Players Books

I have never seen some of the traps outlined in this book in other books. They are very interesting. Others traps are explained in an easily understandable and well-illustrated manner. There is also a section describing goalkeeping that is necessary for any coach or goalkeeper to master. Not only am I a coach but also a referee, and so the information for a good refereeing has been very useful. The book has only a few photographs, but many clear illustrations. Many of my other soccer books are full of photographs that really do not clearly tell the whole story when it comes to understanding a concept. The sketches however leave no doubt as to what the author is pointing out. I also agree with Luongo's delineation of identifying quality vs. poor soccer.

Jeff Gruwell
Schertz, Texas

Mr. Luongo
Sir I could go on and on and on about what I thought of your book. I have tried to teach the principles I learned in it to my own children but I have become so frustrated because they don't mesh well with the way that so many coaches coach. If only people would play disciplined soccer. At first the kids would be frustrated and even get beat but their grasp on the fundamentals would eventually far outshine the gambling mentality with which most of the soccer I've seen has been played. From the first kick down the field from the keeper, to the crosses down near the goal I just remember the analogy you used of how crazy that would be if basketball where played in that manner. Hey, thank you so much for your work. Shortball soccer without all of this one touch stuff ( I don't remember if you commented on that but most kids don't have the talent yet to handle the one touch stuff nor do I personally see the need for it if people are spread out and exercising proper ball handling skills) would make me much happier. I want my son to experience disciplined soccer but his high school team is stuck in the long ball, one touch, cross towards the goal rutt. They've individually have talent but the ball is thrown away or headed away throughout the game. I want to let the coach see your book or do something. Last year I tried to summarize some of the principles I had learned from your book and pass them on to him, but that was a fragile situation. I don't think it did any good. Do you have any suggestions? My daughter plays community soccer and has the same type of coaching. I'm not a know it all but would just love to see the game played upon sounder principles.
Thank you for the talents and knowledge you have shared. Take care.
Sincerely,
Jeff Gruwell

Whether you are a coach or a parent of a child who plays soccer, this book is a must! I own several soccer books, but I use this book as a reference and often carry it to the training field. If you are serious about soccer, this book is for you.

This is one of mt favorite books to read. Jerry Rice grew up in Craford Mississippi with his parents and had little money. His father worked very had to make money. Jerry and his brothers help their dad. Jerry was a good student who worked hard because he didnt want to have to be poor. Rice got a college scholarship and was a star football player. Jerry Rice was drafted by the San Fransico 49ers and plaued Wide reciever. Jerry Riec was one of the greatest NFL widerecivers who ever played the game. Rice holds many Nfl records. This is a good book because I always wanted to know about how Rice became so successful as a person and as a player

Jerry Rice grew up in Crawford,Mississippi.He lived on a farm with his parents and they had little money.His father worked very hard because with him. Jerry was a good student who worked hard because he didnt want to be poor.He got a scholarship to a college and was a star football player.Jerry was drafted to play football for the San Francisco 49ers.He played wide reciver.The hard work learned from his childhood helped him because a super bowl champion several times.Jerry Rice set NFC records for touchdown catches and is still considered one of the best recievers to ever play the game.

It is about a football player who beats many records in the NFL. He beat some of the toughest NFL records ever. Many people are surprised by his awesome talent he had while he had while he was in the NFL. The NFL team he played for the whole time was the San Fransisco 49ers. Him and his friend Joe Montana were one of the best packages in the NFL. If I were to read any book I would read this one. This is one of the best books I've read in a long time.

I agree with Jeffrey - Shawn Bradley is a rare jewel in the history of tall NBA players. Read all about him.

like Bradley himself, perhaps the biggest waste of space this side of George Mureshan...but second to none for the conversation starting/jokes

Come on people, we're talkin' about Shawn Bradley here. I don't think I need to say much more than that.

