Sportscasters Books

Execellent book for everyone, not only baseball fans. Murcer tells a compelling story of how to keep your priorities in order and maintain your faith. Very easy read, and well worth it.

Bobby Murcer was my hero. I bought an advance copy from Amazon and waited months for it to arrive. It did not disappoint. It is one of the best books I've ever read about sports.
I miossplaced the boof for a couple of months, half-read. I found it again just after he passed away and started reading it again.

I'm saving the last few pages for when I need the strength.

I enjoyed Bobby's book and all the 1970 baseball storys. He also gives you an inside view from a 1970's player on baseball. I am a big Yankee fan and really enjoy the Phil Rizzuto comments. Bobby wrote with a lot of faith and high spirits and it is sad knowing how the real story ends.

I totally enjoyed reading Bobby's book. i had to keep stopping to wipe away the tears in my eyes from sadness and laughter. I recommend it to all lovers of baseball.

This is an awesome book by an awesome person and I think everyone should read it,not only baseball fans. It is very inspiring.

Thank you Amazon.com. You have always been wonderful. Never had a problem.

Howard and Ali were pals...you can feel their love for each other in this book. We miss both of these players...

David Kindred has written what amounts to a duel biography of the controversial odd couple that is Muhammad Ali and Howard Cosell. The author tells us that Ali elected to not join the military because the Muslim Nation told him not to. To cross them was to literary toy with his life. The assassination of Malcolm X being used as an example. While not necessarily agreeing with Ali's decision Cosell supported Ali stating that taking his heavyweight championship away from him without any semblance of due process was completely wrong. There appears to be evidence that Cosell may have already been experiencing dementia when he came out with his second book entitled I Never Played the Game. Aware of the criticism in his book of his cronies in the TV booth for Monday Night Football Cosell was asked before publication whether he wanted to include these strong opinions. Since he always prided himself on telling it "like it is" he felt it would be hypocrisy of him not to do so now. Cosell was a devoted family man while Ali ventured into nocturnal delights. It was hard for sports fans to be neutral in regard to either of these men, but boxing was the ingredient that brought these two men together first in mutural respect and then in friendship. Incidentally, page 247 has a hilarious anecdote of Howard using his colorful vocabulary in breaking up fisticuffs involving teens in Kansas City. Whether you are a fan of either man or the part they played in sports you will find this to be an extremely enjoyable book to read.

Dave Kindred has done lovers of sports and history a favor with Sound and Fury.

Using two cultural giants - Mohammad Ali and Howard Cosell - he has produced a fresh and readable social history of the latter half of the Twentieth Century. Let me be clear. I love Ali. Kindred refers to him as the most influential sports figure of the last century. In my mind, he understates the case; Ali is the most influential person of the last century.

Cosell, on the other hand, may have hesitated to tell you he was. He was not. Trained as a lawyer and gifted with the ability to articulate complexity, he brought a thinking man's view to radio and television sports journalism.

Individually, they were interesting. Together, they were hypnotizing. They produced controversy, drama and comedy almost every time they appeared together.

Dave Kindred tells the story of this alliance from a unique perspective. As a newspaper and magazine sports columnist with nearly 40 years experience, he covered Ali's early fight days as a reporter for the Louisville Courier-Journal before moving on to the The Atlanta Journal- Courier and The Washington Post. He draws upon his experiences to re-create the Ali-Cosell story in ways I have never seen attempted.

The result is a fascinating portrait of two outsized figures - their heroics and their demons. Drawing on personal observations, fresh reporting and interviews, Kindred writes a page-turning treatment of two lives that together changed sports, television and I would argue, the world, forever.

