Download or read book Baseball Maverick written by Steve Kettmann and published by Grove/Atlantic, Inc.. This book was released on 2015-04-07 with total page 404 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: “An intimate portrait of one of the shrewdest, most decorated men to ever occupy the GM chair . . . A really fun read” (Jonah Keri, #1 New York Times–bestselling author of Up, Up, & Away). In 2010, the New York Mets were in trouble. One of baseball’s most valuable franchises, they had recently suffered an embarrassing September collapse and two bitter losing seasons. To whom did they turn? Sandy Alderson, a former marine who got his baseball start in Oakland, where he led a revolution in the sport. The A’s partnered with Apple in 1980, pioneering the use of statistical analysis in baseball, and became a powerhouse—winning the 1989 World Series. Granted unprecedented access to the working general manager over several seasons, bestselling author Steve Kettmann traces Alderson’s history and his revival of the Mets, despite a limited budget, through big trades that brought back high-profile prospects to the development of young aces including Matt Harvey, Zack Wheeler, and Jacob deGrom. Baseball Maverick is a gripping, behind-the-scenes look at a Major League team and a fascinating exploration of what it means to be smart. A Publishers Weekly Top 10 Sports Book for Spring “A fascinating and fresh look at the resurgent team’s winning strategy. Whether you’re a diehard Mets fan like me or just a curious baseball fan in general, you’ll want to read Steve Kettmann’s new book because it’s a compelling human interest story and you will gain insight about how the game has changed.” —Forbes “Extremely well-written and unflaggingly interesting, [Baseball Maverick] will appeal to any baseball fan who wants insight into what GMs do and into how contemporary winning major league baseball teams are built.” —Spitball magazine “Outstanding.” —Dennis Eckersley, Hall of Fame pitcher “Revealing . . . [Alderson] gave serious access to Kettman, an astute reporter.” —George Vecsey, New York Times sports columnist and author of Baseball: A History of America’s Favorite Game

Download or read book Bill Veeck written by Paul Dickson and published by Bloomsbury Publishing USA. This book was released on 2012-04-24 with total page 577 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: William Louis "Bill" Veeck, Jr. (1914-1986) is legendary in many ways-baseball impresario and innovator, independent spirit, champion of civil rights in a time of great change. Paul Dickson has written the first full biography of this towering figure, in the process rewriting many aspects of his life and bringing alive the history of America's pastime. In his late 20s, Veeck bought into his first team, the American Association Milwaukee Brewers. After serving and losing a leg in WWII, he bought the Cleveland Indians in 1946, and a year later broke the color barrier in the American League by signing Larry Doby, a few months after Jackie Robinson-showing the deep commitment he held to integration and equal rights. Cleveland won the World Series in 1948, but Veeck sold the team for financial reasons the next year. He bought a majority of the St. Louis Browns in 1951, sold it three years later, then returned in 1959 to buy the other Chicago team, the White Sox, winning the American League pennant his first year. Ill health led him to sell two years later, only to gain ownership again, 1975-1981. Veeck's promotional spirit-the likes of clown prince Max Patkin and midget Eddie Gaedel are inextricably connected with him-and passion endeared him to fans, while his feel for the game led him to propose innovations way ahead of their time, and his deep sense of morality not only integrated the sport but helped usher in the free agency that broke the stranglehold owners had on players. (Veeck was the only owner to testify in support of Curt Flood during his landmark free agency case). Bill Veeck: Baseball's Greatest Maverick is a deeply insightful, powerful biography of a fascinating figure. It will take its place beside the recent bestselling biographies of Satchel Paige and Mickey Mantle, and will be the baseball book of the season in Spring 2012.

Download or read book License to Deal written by Jerry Crasnick and published by Rodale Books. This book was released on 2005-05-25 with total page 328 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The movie Jerry Maguire and HBO series Arli$$ barely skimmed the surface. Now the true inside story of the sports agent business is exposed as never before. During baseball's evolution from national pastime to a $3.6 billion business, the game's agents have played a pivotal role in driving and (some might say) ruining the sport. In a world of unchecked egos and minimal regulation, client-stealing and financial inducements have become commonplace, leading many to label the field a cesspool, devoid of loyalties and filled with predators. Matt Sosnick entered these shark-infested waters in 1997, leaving a job as CEO of a San Francisco high-tech company to represent ballplayers--and hoping to do so while keeping his romantic love of baseball and his integrity intact. License to Deal follows Sosnick as he deals with his up-and-coming clients (his most famous is the 2003 rookie-of-the-year pitching sensation Dontrelle Willis). We become privy to never-before-disclosed stories behind the rise of baseball's most powerful agent, Scott Boras. And we get a novel perspective on the art of the deal and the economics of baseball. By one of baseball's most respected sportswriters, who is now ESPN.com's lead Insider baseball reporter, License to Deal, like Michael Lewis's bestselling Moneyball, will provide fuel for many a heated baseball discussion.

