers - Professional insights into course management and game strategy - Expert guidance on equipment selection and practice routines - Clear explanations of golf etiquette and rules for confident play Whether you're picking up a club for the first time or seeking to break 90, this essential guide provides the expert instruction you need to play with confidence, consistency, and joy. Stop second-guessing your swing and start playing the best golf of your life. "Finally, a golf book that speaks to players at every level, delivering professional insights in a way that's both practical and engaging." - Jeremy Logan "Coach Glen turned our daughter from a complete beginner into a varsity golfer who earned a college scholarship. His energy and teaching style makes him perfect for young athletes looking to excel at golf." - Dee Repka
The 50 Greatest Players in New York Mets History
From Seaver to deGrom, meet the 50 greatest Mets ever to take the field--ranked, remembered, and relived. In The 50 Greatest Players in New York Mets History, sports historian Robert W. Cohen ranks the top 50 players ever to perform for one of Major League Baseball's most iconic franchises. This work includes quotes from the subjects themselves and former teammates, photos, and recaps of memorable performances, as well as a statistical summary of each player's career with the Mets. The team's best are profiled here in what is sure to be a much-discussed book among the Mets' broad fan base.
Showtime
Step inside the golden age of basketball, where fast breaks met flashing cameras, and no-look passes sparked roars in the rafters of the Great Western Forum. Showtime: Magic, Kareem, and the Lakers' Golden Years tells the exhilarating, behind-the-scenes story of the Los Angeles Lakers dynasty that changed basketball forever. With vivid storytelling and cinematic flair, this book traces the rise of Earvin "Magic" Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the tactical genius of Pat Riley, and the visionary ownership of Dr. Jerry Buss. Together, they transformed a struggling NBA into a global entertainment phenomenon.From iconic Finals battles against Larry Bird's Celtics to the unforgettable drama of Magic's HIV announcement, this is more than a chronicle of victories-it's a portrait of personalities, pressure, and the price of greatness. Featuring deep research, compelling anecdotes, and a cast of unforgettable characters, Showtime captures the heart of a team that wasn't just the best of its era-they defined the era itself.Decades later, the legacy of Showtime still echoes through modern courts and pop culture. This is the definitive account of how the Lakers didn't just play the game-they turned it into a spectacle. A must-read for basketball lovers, sports history fans, and anyone who believes greatness should always come with a little glamor.
Miracle Men
In the 2003-04 season, Arsenal Football Club did the impossible. Thirty-eight games. Zero defeats. The "Invincibles" became more than a football team-they became an idea. In Miracle Men, a masterfully crafted narrative of that immortal campaign, readers are taken inside the dressing room, onto the Highbury pitch, and into the mind of Ars癡ne Wenger, the professor who reimagined English football. This is the definitive chronicle of one of the most beautiful and bold achievements in modern sport: a team that didn't just win-they changed the game while doing it.From gritty away days to unforgettable comebacks, from tunnel bust-ups to flowing team goals, this book is a celebration of footballing poetry, collective genius, and the enduring legend of a side that played without fear and finished without defeat.
5000-to-1
In the summer of 2015, Leicester City were written off even before a ball was kicked-5000-to-1 outsiders in the world's richest league. Yet armed with a rag-tag squad of non-league rejects, Ligue 2 misfits and flinty veterans, an Italian manager's pocket bell, and a chairman's boundless humility, the Foxes sparked football's greatest underdog story. From the first-eclipse of top-flight giants to the seismic night Eden Hazard's strike sealed their crown, every chapter pulses with belief, bravery, and the breathtaking unpredictability of sport.5000-to-1 goes beyond match reports to reveal how data-driven scouting unmasked hidden gems, how a lean training regime outpaced wealthier rivals, and how a culture of teamwork and joy built a dynasty-defying champion. Packed with inside stories, tactical revelations and global fan reactions, this is the definitive account of how a sleepy Midlands city dared to dream-and forced the football world to believe again.
The Golden Rivalry
For over two decades, men's tennis was ruled by three titans whose names came to define not only a generation but a global era of sport. Roger Federer, the elegant maestro. Rafael Nadal, the relentless warrior. Novak Djokovic, the impenetrable wall. The Golden Rivalry is the definitive chronicle of their intertwined journeys-how they clashed, adapted, endured, and elevated the game to heights never imagined.With rich narrative storytelling, this book dives deep into their iconic matches, personal transformations, and the rivalries that spanned continents, surfaces, and styles. From Centre Court to Chatrier, from early breakthroughs to emotional farewells, the story unfolds not just in statistics but in the emotion, grit, and grace that made this the greatest era tennis has ever seen.Told with clarity, insight, and reverence, The Golden Rivalry is not just about tennis. It's about legacy, evolution, and the human spirit tested at the highest level.
Wembley Wonders
From the White Horse Final of 1923 to Leicester's pandemic-era miracle, Wembley Wonders sweeps across a century of drama to reveal how one tournament has mirrored Britain's changing soul. Sportswriter Jonathan Mills threads vivid storytelling with pitch-side detail, charting the rise of radio, the television age, billionaire owners, and streaming algorithms-yet always returning to ninety minutes where the underdog can flip the empire on its head.Meet the dream-weavers and heartbreak merchants: Stanley Matthews gliding on post-war optimism; Bob Stokoe sprinting into folklore in a trilby; Eric Cantona curling destiny under the arch; Steven Gerrard thundering salvation from thirty-five yards; Youri Tielemans exploding joy for a city still wearing pandemic masks. Along the way, discover the hymns, banners, and culinary rites that turn every final into a national carnival.Rich with quotes, crowd textures, and behind-the-scenes insight, this is the definitive narrative history of the FA Cup at Wembley-a testament to why, in an era of super-leagues and split-screen attention, the old trophy still makes Britain hold its breath.
