Teams Books

Barry Krauss' memoir captured and held my attention throughout. I wouldn't compare Krauss in either the areas of memoir writing or sports writing to Mitch Albom, but I doubt Mr. Albom could participate head-on in a goal line stand and live to tell about it--much less write a book about it. So, after we take the likes of Mitch Albom out of the equation and look at Ain't Nothin' But a Winner on its own merit, I can easily say that I found it to be a well-written, compelling memoir. After all, it's not every football player (turned writer) who can come up with descriptions such as "Alabama again came within one single puff of Coach Bryant's unfiltered Chesterfield cigarette of winning two national championships...." That's nice imagery. That's writing that keeps me reading.

Beyond looking at the book from a literary standpoint, the story and the message within the story make this book stand out. Krauss recounts his career in football with humor, with touching sensitivity, and with frank honesty. From high school through his years in professional football, Krauss gives the reader a rare inside view of that world. As he says, he lived the life many dream about and he's appreciative of the experience.

I'm not an avid football fan, but this book pulled me into this life devoted to the team and the game. I felt the tug of the ups and downs players and fans rejoice in and suffer from. The highlight of the book, of course, is Krauss' recounting of his years playing for Paul "Bear" Bryant on the University of Alabama football team. The climax is the one play-- the Goal Line Stand, on January 1, 1979, in the Sugar Bowl game against Penn State--where Krauss stopped Penn State's Mike Gunman from scoring. Football enthusiasts will enjoy Krauss' description of the play that stopped time. While reading that section, I felt the crack of helmets and came away with a better understanding of football fanatics.... (reviewed by Lou Belcher, freelance writer and editor)

Interesting read about a man who started out in a life of crime, alcohol and drugs and turned around and helped many in his old neighborhood who suffered from the same problems. He did it all with soccer (or football in Scotland). His team only includes former drug addicts. A great story.

This is plenty of story about a team that is larger than life.

Kelly Laduke is an extremely talented photographer/photojournalists who magnificently captures the thrills, disappointments and celebrations of a group of Little Leaguers and sets them to quotes from baseball legends and notables. "All Stars" is the perfect gift for every Little Leaguer and their coaches. It's a keepsake of memories that they will cherish forever.

Joan Hecht
Author/ "The Journey of the Lost Boys"

This book is one of the most helpful references I have found on organizational design. The authors write from a perspective of "how to" and years of experience are gleaned from their writings.

Designing new plants and re-designing existing organizations are covered with detail. This book is more than how to design teams in an organization. This book is about designing organizations to maximize employee performance.

I would especially recommend this book for organization VP's, plant managers, human resouce specialists and line managers.

I remember being 10 years old and watching the PHILLIES winning the World Series. A defining moment of a boys childhood. It's great to remember, be reminded and relive that time in ALMOST A DYNASTY. Kashatus does a wonderful job discussing THE PHILLIES history, the farm system, outside influences that effect baseball (free agency, players strikes, etc), individual players; weaving it into what is almost like an enjoyable, well-researched thesis paper. If you a fan of baseball this is a great read, and if you're a PHILLIES fan this is a must read.

I played for the Mets in the mid-sixties. Bill Ryczek has written a very enjoyable account of the early days of the Mets. It brings back some wonderful memories of the highs and the lows of that period.
I enjoyed the quotes of players and their stories of the New York baseball community.
Most common quote - "I wish I had enjoyed it more when I was there." Thanks for the great book.
Bill Wakefield (or as Yogi and Casey called me -- Dick Wakefield.)

You don't have to be a fan of the Mets, (like me), to enjoy this review of the New York Mets 2006 season that took them to the verge of the World Series. Just enjoy the wonderful baseball photography, the action pictures are excellent. This soft back book just goes to show you, you don't need to buy an expensive hardback to enjoy reading about your team and perusing the wonderful pictures throughout. A great purchase and I'm not even a Mets fan!!!!

This bok is Great outstanding and helps you walk closer by God side and is inspriationl to all buy this book today!

If you like antiques, quirky experts (nobody can do quirky like the British!), and fabulous finds, you will love this book. You do need to have seen the British version to appreciate it though - I don't know if there is an American book equivalent to tie up with their version of the show.