Sports and Recreation Books

Now featuring a new afterword by author Charles C. Alexander (Professor Emeritus Of History at Ohio University), Ty Cobb is the classic biography of one of baseball's most brilliant, volatile, and intimidating presences. An inset section of black-and-white photographic plates illustrate this chronicle of not only Ty Cobb's robust life, but also the startling transformations taking place during twentieth-century baseball. A fascinating, deftly researched and highly readable "must-have" for fans of baseball legends.

TY COBB BY CHARLES C. ALEXANDER (1984)

Audio book review

Charles C. Alexander's Ty Cobb is an illuminating review of the legendary early Twentieth Century baseball superstar. This audio book, read by Walter Zimmerman, is written more like historical biography than a baseball book
Alexander dispels many long-held Cobb myths. Cobb was mean and nasty, but not nearly the ogre of legend. In fact, Cobb was a devout Christian (Baptist), very well spoken, a man who cared about his public image, and engaged himself in many acts of on and off-field kindness. Caricatured as a savage racist by revisionist history, Cobb actually was kindly in his relations with the many black people he grew up with in Georgia, some of whom worked for his family. He had no patience for blacks he considered uppity. He was not Branch Rickey, but he was not the Grand Dragon of the K.K.K., either. Miserly? Sometimes, but without fanfare he took care of players who had hit the skids. A spikes-sharpened demon? You bet, but Ty also shook hands with his combatants after the dust settled, and performed various acts of dovish peacemaking for the benefit of hostile fans.
Alexander is not a psychiatrist, but it is obvious that the fact that Cobb's mother killed his father in what may not have been an accident, during an incident that occurred because Mr. Cobb suspected Mrs. Cobb of having an affair, shaped Ty's combative nature. What has been lost over the years is that Cobb became friendly with Babe Ruth (common legend holding that he always hated him). Cobb was a shrewd millionaire investor who never needed to work after baseball, therefore separating himself from regular contact with people while living in huge mansions that were too big for him, after his wife left. Most telling is the relationship Cobb had with his two male children. He raised them strictly, and because of baseball travel left much of the child rearing to his wife. When he retired, they were grown up and on their own, and Cobb had genuine regrets for "missing" their childhood's. He wished he had been a doctor, so he could have been home for his kids, and when one of his sons went into medicine, Cobb lamented that if he, too, were a doctor they would have something in common. With all that baggage in tow, Cobb had to endure the premature deaths of both of the boys from untimely illnesses, living the last 20-odd bitter years of his life blaming himself.
Cobb may have been hard to live with, but this book empathetically explains some of the demons that drove the man into becoming a brilliant stock manipulator, a taskmaster father, an unfeeling husband, a reviled teammate, a hated opponent, and in the opinion of those who saw him, perhaps the greatest baseball player who ever lived!

Perfect companion to Al Stump's bio of Cobb. Alexander is more factual; Stump gives the reader a more thorough understanding of Cobb and his peculiarly ferocious personality. (The Alexander and Stump biographies portray a man who is one part Bedford Forest, one part Patton, one part Perot and one part Michael Jordan). For instance, Alexander devotes little more than one paragraph to Cobb's nervous breakdown in August, 1906. On the other hand, Stump details the inhumane hazing Cobb received from his yankee teammates in 1906 due to southern upbringing which led to Cobb's breakdown and fed his massive paranoia. Stump does a much better job on detailing Cobb's rivalry with Babe Ruth. Alexander briefly mentions the rivalry; Stump details the intense hatred Cobb felt for Ruth. For example, as player-manager of the Tigers, Cobb would often scream at the thick-lipped Ruth from the dugout, "You Nigga', Nigga' etc., etc.." However, where Stump takes many of Cobb's stories and yarns at face value, Alexander sifts through the clouds and tells the reader what is definitely true and leaves out what might be lies. Ty Cobb is the most interesting baseball player of all time though not the most important (Jackie Robinson, Babe Ruth, Roberto Clemente and, because of his role in free agency, Catfish Hunter were more important than Cobb). To get a real good feel of Ty Cobb, you need to read two books. Mr. Alexander's book is one of the two.