The Ice Bowl
On New Year's Eve 1967, the temperature in Green Bay, Wisconsin plunged to -13 簞F with a wind chill near -50. What unfolded at Lambeau Field was not just a football game-it was an ordeal of grit, frostbite, and historic significance. The Ice Bowl: Football's Coldest Battle is the definitive, play-by-play narrative of the 1967 NFL Championship, a game that crowned Vince Lombardi's Packers, broke the hearts of the Dallas Cowboys, and permanently changed the trajectory of professional football.This book brings to life every detail of that arctic showdown: the silent agony of numb fingers, the clank of helmets hardened by cold, and the final, legendary quarterback sneak that echoed across generations. Through vivid storytelling and extensive research-including play logs, weather data, and interviews-this work reveals how one sub-zero afternoon reshaped strategy, inspired equipment innovations, and embedded itself into the mythology of the sport. From sideline heaters to Steve Sabol's poetic reels, from frostbitten legends to Lambeau's cultural legacy, The Ice Bowl is a gripping account of the NFL's most enduring epic.
The Integration of Minor League Baseball
Though much has been written about Negro Leagues players and Black major leaguers of the integration era, little attention has been given to the accomplishments and struggles of Black minor league pioneers. This work is a history of minor league integration with complete records for the more than one thousand players of color who toiled in Organized Baseball's minor leagues from 1946 to 1959, competing against the odds for a shot at the big leagues that few would get. This work is a tribute to an underappreciated group of men who helped clear away the vestiges of a racist system that kept many of the game's best players from gaining the recognition they deserved. Only about 10% would ever appear in the major leagues, but the careers of Black major league stars of the 1950s and 1960s were built on the backs of this largely forgotten generation of players. The underlying statistical and demographic information is compiled in a comprehensive register of players that were not, or probably would not have been, given a chance in Organized Baseball prior to the crossing of the color barrier due to their racial heritage.
Big Loosh
Ron Luciano was a college football star, baseball umpire, TV broadcaster, and best-selling author. He barged through the world with an outsized personality, entertaining many, offending a few, and hiding behind a cheerful and outrageous persona until life somehow proved unbearable. Everyone knew him, but nobody really did. Once an All-American tackle at Syracuse University, Luciano turned to umpiring after an injury derailed his professional football career, and he quickly moved up the Minor League ladder to reach the Majors in 1969. As a big, likable loser--Oliver Hardy in blue--he became a fan favorite in the American League, "shooting" runners with his forefinger, conducting a legendary feud with Baltimore Orioles manager Earl Weaver, and entertaining writers with outlandish baseball stories--some of which were even true. Even as he added years to his umpiring career and was considered among the game's best, some players and managers thought his showmanship detracted from his abilities. He later became a baseball color analyst on national TV before coauthoring a series of rollicking best-selling sports books. Away from the game, he loved Shakespeare and birdwatching. But his upbeat public face was at odds with his private struggle with depression. His suicide at age fifty-seven shocked and puzzled friends, fans, and readers alike. In Big Loosh Jim Leeke recounts Luciano's unlikely career, detailing his life as athlete, arbiter, sportscaster, writer, and mythmaker while separating fact from fiction amid the fanciful stories he loved to spin. As a friend said of Luciano, "If you didn't like this man, you didn't like people."
The Year of the Tiger
The inside story of legendary golfer Tiger Woods' magnificent run, when he won all four major tournaments in a single calendar year, becoming the greatest player of his generation--a show of unparalleled dominance in the sport with which he has become synonymous.In the annals of golf, one achievement towers above all others--the Tiger Slam. A quarter century ago, between 2000 and 2001, Tiger Woods accomplished a feat so extraordinary, it may never be replicated.Published in time for the twenty-fifth anniversary of this remarkable event, The Year of the Tiger transports readers back in time to witness the sheer brilliance and unrelenting determination that propelled Woods to the pinnacle of his game. Through vivid storytelling, meticulous research, and fresh interviews, The Year of the Tiger uncovers new details about the four major championship victories that cemented Tiger's status as an all-time great--while also exposing the cracks in his superstardom that led to his inevitable downfall.
Soccer Scandals
Explore the dark side of football, from match-fixing and corruption to riots and scandalous tragedies.It was Pel矇 who popularised the idea of football as 'the Beautiful Game' and so it is. But football also has its uglier side.As far back as the Edwardian era matches were 'fixed' to benefit gamblers, or to help clubs desperately in need of points to win promotion or to avoid relegation.There have been matches so brutal that on one occasion it was necessary for the BBC to precede televised highlights with a warning to viewers that what they were about see was 'appalling, disgusting, disgraceful'.Crowd disorders, inadequate policing, and stadiums left in disrepair have resulted in loss of life and added to the scandals that have scarred 'the Beautiful Game' and caused public outrage.From Bolton to Brussels, Manchester to Montevideo, Seoul to Santiago, football has seen many dark chapters, many tragedies and more than a few shady characters, from the goalkeeper who offered not to 'accidently' let in goals to the referee who was arrested with 13lbs of heroin hidden in his underpants.Soccer Scandals: When the Beautiful Game Turned Ugly tells of the high-ranking officials who were at the centre of some of the most remarkable widespread corruptions that football has ever seen, of the betting rings involving unscrupulous players and referees, of doping, blackmail and phone taps, of 'shameful savagery' on the pitch and riots off it, even of suicide and attempted murder.It is the stuff of pulp fiction rather than of just games and goals and Saturday heroes. It is the ugly side of the game that Pel矇 found so beautiful.