Where else but in American sports can an old, white, Jewish veteran befriend a young Black Muslim draft dodger? They may not have been friends who loved each other, but it was convenient for both of them. If you can't take advantage of a friend, then he's not. They had things in common. Both were driven. Both had over inflated egos. They were the greatest. If you don't believe it just ask them. Well, Howard Cosell is dead & Ali doesn't talk any more. Their early life & struggles are covered well so that you understand where they came from. Cosell was a World War II vet. He earned a law degree then decided he wanted to do sports on television. He was brash, obnoxious & smart. His relationship with Ali & Monday Night Football made him a nationally recognized sports journalist. Ali, originally Cassuius Clay had a fairly normal upbringing. Then he won Golden Gloves Championship & Olympic gold metal in 1960, that propelled him into his pro career. Before he was finished he had became & is the most recognizable man on earth. He was the world Heavyweight Champion, that most singular of all championships, three times.
Ali was despised for his faith, his refusal to serve in the military & of course his race. Eventually, he overcame all these obstacles. The U.S. government pursued him, denying his draft deferment status. As a result he was also denied the right to box for several of what would have been his most productive years. He lost millions of $$$ & was stripped of his championship. Eventually, he was aquitted. Cosell covered him all along his journey. The author, Dave Kindred spends quite a bit of time on Ali's three fights with Joe Fraizer & rightly so. Ali's life has become an inspiration to kids on all continents but especially the impoverished millions in Africa. He was persecuted by his own government & cheated by the leaders of the Black Muslim faith that managed him. He apparently is now a quiet soul bearing no malice to anyone. Cosell on the other hand became embittered after his MNF gig. He wanted to be taken seriously as more than a sports announcer. When he wasn't he didn't take it well. Poor health eventually claimed him. A good sports book for all us fans of a certain age that remember Cosell & Ali in their prime.

Sound and Fury (14 hours, 11 cds, unabridged, Blackstone Audio) is a duel biography of Howard Cosell and Mohammed Ali.

Sport writer Dave Kindred knew both men, he has written a bio that transcends his knowledge of both men. His text is an honest, no hold barred , warts and all biography. When a third person (like Kindred) writes a biography, he tends to put his personal touches with his own bias, this book is NOT that.The book showed an unlikely partnership created by media hype.

In the audio narrative hands of Dick Hill, this audio project seems more like a docudrama in its scope. Hill's narrative voice takes on verbal personas of Cosell and Ali, without mocking them. His talent has grown from the days at Brilliance Audio.

Sound and Fury is an amazing production . . . you won't forget it audio, long after you heard it

Bennet Pomerantz AUDIOWORLD

What a wonderful book about a man who loved basketball and the Lakers. Chick Hearn was a very gifted announcer. The way he would describe the game would seem to put you court-side along with the other 17,505 at the fabulous Forum! I started listening to Chick during the 70's and into the 80's. Living in Arizona I had to try and find the L.A. station when possible. When one of the local stations started carrying the games in the 80's, I was estatic. The book does a nice job starting from his youth into his last days. Reading about the last few months of his life just broke your heart for the man----and I didn't know him!! That should tell you how the fans could relate to Chick. The Los Angeles area had two other announcers that were also great in my book---Dick Enberg doing Ram games and Vin Scully doing Dodgers games. The Los Angeles area was blessed with many great teams and announcers, but none will be able to replace Chick Hearn.

I grew up watching/listening/simulcasting to EVERY GAME for the Lakers from 1981 through about 2003 or so (still try to catch them on tv, but no longer live in the L.A. area). It seems that since he passed away, the Lakers were suddenly cursed. But this book brings back the Memoirs of one of my favorite idols. Chick was the best announcer, period. He was so good that even people who were simply not into the game, or even disgusted by sports in general, would get into it and watch because of his sharp apt to connect to the viewers/listeners with ease and comfort. I've seen this myself firsthand more than a plenty of times. His ability to bring the game to you in a simple and enjoyable fashion was priceless. My mom even loved the guy. So Laker fans, Angelinos, basketball and sports fans -- buy this book!

This book really brought Chick Hearn back to life for me...I LOVED IT! It contained so many facinating memories from Chick and those close to him. Also, the accompanying CD with excerpts of Chick's calls from many games cleverly strung together...his Chickisms....was an added treat. For anyone who followed Chick during his career I highly recommend this book!

