Sportsbiografier

It's a tennis story. It's a family story. It's a teamwork story. It's the story of how I got to where and who I am today.

The most unlikely Hall of Famer Dave Bancroft should not be in the Baseball Hall of Fame. He emerged from his Iowa hometown as an undersized shortstop without batting skills. Signed by one of the 300-plus minor league teams at age 17 in 1909, he lasted only three weeks before being cut, then joined another team and was released again. His rise to become enshrined in Cooperstown as one of baseball's all-time greats was unfathomable. More importantly, baseball placed Bancroft at the game's best vantage point across nearly one century. This view allowed him to observe the modern evolution of the game through international travel, the fallout of two world wars, racism, women's rights and the Great Depression. He met practically every renowned person connected to pro baseball . . . and countless others with astounding backgrounds and fates. He greeted royalty and presidents, film stars and music sensations, boxing champs and snake oil chumps, needy kids and spoiled moguls. Along the way, Bancroft:--Changed how shortstop was played--Became a groundbreaking switch hitter--Earned the flattering but bizarre nickname "Beauty"--Delivered the most precise support of the designated hitter 50 years before it happened--Played in a 51-minute, 9-inning game--Managed three women's professional baseball league teams--Suffered one the sport's most vicious attacks from another player during a game--Appeared on what may have been baseball's first TV broadcast--Played every inning in four World Series, including three extraordinary matchups between the New York Giants and New York Yankees in the early 1920s--Attended several of the earliest night-game experiments--Holds the longest-standing season record for fielding chances by a shortstop--Remains the only player to hit six singles in a nine-inning game and score in four straight innings. Bancroft thrived as a major New York sports hero and languished on dangerous bus rides as manager of the minor league St. Cloud Rox. With his health failing on January 31, 1971, he ate a chicken dinner with his devoted wife, Edna, of 60 years when the phone rang at their modest northern Wisconsin home. Dave listened and spoke softly. "Oh, my God," he told the caller, "that's the nicest thing I've ever heard." He made the Hall of Fame.

It's said that amazing things happen when you're in the right place at the right time. Right place, right time was a reality one early morning as I walked down the shed row of the barn at the racetrack toward my boss, Jim. I will never forget him looking up from the newspaper and saying to me, "e;Well, jock, do you want to ride races?"e; I was so angry when he said that because in those days, women were not allowed to be jockeys. I remember thinking, I am as good as any guy on a horse but I can't ride races because it is a male dominated sport. Jim looked at me and said, "e;Look at this article in the paper."e; Sure enough, a woman, Kathy Kusner, had applied for a jockey license. This would change history, my life, and the lives of many other women who wanted to pursue non-traditional careers. I am the 4th woman jockey in US history to ride and win a race at a recognized track. I am also the first woman jockey to win races in Arizona and Colorado, and the first woman jockey to become a member of the male Jockey Guild. It has been over 50 years since I rode my first race. Since I'm not getting any younger, I decided it was about time that I wrote my story, because it is so unique. Hope you have as much fun reading it as I did living it.

La vita è un patrimonio Mondiale, la verità è un patrimonio mondiale. Il Maestro di Arti Marziali è un uomo che conserva la vita. Il Maestro delle Arti Marziali è un uomo che vive alla ricerca della verità. Ogni Maestro di Arti Marziali è un patrimonio mondiale. Egli è l'umile custode "del Gesto" che racchiude la storia e la tradizione del Mondo. Egli non ricerca una verità materiale, egli non ricerca una verità esoterica. Egli, silenziosamente, cerca di migliorare la vita in ogni singolo uomo perché ogni singola vita ha bisogno di una guida e la vita, racchiude milioni di grandi verità...