Alexander approaches baseball history as a historian; not a mere storyteller. This book reflects that approach. Alexander reports the feats and faults of Cobb, but doesn't try to pass judgement. Cobb's career speaks for itself (men are still chasing some of his records). However, in our age of political correctness Cobb's misbehavior speaks louder.

Alexander details a complete Cobb. For all his faults Cobb was mannered and gracious in public (most of the time), a perfect host (if he liked you) and a generous philanthropist. This is the side most other Cobb bio's whitewash.

This book proves useful as a resource about Cobb. It details the facts about his life season by season. The only way to improve the book would be to add more detail and color to some of Cobb's exploits-- but then the book would have to be about 500 pages.

I consider this to be the primere biography of Ty Cobb. However, those looking mostly for anidotes, stories and that harsh personality brought to life might want to check out Al Stumps' "Cobb". I suggest reading both to develop the full image of the Greatest innovator baseball has ever seen.

Ty cobb was the most ideal hitter in baseball before "the Babe" opened its new era.

The author described well enough for me to understand 1900-1910's players, ballparks, other circumstances around baseball.

I sincerely recommend this book to all the baseball fans.

This book is excellent for fencers interested in physical fitness. This book helped me become quicker and more agile, and on a personal level just plain stronger overall. I'd highly recommend it, these guys know what they are talking about.

What a masterpiece! This is the number one book for all fencing enthusiasts. This book helped me with both strength and agility and it can help you too. Don't miss out on this gem of a book, I'll guarantee it helps you in your matches.

This is the best book I've found on this subject and is tailor-made for exactly what fencers need! I would definitely recommend this book without hesitation! It's a steal!

I first found out about this series of book when I purchased the WeighTraining for Football book for my son. I was pleased to see that there was one for fencing. As an avid recreational and competitive fencer, I found that this book made serious suggestions that a true student of fencing should follow!

I strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in improving their fencing. Now that my fitness has improved, so has my agility and my athleticism. This is a great book and it has really helped me!

The 1998 Yankees championship team, which has to be seen as one of the greatest teams of all time, produced two quick paperback books by NY sportswriters after the season was over. This one, by NY Post beat reporter George King, is the superior one and the one to read if one wants to re-experience the 98 season with the freshness of how perceptions were at the time. I've gone back to it many times in the years since, and those who want to write an account of the 98 Yankees from a distance in years to come will have to utilize this book for needed reference purposes.

It makes you re-live, one-by-one, all those magical moments from the best baseball team ever (125-50).

I am not an avid reader but i read this book for school. I love the yankees and i loved this book. It was very fast reading and i would recomend it to everyone. Yankees Rule!

George King has captured the true essence of this great team. Without ever having managed,coached or signaled one player within the lines, Yankee fanatics everywhere can sense that King communicates the day to day heartbeat of this great team.

Let me just say that I picked it up and it was awsome! I didn't put it down, and know, a year after it happened, it still remains one book that I will re-read untile I basiclly knew it from memory!

This book is the best. It absolutely brought my family and me together. Instead of sticking to one spot that i know is succesful. Me and my family travel to a new place every time. We have traveled to half the places in Utah. My wife loves it and so do my kids, neither one of them have ever been so excited about fishing. The Utah Fishing guide is phenomenal, it's helped me learn new tricks for every place. I highly recomend this book.

this book is great. it's about time somebody did that. now whenever i go someplace new i don't have to learn from my mistakes, but can just get to catching big fish right away scott

I recently perchased "Utah fishing Guide" and I most say it has to be the most versitle book on fishing in Utah on the market! Very clear maps accres areas, and lures (Flies) etc... A MUST BUY if you fish in Utah..

This book is great. I have been fishing for thirty years and got tired of the same old spots around Salem. Now i can easily plan my trips to go farther away to new spots that are less crowded and more beautiful. This book tells you where you can stay at and what to use to catch a fish for a certain area. I caught my biggest trout at Fremont lake last week. I have many fishing guides, but none really measure up to this one. It's great.

Very comprehensive coverage on close to 700 waters. I was amazed at all the information. I'm not sure but there must be over a hundred maps. The book has introduced me to dozens of new waters and to some very successful fishing trips. Two thumbs up.