Dianne O.
La Canada, CA

For 3,338 consecutive games Chick Hern was the voice of the L.A. Lakers. He became as famous as the best of their players. As the voice of the lakers, he essentially was the lakers to millions of fans. He brought the team, the coaches, and the rest of the organization to the millions of fans. He lived Lakers basketball, and it showed in the way he talked.

This book presents Chick in two ways: One is the writing about Chick, his life, his stories of the team, people, and life in general. Second is the CD included with the book that gives some of his greatest calles, along with narration by Al Michaels. Normally the voice of a sports broadcaster is a transient thing. You hear what he said, or maybe you miss it, and it's gone forever. Here are some of the best of his work, recorded forever.

As a lifelong Laker fan, I've felt like I've known Chick for most of my life. He was like the eccentric uncle that explained things to you when he visited, and in Chick's case, what he explained was basketball.

If you're not a Laker fan, this book probably won't be as meaningful to you, but it's filled with entertaining stories and poignant nuggets about broadcasting, basketball, and life in general. Some of the material I'd read about before, but a lot of it was new to me. It gets quite emotional at times; it's not strictly about basketball or play-by-play announcing, although he looms very large in both fields.

The book is mostly a compilation of other people recalling their memories of Chick, with some first-hand quotes from him as well. It doesn't really have a narrative, so it's a nice book to pick up and read from occasionally. I think the structure of it really suits the subject well. Chick was great at describing basketball and relating to people, so to a large extent the book is basketball people talking about him.

If you're a Laker fan, it's a great read. If you're into sportscasting or basketball, there's something for you too.

If you are a Steeler fan this is not only a mandatory read, but a mandatory own. A great story by one of the great story tellers of our time. We miss you already Myron!!!!

Great job product arrived on time. The book we ordered was in great condition. I would definately order from you again

The book was good. Cope takes you through the golden years of the Steelers and gives you a behind the scene look at the players, coaches, and the Rooneys. He's got some great stories as well and his honesty is clearly evident throughout the book. This is a must read for any Steelers fan especially one who lived through the Super Bowls of the 70's.

Myron is unquestionably the king of Pgh. Reading this book brought back a ton of fond memories from when I lived in the 'Burg. I highly recommend to anyone who has Pgh ties or is at all familiar with Myron.

To grow up in Pittsburgh during the 1970s a Steeler fan is to grow up loving Myron Cope and this book is a great example of why we love Myron. It is Cope at his most honest and revealing. He does not portray himself as something he is not, but as a flawed man who has worked hard and lived a great life. Of course there are the terrific tales of the Steelers' teams that Cope has covered from the broadcast booth and the characters that have populated them. Any Steelers fan will enjoy this book.

If we could only have more time to get to know people like Ernie Harwell, there would be a much greater appreciation for life in this world. Despite all of the many changes in his life, the opportunity to be around baseball for so many years, get paid to do it and enjoy it thoroughly...he has remained humble and human.

He is quick to tell you that he is "just a turtle on fence post", noting that we all know that turtle didn't get there by himself. He credits so many people for the opportunities that he has experienced...yet he has spent so many years positively influencing our lives, about life as seen through the many stories he tells via baseball.

Although I have only lived in the Detroit metro area for two years which limits my exposure to hearing Harwell call games all my life, I could immediately feel the respect and warmth of his broadcasts. Seeing him at several baseball and community events, I am always impressed with the attention that the sports stars give him when they are around him. Not only professional baseball players but professionals from other sports seem to delight in being around him and hearing the stories he tells with his charming southern drawl.

Whether you have the opportunity to hear him or you value hearing baseball stories that have something interesting to learn from in each story, you will enjoy this book.

If you are a person that enjoys learning from people that have shared their life with others and brought a positive influence to the world, you will enjoy this biography of a hall of famer.

Thanks Ernie!

If we could only have more time to get to know people like Ernie Harwell, there would be a much greater appreciation for life in this world. Despite all of the many changes in his life, the opportunity to be around baseball for so many years, get paid to do it and enjoy it thoroughly...he has remained humble and human.