A lot of books have been written on the 49ers' great Quarterback Steve Young but none is as deep in details as this one. It is entertaining, absolutely interesting and (i would say) formative because it teaches about how fulfilling our dreams, heading in the good direction...I loved this book.

This book is informative and brilliantly written. Unlike the other books on Steve Young that I have read -- books which often rely on "angles" about this man's life -- this book is an honest and compelling account. It's writing is tight and detailed. I loved this book.

I read this book when I became a Steve Young junkie while at BYU. I am still at BYU, and still a S.Y. junkie, but at least now I know a lot more about the man. The authors of this book seem to have gotten close enough to the protagonist to show some of the most private aspects of his personality. I got a truer sense of who Steve really is, what he believes, and why he comports himself the way he does. Apart from being well-written and chronologized, the book provided a lot of back-ground kowledge with regards to Steve's football career, starting out with his college experience, as well as some of the challenges he had to face in the AFL and NFL, right up to the point where he led his team to a superbowl victory during the 1994 season. It also invoked a lot of compassion in me for Steve Young, because one only has to read the book half-way to realize that the path he had to travel to success was not an easy one. It has inspired me in many ways. I would recommend this book not only for people who are interested in the 49er Quarterback, but also for those who don't favor him that much, or who don't really know a lot about him. For those of us who will never meet the guy, this is the closest we will ever get to his inner-self, to understanding where he's coming from, and perhaps, eventually understanding Steve, the man.

This book shines on many levels. The backdrop for the story is a WWII internment camp for Japanese-Americans. But it's also about baseball, history, love, shame, and redemption. The narrative breathes life into all of these subjects, and the writer shows respect for every corner of the fictional world he's created. It's a page-turner, too. I started reading "Suitcase" yesterday and just hit the seventh inning stretch...Twenty pages to go!

Baseball, a beautiful girl, and a made-it-to-the-Show protagonist in search of meaning--what else is there? This book has it all. A plot which finds us driving the American south of 1942 scouting for star baseball players also offers a fascinating perspective on Japanese American life during the time of internment camps. Through Feldman's often lyrical prose, we face first-hand both racism run amok as well as the depth of human compassion and the intricate struggle for equality. But it is the personal story of loss and discovery that gives the book its greatest energy. Sefton, himself, is endearing, bumbling through what seems to be a first love, and always sincere. As rich are the characterizations of the Yamada family. It was spring, so I read Suitcase Sefton to celebrate the season. But I came away with a great deal more--enough to last through all the seasons of the human heart and wit.

I thought when I ordered this book that I would be treated to a
novel about baseball and I certainly was, but baseball is just the backdrop to its fascinating story. The book vividly brought to light the national disgrace of taking American citizens and their families, removing them from their homes and placing them in internment camps for the duration of WW2. Jay Feldman skill-
fully has woven a baseball scout's discovery of a young Japanese-
American pitcher in one of the camps and his involvement with the pitcher's family and created a story of pathos and humaniity.
Written by Jack Ziebel

This is simply my favorite book ever. I have read approximately 100 sports books and no single book ever made me feel as the authors (Valenti and NYC high school coach Ron Naclerio) were so close to and affected by the actions of their subject. Daniels has been labled as one of the greatest high school basketball players ever and his legend is probably even larger. He came from a broken home and became a victim of drug abuse at such an early age that his career never amounted to anything close to what it should have been. He did eventually play in the NBA only after years of drugs and a critically wounding gunshot robbed him of the potential he had when he was young. I met him in a bar at the New Jersey shore (close to where he and his family now live) on a chance one night years after I read this and was still simply awed by him as a result of this book. If you are a sports fan, please read this.

MAGIC JOHNSON WITH A JUMP SHOT, that's what they called him, who am i talking about? Read on my friend. In this grippin and tear jerking story of street ball, we learn the true goods and evils of the game. In this story, the main character, Lloyd "Swee' Pea" Daniels, struggles against his addication to "the rock". This story will give you the true vision of what it takes to be a great, and the situations young urban kids have to go through to make their dreams come true.

