Sportsbiografier

Among the best pound-for-pound fighters of all time, Willie Pep was a virtuoso of the squared circle. A scientific boxer with balletic defensive skills and a stiff jab, Pep so masterfully evaded his opponents, one remarked it was like battling a man in a room full of mirrors. This book covers his remarkable career, with highlights of each bout.

Cualquier aficionado al be¿isbol en la actualidad reconoce que la Repüblica Dominicana estä bien representada por varios jugadores claves por todas las ligas mayores de be¿isbol. Cuando este libro se publica, unos 800 jugadores nativos de la Repüblica Dominicana han jugado en las mayores-un total de 300 mäs que cualquier otro pai¿s luego de Estados Unidos.El primero fue Pedro Alejandro San, quien lanzó en la Eastern Colored League en 1926 con los Cuban Stars East. Al año siguiente se le unió en el equipo Tetelo Vargas. Pocos años después, el paracorto Horacio "El Conejo" Martínez se unió a los New York Cubans en 1935. Martínez participó en cinco Juegos de Estrellas de las Ligas Negras.El primer dominicano en jugar en la Liga Nacional o la Liga Americana fue Osvaldo "Ozzie" Virgil, en 1956 con los New York Giants, comenzando una carrera de nueve años.En 1983, Juan Marichal-originario de Montecristi al igual que Virgil y San-se convirtiö en el primer pelotero dominicano en ser exaltado al Salön de la Fama del Be¿isbol en Cooperstown. Desde entonces se le unieron Pedro Marti¿nez y Vladiminir Guerrero, y nadie duda que muchos otros les seguirän segün pasen los an¿os.Este libro se creó por medio de los esfuerzos combinados de 41 miembros de la Sociedad para la Investigación del Béisbol de Estados Unidos (SABR) y reúne las biografías de 54 jugadores dominicanos. El libro está disponible en inglés y español.

Mickey Mantle's career was the stuff of legend and in this book, Jonathan Weeks tells us why. Mantle's extraordinary (and at times incredible) tales carry readers on an enthralling journey through the life of one of the most celebrated sports figures of the twentieth century.

Winner of the Cricket Society Literary Award, this vivid biography charts the life of one of the all-time cricketing greats.

Prince Alexander Sergeevich Obolensky made his name on a cold January day at Twickenham in 1936, his achievements captured for posterity by the newsreels of the time. On his England debut, having already scored one exhilarating try, the striking blond winger collected a pass on the right and, path blocked, veered left at such a pace that a line of opponents were left grasping at thin air. It was a historic try, unrivalled in skill and speed - and it inspired England's first ever victory over the All Blacks.Born to a noble family in St Petersburg in 1916, he had been due a life of wealth and privilege, until revolution forced the Obolenskys to flee Russia. Arriving in Britain with just a handful of possessions, they were reduced to relying on handouts, little Alex's very education resting on the charity of others. But as the young boy began his new life in a strange country, it was his natural sporting ability that would bring him lasting fame. The controversial selection for England of a Russian-born prince was a huge story in the press, stirring up xenophobia as well as excitement at the 19-year-old Oxford student's sheer pace. His later exploits on and off the field would keep his name in the papers, yet Alex was destined to win only four international caps, despite touring with the Lions and appearing for the Barbarians. After joining the RAF to serve his adopted king and country, he died at the controls of a Hurricane in March 1940.Bringing a fascinating era to life, The Flying Prince explores the mystery and mythology surrounding Alexander Obolensky, and for the first time tells the full story of the sporting hero who died too young.*****'Well-researched . . . a pleasure to read. There are plenty of colourful characters' - THE TIMES'The fascinating tale of the Russian-born aristocrat who helped England beat the All-Blacks for the first time' JOHN AIZLEWOOD, I NEWS'A first biography from Hugh Godwin, rugby correspondent of the i, and a fine fist he's made of it too' - BEST RUGBY BOOKS 2021'Expertly fills in the gaps . . . Now we have a biography his story deserves' - THE RUGBY PAPER

King of the Fells. Iron man. Lake District fell running legend. Joss Naylor is all of these things and more. His achievements are astounding, his records stand the test of time. In 1983 he completed the 105-mile Lakes, Meres and Waters (LMW) route in a staggering 19hr 14min and to this day, describes it as one of the best routes he ever ran. High praise indeed and yet, so few know of it. Part guidebook, part inspirational regaling, this book interweaves tales of past and present as Naylor reflects on his 1983 epic on a re-walk 37 years later. In the company of award-winning author, Vivienne Crow, Naylor recalls that magical day, sharing stories and anecdotes from, not just his run, but the 1980s fell running scene, his working life and growing up in the Wasdale Valley. Naylor's tales, together with breathtaking photography, are accompanied by basic guide notes for the LMW route, sticking as closely to his 1983 run as possible. These notes divide the route into ten stages (ranging from 9 to 14 miles), allowing runners and walkers to follow in the footsteps of the King of the Fells, albeit on a more relaxed schedule. From Loweswater to Over Water, visiting 27 of the Lake District's largest bodies of water, the LMW route guarantees vistas of unparalleled beauty and an unforgettable experience in true fell country.