Download or read book Bill Veeck written by Paul Dickson and published by Bloomsbury Publishing USA. This book was released on 2012-04-24 with total page 449 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Draws on primary sources and more than 100 interviews in a richly detailed portrait of the influential baseball team owner and promoter, providing coverage of such topics as his relationships with his Chicago Cubs president father, his struggles with formidable war injuries and his steadfast advocacy of integration. 40,000 first printing.

Download or read book Baseball Rebels written by Peter Dreier and published by U of Nebraska Press. This book was released on 2022-04 with total page 440 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In Baseball Rebels Peter Dreier and Robert Elias examine the key social challenges—racism, sexism and homophobia—that shaped society and worked their way into baseball’s culture, economics, and politics. Since baseball emerged in the mid-1800s to become America’s pastime, the nation’s battles over race, gender, and sexuality have been reflected on the playing field, in the executive suites, in the press box, and in the community. Some of baseball’s rebels are widely recognized, but most of them are either little known or known primarily for their baseball achievements—not their political views and activism. Everyone knows the story of Jackie Robinson breaking baseball’s color line, but less known is Sam Nahem, who opposed the racial divide in the U.S. military and organized an integrated military team that won a championship in 1945. Or Toni Stone, the first of three women who played for the Indianapolis Clowns in the previously all-male Negro Leagues. Or Dave Pallone, MLB’s first gay umpire. Many players, owners, reporters, and other activists challenged both the baseball establishment and society’s status quo. Baseball Rebels tells stories of baseball’s reformers and radicals who were influenced by, and in turn influenced, America’s broader political and social protest movements, making the game—and society—better along the way.

Download or read book Snowboard Maverick written by Matt Christopher and published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. This book was released on 2009-12-19 with total page 73 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Dennis O'Malley is a master on his skateboard. Although everyone else he knows skis all winter, a bad skiing accident has left him afraid to try it again. But when his friend Tasha gets a new snowboard, Dennis begins to wonder if he can turn his skateboarding abilities into snowboarding abilities. As he tries to develop his skills, he is challenged by rival snowboarders who make him doubt himself on his board. Can Dennis overcome his fears on the slopes in time to prove them wrong?

Download or read book A Maverick s Heart written by Roz Denny Fox and published by Harlequin. This book was released on 2016-07-01 with total page 126 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: HIS NEW WESTERN HOME Lila Jenkins's Montana ranching town roots run deep. So why does the widowed B and B owner feel so connected to her latest boarder? Seth Maxwell might know his way around horses, but he's a wanderer, not a rancher. Lila's son thinks Seth's the hero he's been waiting for. And—heaven help her—so does Lila. Seth loves hunting for rare gems in remote areas, but maybe it's time to make a change. The footloose adventurer is tempted by rumors of sapphires in a nearby mine, but it's Lila and her boy who make Snowy Owl Crossing and the idea of a ranch to share feel like home…

Download or read book Mound Maverick written by Shena M Cotter and published by Independently Published. This book was released on 2024-07-06 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: MOUND MAVERICK: A tale of Talent, Hard work and Triumph -The Paul Skenes Story Mound Maverick: The Paul Skenes Story" is a gripping tale of talent, determination, and the relentless pursuit of baseball excellence. This captivating biography traces the meteoric rise of Paul Skenes, from a promising high school athlete to the most coveted pitching prospect in a generation.Readers will be thrust into the heart of Skenes's journey, beginning with his formative years in Southern California, where his passion for baseball first took root. The narrative takes an unexpected turn as Skenes chooses the rigorous path of the United States Air Force Academy, defying conventional wisdom and showcasing his exceptional character. The book provides an intimate look at Skenes's transformation from a talented two-way player to a pitching phenomenon during his pivotal season at Louisiana State University. Through vivid storytelling, readers will experience the electric atmosphere of Alex Box Stadium as Skenes rewrites record books, leads his team to a national championship, and cements his status as the top prospect in college baseball."Mound Maverick" doesn't shy away from the pressures and challenges Skenes faces as he transitions to professional baseball. It offers an insider's view of the MLB draft process, the weight of being selected first overall, and the daunting task of living up to immense expectations.More than just a sports biography, this book delves into the mental fortitude and unwavering work ethic that set Skenes apart. It explores how his unique background, including his time at the Air Force Academy, shaped his approach to the game and life.With exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes details, and expert analysis, "Mound Maverick" paints a comprehensive portrait of a young athlete on the cusp of stardom. It's a must-read for baseball fans, sports enthusiasts, and anyone inspired by stories of exceptional talent meeting unrelenting determination.As Paul Skenes stands poised to potentially reshape the landscape of Major League Baseball, this book offers readers a chance to witness the making of a pitching legend. "Mound Maverick: The Paul Skenes Story" is not just about baseball-it's about the pursuit of greatness against all odds.