Great book about could-have-been basketball legend Lloyd Daniels. A great inside look of how the glory of basketball corrupts youth. Inspirational because of Lloyd Daniels' limited success in the NBA and CBA. I loved this book because of its rags to seemingly riches to rags story about the Swee'Pea Lloyd Daniels.

Walter Payton was the model of what every player should be like, even in today's "me only" generation. Walter was a first class football player amd first class individual as well.

He is what other players should strive to be like, Walter broke the mold and still stands as the premiere football player of all time. Walter can not and will never be replaced, he represented what all of us should be like no matter what color we are or where we came from or anything!

A truly remarkable individual that went beyond being a great football player, Walter was a great person as well. If a person couldn't be inspired by what Walter Payton represented, they just couldn't be inspired with anything!

I named my son after his son, and my family will never forget watching #34 on the field on Sunday's. Walter is my all time hero and inspiration, and always will be.

This is a terrific book, especially for parents who want to show their sports-mad kids a real role model. The photos are wonderful, and the text describes the whole man, not just the football player. And he was as good a man as he was player, and there wasn't ever a better player.

Give this to a football-loving kid for Christmas, and try not to cry when you read it yourself.

"Sweetness: The Courage and Heart of Walter Payton" is a wonderful collection of quotes, stats, stories, and pictures illustrating the complete Payton. He was indeed one of the greatest running-backs of all time. What this book gives, that many don't, is a review of Walter's off-field perfomances. He was kind, caring, and loving to all. This book clearly shows that Walter was in all aspects.....a hero. This title is a must for all those who miss the headbands, the dives over the goal lines, the amazing runs, the jumping high fives, and a great man----SWEETNESS!

Talkin' About Poker: Straight Talk For Parents And Their Players, tactfully co-authored by Loren and Christopher Ackerman is an instructional assistant for parents and their children for the safe and proper assessment of youthful poker players -- with a special focus on No Limit Texas Hold'em poker. A seminal reference for many questions or concerns which parents may have such as what exactly Texas Hold'em is, how to play and bet in it, legality issues with children, possible addictions for young players, how to tell if it has become a problem for the child, what professional help is available for young gamblers, and how poker might really be played as only a recreational sport, Straight Talk For Parents And Their Players informs the reader of every necessary step a parent might take in guiding their poker-playing child. Straight Talk For Parents And Their Players is very strongly recommended to all parents with concerns about their gambling involved child, hoping to properly guide their child to an idealistic stratagem of youth poker playing grown increasingly popular with the advent of professional and tournament poker gaming on television and in casinos nationwide.

This book is about so much more than talking about Poker. Communication with your child comes through loud and clear. The message makes you stop and think how to handle a situation without resorting to panic and over reacting. Respect measures high in this book. Hope there is another book coming soon.

With online poker growing in popularity around the world, this is a must read for anyone with a young person in their care who is spending time and money on poker. Loren writes from the heart with ideas on how to manage the player's interest in a safe and constructive way. Using examples from her relationship with her son, poker-player, Chris they demonstrate on the page how it is possible for parents and their players to communicate effectively and to understand what is happening from the other's point of view.

A national bestseller when initially published in July 1985, Jay Johnstone - with author Rick Talley - pens a hilarious autobiography on his career in baseball and as one of the game's all-time most creative pranksters.

With chapter titles like, "Jay Johnstone's All-Crazy Team And List Of Bests," "Hey, Some Of My Best Friends Are Crazy" and "Managers I Have Terrorized," Johnstone touches all the bases in his pro career known oftetimes more for his practical jokes than his clutch hits; he was one of the best pinch-hitters ever and shined in tight spots during the championship seasons of the 1978 New York Yankees and 1981 Los Angeles Dodgers.