Playfair Cricket Annual 2025
The UK's bestselling cricket annual returns - it's the indispensable pocket guide to the summer. The 78th edition of the Playfair Cricket Annual is packed with all the information you need to follow the cricket season in 2025, as well as a review of events during the previous twelve months. India, South Africa, West Indies and Zimbabwe will all be touring England this coming summer, and here you'll find comprehensive Test match and limited-overs records and career records to help you follow the action. County cricket is covered in unrivalled depth, with biographies of all players registered to the counties at the start of the season, full coverage of last summer's events and a fixture list for all major domestic matches in 2025. There are also sections on women's cricket, the IPL and The Hundred. For any cricket fan, the season is never complete without a copy of Playfair to guide you through it all.
The Playing Lesson
You are cordially invited to join Michael Bamberger on a year-long golfing adventure--playing alongside the pros of the PGA Tour, the LPGA Tour, LIV Golf, and more--as he seeks to unlock golf's most stubborn secrets in various and surprising ways, all in the name of...improvement! Nearly fifty years after taking up the game, Michael Bamberger made a pair of startling discoveries: golf had never meant more to him, and he knew almost nothing about it. He decided to cover himself in green in a whole new way. He spent a year inside the ropes of professional golf--playing, caddying, competing, volunteering, and interviewing--looking for a door into the sport's sanctum sanctorum. In The Playing Lesson: A Duffer's Year Among the Pros, Bamberger goes on the ultimate golfing bender. You've read about St. Andrews before, but here you will experience the home of golf in a whole new way. You'll join the author as he volunteers in one tournament, caddies in others, plays in men's and women's pro-ams, and conducts intimate interviews with elite figures in the game. You'll mooch off the lessons Bamberger takes from instructors, famous and obscure, who teach golf in novel ways. You'll learn how to buy a better golf game. Maybe you've had club fittings, but not like the one Bamberger experiences in various tour trailers. In a pro-am, Bamberger gets driving tips from one of the tour's longest hitters, Jake Knapp. He receives a putting lesson from Brad Faxon. He learns how to hit hook wedges from Gary Player. He lives through the intense pain of Rory McIlroy's misses and rejoices at Lydia Ko's triumphs. He plays Pebble Beach and Royal Oak, a down-home nine-hole public course in Detroit with perfect greens. He receives an unexpected hug from Greg Norman at a LIV Golf event in Miami, along with the words, "Come on in here, you asshole." He spends a lot of time at driving ranges, some of it productive. What Bamberger has done here, when you get right down to it, is create his own tour. The Playing Lesson is a report on a real-life golfing safari, with stops inside the heads of the game's high priests, his own--and yours.
Still Growing, Still Learning, Still Me
"Kenny Stills, a [former] wide receiver on the Miami Dolphins . . . quietly [became] the on-field face of the movement Colin Kaepernick started in 2016 . . . Stills wants to use his visibility to shine a light on police brutality, economic inequality, and other forms of social injustice." --New York Times KENNY STILLS IS A FORMER NFL WIDE RECEIVER, ACTIVIST, and advocate for social justice. Over a nine-year career in the league, he made his mark not only as a deep-threat playmaker but also as a fearless voice for change. Stills used his platform to protest racial injustice, standing alongside Colin Kaepernick and others to push for systemic reform. His commitment to advocacy extended beyond the field, working with grassroots organizations and engaging in community outreach to create meaningful impact.Stills's journey also led him to deeper questions about identity, purpose, and healing. After years of external accomplishments, he turned inward, prioritizing therapy, mindset, and self-discovery. Through personal reflection, psychedelics, and a commitment to mental well-being, he began a transformative path toward inner peace, learning that true fulfillment comes from within.In Still Growing, Still Learning, Still Me, Stills shares his story of resistance, redemption, and renewal. He opens up about the highs and lows of his life, the lessons learned through activism, and the importance of joy and self-care. This book is an invitation to others to embrace growth, challenge societal expectations, and find their own path to healing.
The Yankee Dynasty
From the thunderclap of Babe Ruth's bat to the final curtain call of Derek Jeter, The Yankee Dynasty: From Ruth to Jeter tells the definitive story of baseball's most iconic franchise. Spanning more than a century, this sweeping narrative charts the evolution of the New York Yankees from scrappy afterthought to global sports empire. Along the way, it brings to life unforgettable figures like Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Reggie Jackson, and Mariano Rivera-not as distant legends, but as vivid, complex characters in an ever-unfolding drama.Blending sharp storytelling with deep historical insight, this is more than a baseball book. It's a portrait of American ambition, resilience, and reinvention, told through the pinstripes that became a symbol of excellence. From dynasties forged in the shadows of war to modern titans built under blinding lights and billion-dollar expectations, the Yankees' journey is both uniquely New York and universally human.Whether you grew up in the bleachers or just know the names from box scores and highlight reels, The Yankee Dynasty offers a front-row seat to the moments, myths, and men who made Yankee greatness not just a tradition-but a legacy.
