Shadow Ball
In the steamy summer of 1919 Chicago, notorious owner Charles Comiskey and Andrew "Rube" Foster, the Father of the Negro Leagues, scheme to rock the baseball world by adding African American star shortstop John Henry "Pop" Lloyd to the White Sox's roster. It is a devil's bargain, as only the men's thirst for fame and fortune allows them to overcome their contempt for each other. Meanwhile, Comiskey's low pay and tawdry treatment of his ballplayers drive them towards the Black Sox scandal, while the clashes between blacks and whites grow hotter than Chicago's oppressive heat, setting the stage for what will explode into Chicago's Great Race Riots of 1919. As Comiskey's greedy tentacles extend further and further, he brings on young Sam Weiss to do his dirty work and be his go-between. Weiss and an aspiring nightclub singer, Kid Douglas, later to known as Memphis Minnie, find themselves tangled up in Comiskey and Foster's scheme, utterly powerless, of course, to alter a thing. Shadow Ball, originally published in 2001, is a work of great imagination, firmly grounded in genuine history. Author Peter Rutkoff takes readers down Chicago's dusty cobblestone streets, into smoke-filled back rooms, and elbow to elbow with two of baseball's true titans of the era.
Test Match Special: How to Read Cricket
Do you know a grubber from a yorker? Can you identify the golden rules of slip and outfield catching? How does a batter recover from the dreaded royal duck? And where on earth do players find room for all those teas? In this official Test Match Special book, cricket legend and TMS commentator Ebony Rainford-Brent takes you on a whirlwind tour of the greatest game in the world. How to Read Cricket offers an entertaining and witty guide to everything from amazing stats and skills analysis to the game's uniquely joyous culture, its stand-out players, greatest grounds and dodgiest pitches. Along the way, there are plenty of anecdotes from Ebony's extraordinary career, as well as her top tactical and leadership tips. Whether you're new to cricket or a seasoned pro, How to Read Cricket has it all plus a story or two to tell.
Men of Troy
From a New York Times bestselling author, a deeply reported account of how the USC Trojan football team captivated the sporting world in the 2000s. The University of Southern California received thousands of calls, emails and letters in 2001, after hiring former NFL coach, Pete Carroll, to resurrect its moribund program. Carroll was a "failure," a "fraud," and a "flake" according to USC boosters, the fans in Los Angeles and the college football cognoscenti. But by the middle of the decade, he had turned USC into a legendary juggernaut, with multiple Heisman Trophy winners and national championships. In Men of Troy, Monte Burke, provides the definitive account of this singular dynasty, based on original reporting and more than 150 new interviews. Burke illustrates how Carroll and his colorful cast of coaches and players--including cross-eyed quarterback turned national heartthrob, Matt Leinart, and the electric, generational running back, Reggie Bush--not only took over college football, but Los Angeles and the country, as well. Burke not only takes readers through the iconic games of the era, but also behind the scenes--in the locker room, on the recruiting trail and into the LA nightlife scene, where the players enjoyed their celebrity status and, at times, succumbed to illicit temptations. He also puts the dynasty in proper context, tracing the breathtaking rise of the program, the sudden and inglorious fall, and the scandal that left a program in ruins and precipitated the drastic changes that led to the current era of college football.
Coaching Through Superiorities
What if tactical success in soccer isn't about finding the "right" system but seeing the game differently?In Coaching Through Superiorities, leading coach educator Ray Power unlocks a fresh framework for modern coaching, built around five key pillars: Numerical, Qualitative, Positional, Cooperative, and Dynamic Superiority. Rather than prescribing formations or rigid playbooks, this book invites you to explore football as a fluid, problem-solving game - one driven by players, shaped by context, and always in motion.Inside, you'll discover how to: Spot and create overloads in every area of the pitchDesign tactics that adapt to your players, not the other way aroundCoach with clarity in moments of chaos, transition, and momentumBlend principles like La Pausa, Positional Play, and Relationism into your own game modelDevelop your tactical eye through reflective "lightbulb" tasks and scenario planningWhether you're a grassroots coach or chasing elite standards, Coaching Through Superiorities arms you with the mindset, models, and questions that lead to smarter decisions, and draws on examples from innovative modern coaches like Pep Guardiola, Roberto De Zerbi, Fernando Diniz, and Thiago Motta. It's not about knowing all the answers - it's about asking the right questions before the whistle blows.About Ray Power: With almost two decades of experience working in soccer and education, coaching players from non-league to Premier League levels, and internationally, he is the author of Making The Ball Roll, Coaching Youth Football, and the five-book Deliberate Soccer Practice series. As a coach developer and educator, Ray has worked for, and consulted with, numerous national FAs, as well as governing bodies from other sports, including the NBA. He also works as a consultant - mentor - educator on a freelance basis, working with grassroots coaches all the way to professional teams.