Download or read book Swinging 73 written by Matthew Silverman and published by Rowman & Littlefield. This book was released on 2013-03-21 with total page 275 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Interest and attendance were dropping, and football was ascending. Stuck in a rut, baseball was dying. Then Steinbrenner bought the Yankees, a second-division club with wife-swapping pitchers, leaving the House That Ruth Built not with a slam but a simper. He vowed not to interfere—before soon changing his mind. Across town, Tom Seaver led the Mets’ stellar pitching line-up, and iconic outfielder Willie Mays was preparing to say goodbye. For months, the Mets, under Yogi Berra, couldn’t get it right. Meanwhile, the A’s were breaking a ban on facial hair while maverick owner Charlie Finley was fighting to keep them underpaid. But beneath the muttonchops and mayhem, lay another world. Elvis commanded a larger audience than the Apollo landings. A Dodge Dart cost $2,800, gas was a quarter per gallon. A fiscal crisis loomed; Vietnam had ended, the vice president resigned, and Watergate had taken over. It was one of the most exciting years in the game’s history, the first with the designated hitter and the last before arbitration and free agency. The two World Series opponents went head-to-head above the baby steps of a dynasty that soon dwarfed both league champions. It was a turbulent time for the country and the game, neither of which would ever be the same again.

Download or read book The Integration of Major League Baseball written by Rick Swaine and published by McFarland. This book was released on 2009-06-08 with total page 280 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book is a record of the men and events, team by team, during Major League Baseball's integration. It focuses especially on the owners, executives and managers who were the heroes, villains or spectators of integration, and it sheds new light on the unheralded champions of integration and on those whose culpability has so far been overlooked. Individual chapters cover each of baseball's integration-era teams, and a final chapter covers expansion teams of the 1960s. Each team's responsible individuals are examined, its acquisition, deployment and treatment of black players documented, and the effect of its integration actions on team performance analyzed. Appendices provide populations of integration-era Major League cities, first black players by team, first black players in various minor leagues, rosters of black players by team, a timeline of black player milestones, and a list of black All-Star selections through 1969.

Download or read book Ball Four written by Jim Bouton and published by Rosetta Books. This book was released on 2012-03-20 with total page 716 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The 50th Anniversary edition of “the book that changed baseball” (NPR), chosen by Time magazine as one of the “100 Greatest Non-Fiction” books. When Ball Four was published in 1970, it created a firestorm. Bouton was called a Judas, a Benedict Arnold, and a “social leper” for having violated the “sanctity of the clubhouse.” Baseball commissioner Bowie Kuhn tried to force Bouton to sign a statement saying the book wasn’t true. Ballplayers, most of whom hadn’t read it, denounced the book. It was even banned by a few libraries. Almost everyone else, however, loved Ball Four. Fans liked discovering that athletes were real people—often wildly funny people. David Halberstam, who won a Pulitzer for his reporting on Vietnam, wrote a piece in Harper’s that said of Bouton: “He has written . . . a book deep in the American vein, so deep in fact that it is by no means a sports book.” Today Ball Four has taken on another role—as a time capsule of life in the sixties. “It is not just a diary of Bouton’s 1969 season with the Seattle Pilots and Houston Astros,” says sportswriter Jim Caple. “It’s a vibrant, funny, telling history of an era that seems even further away than four decades. To call it simply a ‘tell all book’ is like describing The Grapes of Wrath as a book about harvesting peaches in California.” Includes a new foreword by Jim Bouton's wife, Paula Kurman “An irreverent, best-selling book that angered baseball’s hierarchy and changed the way journalists and fans viewed the sports world.” —The Washington Post

Download or read book America s Game written by Michael MacCambridge and published by Anchor. This book was released on 2008-11-26 with total page 610 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: It’s difficult to imagine today—when the Super Bowl has virtually become a national holiday and the National Football League is the country’s dominant sports entity—but pro football was once a ramshackle afterthought on the margins of the American sports landscape. In the span of a single generation in postwar America, the game charted an extraordinary rise in popularity, becoming a smartly managed, keenly marketed sports entertainment colossus whose action is ideally suited to television and whose sensibilities perfectly fit the modern age. America’s Game traces pro football’s grand transformation, from the World War II years, when the NFL was fighting for its very existence, to the turbulent 1980s and 1990s, when labor disputes and off-field scandals shook the game to its core, and up to the sport’s present-day preeminence. A thoroughly entertaining account of the entire universe of professional football, from locker room to boardroom, from playing field to press box, this is an essential book for any fan of America’s favorite sport.