An entertaining and wryly amusing collection of mini-essays on cricket by much-loved pundit

Matthew Saad Muhammad was arguably the most exciting fighter of all time. He was WBC light-heavyweight champion from 1979 to 1981, but it wasn''t what he did that captured the hearts of fight fans, it was how he did it. Fight after fight was war after war. He would get beaten up, cut, dropped and virtually knocked out only to astonishingly rally and score come-from-behind victories. But through it all there was a shocking backstory. Abandoned by his birth parents aged just four, Matthew was raised in a Catholic orphanage and then adopted by a Portuguese family. He fell into a life of gangs and prison before boxing provided an escape, becoming a vehicle for him to find his real identity: who was he, and who were his parents? His rise to stardom was followed by a long, sad decline as he travelled the world trying to reclaim his former glories. He spent his final years in a Philadelphia homeless shelter, plagued by health issues. This is the definitive account of Matthew''s incredible but heart-rending story.

The Game is a multifaceted reflection on sport. It is part memoir, outlining Tadhg Coakley's time as a player and fan, and how sport has shaped his life. But it also tackles sport on a universal scale--the good and the bad--and its immeasurable influence on our world. For fans, sport can be all-consuming. Indeed, we are consuming sport in ever greater gulpfuls, often blindly. It has a dark side; it is rife with corruption, sexism, homophobia, nationalism, and a raft of toxic masculine behaviour, and Coakley interrogates his own attitudes on each of these fronts. On the other hand, sport builds all manner of valuable connections and communities, and in sport--as in art--people can forge their own identities with grace, imagination, and the possibility of what may be. This duality is one of the most fascinating aspects of sport. Written with warmth, openness, and keen insight, The Game is an entertaining and thought-provoking meditation on the uniquely intense highs and lows of loving sport in today's world.

Fourth Down, Forever to Go is the moving true story of small-town Texas football coach Ken Little, who inspires all-win or lose-to be their best both on and off the field. But as his underdog team is fighting their way to the State Championship, Ken is diagnosed with a terminal illness that has him fighting for his very life-a life that wasn't measured on the scoreboard, but by a legacy of mentorship, social change and a family he loved. "In Texas, football is king. It has been portrayed in Hollywood and around the world in films and books for good reason. But there would be no Friday night 'lights' without the hard work and dedication from the many coaches that push the athletes to become the best version of themselves. These coaches work long hours and often serve as the only father figure in many kids' lives. They help bridge racial, economic and social divides and become an integral part of the community. Fourth Down, Forever to Go is an intimate look into the life of one such coach: Ken Little. In a battle for his life against cancer off the field, he joined longtime friend and rival Dickey Meeks in leading an improbable turnaround of the Henderson Lions from 1-9 in 2008 to the brink of the 2010 Class 3A State Championship. Whether you are a coach, a business executive or just looking for an in-depth look into what really goes into creating those Friday night 'lights, ' Fourth Down, Forever to Go is a must read."-Joe Martin, Executive Director, Texas High School Coaches Association; State Championship winning coach with Garland, 1999; Texas HS Football Hall of Fame, Class of 2020"I have covered sports from Texas to New York and I can attest that in Texas, football is a religion. Much like churches, the football programs oftentimes define the communities that they represent. This is especially true in small towns across the state. My father was a coach, and I have been around athletes my entire life. Often overlooked, it is the hard work and dedication of the many coaches and educators that push the students and athletes to work hard, overcome adversity and achieve greatness, even beyond the game of football. Fourth Down, Forever to Go is an in-depth view into the coaching profession and the impact it has on the lives of the young men that play it. It is a story about working hard, respecting others and overcoming adversity in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds."-Michael Coleman, KLTV 7 Sports Director

Abu Dhabi Na Fianna is one of the world's fastest growing GAA clubs. It is the only club that has hosted the GAA World Games as well as countless Inter-County teams and a GAA All-Stars tour. This book charts the meteoric rise to fame of Na Fianna from the perspectives of the ten Chairmen who led the organisation's 25-year journey. Each shared a messianic desire to lead the club with influence and impact. Their incisive recollections immerse you in a concoction of trials, tribulations and triumphs. Through gripping and exposing narratives, extraordinary adventures are relived. Each chair waxes lyrical about the importance of surviving and prospering. Over 100 internal and external stakeholders submit enlightening testimonials, and the best teams from various eras are chosen. The results of psychometric tests performed on each Chair allow readers to gain insight into the minds of these luminaries. The club's extensive philanthropy work is also highlighted. Recollections penned in this epic journey can now be bequeathed to future club members, and moved into history.