In The Game
24 heart-warming, mind-boggling, and history-defining short stories of moments and playersBaseball is a sport that has captured the hearts of millions of people around the globe.For generations, baseball has united people through the players' unwavering determination and the thrilling moments that define this sportHowever, there exists a realm of untold stories and experiences beyond the scores displayed on the scoreboard and the excitement of winning or losing that have greatly influenced the sport and the individuals who participate in it.These tales are the pieces to the whole puzzle of what makes baseball one of the greatest sports there are today.It keeps you on the edge of your seat and inspires you to achieve greatness, motivating you to always put your best foot forward.That's precisely why this must-have compilation of baseball short stories came to be!To bring you a collection of the best stories, carefully curated to take you on a journey that transcends the court and the field and into the lives of the greatest players and moments as they left their marks on history and forever changed the course of this sport we love.Inside this must-have inspiring and entertaining read, you will discover: The rise of women in baseball, with inspiring stories of some of the best female athletes that proved everyone wrongA closer look into baseball's greatest players of all time, their lives, and the almost-impossible-to-break records they setThe ugly side of sports at a time when color was used to exclude some of the most talented players and the brightest diamonds in the shadowsInspiring stories of players whose lives were forever changed - from rags to riches, from gangs to glory; baseball has proven to be powerful catalysts for change!Scandals and controversies surrounding this sport to show you the reality of what happens behind the scenesA compilation of this sport's most peculiar superstitions and rituals that players would perform to bring good luck to their team and themselvesAnd much more!These stories will take you on a journey through the evolution of this beloved sport, providing insight into the minds of the players, the struggles they faced, and the moments that defined their careers.Through them, you will gain a deeper appreciation for your favorite game and athletes.
In The Game
24 heart-warming, mind-boggling, and history-defining short stories of moments and players For generations, basketball has united people through the players' unwavering determination and the thrilling moments that define this sportHowever, there exists a realm of untold stories and experiences beyond the scores displayed on the scoreboard and the excitement of winning or losing that have greatly influenced the sport and the individuals who participate in it.These tales are the pieces to the whole puzzle of what makes basketball one of the greatest sports there are today.It keeps you on the edge of your seat and inspires you to achieve greatness, motivating you to always put your best foot forward.That's precisely why this must-have compilation of basketball short stories came to be!To bring you a collection of the best stories, carefully curated to take you on a journey that transcends the court and the field and into the lives of the greatest players and moments as they left their marks on history and forever changed the course of this sport we love.Inside this must-have inspiring and entertaining read, you will discover: The fascinating story of how basketball was invented and gradually became one of the most popular sports in historyThe rise of women in basketball with inspiring stories of some of the best female athletes that proved everyone wrongA closer look into basketball's greatest players of all time, their lives, and the almost-impossible-to-break records they setThe ugly side of sports at a time when color was used to exclude some of the most talented players and the brightest diamonds in the shadowsInspiring stories of players whose lives were forever changed - from rags to riches, from gangs to glory; basketball has proven to be powerful catalysts for change!Scandals and controversies surrounding this sport to show you the reality of what happens behind the scenesA compilation of this sport's most peculiar superstitions and rituals that players would perform to bring good luck to their team and themselvesAnd much more!
From St. Louis to Cooperstown: Legends Born and Made in the Gateway City
12 Rings: Stories of the St. Louis Cardinals World Championships, Second Edition, Expanded and Updated
The Big Book of Football Stories
Rich in history and detail, The Big Book of Football Stories will entertain, enlighten, and amuse. These are enduring stories that have passed the test of time and attracted generations of readers. They are custom-made for the imaginative reader who seeks fantastic tales from the gridiron.
Coaching Soccer for Dummies
Become an unforgettable soccer coach for kids of any age, with this complete guide Coaching Soccer For Dummies is a quick and easy reference guide for anyone who wants to start coaching youth soccer--or start coaching better. Help kids 5 and older to improve their skills, work together, and have fun, no matter their experience level. You'll get a refresher on the rules of soccer, with tips on how to teach them to different age groups. Plus, you'll find drills and dynamic exercises you can use to improve the outcomes of your practice sessions. The title "Coach" comes with the responsibility to help players stay motivated and safe, all while building a respectful team culture and supporting kids' mental health. With Coaching Soccer For Dummies it's simple to do all that--and to develop a coaching philosophy that will help you give young players the support they need. Learn drills and techniques for teaching soccer skills to kids of all ages Get a complete rundown on safety, including proper form for injury prevention Establish a positive team culture, prevent bullying, and keep players motivated Communicate effectively with parents and other coaches This book is the perfect choice for beginner or novice youth soccer coaches who are seeking guidance to help improve and develop their coaching skills.