Becoming Caitlin Clark
Combining modern reportage with historical revelations, a multifaceted portrait of Caitlin Clark's game-changing superstardom and the cultural foundation it was built upon Caitlin Clark has established herself as one of the global faces of the WNBA and has ignited popular interest in women's sports. Her ascent to dominance and international celebrity represents the continuation of a surprisingly deep lineage for women's basketball in the state of Iowa where Clark was born and raised, and where she wrote her name throughout the NCAA history books as a Hawkeye. Spanning 100 years and several generations, Becoming Caitlin Clark traces the arc between the revered women who played the wildly popular game of 6-on-6 basketball in the 1920s and Clark in the 2020s, examining her fame and style of play in the context of her predecessors, while telling the story of the basketball-loving community that rallied behind her in college and beyond. Howard Megdal's storytelling incorporates in-depth conversations with Clark; her coach Lisa Bluder; her Iowa teammates, including WNBA star Kate Martin; the top assistant coach at Iowa, Jan Jensen; the Caitlin Clark of the 1970s, Molly Bolin; vital figures in the growth of Iowa basketball like C. Vivian Stringer and Jolette Law; and even Jensen's grandmother Dorcas Andersen, who scored 89 points in the Iowa state tournament in 1921 and kept journals as she did so, brought to light here for the first time. From rural auditoriums to the Indiana Fever's Gainbridge Fieldhouse, this intimate yet kaleidoscopic perspective on the modern game and its newest icon makes this an essential read for WNBA and college basketball fans.
Full Court Faith
In Full Court Faith, you'll discover how the principles that guide successful basketball teams can be applied to your life, leadership, and spiritual journey. This powerful book combines the relentless drive of sports with the deep, transformative wisdom of faith, offering an inspiring roadmap for anyone who wants to go beyond the court and embrace God's purpose in every aspect of life. Drawing on the author's rich experience as a player, coach, and parent, Full Court Faith offers readers practical advice, personal anecdotes, and biblical principles that can empower you to attack challenges, overcome setbacks, and lead with conviction. Whether you're navigating school or career pressures, managing personal relationships, or striving for spiritual growth, this book will equip you to live with the heart of a champion. From the importance of teamwork and sacrifice to the powerful role of faith in overcoming life's toughest obstacles, Full Court Faith will help you recognize the game of life for what it truly is: a calling to be a light in the world, reflecting the love and grace of Yeshua. With heartfelt encouragement and practical steps for applying biblical teachings, this book is your guide to leaving it on the court and playing your best game-both on and off the court. Are you ready to step into the game with faith, purpose, and unwavering commitment? It's time to put everything on the line for the greatest win of all-living the life YHWH intended for you.
Gold Standard
Dominant. Few seasons in sports history better exemplify that term than the Golden State Warriors' road to the 2016-2017 NBA championship. After adding Kevin Durant to an already elite lineup, the Warriors stormed to a league-leading 67 wins in the regular season. Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson and Durant were all NBA All-Stars, and the foursome played an awe-inspiring brand of basketball. And the Warriors overcame adversity -- from Durant missing 19 games late in the season due to injury to head coach Steve Kerr's health issues costing him much of the playoffs. Yet Curry, Durant and company avenged their 2016 NBA Finals loss with an unprecedented run through the postseason and a sublime NBA Finals destruction of LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Packed with stunning photography and expert analysis from the Bay Area's largest newspaper publisher, Gold Standard takes fans through the Warriors' historic season, from Thompson's 60-point outburst to Durant's triumphant return to Oklahoma City to the final unforgettable minutes against the Cavaliers. This commemorative edition also includes in-depth profiles of Curry, Durant, Kerr, Thompson, Green and other Warriors stars.
Moneyball Revisited
Baseball didn't just stumble into the era of analytics - it was dragged there, kicking and screaming. Moneyball Revisited tells the riveting, behind-the-scenes story of how a handful of outsiders, led by Billy Beane's Oakland A's, turned baseball's traditions upside down - and how the revolution they sparked kept evolving in ways no one could have predicted. From the rise of WAR and PECOTA to the darker genius of the Astros and Rays, from player development labs to clubhouse culture wars, this is the epic, deeply human story of a sport that had to rethink everything in order to survive. With rich storytelling, real players and moments, and crystal-clear explanations of even the most complex ideas, Moneyball Revisited is a joyful, gripping ride through baseball's past, present, and future - and a love letter to the game's endless ability to change without losing its heart.
Basketball on Paper
Before basketball analytics dominated draft rooms, coaching meetings, and sports debates, one man saw the future. Basketball on Paper is the definitive story of how Dean Oliver's groundbreaking ideas - from the Four Factors of Winning to the deeper truths of pace, efficiency, and shot selection - transformed the way we understand the game.Written in a vivid, story-driven style that blends the excitement of classic sports journalism with the clarity of modern nonfiction, this book takes readers on a thrilling journey through the data revolution that reshaped professional and college basketball forever. From the first skeptical front offices to the modern NBA's three-point revolution, from March Madness upsets to the new age of tracking data and machine learning, Basketball on Paper reveals how numbers made the beautiful game even smarter - and even more beautiful.This is not a dry math lecture. It's a fast, fun, and deeply human look at how innovation, stubbornness, brilliance, and heart collided to reinvent a sport we thought we already knew. Whether you're a coach, a player, a die-hard fan, or just someone fascinated by how ideas change the world, this is your court-side seat to the analytics revolution that continues to shape basketball's future.
The Beautiful Game
From dusty ports to glittering stadiums, The Beautiful Game sweeps readers through a century of Brazilian football and its unmatched impact on global sport and culture. With irresistible storytelling and vivid detail, the book reveals how a country of dazzling contrasts transformed an imported pastime into a living art form called futebol-arte.We meet barefoot street prodigies, legendary icons like Pel矇, Marta, and Garrincha, tactical masterminds, carnival drummers, and digital-era freestylers. Through unforgettable World Cup triumphs, soul-crushing defeats, political battles, and cultural revolutions, Brazil's story becomes football's story.Blending history, sociology, music, and modern innovation, The Beautiful Game shows why Brazil remains the heartbeat of the world's favorite sport-and why the ball, like the dream, never stops rolling.
