Players Books

Fantastic message. Every parent of a young athlete should read it, and every aspiring young athlete should read it. Alan Williams demonstrates everything that is still right about wanting to succeed as an athlete... and the way to go about it. And for those athletes that are a "can't miss" or already there, the example and impacts that a Robert O'Kelly can make on those kids fighting to succeed are priceless. I made every girl on my 12U AAU basketball team read it.

They always say if you want to know what the Coach or the star of the team is really like, then you should ask the last player on the bench. This is exactly what Allan Williams does as he takes you on a journey through his life and times of triumph and dejection on the Wake Forest men's basketball team. It's a great story for basketball players and non players alike. truly inspirational

Walk-on is a must read for coaches, parents (especially fathers),star athletes and "bench-warmers." Alan Williams is a living example of what it means to be a team player. His story is a great encouragement to the athlete who loves his/her sport, but rarely "gets in the game." The book also brings out the positive relationship he has with his father.

Realistically describes the role of the non-starter in college athletics; worth reading for the roles of determination, family and faith in an individual's life. Good to share with high school athletes aspiring to play in college. Quick read, not the very best writing, but not awful either.

This book is incredibly inspiring and one that anyone will enjoy reading. I would give it six stars on a scale from 1 to 5!!!!!

This was a very professionally written account of the lives of 15 very diverse people who also happen to be professional lacrosse players. The book really makes you view these athletes as interested in their sport, valued members of their community, and very different from the multi-million dollar primma donnas who play other professional sports. I definitely recommend this book.

After the Duke Lacrosse scandal, it was refreshing to see an upbeat well-written book about lacrosse. These players truly honor their sport, and make the casual observer want to learn more. The stories were interesting, and it was a good overview of the NLL, and the players who make the league work. I really enjoyed it, and hope to see more books like it.

This book was interesting, insightful, and sometimes even funny when explaining the lives of 15 "ordinary" people who have jobs, wives, kids, and play professional lacrosse on the weekends. It makes you realize how different pro lacrosse is from other pro sports. (And I mean that in a good way.) The writing was clear and engaging, and I thoroughly enjoyed the book.

It was great to finally read a good book on professional lacrosse. The writing was interesting and insightful, and provided a good mix of lacrosse history combined with people who play the game. I would definitely recommend this book for the lacrosse fanatic, or even the casual observer. I enjoyed it!

This book is filled with stories of professional lacrosse players. The players are atypical from other professional sports players, who are often filled with self-admiration and greed. Yet, they are not exactly everyday people either. The players do have full time jobs and families, but many of them are in noble fields such as teaching, law enforcement, the armed forces, fire fighting... Of course, it takes a noble character to be devoted to such an underpaid and under-appreciated sport. The players sacrifice their bodies, time, and some family commitments for the love of their sport. The writing is clever, and the author gives good insight about the players' individuality, achievements, reminiscences, and dedication.

I came upon this book by accident and found it a pleasant surprise. At first it seemed a bit scattered in its narrative technique: it is all in the first-person like Damon Runyon and moves from character to character, people who do not seem connected for a time.

The central figure has to be Babe Ruth himself, because everything that happens revolves about him, one way or another. A bootlegger in Asbury Park, New Jersey, in winter, has his latest shipment of booze stolen and sets out to find it. Instead, he comes into possession an IOU for $7,000 signed by none other than the Bambino. At this point the bootlegger, his sometime girl friend, Babe Ruth, and Chicago mobsters descent upon St. Petersburg, Florida, where the New York Yankees are in spring training and where there the Florida real estate scam is near its acme.

The plot is complicated and fascinating. It never drags. The characters are marvelous and multi=dimensional. The atmosphere of the Roaring Twenties feels right on the money. There are some grammar and syntax problems, e.g.: "A few pelicans descend on the deck of the speedboat, wiating to be fed." That last phrase should refer to speedboat, but surely the watercraft is not waiting to be fed. There are other similar problems that the publisher's editor should have ironed out, but no matter. This is still a very, very good book. that's two verys, as Woody Allen would say. I'm eager to read the sequel to this.

What makes this mystery a stand out is it's sense of history and of place. You get the feeling that Irby, a professor, knows every building in old St Pete, has read every newspaper article, spent months in archives and in the library. His encompassing knowledge of the rough, free-wheeling twenties seeps in to every scene-the mystery, the love story, and the adventure all play out against a lively, realistic backdrop. Plus, it's got the Babe in it. You can't beat that. Check this book out. It's worth it.