He is quick to tell you that he is "just a turtle on fence post", noting that we all know that turtle didn't get there by himself. He credits so many people for the opportunities that he has experienced...yet he has spent so many years positively influencing our lives, about life as seen through the many stories he tells via baseball.

Although I have only lived in the Detroit metro area for two years which limits my exposure to hearing Harwell call games all my life, I could immediately feel the respect and warmth of his broadcasts. Seeing him at several baseball and community events, I am always impressed with the attention that the sports stars give him when they are around him. Not only professional baseball players but professionals from other sports seem to delight in being around him and hearing the stories he tells with his charming southern drawl.

Whether you have the opportunity to hear him or you value hearing baseball stories that have something interesting to learn from in each story, you will enjoy this book.

If you are a person that enjoys learning from people that have shared their life with others and brought a positive influence to the world, you will enjoy this biography of a hall of famer.

Thanks Ernie!

Ernie Harwell has the ability to articulate his thoughts and possesses a vast reservoir of anecdotes and observations based on his lengthy career. The combination made this into one of the more enjoyable baseball books I've read in recent years.

Ernie Harwell popped up in a lot of unexpected places in the year 2001. On October 3rd, he broadcast the official recreation of the 1951 Miracle at Coogan's Bluff game for Major League Baseball's official website; later on, he broadcast the final game of a World Series for an all-time-greats fantasy league also run by MLB. Not bad, for a man who was fired by his longtime Detroit Tigers employees over a decade ago for being "too old".

"My 60 Years in Baseball" has a very unusual title for an autobiography. That's because it's not an autobiography -- it's a standard bio, written by columnist Tom Keegan. Presumably this was done with Ernie Harwell's full cooperation, and reprints of several Harwell newspaper columns highlight the book. I'm just a little confused by the use of the word "My".

I know Tom Keegan's columns from the New York Post, and "My 60 Years" reads very much like a 275-page human interest story. It's a puff piece, but in the best way possible. Keegan tracks down interviews with athletes, writers and friends who have known Harwell at various points along his 60-plus-year career, and the stories related are mostly heart-warming. The best chapter in the book is an interview with Denny McLain, one-time Tiger pitching ace, from his cell in federal prison. Even repeat convicts love the voice of Ernie Harwell.

Don't read "Ernie Harwell" because it's the best sports bio of all time, but read it to become more familiar with one of the last of the original (and now "old school") announcers. I listened to Ernie for the brief time I lived in the Detroit metro area, and I'm glad I had the chance. It's a specific style of broadcast, heavy on imagery and game detail, that's no longer in vogue and will be dearly missed when the last of its practictioners hangs up their microphones. Read the stories Keegan finds, and read again the reprinted Harwell columns, which are a delight of word choice, firm opinion, and humor.

As a young boy growing up in a Detroit suburb, I often fell asleep at night with a transistor radio and an earphone, listening to Ernie Harwell and George Kell broadcasting Tigers' games. I've been a fan since. This book brought back a lot of those memories. It was well written and a fitting tribute to a man who has meant so much to the game. Well done.

DICK ENBERG DOES A GREAT JOB IN THIS BOOK ABOUT HIS BROADCASTING CAREER. HIS RELATIONSHIPS WITH AL MCGUIRE, BILLY PACKER, MERLIN OLSEN, DON DRYSDALE AND MANY MORE ARE SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS IN THIS ENTERTAINING, INTERESTING AND WELL WRITTEN BOOK. HIS INSIGHTS ABOUT AL MCGUIRE IS ESPECIALLY NOTEWORTHY. I HAVE READ MANY SPORTS BOOKS BY BROADCASTERS, THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST I HAVE COME ACROSS. I ALWAYS RATED DICK ENBERG AS AN EXCELLENT SPORTSCASTER NO MATTER WHAT SPORT SUBJECT HE COVERED. ONE OF MY FAVORITES SHOWS HE HOSTED WAS SPORTS CHALLENGE (WHICH IS OCCASIONALLY ON ESPN CLASSIC CHANNEL). HIS COVERAGE OF COLLEGE BASKETBALL AND PRO FOOTBALL IS LEGEND. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS FOR ALL SPORTS FANS. A GREAT READ.