Baseball Like It Oughta Be
When Steve Schmitt committed to summer-collegiate baseball in a city that failed to support pro or college baseball, few expected him to succeed. Here's the inside story of how the Madison Mallards became summer-collegiate baseball's top draw, changed the face of the sport and brought new life to a downtrodden neighborhood and ballpark.Expected to fail in their inaugural 2001 season, the Madison Mallards soon became summer-collegiate baseball's most popular team. Since 2002, the Mallards have become the biggest box-office hit among hundreds of similar teams nationwide, drawing more than 4.3 million fans in team history. Baseball Like It Oughta Be is the phenomenal story of how owner Steve Schmitt, a rural Wisconsin shoe sales marvel, and his young, aggressive staff turned dust into gold. Celebrating their 25th year, the Mallards have an entertaining and hilarious history that combines marketing prowess, customer service and anything-goes promotions with stories ranging from Gary Coleman's outrageous appearance to slugger Pete Alonso's amazing season as a Mallard. Schmitt and team president Vern Stenman turned a downtrodden ballpark into a must-experience destination. The Mallards never went bananas on the field, churning out future pro players. Along the way, they've become one of America's most extraordinary sports teams.The Mallards story follows an owner's obsession; the dreamland of a young marketing director, who quit an NHL front-office job; relentless customer service for their fans; fresh promotions annually; belief in what many viewed as a struggling neighborhood; and the embracement of America's least likely renowned ballpark.
The Unbelieveables
At the beginning of April 2015, newly-promoted Leicester City were seven points adrift at the foot of the Premier League. What happened next was truly extraordinary. Not only did Leicester pull off one of the great escapes to survive in the top flight but they continued their form into the following season. The manager who orchestrated Leicester's promotion and survival, Nigel Pearson, had left the club by then, replaced by the former Chelsea, Juventus and Roma manager Claudio Ranieri. The press gave 'The Tinkerman' no hope of staying the course and the bookies installed Leicester as one of the favourites to be relegated. They were priced at 5,000/1 to win the Premier League. Against all these odds, Leicester built up a lead at the top of the Premier League table that was, by stages, fanciful, improbable, extraordinary and finally insurmountable. On 2 May 2016 Leicester were crowned Premier League champions. The season would make stars of Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez. In November, Vardy broke Ruud van Nistelrooy's record by scoring in eleven consecutive Premier League games and he would later be crowned FWA Footballer of the Year. Mahrez's goals and assists, including magnificent solo goals against Chelsea and Manchester City, won him the PFA Player of the Year award. If Arsenal's unbeaten season in 2003/04 saw their team dubbed the Invincibles, then Leicester's exploits in 2015/16 have made them The Unbelievables. This is the story of their season as seen through the eyes of the supporters who have followed them up and down the country with an increasing sense of wonder.
England Expects
Fully revised and updated for the 2010 World Cup Finals, ENGLAND EXPECTS is the definitive history of the England Football team. From the inaugural international matches in the mid-nineteenth century to the advent of Fabio Capello's reign, it is an engrossing and graphic narrative history of the inside stories, dramas and shattered dreams of our nation's footballers. The second edition of ENGLAND EXPECTS is completely revised to include a new introduction, a new chapter detailing all the agonies of the 2006 World Cup and the contrasting fortunes of England's managers since then.
Chelsea: The Complete Record
Chelsea: The Complete Record is the definitive account of one of the world's most popular and powerful clubs, recounting every conceivable detail of its 110 year-long history. Encompassing five league titles, seven FA Cups and five European trophies, Chelsea are one of the most successful clubs in English football's modern history. Chelsea official historian Rick Glanvill and club statistician Paul Dutton have spent years trawling through the archives to uncover every conceivable fact and figure about the club. In this monumental work they have painstakingly provided details of every game, line up, goalscorer, attendance and result, as well as a plethora of other facts and figures. Weighing in at 550 pages and with full appendixes detailing the careers of the hundreds of players to have turned out for the club as well as a season by season narrative account of Chelsea's history, this is the must-read book for every fan of one of European football's modern powerhouses.
West Ham: The Complete Record
West Ham: The Complete Record is the definitive account of one of English football's most loved clubs, recounting every conceivable detail of its 115 year-long history. Three times FA Cup winners and with a European Cup Winners Cup to their name, West Ham have been involved in some of the most enthralling cup runs in English football history. With names like Bobby Moore, Frank Lampard, Martin Peters, Trevor Brooking and Geoff Hurst having turned out in the famous claret and blue, they are also synonymous with producing some of England's most talented footballers. Club historians John Northcutt and Steve Marsh have spent years trawling through the archives to uncover every concievable fact and figure about the club. In this monumental work they have painstakingly provided details of every game, line up, goalscorer, attendance and result, as well as a plethora of other facts and figures. With full appendixes detailing the careers of the hundreds of players to have turned out for the club and a season by season narrative account of West Ham's history, this is the must-read book for every fan of one of English football's most popular clubs.
Unfit and Improper Persons
'A very funny book that tackles some serious football issues.'Gary LinekerEver dreamed of setting up your own football club?Join the team behind The Price of Football podcast as they start a (fictional) football club and discover what's really going on behind the scenes of the beautiful game. Buying a football club will set you back a few quid, but you've also got to pass the Premier League and EFL's 'fit and proper persons test'. That all seems like a bit of a faff to the team behind the award-winning podcast The Price of Football, so acclaimed comedy writer Kevin Day, football finance expert Kieran Maguire and producer Guy Kilty start an imaginary club instead. In Unfit and Improper Persons they take West Park Rovers on a hilarious journey from the lowest level of the FA pyramid right up to the English Football League, the Premier League and, if fortune favours the fictional, into the heart of Europe. At least that's the plan, but inevitably they face a few challenges along the way. Where to find a shirt sponsor? What should the mascot be - is a dog called Rover too obvious? Can they pay the women's team the same as the men's team? (Spoiler alert: hardly anyone else does.) And how can they get Messi to the Kleanwell Stadium next season, like they promised the fans? Unfit and Improper Persons is informed, funny and, thanks to exclusive interviews with those who've been there, done that, it lays bare the labyrinthine world of football finance.