You Saw Me on the Radio
For forty-eight years, Dave South was the radio voice of Southwest Conference and Texas A&M University football, basketball, and baseball. Along the way, he amassed a treasure trove of unforgettable stories, anecdotes, and conversations with noteworthy personalities, both on and off the field. In You Saw Me on the Radio, he collects some of his favorite stories from the broadcast booth, locker room, and other behind-the-scenes locations. This collection of lively tales is organized around themes such as "Memorable Games," "Players," "Interviews," "Goofs," and "Fans." These good-natured recollections of a long and colorful career are accompanied by a gallery of photographs gathered from South's interactions with Aggie sports greats, iconic venues, and other people, places, and events that have created treasured sports memories over almost five decades. With a wink and a generous dose of self-deprecating humor, South relates some of his most embarrassing gaffes and miscues, including the time he conducted an awkward interview with the Treasurer of the United States--while having no idea who she was or what she did. He tells about the infamous "yellow spot" on Kyle Field. He reveals the truth behind "beanie weenies," the culinary secret weapon of Texas A&M football recruiters. And of course, South pays heartfelt tribute to the coaches, players, fans, and fellow broadcasters who became his friends through the years. Loaded with accounts of unforgettable contests, hilarious moments, and poignant memories, You Saw Me on the Radio is sure to be a favorite for fans of Texas A&M University athletics and sports lovers everywhere. The author's proceeds from the sale of this book will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.
Upset at Oakmont
In 1919, at Oakmont Country Club, seventeen-year-old Bobby Jones fought his way to the finals for a chance to make history as the youngest winner of the U.S. Amateur Championship. Standing in his way was twenty-one-year-old Dave Herron, a Pittsburgh native and former Oakmont caddie. Despite his relatively unknown status and to the shock of many, Dave beat Bobby with the most spectacular golf--under par at Oakmont--in U.S. Amateur history. Upset at Oakmont is a dual biography of two gifted child athletes in early twentieth-century America. One, in the 1920s, would become as famous as Babe Ruth; the other would be quickly forgotten and his victory forever tarnished. Although both golfers were children of affluence, their pathways to the 1919 U.S. Amateur were starkly different because of their differing dispositions, their parents, the impact of place ("New South" Atlanta vs. Steel-City Pittsburgh), and the timing of World War I in shaping their adolescence. Rigorously researched, Upset at Oakmont adds new dimension to understanding the revolution in American golf that started with Francis Ouimet's victory at Brookline in 1913. Employing new statistical data to challenge previous narratives, this book re-creates the epic clash between Jones and Herron in exciting detail, while employing novel empirical methods to advance scholarship on the "Golden Era" of American amateur golf.
Ponytails To The Basket
You've just been "volunteered" to coach your child's grade school basketball team...what now? Coach Joel's book lays out a teaching curriculum for how to develop your players through their formative grade school years and prepare them for the next levels of basketball. What skills should be taught in 3rd grade, and what should wait until 6th? How should you plan your practices? How can you (and CAN'T you) be helpful to them during the middle of a game? Coach Joel walks you through practices, games, film, communication strategies, how to teach team offense and defense, and even how to handle parents and referees! This book is a must-have for any parent-turned-coach who wants to do right by their kids at the grade school level.
The Forgotten Springboks
Step back in time to the thrilling year of 1912, where rugby forged its indomitable spirit, and a legendary team emerged to win all five of the international matches they played. "Forgotten Springboks" takes you on an voyage with this iconic South African national rugby team, as they embark on an extraordinary tour of England, France, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.Led by Billy Millar, the tour captain, the Springboks embarked on a quest that would forever change the course of rugby's narrative. As they set foot on foreign soil, they were met with a mix of curiosity and skepticism, but these determined men were ready to showcase the strength of their spirit and the finesse of their game. Yet this remained unrecorded, until now.The book delves into the heart-stopping moments on the field, where every try, every scrum, and every tackle took the spectators' breath away. With unparalleled unity and skill, the Second Springboks defeated their opponents, carving a path of triumph wherever they went. Each match was a test of their mettle, and each victory became a testament to their unwavering determination. Beyond the rugby pitches, the book offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of these remarkable individuals who went on to become soldiers, farmers, miners, and doctors who faced major adversity.
Ponytails To The Basket
You've just been "volunteered" to coach your child's grade school basketball team...what now? Coach Joel's book lays out a teaching curriculum for how to develop your players through their formative grade school years and prepare them for the next levels of basketball. What skills should be taught in 3rd grade, and what should wait until 6th? How should you plan your practices? How can you (and CAN'T you) be helpful to them during the middle of a game? Coach Joel walks you through practices, games, film, communication strategies, how to teach team offense and defense, and even how to handle parents and referees! This book is a must-have for any parent-turned-coach who wants to do right by their kids at the grade school level.