For anyone who has had the privilege of listening to the smoothest, most knowledgeable, and "easiest to take" sports broadcaster of them all, this book goes down as a must read. I devoured it in two sittings (which is rare for me) and the only reason I put it down the first time was because I had to go to work! Warm, insightful recollections from a wonderful gentleman (and as you will discover, sometimes prankster!) who has seen it all, and has the unique ability to make every amazing story come to life in the friendly and cozy style that anyone who has followed his remarkable career over the years has come to know and appreciate. (Now I look forward to viewing the bonus dvd!) Mr. Enberg, thank you so much!! (and Oh My!)

Dick Enberg has always inspired trust in me. I always felt that he really cares about what he is doing, and that he is just as excited about the event he is broadcasting as any die hard fan watching or listening at home. He calls each game with such grace and class, that it is easy to take his talent for granted. This book allowed me to get a broader look at the man himself, and to find out that I have not misplaced my trust.

There is not a dull moment in this book. It covers the gamut emotionally, from poignant stories about Al McGuire to hilarious fun with Don Drysdale and Bob Uecker. Throughout it all, more and more of Dick Enberg is revealed, and the reader is able to gain insight into Enberg's drive, honesty, sense of humor, competitive nature, and sincere desire to present the best possible product to his audience. Many different sports are covered and the tone of the book is one of respect for the sports, and for the sports community.

The broad scope of the book allowed me to read about a wide range of sporting events and the unique nature of each event, both satisfying me and leaving me thirsty for more. So, I'm hoping that there will be a sequel because I'm sure that this was just the "tip of the Enberg." There is something for everyone in this book and I'm sure you will really enjoy it.

Anyone who has watched sports has heard Enberg's classic "Oh My!" comment for great plays and recognizes him as one of the greats in broadcasting. Oh My is a fascinating tale of his life and adventures in sports from his early days in college through now. The stories he has are classic and it's always a joy to listen to him do a game whether it be football, basketball, etc.

Pick this book up and enjoy a classic tale through his days in broadcasting!

This is a fascinating book, and makes a wonderful Christmas gift. The story of Dick Enberg's life is inspirational, well-written, and a page-turner. And most important, for people like me - you do not have to be a sports fan to enjoy reading this. Anyone can appreciate the stories, from Enberg's insightful view of his humble Michigan childhood to his ardent dedication to his challenging craft. With a career of great success, including numerous Emmy's, awards, and accomplishments, Enberg also relates many humorous mishaps and anecdotes from the sports booth, while providing a realistic glimpse of the hard work going on "behind the scenes" in any network broadcast. Enberg's love of family, his honesty about personal problems, and his work ethic make reading this a treat. I highly recommend this book, for men AND women. And its great for teen-agers, because one of the secrets of this man's celebrated career was his preparation and effort to seize opportunity, along with a fervent appreciation of education. Thumbs-up for this one, you'll enjoy every page!!

I can't wait to read this book. Amazon makes ordering new and used items so easy. I am a customer for life.

Former Yankee Jerry Coleman recalls his playing days: second baseman played his entire nine-year career in New York and appeared in six World Series.(Turn ... An article from: Baseball Digest


Great Read! Jerry is true example of what real heros are made of. How many players would unselfishly leave the game not once, but two times to serve their country in combat? This is the stuff Pat Tillman was made of. Jerry is a great guy! You never hear him speak of any of this unless asked. He is a San Diego treasure.

I bought this book for my father as he has been an avid Padre fan since 1969. He just loves it. Jerry Coleman is the San Diego Padres.

