Bøger i Great American Sports Legends serien

Dozens of the people who know the legendary baseball player best¿teammates, opposing players, friends, fans, hometown acquaintances, and baseball experts and observers¿share their memories of the man and the player in this penetrating biography.

When Unitas unexpectedly died in September 2002, the sports world mourned the passing of a genuine sports hero. In ""Johnny Unitas: Mr. Quarterback,"" dozens of his friends, neighbors, acquaintances, relatives, fans, and teammates present compelling firsthand memories, insights, and testimonials.

Pete Marvich might not have been the greatest basketball player of his generation, but he was unquestionably the most exciting and entertaining. A magician at handling or shooting the ball and the most prolific scorer in college basketball history, Pistol Pete"" was as recognizable as he was flashy. If the mop of brown hair and floppy gray socks didn't give him away, the behind-the-back dribbling and between the-legs passes did. Maravich first captured the nation's attention while playing basketball for his father at Louisiana State University, averaging an incredible 44.2 points per game over three years and earning college player-of-the-year honors in 1970. He went on to play for ten years in the NBA for the Atlanta Hawks, New, Orleans Jazz, and Boston Celtics, garnering NBA First Team honors twice and Second Team honors two other times. In 1976-77 he led the league in scoring with an average of 31.1 points, including a 68-point outburst in a game against the New York Knicks. ""Pistol Pete"" was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1987. Less than a year later, at the age of 40, he collapsed while playing basketball with friends and died an hour later. While he has been gone for more than fifteen years, his on-court showmanship and of-court charisma endure for millions of basketball fans who fondly remember him. In ""Pete Maravich: Magician of the Hardwood, players, coaches, friends, fans, and relatives recall the soft-spoken man who turned away from heavy drinking and turned toward God. Maravich's life is an inspiration for all who love the game of basketball and appreciate the contributions made by one of the best ever to play it.""

Walter Payton was arguably the greatest running back in the history of professional football. A star for the Chicago Bears from 1974 to 1987, Payton rushed for a National Football League career record of 16,726 yards. Known to football fans everywhere as "Sweetness," he helped lead the Bears to a Super Bowl victory following the 1985 season and over the years established himself as one of the sports world's most popular and personable role models. Payton was beloved by his teammates, idolized by his fans, and embraced by business partners. He captured the heart of the Windy City with a graciousness complimented by a spirit of humility and a wonderful sense of humor. Millions mourned in early November 1999 when Payton, a youthful 45, succumbed to cancer after a nearly year-long battle with various health problems. Even in his dying days, however, Payton maintained his dignity, a spirit of community charity, and a legendary ability to pull off practical jokes that would send friends and family reeling with laughter. Before he passed away, he reportedly also renewed his commitment to his Christian faith. His death on November 1 coincided with the day known as All Saints Day in many Christian quarters. In Walter Payton, dozens of his contemporaries, former teammates, coaches, childhood and college chums, business partners, fans, and friends offer in their own words their favorite memories and anecdotes of this man they loved so much. Walter Payton is a warm, entertaining, and inspiring book about a man whose fame transcended the sport in which he competed into the widest realms of life itself.

Pete Marvich might not have been the greatest basketball player of his generation, but he was unquestionably the most exciting and entertaining. A magician at handling or shooting the ball and the most prolific scorer in college basketball history, Pistol Pete"" was as recognizable as he was flashy. If the mop of brown hair and floppy gray socks didn't give him away, the behind-the-back dribbling and between the-legs passes did. Maravich first captured the nation's attention while playing basketball for his father at Louisiana State University, averaging an incredible 44.2 points per game over three years and earning college player-of-the-year honors in 1970. He went on to play for ten years in the NBA for the Atlanta Hawks, New, Orleans Jazz, and Boston Celtics, garnering NBA First Team honors twice and Second Team honors two other times. In 1976-77 he led the league in scoring with an average of 31.1 points, including a 68-point outburst in a game against the New York Knicks. ""Pistol Pete"" was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1987. Less than a year later, at the age of 40, he collapsed while playing basketball with friends and died an hour later. While he has been gone for more than fifteen years, his on-court showmanship and of-court charisma endure for millions of basketball fans who fondly remember him. In ""Pete Maravich: Magician of the Hardwood, players, coaches, friends, fans, and relatives recall the soft-spoken man who turned away from heavy drinking and turned toward God. Maravich's life is an inspiration for all who love the game of basketball and appreciate the contributions made by one of the best ever to play it.""

Dozens of former players, friends, and associates recall the Stengel myth and the Stengel reality. They explore his managing style with great teams and with horrible teams, his pioneering techniques, his humor, his edginess, and his weaknesses. What emerges is a fascinating ride through baseball history. Photos.

If at one time the Dallas Cowboys were America''s Team, Roger Staubach was America''s Quarterback. Roger the Dodger was a real-life embodiment of apple pie, world championships, and role models. Staubach was a Heisman Trophy winner at Annapolis who served four years as a naval officer before going on to a stellar eleven-year career with the Dallas Cowboys that included four NFC championships and two Super Bowl titles. Considered the master of the two-minute offense and late-game comeback, Staubach eventually earned a spot in the Cowboys'' illustrious Ring of Honor and, ultimately in 1985, the Pro Football Hall of Fame.If ever there was a perfect meshing of franchise, coach, and on-field leader, it was the silver-white-and-blue Cowboys of the seventies with Tom Landry strolling the sidelines in his trademark fedora and the unflappable Staubach barking signals. He led the NFL in passing five times, and when he retired at age thirty-seven he departed the game in possession of the highest quarterback rating of all time. After his retirement from football, he pretty much left the game behind, forsaking a shot at coaching or television commentary to focus his energies on the corporate world as chairman and CEO of the Staubach Company, a diversified commercial real estate company.Roger Staubach: Captain America is an oral history of Staubach''s life, times, and career. It is told in the words of dozens of former teammates and opponents, friends, business associates, civic leaders, acquaintances, and others who have known him over the years. Staubach turned sixty in 2002, and this book offers a touching and telling testimonial to a true American hero and role model.

Dozens of former players, friends, and associates recall the Stengel myth and the Stengel reality. They explore his managing style with great teams and with horrible teams, his pioneering techniques, his humor, his edginess, and his weaknesses. What emerges is a fascinating ride through baseball history. Photos.