I've never been a Rossi fan; although a very committed MotoGP fan. After reading this book, I've come to understand the sport and it clarified my unclear situations that I have come across in the current years of MotoGP. I think it is a must read for all the Sport fans.

I enjoyed reading this book tremendously. The writing style was surprisingly good, though I'm not entirely sure if it was more representative of the author or the translator. The reader is taken through his childhood, decision to commit to racing motorcycles, evolution through the European classes to MotoGP, many bad-boy exploits and finally some of the most challenging experiences Rossi has participated in as a MotoGP rider. It was fascinating to compare his perspective from inside the helmet with my perspective as an observer. It reads much like the script to Sundance film, starting in the present, digressing into history, and progressing back to present. I found it a bit difficult to follow at times but in the end was satisfied. If you follow MotoGP at all this book tells you what you already know, Rossi is a bad a-- on and off the track, yet warm, thoughtful, personable most of all simply human.

If you are a fan of Rossi or MotoGP this is a must read.

This is a neat book that dives into the life of one of the most accomplished racers to ever live. Lots of pictures, but haven't read entire book yet.

Definitely another good V. Rossi book which contains so much images within his life and two wheels.

What a great book. I bought this book as a present for my husband and being a fan of motogp myself we both really loved this book. A must for all Valentino Rossi fans to add to the collection. A great insight into the man and what drives his talent.Great photos.An inexpensive purchase but worth it's weight in gold.Very colourful and detail is excellent.

Students always ask: How do you do that? Why can't I do this like you do? My answer is usually "Dedicate your life and practice, practice, practice!" This book explains it all.

Sensei Klein doesn't lie: Achieving Martial Arts excellence isn't easy--but it IS attainable. He breaks down the mental, physical and spiritual aspects of technique, then puts it all back together again to describe from experience, what technique is when the three planes become one. How a technique is properly thrown? How to achieve balance? Its all in there. By using vivid descriptions rather than pictures, Sensei Klein has created a book that students and Masters of any and all styles can learn and improve from. He breaks down fear and how to overcome it. He shows us how to clear the mind so that the body and spirit can create the speed and power necessary for even a person of small stature can defend themselves against larger adversaries. And through it all are pearls of wisdom about life mastery. "If your life isn't balanced, neither will your Karate be; if your Karate isn't balanced, neither will your life be." But read it for yourself!

This book is on my mandatory reading lists for my students from 5th kyu through yudansha. I find it the best book on explaining the "why" Sensei do what they do, think like they think, and teach like they teach. It also refocuses sensei to "remember" what it is that they are doing. This book gives insight and understanding to every martial arts practitioner on the way that it "should be" and is in traditional karate training. I applaud Mr. Klein and hope to see other books by him. Buy it.

There is linear (external) balance and non-linear (internal) balance; there's speed, power and focus, from a physical standpoint and a mental/spiritual standpoint. In years of study, one would be lucky to learn all of this in just one of these standpoints--not just because they're taught differently, but because their backgrounds are different. OR SO I THOUGHT! In this book, Sensei Klein teaches us that the internal and external are parts of each other, that one leads to another, that one can compliment another. And the result is truly LEARNING EXCELLENCE. He also discusses how teachers and Sensei can be better communicators, and how students can be better learners. The book isn't all philosophy, either: Sensei Klein gives exercises to improve ourselves physically and mentally, and it works. I am a better Sensei AND student today, for having read this book. Good job!

Rarely do we hear teachers talk about the relationship between Martial Arts and life, that balance in one is not possible without balance in the other--and that a life lived in balance, in our work, relationships and Art, is walking the path of the Sensi. This book does just that--while teaching the reader the truths about the mental, physical and spiritual aspects of Martial Arts excellence, it is almost also a "self-help" book about life. A life lived in excellence is not solely a product of practice; its practice and honor, integrity, passion, compassion, humility and confidence and self-respect. Anyone who reads this book will come away with precious tools for excelling in their Art--and if they're smart and read the book closely, they'll come away with precious tools for living a full and happy life. Here are the words of a great Master, and I recommend that anyone who took the time to read my words read the words of this Master in this book.