Scott
El CAJON, CA

I don't know how many "with." books I have read not 100 but more than fifty. Even wrote two of them. YOGI IT AIN'T OVER WITH YOGI and THE OCTOBER TWELVE with PHIL RIZZUTO.Jerry Coleman's "WITH" RICHARD GOLDSTEIN did an outstanding job. I envy him but not for writing the book. Writing is hard work. Spending time in the company of Jerry Coleman is a joy. A tonic for the soul.

Jerry Coleman has honorably served America both as a military man, as a baseball player during the 1950's for the New York Yankees, and as an announcer for the Yankees, CBS, and as an announcer/manager for the San Diego Padres. He considers his greatest achievement in life to be the five years he spent as a marine during both World War II and the Korean War. He grew up in a home with a physically abusive father, and a very devoted mother. His best friends with the Yankees were Allie Reynolds, Vic Raschi, Ed Lopat, Bobby Brown, and Charlie Silvera. Coleman believes Mickey Mantle's alcohol problems became full blown after he retired from the game and the cheering stopped. Coleman vividly recalls the incident in May of 1957 when Yankees' infielder Gil McDougald lined Cleveland Indians' pitcher Herb Score in the eye. This had a great emotional effect on McDougald who considered quitting the game. Coleman's one year at the helm of the Padres did not go well. His players viewed him as the team's announcer, and a relic from the past. Coleman gives his views on various things regarding the game such as the size of players compared to when he played, and the effect large contracts can have on some players. He blames the players' union for fighting against a strong drug program which has ultimately harmed players who play by the rules. Coleman considers Aaron to be the all-time home run leader with Maris to be the home run leader for a single season. This book is light easy reading, and I enjoyed reading about one of the bubble gum cards of my youth.

I enjoyed this book immensely! Shari MacDonald is a wonderful author with an equally wonderful sense of humor. Her writing style was NOT stilted or awkward (thank goodness!). Her understanding of human characteristics and everyday occurances made me feel as though I could relate to the people in the book. You can be sure I will be reading more of her books in the near future. Keep up the good work, Shari!

Loved the book. Couldn't put it down. Even a man like me can enjoy a romantic story when it is mixed with sports.

I absolutely loved this book! Not only is it based around baseball (which is my favorite sport), but it included real life situations. Stubborness, pride, and other responses natural for humans. The humor and romance is clean and pure. It was impossible to put down, and once I finished it I sang for the rest of the day! Shari MacDonald has done an excellent job. This is the first book of hers that I've read, and I can't wait to read more!

I thought that this was an outstanding book. It allowed me to relive many past memories. Additionally, I discovered many new facts of the subjects that I had not previously known. GREAT BOOK.

Matt Fulks does an excellent job of introducing me to some of the greatest Sportscasters of all time. Because the book is written in the actual words of the Sportscaster, it gives you the sense of reading 12 individual autobiographical works in a clear and concise format. You are permitted an intimacy with the Sportcaster that is not only rare, but is insightful.

I recommend this book to anyone who is a sports fan. It was fun for me to read because I remember growing up listening, with my dad, to John Ferguson call LSU football games. This book brought back a lot of memories.

This is a great book. From the preface by Tim Brando to the words of each of the individual broadcasters, Sportscaster's Dozen gives us a look behind the mike at the voices that we grew up with. The author did a great job capturing the memories of these fine broadcasters.

Excellent trip down memory lane. A window into the past and all the threads that lead to the present. A great representation of the perseverance, failures, and successes that lead to a career most could only dream of.

Particularly interesting are the relationships he developed along the way. His personal friendships,and the fun that resulted, as only he could tell it. The chances he had to take to develop his career. Especially humerous are the incidents with law enforcement officers mistaking him for a fan able to get past Security.

Barney possesses the same ability to paint pictures in print as he does when broadcasting.

I throughly enjoyed this book. Barney gives several humorous tales from his years as an MRN broadcaster as well as close calls while on the job. This book is a great read and a must for any race fan. I just hope we can get him to stay on the radio a few more years. THERE IS NO ONE LIKE BARNEY HALL!!!!