Bragging Rights
An inside look at the SEC's most prominent programs as they unfolded during the 1999 season, this book includes in-depth profiles of the league's top players and best coaches.
Xabi Campe籀n
October 2022: Things look bleak for Bayer Leverkusen. The team struggles in the Bundesliga relegation zone, when a new coach, Xabi Alonso, takes over their fate. June 2024: Bayer Leverkusen concludes the 2023 / 2024 Bundesliga season as German champions and DFB-Pokal winners, securing the domestic double while losing only one game allseason. Shortly afterwards, Spain claims victory at the UEFA European Championship in Germany. What led to this remarkable transformation? What tactical innovations are behind Alonso's dynamic and dominant style? What influential methodologies from Spanish football form the foundation of his philosophy? And why do coaches from the Basque Country? In his book, Tim Stegmann weaves these influences into an engaging tactical portrait of Bayer 04 Leverkusen's championship-winning team and the exceptional leadership of their coach: Xabi Campe籀n!
Weatherby’S Inning
Step up to the plate with "Weatherby's Inning: A Story of College Life and Baseball," a timeless classic that captures the heart of youth, ambition, and the spirit of the game. After decades out of print, this beloved tale by Ralph Henry Barbour is now beautifully restored and republished by Alpha Editions, offering a rare glimpse into the golden age of college life and America's favorite pastime. Follow Weatherby, a young college student, as he navigates the challenges of academia, friendship, and the baseball diamond. This story is not just about the thrill of the game; it's a poignant exploration of personal growth, camaraderie, and the pursuit of dreams. With its rich narrative and vivid characters, this book is a cultural treasure that resonates with readers of all ages. This edition is more than a reprint; it's a collector's item, meticulously restored for today's and future generations. Whether you're a casual reader or a classic literature aficionado, "Weatherby's Inning" is a must-have addition to your library. Rediscover the magic of a bygone era and let this inspiring story leave a lasting impression on your heart.
We Are Liverpool
Liverpool Football Club's 2024-25 season was more than a campaign - it was a statement of resilience, reinvention, and triumph.We Are Liverpool: The Story of the 2024-25 Champions captures the journey from the emotional farewell of J羹rgen Klopp to the rise of Arne Slot's new era, chronicling every pivotal moment as Liverpool reclaimed their place at the summit of English football.Through richly detailed storytelling, tactical analysis, and behind-the-scenes insights, this book brings readers into the heart of the season that delivered Liverpool's 20th English title. From matchday drama to the roar of the expanded Anfield, from Mohamed Salah's relentless brilliance to the emergence of a new generation of stars, each chapter builds a vivid portrait of a team - and a club - reborn.Complementing the narrative is a stunning photo gallery featuring iconic images from the 2024-25 season, offering a visual celebration of Liverpool's extraordinary journey.We Are Liverpool is more than a history - it is a testament to belief, tradition, and the unbreakable bond between a team, its city, and its people.
We Are Liverpool
Liverpool Football Club's 2024-25 season was more than a campaign - it was a statement of resilience, reinvention, and triumph.We Are Liverpool: The Story of the 2024-25 Champions captures the journey from the emotional farewell of J羹rgen Klopp to the rise of Arne Slot's new era, chronicling every pivotal moment as Liverpool reclaimed their place at the summit of English football.Through richly detailed storytelling, tactical analysis, and behind-the-scenes insights, this book brings readers into the heart of the season that delivered Liverpool's 20th English title. From matchday drama to the roar of the expanded Anfield, from Mohamed Salah's relentless brilliance to the emergence of a new generation of stars, each chapter builds a vivid portrait of a team - and a club - reborn.Complementing the narrative is a stunning photo gallery featuring iconic images from the 2024-25 season, offering a visual celebration of Liverpool's extraordinary journey.We Are Liverpool is more than a history - it is a testament to belief, tradition, and the unbreakable bond between a team, its city, and its people.
The Soccer Book of Why
The Soccer Book of Why provides a slew of questions and in-depth answers concerning the traditions, rules, records, and history of soccer.
Amazing football facts about Ronaldo, Zidane and Cruyef - Ages 6 to 14
Amazing football facts about Ronaldo, Zidane and Cruyef is a fun, inspiring, and educational football-themed chapter book for kids aged 6 to 14. This engaging read dives into the journeys of three legendary soccer heroes who changed the game forever: Cristiano Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane, and Johan Cruyff.Packed with amazing stories, fun football facts, mind-blowing records, and interactive quizzes, this book is perfect for young football fans who want to learn while having fun.