Sensei Klein has offered us the tools to walk the path of martial arts excellence by taking the three basic elements--mental, physical and spiritual, explaining them, then melding them into a clear conceptualization of the practical application of chi, focus and technique--so that the student becomes not a fighter, but a true master of their art. A true master is someone who is difficult to best, but while he is besting you, he is also teaching you how to become like him. Sensei Klein took great care not to cross the line of opinion into platform, which makes the book valuable to people of any style, but in reading between the lines, one can see that this is a man who walks the path of the internal warrior, and I would have liked to read his insights on the deeper aspects of internal martial arts concepts. Hopefully, he'll offer us another book where he takes us to that even higher level of excellence. Still, even if Sensei Klein does write such a book, it would best be read only if you read this book first, as this lays down the foundation we all need to walk the path of a Sensei.

Walkoffs, Last Licks, and Final Outs: Baseball's Grand (and not-so-grand) Finales is an amazing, year-by-year collection of baseball's greatest (and not-exactly-great) final acts. From the classic moment of Carlton Fisk's home run in the 1975 World Series, to the wince-inducing moment when Fred Merkle failed to touch second base, prompting a 1908 National League tiebreaker, Walkoffs, Last Licks, and Final Outs is a trivia repository of baseball finales throughout the last century. Including a comprehensive breakdown of every perfect game in major league baseball history, box scores and linescores for the greatest games ever played, black-and-white photographs, eulogies and career statistics for baseball players whose lives ended too soon, the heroic (and not so much) endings to Hall of Fame careers, and more, Walkoffs, Last Licks, and Final Outs is sure to delight any baseball trivia fan.

I am a diehard Red Sox fan and normally pay little attention to other teams; I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book that covers so much history, etc. about all of baseball. I particularly enjoyed raeding the little known facts about "the greats" and the lesser knowns. The book also helped me appreciate the differences between baseball today and baseball of the past. I learned a lot - but just as importantly, it is a great read!

Looking for the perfect baseball bedside companion? Or how about the book you can pick up during the maddening number of commercials while watching a baseball game? Or do you simply need to brush up on your baseball history for trivia night at a local bar? In any of these cases this is the ideal book for you. If you are already a baseball history geek this will jar those memory banks in the most pleasing of ways. If you are a normal baseball fan this will help you put into perspective all of those anecdotes (and give them to you correctly) your hear announcers spouting. Do yourself a favor and give yourself or a friend this head nodding and hmm inspired Bill Chuck baseball companion.

Having been a loyal reader of Bill Chuck's "Billy Ball" column/eRantings for 4 or 5 years, I had to pick up a copy of this book. Needless to say I was not disappointed. What I love about the book is the clear passion for the game of baseball, with loyalties to home teams put aside, and boyish wonder and awe at the complexities of such a fantastic sport. This book is great for anyone who loves the game of baseball and is the perfect fathers day gift, providing hours of father-son/father-daughter reading material.

Bill Chuck is the man behind Billy-Ball.com and Jim Kaplan is a former writer for Sports Illustrated who has authored (or co-authored) several other books.

With "Walkoffs, Last Licks, and Final Outs," Chuck and Kaplan take a look at the greatest post-season races and World Series games of all-time, the final moments for many Hall-of-Famers, the last games played at ballparks now gone, some famous streaks in baseball history, players who passed away while in active duty, and a slew of other "last" baseball trivia type items.

For a baseball fanatic, "Walkoffs, Last Licks, and Final Outs" is a fun little book. I've enjoyed thumbing through the pages and reading it in a pick and choose type fashion.

Chuck and Kaplan have done a great job compiling the information for this book. If you're looking to add a unique reference material to your baseball library, or, if you want to get an original and entertaining gift for the baseball fan in your life, I recommend that you pick up a copy of "Walkoffs, Last Licks, and Final Outs: Baseball's Grand (and Not-So-Grand) Finales."

If you carry a gun or are planning on doing so then this book is a must read. In his own voice Bryan Williams clearly explains what every gun owner or person interested in the safety and protection of themselves or others needs to know to win a violent confrontation! I highly recommend this book to everyone. I was not able to put the book down once I started reading it. Welcome to the Real world is filled with many useful techniques and stories based on the authors vast real life experiences as a former cop who won a medal for bravery in the line of duty. Also Bryan is able to draw upon his years of experience working in the private security and protective services and training countless civilians, law enforcement and military personel to win and not just survive!