This is an amazing book for a debute. This author is well on his way. I learned about this book from the authors brother in law as I shopped for furniture in Richmond VA. I ordered it but wasn't really sure It was my kinda book. 1920s, baseball, Babe Ruth, not interesting to me. I did start reading it and was very surprised! I absolutely could not put it down. The best book I've read in a long time. could not wait to get to the end and then was so sorry when it was over. I'm checking all the time for Lee Irby's next book. Can't wait. Would love to e-mail him but can't find a cite.

You shouldn 't like the characters that Irby writes about, but you do. His details captivate you.

This book is a fun read. Every chapter stands on its own. The ones on Babe Ruth are mesmerizing. They remind me of the stories my grand uncle used to tell me about his baseball years in the 20s and his accounts of the Babe.

Wouldn't surprise me that they make this one into a movie.

Can't wait for Irby's 2nd book.

My grandmother, Toots, often bemoaned the fact that she'd been so busy raising her family that she missed out on being a flapper, yet she could do the Charleston 'til the cows came home. Irby captures the talk, the characters, the larger-than-life Babe Ruth, still giving them a human quality that rings true. This book is not my usual read, but I found it captivating.

If you are a baseball junkie, this book is a must have. It lists the top 30 prospects for each team and provides a nice overview of each organization's recent draft history. For fantasy baseball players, this is a great way to get ahead of the competition. Last year, I knew about guys like Lincecum, Braun, Tulowitzski, Gallardo, etc, before they were called up. This year, when the Orioles traded Miguel Tejada to the Astros and Erik Bedard to the Mariners, it was great seeing the in-depth scouting reports on all the young prospects coming over. Highly recommended.

Baseball America covers prospects like nobody else. And the annual prospect guide is a can't miss title, especially for those of us who live in minor league towns and visit the Arizona Fall League every year.

The book features detailed writeups on the top 30 prospects from every organization, in addition to great depth chart features. My favorite is the "Future Starting Lineups" feature for every team; it's an easy way to identify the likely major leaguers of the future.

This is the quintessential resource for Prospects in Major League Baseball. This year's edition is no exception. I liked the fact that Baseball America included the top ten prospect from each minor league

Very comprehensive and no stone left un-turned on who will be the next MLB star or superstar !!!

The Baseball America Prospect book is the very best prospect book written.
Its a real shame that Baseball America does not write a Major League book like it.
The book goes into detail of the ball player. It is a book I use all summer long. At the trading dead line in MLB I often refer to it.

Jack does a great job of producing the addresses of players. Just that simple. If you want to write them, here is your resource. Buy it new, don't get it used because you will be throwing money away.

This book is indispensable if you're a baseball autograph collector. I've gotten hundreds of autographs over the years using Jack Smalling's books. And if a letter is returned to you for an out-of-date address, you can simply send a copy of the returned envelope (with old address) to Jack and if he has a new address he'll send it to you for free! He's a heck of a nice guy. I'd also advice anyone buying the book to get on his mailing list (address is in the book) for autograph auctions and sales. I have no relation to Jack other than a satisfied customer, but he's truly the best when it comes to baseball autographs.

One caveat, the edition for sale here on Amazon has been replaced by Vol. 11, which is available on the Baseball America website.

I have been using Jack Smalling's autograph handbooks for over 5 years (the version shown is edition number 10), and my autograph collection has grown exponentially. If you want to collect autographs of retired baseball players, then this is the book for you!

If you want free baseball players autographs via the mail... this is a must have book!

What a great book!!! A definate plus for any autograph collector. Very useful, easy to read, gives tips on how to write to a baseball player (past or present). An all around great book, if you love baseball as much as I do, you'll buy this book.

Although the information in this book is now a bit dated because technology and new internet things keep going so fast, it's still worth getting. The only really outdated thing is parts where he says to play two or three times what you buy in for. These days the rules for online casinos state a minimum wagering requirement and it's all done by computers so there's no need for cover betting like that. Anyways, back to my review... GREAT BOOK!!!! BUY IT!!!!! I am a college kid and I made a nice easy two thousand dollars in a couple months from online casinos thanks largely to teh helpful info in this book. I averaged a little over 30 bucks an hour with all teh extra play and time spent researching-- but still-- it sure beats other forms or working! I got to refresh my basic strategy and play blackjack and make money! It was great! You aren't gonna get rich quick or quit your job, but for some easy extra cash, this book more than pays for itself!!!