But the book soars when Johnstone is in his most wackiness. He has taken to the field wearing monster masks, oversized sunglasses and a Star Patrol helmet, exchanged uniforms with a groundskeeper and swept infields during games, was a singer for the Big Blue Wrecking Crew and placed brownies in Steve Garvey's glove.

There are also sections on the high-jinks of other players, including star relief pitcher Moe Drabowsky using the bullpen telephone for more than trying to contact the manager in the dugout. That story alone is worth buying the book.

But through it all, Johnstone loved to play the game, while having a little fun (which is seemingly a missing ingredient in today's MLB): "How will I be remembered? Maybe someday a rookie will hear my name mentioned and say:

'Jay Johnstone? He was so crazy that when he came into the hotel room, his pillow jumped out the window.'

And that kid might have a chance in this game."

This piece of work along with the follow-up "Over the Edge" is a must read for any baseball afficianato, especially in need of a few genuine good laughs. The way Jay tells a story really puts the reader in the moment and captures the unique humor of the game that seems to have graced years gone by. There are very few characters of the game left in what has become more of a business, but if you ever read "Snake", or Joe Namath's book, you'll love this one.

Jay Johnstone memorializes his long and mirthful career for us in this and others of his books. He is a library of humourous stories about baseball, and it would be a cold soul indeed who got through this book without busting a gut laughing.

What makes it especially interesting is that he's by no means a dumb jock/buffoon--he just played one. Also visible is a hardworking, dedicated athlete who wanted very badly to win, and who cares about others--particularly his wife and daughter. When you finish this book you will probably wish you could meet him and just hang out with him.

This one is worth asking amazon.com to run a search for if you like baseball or laughter.

Wonderful book, even for non-football fans. Brought back lots of memories from College Park / Newton Estates days, but has something everyone can enjoy.

Ten Men You Meet in the Huddle: LESSONS FROM A FOOTBALL LIFE
This book is must read for all sport fans who are old enough to have enjoyed professional football for the last 15 to 25years. It also shows how extreme prejudice can be overcome, not only in pro sports but in everyday life. It carry messages on how to get along. A very good book that I really enjoyed reading.

Ole Man Bob

Hard to put down, and not just because it's well written. If you're old enough to remember the players and coaches in this book, you probably need the wonderfully readable typeface and font seen here. Would that more publishers were as sensitive to boomer eyestrain. Thank you, ESPN Books!

Along with Mark Bowden's "The Best Game Ever", Bill Curry's "Ten Men..." reminds us of an era when football players came from everyday life. Both offer terrific snapshots of Vince Lombardi and John Unitas, and of an era fondly remembered.

This autobiography of "OLD-SCHOOL" college and NFL player and Coach Bill Curry, is a must read for every "OLD-SCHOOL" fan of football. It also provides an important link to the past for younger fans, who only know the name Vince Lombardi, because his name is emblazoned on the Super Bowl trophy. Bill's credentials include ten years in the NFL playing for multiple teams, the most impressive of them, being two world championship teams that were part of, perhaps the greatest dynasty in the history of the NFL - "LOMBARDI'S PACKER'S", and part of a third world championship team, as a member of the Baltimore Colts. He has also held multiple coaching jobs, including the head coaching position at Georgia Tech, Alabama, Kentucky, and currently is employed as the head coach of Georgia State University.