Baseball Research Journal (Brj), Volume 54 #1
The Spring 2025 issue of the Baseball Research Journal looks at baseball in many places, including the American prairie (Lawrence, Kansas), the Mexican border (the "Original Cactus League") and north of the border in Canada. We have a statistical look at what Negro Leaguer Josh Gibson's career might have looked like had he played for the Pittsburgh Pirates, an examination of Gus Greenlee's "United States League," and how the Harrisburg Giants avoided the ban on Sunday baseball. We also examine how Walter Alston got the chance to manage the Dodgers--for 23 years, seven pennants, and one world championship--because Charlie Dressen wanted a multi-year contract that the Dodgers refused to grant, and we present profiles of this year's winners of SABR's Chadwick Award: Rob Fitts, Gary Gillette, and the late Richard Malatzky. ON THE COVER: The Harrisburg Giants joined the Eastern Colored League in 1924 with a powerful lineup centered around player-manager Oscar Charleston. With Rap Dixon and Fats Jenkins flanking him, Harrisburg had one of the best outfields in baseball history. Cover art by Gary Cieradkowsi. Ladies of the Night Game: Toronto's Lighted Diamonds and the Women Who Pioneered Playing Under the Stars by Stephen Dame "Despite Hanlan's Point Stadium being home to the Toronto Maple Leafs for 22 seasons, not a single ballgame was ever played at night there, though [temporary] floodlights [were used] whenever a rugby match, football game, or starlit opera required light. In 1930 Sunnyside Stadium... became the first stadium in Toronto to feature purpose-built, permanent floodlights. The 3,000-seat stadium was specifically designed for use by female athletes [and] had been the main women's softball facility in Toronto since 1925. From the day it opened, competitors in three different leagues played in front of huge paying crowds." Scoreboard Numbers vs. Uniform Numbers: The 1931-34 Detroit Tigers and the Letter of the Law by Herm Krabbenhoft "Unlike today, where players are assigned uniform numbers that very rarely change within a season, the ID numbers of players at Navin Field in Detroit could vary from game to game. As was the custom, the ID numbers reflected the batting order, giving the leadoff hitter number 1, the next batter 2, et cetera. A new scorecard had to be bought for each game--or at least for each series, since the scorecards could not be re-used from one series to the next--nor could the numbers be memorized. These constant changes were certainly not fan-friendly." The Impact of Laser Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) on Major League Baseball Batting Performance by M.P. Geiss and David Portney "Some ophthalmology practices advertise LASIK as a means for improved athletic performance, but does LASIK improve performance for MLB players? Professional baseball players have been shown to have incredibly high visual acuity because exceptional visual function is required to succeed in the sport. A significant number of MLB players have publicly acknowledged their history of LASIK, increasing the potential sample size for analysis, and the extraordinary amount of statistical data on MLB player performance allows for direct analyses of consistent performance metrics." And many more articles of interest.
Deadbeats, Dead Balls, and the 1914 Boston Braves
The unlikely story of one of baseball's greatest comeback seasons The Boston Braves (the present-day Atlanta Braves) were a bunch of losers and alcohol-soaked whiskey swiggers, buried in last place as late as mid-July of 1914. This rough gang was led by their bullying, superstitious manager George Stallings and assisted by Johnny Evers, a nasty, egotistical captain who was despised by opponents and umpires alike. Deadbeats, Dead Balls, and the 1914 Boston Braves chronicles the team's misfortune, meteoric rise through the 1914 season, and audacious World Series run against the overwhelmingly dominant Philadelphia Athletics. Hall of Fame umpire Bill Klem, a mainstay in the game for over 70 years, called the Braves "the most spirited team he ever saw"--but would their spirit be enough against one of the most powerful teams ever put together? Making use of extensive archival and primary source research, Martin H. Bush places the Braves' story within the larger controversies of dead ball-era baseball: greedy team owners, exaggerations of the "yellow" press, and blatant cheating tactics used to gain unfair advantage. Bush strips away the myths--but not the romance--that can obscure our understanding of how baseball evolved. Including anecdotes from heroes of the "dead ballers," like Ty Cobb, Hans Wagner, and "Cy" Young," Deadbeats, Dead Balls, and the 1914 Boston Braves is an unforgettable story--at turns painful, exciting, shocking, and funny.
Caddying on the Color Line
For most of the 20th century, tens of thousands of Black caddies worked the fairways and greens of the South's golf courses. From the famed links of Augusta and Pinehurst to the local country clubs and resorts across the region these African American men and boys carried bags, selected clubs, and read putts. They served a population of tourist golfers who wanted to get the "full southern experience." They fought for fair pay, fair treatment, while receiving neither. They fought for equal access to public courses when the laws of desegregation were largely ignored. And they tried to move into other jobs as the rise of the golf cart spelled doom for the Southern caddie. Meticulously researched and rigorously vetted, CADDYING ON THE COLOR LINE reveals how Southern Black caddies-young and old-navigated a world of racial tension, professionalized a job once seen as unskilled, became expert golfers in their own right, and helped to pave the way for the rise of Tiger Woods. Along the way, the history of Black caddies reveals the unexpected reasons for the rise of the golf cart and helps explain why there are fewer Black golfers on professional tours today than in the 1960s. The thousands of Southern Black men who called caddying their job over the course of the 20th century may not have lived extraordinary lives. But their daily struggles and triumphs abounded with resilience, pride, skill, and dignity. This book tells their story.
Junior Golfers
"Junior Golfers: The Parents Guide" by Glen Bowen is an indispensable resource for parents looking to cultivate their child's enthusiasm for golf. This all-encompassing guide delves into the essential combination of physical prowess and mental strategy that the sport requires, highlighting the importance of personal development, discipline, and a lifelong love for the game.Expert Guidance from a Certified ProfessionalGlen Bowen, a certified professional golf coach, shares invaluable insights on a wide range of topics, including how to choose the right equipment and navigate tournament regulations.Fostering Key Life SkillsDiscover effective strategies to encourage independence, resilience, and sportsmanship in your junior golfer while creating cherished family moments on the course.Balancing Fun and CompetitionWith practical advice on maintaining a healthy balance between competition and enjoyment, promoting physical fitness, and instilling life skills through golf, this book provides you with the essential tools to support your child's golfing journey both on and off the fairways.An Inspiring Journey TogetherWhether you are an experienced golfer or just starting out in the sport, "Junior Golfers: The Parents Guide" will motivate you to cherish every moment spent together in this fulfilling adventure.