An indispensable guide to online gambling. Haywood does a good job of explaining the pitfalls online gamers take. He reviews the distinction between "dairy" and "beef" casinos, the various brands of software, gaming portals, ways to win money, and equally important, methods of wagering to avoid. He explains how you can make bonuses last for you and make money. My only complaint with the bookis that some of the casinos he lists at the end of the book as "dairy" casinos offer small or no bonuses. Nevertheless, I would highly recommend this to any prospective online gambler. Good job, Bill!

great info on how e-casinos work and how one can exploit their bonus offers. great for anyone who wants to invest and make some cash on the side. but if your lookin for a get rich quick book, this isnt for u.

Do not gamble at Internet casinos before reading this book!

Forget about all the other books about Ecasino gambling; Bill Haywood shows you how do it safely. Well researched and written by an experienced land-based casino and Internet gambler, Beatwebcasinos.com tells it like it is....

If you want to make the most of your Intenet gambling dollar and if you don't want to be ripped off this is the only Internet gambling book you need to own.

This is one of the most honest books I have ever read on a gambling subject. The author lays out what it takes to earn money off of casino sign-up bonuses. If you think that you can just sign up, play some hands of black jack and cash out the bonus, you would be well advised to read this book before continuing, it won't work. First you will need a credit card and the ability to pay the bill as soon as the Casino charges arrive, as the author so honestly puts it, playing for bonuses and paying cash advance and interest fees won't cut it. However, I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the subject.

1) The author shows you what type of records you will keep to dispute payment claims.(A lot)
2) How to spot unsavory casinos.
3) What games to play to minimize the house edge (BlackJack, Video Poker) as well a very useful introduction to the games and strategies. Assume you will lose money on these games but your loses will be offset by bonus money.
4) A very clear explaination of variance and how to size your bets, best I've read anywhere. Worth the price of the book by itself.
5) How to handle disputes with on-line casino's to get results.
6) How to bet so you look like a gambler than a match-player.
7) A sample diary of couple of days of betting, so you see if this is really how you want to spend your time.
8) The potential pitfalls in earning referral bonuses.
9) Just about everything else you need to get started.

It's not easy money, but I believe the author gives you all the information you need to judge for yourself if this is a business you want to get into. Believe me, after reading this book you will see that it is indeed a business. Wish I could give this book a higher rating.

Great book for kids. I bought this book for a student who had won the foul shooting competition in his age group for NYS. He has not been able to put it down. He dreams of becoming a basketball star himself. I wanted him to read about someone who has achieved this dream. Very Positive Book!!

I just finished the book and i thought it was amazing. I thought it gave a lot of information about his life while teaching very important life lessons. I also learned a lot of information about Carmelo that I didn't know before. For example I learned that Carmelo's father died when he was only two. Before I read it I thought his father left him. I also thought that the fun facts at the bottom of the pages where really interesting. i really found the one about him being able to play for Puerto Rico in the Olympics really interesting. All in all I thought it was a really good book.

Carmelo Anthony is the best new nba player i've ever seen and it's great that he has shared his life story with us. After reading the book it made me like him even better and i found out i have something in commom with him my dad was puerto rican too, i didn't know that about him. Writing this book made carmelo more aprochable to his fans and it lets us know he's a real person just like you and me and that he really cares about his true fans. I love the book i can't stop reading it's awesome. The book is very inspirational he tells us to never give up and work hard for everything we want to be, he's just a great person

This book is an amazing book. For him to have shared his inner life with all of his loyal fans.The book contains 48 full pages of pictures fans will love not to mention the autobiography. I think his book helps children like me to remember the better things in life and to stay focused because as is saying goes "Halfdone isn't Done" short sweet to the point.

I ordered this biography of Carmelo Anthony as a Christmas gift for my son, a serious sports nut. After fighting over who would get to read it first (his sister is a big Carmelo fan too), he dove in and began to read. Several days later my son said to me, "Mom, this is a good book for me to be reading since Carmelo had struggles as a kid, too." (My husband and I recently separated and he's been struggling with that change.)

The book hit the spot (for both my children) in every way. It is well written, has great photos, is very timely and of great interest to kids.

Highly recommended!