What the author has done quite uniquely... and creatively... is "wrap" his life story around the "mileposts" of ten men who had a tremendous influence on his life. Eight of these men are infamous in the mythology of college and professional football: Bobby Dodd (one of only three men to be elected to the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame as a player AND a coach), Vince Lombardi (perhaps the greatest coach in the history of professional football), Bart Starr (Hall of Fame quarterback), Willie Davis (Hall of Fame defensive end), Ray Nitschke (Hall of Fame linebacker... and perhaps one of the most intimidating and feared players in NFL history), Don Shula (winningest coach in NFL history and of course in the Hall of Fame), Johnny Unitas (Hall of Fame quarterback), Bubba Smith (former massive NFL defensive end)... and two others... not in the aforementioned, rarefied air of athletic pantheon... but still an important part of the author's life and success. Bill Badgett his high school football coach, who was the first coach that pushed the pre-pubescent youngster on to the football field, despite the fact that the author's youthful dream, was of pitching for the New York Yankees. Coach Badgett dragged... shoved... and led... a young Curry to find the winner within... which could only be found... by facing oneself... at the inner wall that a young boy had never faced before. It was the first time that Curry's inner "soul", had ever been to the crossroads of physical and mental exhaustion... one road was called "quit"... the other road was called becoming a "man"... and Coach Badgett was instrumental in forging the youngster that would become a man. There is also a chapter on friend and author George Plimpton... and a final short homage to his "twelfth man" and Father.

There are numerous elements that contribute to the "beauty" of this book to the eyes of a sports fan. The writing is always honest and direct, even when the author knows the truth isn't pretty... especially in the harsh light of modern days. When the author recounts his teenage years in 1950's Georgia, he doesn't shy away from the ugly racism that existed in those days. It's a minor epiphany, when his dream of playing football for the greatest team on earth, the Green Bay Packers in 1965, when they were about to win - *THREE-STRAIGHT-WORLD-CHAMPIONSHIPS* - and he first stepped into the huddle... he realized this was the first huddle he'd ever been part of, that wasn't "all-white."

** AND THEN... THERE WAS... VINCE LOMBARDI!!! **

Vince Lombardi has been quoted through the annals of football... more than any coach in history... posthumously he has had the greatest trophy in the entire world of football named after him... calendar's with his quotes are sold everywhere... motivational books with his quotes are still top sellers today... TV commercials with his image and voice are everywhere... and any true football fan can never get enough... as well as Fortune 500 executives. One of the greatest gifts this book provides to the reader, is the up close and personal... no holds barred... interaction between Bill Curry and "The-Great-Lombardi"... and all of it isn't pretty. The quotes that you live for abound... such as...

"THE SWEEPS OUR BASIC PLAY. EVERYBODY KNOWS IT. EVERYBODY EXPECTS IT. EVERYBODY THINKS THEY CAN DEFEND AGAINST IT. TO PROVE THEM WRONG, WE HAVE TO EXECUTE... **PERFECTLY!**

"YOUR RELIGION, YOUR FAMILY, AND THE GREEN BAY PACKERS WILL BE YOUR PRIORITIES AS LONG AS YOU ARE HERE! AND IN THAT ORDER!"

"I WILL PUT THE FEAR OF G-D IN YOU! I WILL MAKE YOU AFRAID OF ME! I WILL USE FEAR TO GET WHAT I WANT FROM YOU! I WILL MAKE YOU INTO A FOOTBALL PLAYER!"

"YOU HAVE TO HATE YOUR OPPONENTS! HATE THEM! SHOW NO MERCY! HELL!... HERE WE ARE WITH THIS GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO BE CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLD, AND YOU DON'T CARE ENOUGH TO LEARN THE AUDIBLES OR STEP WITH THE RIGHT FOOT. YOU LOOK LIKE A BUNCH OF CATTLE OUT "HEAH"! YOU DON'T HATE ENOUGH!"

"LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING, GENTLEMEN! IF YOU DON'T SHOW ME BY THURSDAY THAT YOU HATE THE COLTS TO MY SATISFACTION, I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE THAT YOU WILL HATE ME SO MUCH BY SUNDAY YOU WILL WANT TO KILL THOSE OTHER GUYS ACROSS FROM YOU"

The rookie Bill Curry quickly surmised: "This was not Georgia Tech. Georgia Tech football was a petting zoo. THIS WAS THE JUNGLE!"

This book is an opportunity for a current, living and breathing, football fan, to go back in time to when football was still football... and the quarterback didn't wear a dress! The author writes in such a style that you won't want to put this gem down.