A Martial Arts Legend Meets the King of Rock 'n RollDave Hebler, a surviving member of the Memphis Mafia, was Elvis' Kenpo Karate instructor and personal bodyguard on tour, on the road and at home from 1972-1976. This book illustrates how Elvis used many moves he learned from Hebler on stage to drive fans wild. It also contains new information about how martial arts informed Elvis Presley's life."Dave Hebler's The King's Bodyguard will serve as an inspiration to many martial arts fans and aspiring fighters for his tenacity and loyalty, and as a standup Kenpo Karate pioneer. He earned the right to defend the King of Rock 'n Roll."- Donnie Williams, Bishop and Co-Founder of the BFK (Black Karate Federation) Grand Master 10th degree Kenpo, martial arts Hall of Fame member, actor - "Enter The Dragon", "A Force Of One." "Elvis could not have made a better choice of people to guard him against harm. Dave Hebler lives by the code of the Bushido, the ancient Japanese set of ethics for samurai warriors, although our Art doesn't require it. He's as loyal as a Pitbull and twice as fierce under fire. The King was always in good hands when Dave Hebler was on the job." - Chuck Sullivan, Filmmaker, Author, and a Grandmaster 10th Degree Black Belt and longest documented practitioner of Kenpo Karate in the United States"Dave Hebler's The King's Bodyguard brings me all the way back to the golden days of martial arts and Kenpo karate. Dave's account is authentic and stirring."- Bill "Superfoot" Wallace, Actor and Pioneer Martial Artist, World Middleweight Kickboxing Champion and Professional Karate Association World full-contact Karate ChampionDAVE HEBLER is the author of The Elvis Experience (2018) and three other books: Solutions, Making it out Alive, and How to Survive Encounters of the Worst Kind. He is also co-author of Elvis What Happened? He lives in Wichita Falls, Texas.

Fourth Down, Forever to Go is the moving true story of small-town Texas football coach Ken Little, who inspires all-win or lose-to be their best both on and off the field. But as his underdog team is fighting their way to the State Championship, Ken is diagnosed with a terminal illness that has him fighting for his very life-a life that wasn't measured on the scoreboard, but by a legacy of mentorship, social change and a family he loved."In Texas, football is king. It has been portrayed in Hollywood and around the world in films and books for good reason. But there would be no Friday night 'lights' without the hard work and dedication from the many coaches that push the athletes to become the best version of themselves. These coaches work long hours and often serve as the only father figure in many kids' lives. They help bridge racial, economic and social divides and become an integral part of the community. Fourth Down, Forever to Go is an intimate look into the life of one such coach: Ken Little. In a battle for his life against cancer off the field, he joined longtime friend and rival Dickey Meeks in leading an improbable turnaround of the Henderson Lions from 1-9 in 2008 to the brink of the 2010 Class 3A State Championship. Whether you are a coach, a business executive or just looking for an in-depth look into what really goes into creating those Friday night 'lights, ' Fourth Down, Forever to Go is a must read."-Joe Martin, Executive Director, Texas High School Coaches Association; State Championship winning coach with Garland, 1999; Texas HS Football Hall of Fame, Class of 2020"I have covered sports from Texas to New York and I can attest that in Texas, football is a religion. Much like churches, the football programs oftentimes define the communities that they represent. This is especially true in small towns across the state. My father was a coach, and I have been around athletes my entire life. Often overlooked, it is the hard work and dedication of the many coaches and educators that push the students and athletes to work hard, overcome adversity and achieve greatness, even beyond the game of football. Fourth Down, Forever to Go is an in-depth view into the coaching profession and the impact it has on the lives of the young men that play it. It is a story about working hard, respecting others and overcoming adversity in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds."-Michael Coleman, KLTV 7 Sports Director