Relive Mark McGwire's historic 1998 assault on the single season home run record with this magnificent book overflowing with full-color photos and amusing anecdotes. "Celebrating 70" charts the slugger's season, home run for home run, and features a bevy of information - complete with pictures - including the date of each long ball, the distance, and which pitcher was christened with the dubious distinction of yielding one of Big Mac's clouts! Along the way, you can read a brief summary for each game McGwire applied his trade. The pictures have been well chosen, conveying the emotion of each moment. The text matches the shear exuberance of the images, and Jack Buck's forward is simply splendid.

Relive Mark McGwire's historic 1998 assault on the single season home run record with this magnificent book overflowing with full-color photos and amusing anecdotes. "Celebrating 70" charts the slugger's season, home run for home run, and features a bevy of information - complete with pictures - including the date of each long ball, the distance, and which pitcher was christened with the dubious distinction of yielding one of Big Mac's clouts! Along the way, you can read a brief summary for each game McGwire applied his trade. The pictures have been well chosen, conveying the emotion of each moment. The text matches the shear exuberance of the images, and Jack Buck's forward is simply splendid.

It was a fabulous book which relived all of the excitement of the homerun-record chase of the 1998 baseball season. The photographs are excellent and the text is very well-written as well. The exact distance, pitcher, count, inning, and stadium are given for every one of "Big Mac's" homers, with at least one picture for each. Not only does it cover McGwire's homers, but it also covers the homeruns of Sammy Sosa. The introduction by St. Luis Cardinal announcer, Jack Buck is nice too. Overall, Celebrating 70:MARK MCWIRE'S HISTORIC SEASON is a must-have for any baseball enthusiast.

For the strongman from Pomona, California playing for the St. Louis Cardinals, the Summer of '98 was one long victory parade. A reminder of seasons past & a celebration of baseball future. He became a national hero & role model with class. He gave baseball back its luster. In this large, glossy, colorful homage to one fabulous boy of summer - the team of writers, photographers, designers & editors has given us a memorable, collectible, hit-by-hit, play-by-play story of a modern grand adventure. What a gift!

The 1998 baseball season was truly one of the most magic in recenty years, thanks in part to the "home run battle" between Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa. This book chronicles their achievement which I suspect will grow to legendary tones in the years to come. The sportmanship between these two hereos was evident all season long, and the book reflects that.

Perhaps it was fitting that McGwire should wind up in a city that is a true "baseball town," and one that could truly love and cherish his accomplishment. I remember watching the game on TV where McGwire broke Babe Ruth's home regular season home run record and even the Cub players stood and applauded him. This book remembers that.

It starts off with pictures of McGwire and a nice foreword by Jack Buck, the longtime St. Louis Cardinals' broadcaster. There's also a brief story about Maris and Ruth, the men McGwire chased for most of that long summer. And then the home runs. Each page is devoted to a description of each one; the date, the opposing pitcher, the final score and so on.

Reading through each page brought back all those wonderful memories of the 1998 season for me. This book is a wonderful treasure and keepsake to celebrate an incredible baseball season by one man.

I LOVED THE INSIGHT THAT CHAD'S BOOK OFFERS SPORT FANS. IT'S ALWAYS A PRIVILEDGE TO GET A GLIMPSE INSIDE A CELEBRITY'S LIFE AND CHAD DOES NOT DISAPPOINT. AS FOR CHAD'S BRAND OF TRASH TALK, I'D ADVISE ANY PRO SPORTS FAN TO READ A BOOK CALLED 'TRASH TALK' BY ROBERT GUSSIN. IT'S A SPORTS COMEDY BONANZA. CHAD, HAVE YOU READ IT?

Written by "Cincinnati Enquirer" sports columnist Paul Daugherty, Chad: I Can't Be Stopped is the true-life story of National Football League superstar Chad Johnson - well known for his professional prowess, and perhaps also known for his touchdown celebrations that prompted the NFL to tighten their rules on what is considered a permissible expression of victory. Black-and-white photographs illustrate this candid story of Chad the person as well as Chad the expert football player. "Says Hue Jackson, Bengals receiver coach and one of Johnson's few confidantes, 'Chad doesn't drink or smoke. He's not a guy that has to be out among the celebrities. I don't lose sleep on Saturday nights, worrying about Chad Johnson.'" Highly recommended as an upbeat, in-depth portrait of an athlete who happens to be a positive role model.