Junior Golfers
"Junior Golfers: The Parents Guide" by Glen Bowen is an indispensable resource for parents looking to cultivate their child's enthusiasm for golf. This all-encompassing guide delves into the essential combination of physical prowess and mental strategy that the sport requires, highlighting the importance of personal development, discipline, and a lifelong love for the game.Expert Guidance from a Certified ProfessionalGlen Bowen, a certified professional golf coach, shares invaluable insights on a wide range of topics, including how to choose the right equipment and navigate tournament regulations.Fostering Key Life SkillsDiscover effective strategies to encourage independence, resilience, and sportsmanship in your junior golfer while creating cherished family moments on the course.Balancing Fun and CompetitionWith practical advice on maintaining a healthy balance between competition and enjoyment, promoting physical fitness, and instilling life skills through golf, this book provides you with the essential tools to support your child's golfing journey both on and off the fairways.An Inspiring Journey TogetherWhether you are an experienced golfer or just starting out in the sport, "Junior Golfers: The Parents Guide" will motivate you to cherish every moment spent together in this fulfilling adventure.
The Boys of Riverside
The incredible story of an all-deaf high school football team's triumphant climb from underdog to undefeated, their inspirational brotherhood, a fascinating portrait of deafness in America, and the indefatigable head coach who spearheaded the team, by New York Times reporter and San Francisco Bureau Chief, Thomas Fuller. "The Boys of Riverside is another example of how anyone can achieve their dreams, making what appears impossible, possible."--Marlee Matlin, Academy Award winner In November 2021, an obscure email from the California Department of Education landed in New York Times reporter, Thomas Fuller's, inbox. The football team at the California School for the Deaf in Riverside, a state-run school with only 168 high school students, was having an undefeated season. After years of covering war, wildfires, pandemic, and mass shootings, Fuller was captivated by the story of this group of high school boys. It was uplifting. During the gloom of the pandemic, it was a happy story. It was a sports story but not an ordinary one, built on the chemistry between a group of underestimated boys and their superhero advocate coach, Keith Adams, a deaf former athlete himself. The team, and Adams, tackled the many stereotypes and seemed to be succeeding. Fuller packed his bags and drove seven hours to the Riverside campus. The Boys of Riverside looks back at the historic 2021 and 2022 seasons in which the California School for the Deaf chased history. It follows the personal journeys of their dynamic deaf head coach, and a student who spent the majority of the season sleeping in his father's car in the Target parking lot. It tells the story of a fiercely committed player who literally played through a broken leg in order not to miss a crucial game, as well as myriad other heart-wrenching and uplifting narratives of players who found common purpose. Through their eyes, Fuller reveals a portrait of high school athletics, inspiring camaraderie, and deafness in America.
101 Reasons Why I Love the NBA
Around 800 million people follow hundreds of games played every year by teams in the NBA, making it the fourth most popular sporting competition in the world. It's a truly global league, with legions of fans in Brazil, China, Spain, Australia and South Africa. It's not hard to see what attracts them to the sport. For decades, the NBA has enthralled American sports fans. Bill Russell and other early superstars sealed the NBA's place as a national institution. Icons like Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan wrote their names in the record books, and modern-day all-stars like LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo have propelled the NBA into an international phenomenon. Now, the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers are among the most watched sports teams in the world, and the NBA leads the way in uniting a country that's fragmented on so many other levels. Discover 101 reasons why the NBA isn't just one of the most popular sports leagues in the world.
Legendary Ballparks
Take a grand-slam tour of North America's best-loved ballparks with this visually stunning, fact-packed book that includes 15 removable pieces of baseball ephemera. Featuring nostalgic images from across the country and throughout baseball history, Legendary Ballparks is a colorful exploration of the places where baseball history happens. From Fenway to Dodger Stadium, North America's legendary ballparks have been the scenes of some of the most unforgettable moments in sports. This definitive guide to Major League ballparks of the past, present, and future takes you inside the stadiums and gives you a front-row seat into baseball's greatest games. Imagine your ballpark bucket list. Even if you can't get to every park, this book takes you there with hundreds of photos, stories, and stats about: Storied parks such as Wrigley Field, Fenway Park, and Dodger StadiumFan favorites AT&T Park, Camden Yards, and PNC ParkForgotten treasures like Shibe Park in Philadelphia, Sportsman's Park in St. Louis, and all five parks of the Detroit TigersNew stadiums such as the Atlanta Braves' SunTrust Park (now Truist Park), the Minneapolis Twins' Target Field, and New York's Yankee Stadium and CitifieldMore than 40 other major league parks that tell the story of the national pastime through the lens of the fields the players call homeIn addition to this treasue trove of history and lore, this handsome edition includes 15 removable pieces of baseball memorabilia, including photos of historic ballparks, reproductions of World Series programs, and a printed ballpark bucket list. Perfect for fans of any MLB team, this book brings the colorful stories of America's ballparks to life.
The Shot
From any and every angle the 1982 U.S. Open was pure alchemy, a dramatic turning point in the lives and fortunes of everyone involved. Watson underscored his status as the top player in the world. Nicklaus began to age before our eyes. Pebble joined the ranks of the most beloved golf courses on the planet.ABC Sports began its slow descent toward obsolescence, and ESPN took an enormous step toward its new-media manifest destiny. As one ABC Sports producer who worked that storied Open said, "After that week nothing was the same." New York Times-bestselling author Chris Millard takes you through every storyline, including all of the twists and turns of this seminal moment in golf history.
Soccer Training Activities
Soccer Training Activities includes information to guide readers through the development of coaching philosophies, over one hundred activities and the tools to create one hundred more.
Vision Tennis
Learn how to play with a powerful vision that will elevate your game.