Download or read book Inside Maverick s written by Grant Washburn and published by Chronicle Books. This book was released on 2006-09-21 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Every winter when the ocean buoys start to read 10-, 15-, and 20-feet, the coast of Half Moon Bay, California, is transformed by an enormous wave called Maverick's. Recognized as one of the most dangerous big wave surf breaks in the world, Maverick's is big, cold, and sickeningly powerful. It's the best show in town, but until now you could only see it through a pair of binoculars. Inside Maverick's brings you right onto the sickening ledge of a 75-foot wave with jaw-dropping photographs and gritty insider accounts of what it's really like out there. Sports columnist Bruce Jenkins and Maverick's surfer Grant Washburn have interviewed top big wave surfers Peter Mel, Zach Wourmhoudt, Evan Slater, and others to discuss every aspect of the freakish wavefrom the paddle out to the terrifying drop to the inevitable and brutal wipeouts. Covering fifteen years of incredible surfing with photos that have never before been published, Inside Maverick's grants unparalleled access to this legendary wave and the elite core of big wave surfers that are obsessed with challenging it.

Download or read book Watching Baseball Seeing Philosophy written by Raymond Angelo Belliotti and published by McFarland. This book was released on 2015-01-28 with total page 198 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: There are uncanny connections between nine baseball greats and the great thinkers of the West. This book offers a very practical application of Western philosophy by examining these icons of American sport and culture. The intensity and single-mindedness of Ted Williams breathes life into Camus' Sisyphus; Billy Martin's maniacal competitiveness recalls Niccolo Machiavelli's take on politics, which he characterized as a zero-sum game; the homespun philosophy of Satchel Paige echoes the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius; and the many facets of Joe DiMaggio's personality cry out for the resolution that Nietzsche's doctrine of perspectivism might have given. Also covered are the connections between Joe Torre and Aristotle; Jackie Robinson and Antonio Gramsci; Mickey Mantle and St. Thomas Aquinas; John Franco and William James; and Jose Canseco and Immanuel Kant.

Download or read book Bouton written by Mitchell Nathanson and published by U of Nebraska Press. This book was released on 2022-04 with total page 448 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Bouton examines the remarkable life of a player and an author who forever changed the way we view not only sports books but professional sports as a whole.

Download or read book Twilight of the Long ball Gods written by John Schulian and published by U of Nebraska Press. This book was released on 2005-01-01 with total page 198 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: When he does venture into the big leagues, Schulian gives us the underdogs and the human touches, from Bill Veeck peg-legging toward retirement as the game's last maverick team owner, to musings on Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe at Christmas, to Studs Terkel's reflections on baseball."--BOOK JACKET.

Download or read book The Unforgettable Life of Fritz Peterson written by Elijah Mark and published by Independently Published. This book was released on 2024-04-14 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Step into the extraordinary world of Fritz Peterson, where the game of baseball intertwines with the complexities of love, loss, and the pursuit of happiness. In "The Unforgettable Life of Fritz Peterson," embark on a captivating journey through the highs and lows of a true baseball maverick. As a stalwart pitcher for the New York Yankees during the turbulent late 1960s and early '70s, Peterson's journey on the diamond was filled with triumphs and challenges alike. From his debut on the mound to his rise as an All-Star and 20-game winner, Peterson's achievements on the field are nothing short of legendary. But it is off the field where Peterson's story truly comes to life. Delve into the captivating tale of the infamous wife swapping incident that rocked the baseball world, revealing the depths of human connection and the power of love to defy convention. Through Peterson's candid reflections, witness the profound impact of this unconventional decision on his life and those around him. With warmth and sincerity, Peterson invites you into the inner sanctum of the clubhouse, sharing intimate moments and cherished memories from his time with the Yankees and beyond. From playful pranks to heartfelt camaraderie, experience the bonds forged through the shared pursuit of greatness. But Peterson's journey extends far beyond the confines of the baseball diamond. Discover the resilience and determination that defined his post-baseball career, from his transition to insurance salesman and blackjack dealer to his ventures into writing and authorship. "The Unforgettable Life of Fritz Peterson" is more than just a baseball memoir-it is a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit and the profound impact of love, loss, and the game of a lifetime. Join Fritz Peterson as he takes you on a wondrous journey through the triumphs and tribulations of a life lived to the fullest.