This book is great. It offers a behind the scene look at the life of one of the most successful wide recievers in NFL history. Excellent!

Chad I can't be stopped, is and incredible book. I give this peice of work 5 stars. The way the author goes into complete depth and detail is amazing. Also the authors tell many stories which are told in Chad's his prospective about how he plays and performs in the football games. Many of my favorite parts are when Bessie Mae talks about her grandson Chad and how she straitened him up and made him go to school. Apparently Chad did not like school at all. Chad says he made school harder than it needed to be. I also liked how the author included where Bessie grew up and how she wanted a better life for her children and that happened according to her family and Chad. Chad is a hero on and off the field and this book really highlights that. It also tells about Chad's journey to get where he is now which a successful star is. Chad is a hero but most importantly he mine and the Greater Cincinnati's too. GO BENGALS!!!!

Chads biggest Fan

Chad I can't be stopped, is and incredible book. I give this peice of work 5 stars. The way the author goes into complete depth and detail is amazing. Also the authors tell many stories which are told in Chad's his prospective about how he plays and performs in the football games. Also how he thinks he played in the steelers game in 2005 and his locker room breakdown in his point of veiw. Many of my favorite parts are when Bessie Mae talks about her grandson Chad and how she straitened him up and made him go to school. Apparently Chad did not like school at all. Chad says he made school harder than it needed to be but thanks to Bessie he made it through. Chad says Bessie Mae is the most important women in his life without her he wouldn't have made it. I also liked how the author included where Bessie grew up and how she wanted a better life for her children and that happened according to her family and Chad. I have to say though my favorite part is when he talks about his tuesdays and how when everyone eles is off work he's trying so hard to get better. Chad is a hero on and off the field and this book really highlights that. It also tells about Chad's journey to get where he is now which a successful star is. Chad is a hero but most importantly he mine and the Greater Cincinnati's too. GO BENGALS!!!!

Chads biggest Fan

This book was a real revalation to me. To read a firsthand account of a gay man's journey, back in the late 1970s, was truly a rare, and positive experience. This was the era when gays were fiinally getting positive public recognition (at least on TV and in the press) other than being labeled "not normal," mentally ill, or other negative call-words. These were the days of gay marches, people "coming out" publicly, and the dawn of a new and positive age for homosexuality. Reading this book was a very
mind-blowing experience. To read, and understand, David Kopay's struggle and coming to terms with his own sexual identity, "coming out" to his parents and family, and the discrimination he experienced in searching for a job in the sports field, truly shows the social climate of the times; and also might show others that the human experience is similar to most people.
Perhaps "straight" people, right-wing Republicans and religious fantaics of the Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell types might gain some insight into the human condition by reading this, and similar, books. Too much time is spent on negativity and extolling people's differences by some groups and people; when there is still homophobia and gay-bashing still going on -- as shown by the sad episode of Matthew Shepherd, not too many years ago.
This book is a must-read for any gay man, also friends and family members of gay persons. The book may just show people that there isn't much difference between people, whatever their race, sexual preferences, or even religious beliefs. Even though I read this book almost twnety years ago, it's message is still strong, and I highly reccomend this book to anyone who has a gay family member, a gay friend, or if you are a gay person reading this.

You don't need to be a gay man or a football fan to connect with this emotional and enlightening page-turner. Bravo to David Kopay and Perre Deane Young!!!!!!

This book is of a true hero, David Kopay. What a story of courage and inspiration. If you want to be inspired, read this book. One of the best!!

Before Dan Woog's "Jocks," before "The Front Runner," before the whole genre, David Kopay rocked the homophobic world of sports by coming out and telling his story. An amazing personal journey and a great historic account, this is a must-have for your gay library. Not as sexy as you'd think, instead it's a harrowing and touching tale of the first pro football player - the first jock of the 20th century - to come out big time. We all owe this man a lot, but beyond that, this is a compelling story.

This is David Kopay's account of growing up gay back when there were very few books or support groups to turn to, which makes it stand even taller. He describes his experience as a college and professional football player as well as being in a fraternity. I find him candid, readable and likeable. He never asked for any special favours, just the right to live his life his way and do what he knew how to do.

I'm proud that David is a fellow Husky; his name adds honour to the reputation of the University of Washington, both as a hard-nosed athlete who hit like a freight train and as a man of courage. Just about anyone could benefit from reading his book.