Arsenal wasted no time in signing local starlet Bukayo Saka for their academy at age 9. In the year Bukayo was born, the Gunners were a footballing force who went on to take a historic trophy double. But the club faded as the years went by. Now a new era has come. Arsenal are looking forwards rather than back. Their future is Bukayo Sako: a talent who excites fans in the Premier League and beyond. About the Football Rising Stars series:Football Rising Stars dives into the incredible journeys of ten of the world's best young players. Featuring fresh talents from England, Portugal, Norway, France, Germany and Spain, the series covers their unique rise; from playing football in the park and 5-a-sides to performing in front of capacity crowds on the biggest stage and in the biggest leagues.

"...by far the most valuable book ever written on Palmer." -John Markon, Richmond Times-DispatchArnie: Inside the Legend is the most definitive and personal answer ever written to the question, "What is Arnold Palmer really like?" Unlike other books on Palmer, it does not focus on his golf game. Instead, it views him as a man-his relationships with his friends, golfing colleagues, business partners, and family.The result is a portrait of a Palmer whose fans-"Arnie's Army"-adore him, including, for instance, a woman hit on the shoulder by an errant drive in 1988. When Arnie arrived at the scene, she pointed to her shoulder and gushed, "This is such an honor to be hit by you. This is the greatest day of my life!" Arnie gave her a gallant kiss on the cheek, then gave her the ball as a souvenir. Respect and affection flow back and forth between Palmer and his fans in a way unprecedented in modern sports.Also included in Arnie: Inside the Legend are stories of how Palmer handles success and failure off the golf course and of his longstanding rivalry with Jack Nicklaus. Arnie: Inside the Legend is the next best thing to a long conversation with Palmer about his life and career, hopes and dreams.

Facing 350 years to life, it seems unreal and yet it was very real for me in 1996. My life was turned upside down and my hopes and dreams of playing in the NBA were shattered because of my poor choices; choices that ultimately sent me to prison for 15 years and changed my path in life. While I am still haunted by the fact that I am a two-striker and can easily fall back in to the system according to the 3-strike law, I am a changed man who sees life differently and whose mission now is to help youth not fall into the temptations that I faced.We all face trials and challenges in our lives. My story, while perhaps more dramatic than the average person, is a testament as to how one can not only survive difficult circumstances but can also come out stronger for having lived through them. My hope is to inspire and encourage readers to live their best life and to appreciate the freedoms that we all have in this country.

The last forty years have seen a massive change in the delivery of healthcarein the UK. Starting from well outside the establishment, SteveBollen negotiated his way through prejudice and personal problemsand, from a base in one of the most socially deprived areas in the UK,rose through the ranks to become one of the country's leading sportsinjury surgeons. Part autobiography, part observation, comment and commentaryon the Health Service, health, life, love and death, sprinkled withstardust from his long association with top sportsmen and women,his story shares the laughter, tears, frustrations and triumphs of a longand fulfilling surgical career.

The Real Story of the Negro Leagues is an account that has needed to be told since before 1920. With the new revelation of Major League Baseball accepting Negro League statistics, it makes this book even more relevant today.There are a multitude of players who toiled in anonymity simply because of the color of their skin. This book brings to light the people who made the Negro Leagues happen, as well as the players and executives who allowed it to flourish.There are Negro League players who have become household names, while others, who had a major influence in its success, have gotten ignored over time. Most people believe that Jackie Robinson was the first African American to play Major League Baseball. He wasn't. Jackie actually signaled the end of Negro League baseball. Jackie's accomplishments were monumental, but there is a rich history that led up to that moment. That rich history is where we will begin. The struggles these great players faced and degradation they had to endure is a testament to the resolve of these individuals. Their love and desire for the great game of baseball made them tackle obstacles others would never attempt.This is a story of triumph over all odds. This is "the real story of the Negro Leagues."