Having studied martial arts for eight years and taught self defense for close to two years there is no other book I can reccommend to sharpen your awareness and learn real life skills in the world of self defense especially if you are interested in carrying a concealed firearm. With real-life experiences and situations to base his teachings on, Mr. Williams approaches tactical firearms training with a simple, down-to-earth tone that works!

Bravo! Finally a book which the layperson can understand! Low on jargon and insider buzzwords, it's high on clarity, timliness, and practicality. The book reads easily, and answers all those questions mused upon by the average person. The touch of humor was a welcome respite to such a ponderous subject, and I'm looking forward to Mr. Williams next volume. Hopefully it wll expand upon actual scenarios, discuss legal cautions, and reinforce the principles set forth in this work. A read worthy of one's precious time this.

I find the book reads easily and well, not like a text book or manual. It gives you practical information on how to stay safe on a day to day basis, allowing you to live and not to be over paranoid in these ever changing times. This book sharpens your situational awareness and gives you basic fundamentals that will never change. His real life descriptions make you realize how dangerous society has become and how unprepared you are to face those situations.

I have been in the self defense business for 25 years, both in the military and in civilian life, and I can tell you that 80% of the population has no idea what dangers surround them or what to do about it. Welcome to the Real World will fill you in quickly, and give you no nonsense information about how to recognize danger, avoid it, and if you cannot avoid it, how to handle it. The power of the book comes from the fact that the author knows what he is talking about - he has been there and done that, and wants to make sure his knowledge and experience can help the reader. As a fellow author, I also found the book to be written in and informative, yet entertaining style. I will recommend this book to all of my students.

This is really a nice textbook that you would find in a college book store for your classes. Author describes wet flies: its history, how to tie them, and how to fish with them. I DO recommend author's other publication: Trout Flies. This also describes the depth of fly-tying and how to fish with them.

One of the most useful books a flyfisherperson can have. Outstanding information and advice on tying flies that will be useful and how, when and why to fish them. Covers softhackles, flymphs, nymphs and winged wets. Simply a great read even if you do not intend to fish many wet flies. Highly recommended.

Hughes writing style will keep you reading til the wee hours, and his information is spot-on!

As alway Dave's book are loaded with info,buy it and start increasing your catch rate.I did!!

I have only recently starting flyfishing and am in process of learning with dries. Picked up this book in an effort to understand one more aspect of this wonderful sport. Dave Hughes has done an outstanding job whetting my appetite for fishing with soft-hackles, winged and wingless wets (flymphs, I love that word!) and fuzzy nymphs. The respect he has for those who opened his eyes to this area of the sport comes through in the elegant and simple manner in which he explains the material. This is clear, practical, and a whole lot of fun. Terrific!

If you have kids and they play sports, you've got to read this book. Sports appear to be the 'best' way to help develop strong, intelligent, independent kids. But sports become complicated and messy when parents get too involved. This is a great book to help give any parent the insight and perspective they need to help themselves and their kids, whether they coach or not. Enjoy!

An interesting and dynamic book. A must read for every parent especially as their kids get more and more involved in all kinds of sports. Understanding what is right for the parent and what is right for the kid is critical for overall success and happiness.

I thought the book was insightful even for 'non coaches' like myself. It's applicable to anyone in any type of leadership position. Aberman and Anderson use terrific examples to demonstrate important facets of strong leadership. Through their 'stories' you see the significance of knowing who you are before you can effectively lead others.

If you have kids and they play sports, you've got to read this book. Sports appear to be the 'best' way to help develop strong, intelligent, independent kids. But sports become complicated and messy when parents get too involved. This is a great book to help give any parent the insight and perspective they need to help themselves and their kids, whether they coach or not. Enjoy!

As a leader in a corporate environment, I found the book inspiring. It explains how important working with 'emotional intelligence' is for yourself and those around you. Whether you are a coach, a parent, an athlete, or a leader such as myself, you are always dealing with more than what you 'signed up for'. Figuring out "The Other Stuff", is critical for success.