Sports Legends

Lloyd Daniels learned to hoop on the playgrounds of Brooklyn and Queens during the 1980s. "Swee'pea" they called him. His rep on the court traveled all the way to the Bronx and across the country, earning him enthusiastic comparisons to the likes of Magic Johnson. Swee'pea was sure to make it to the big time and out of a New York City where drugs and violence had gripped many of its neighborhoods. Eventually he did, leaving the city's asphalt courts for the shiny hardwoods of NCAA programs.

In August 1939, Alice Marble graced the cover of Life magazine, photographed by Alfred Eisenstaedt. She was a glamorous worldwide celebrity, having that year won singles, women's doubles, and mixed doubles tennis titles at both Wimbledon and the US Open, then an unprecedented feat. Yet today one of America's greatest female athletes and most charismatic characters is largely forgotten. Queen of the Court places her back on center stage.

Why is Green Bay, Wisconsin, nicknamed “Titletown?” Does “icing” the kicker of an opposing team actually work? Do sewer systems in some cities really get flooded during halftime on Super Bowl Sunday? Dig in to get the real stories behind these and other great football myths and legends!

Nothing is ever constant in the tumultuous world of pro wrestling! On the eve of their victory over the most powerful family in wrestling history, Leilana Ito and Dana Harding look forward to a bright future, but that perfect ending is snatched away when Leilana disappears. Desperate to find her, Dana starts on a country-wide search, spurred on not only by friendship, but something stronger: love! Meanwhile, Leilana faces a gauntlet of rigged matches, hidden spies, and psychological torture as a 'guest' of the Von Richters.

Imagine sitting down with the greatest sports legends and unlocking the mindset that made them champions. From Michael Jordan's relentless work ethic to Serena Williams' mental fortitude, and Tom Brady’s leadership, Take a Legend to Lunch reveals life-changing lessons in resilience, leadership, and success from 100 iconic athletes. Whether you're an entrepreneur, CEO, coach, or someone striving for personal excellence, these stories will inspire you to adopt the mindset and strategies of champions. Packed with motivational lessons and timeless wisdom, this book is your key to unleashing ...

Did the U.S. men’s Olympic hockey team really win the gold medal by beating the Soviet Union in 1980? Do Detroit Red Wings fans really throw octopuses onto the ice at home games? Do hockey players really get to take the Stanley Cup home with them? Get ready to learn the real stories behind these and other great hockey myths and legends!

Born and raised in rural Mississippi and the even balmier climes of central Florida, Red Barber, at the age of thirty-two, became one of New York City's most influential citizens as the play-by-play announcer for the Brooklyn Dodgers. But behind all the base hits, balls, and strikes lies a compelling story that dramatizes the shifting expectations and roles of a public figure—the sports broadcaster—as he adapted to complex cultural changes throughout the course of twentieth-century American life.

This book recounts the slugger's life before, during, and after his headline season of 1961, when the taciturn North Dakota native topped Babe Ruth's all-time record by hitting 61 homers. From his youth as a star high-school athlete and American Legion baseball player, Maris went on to big-time sports with the Cleveland Indians, Kansas City Athletics, New York Yankees, and St. Louis Cardinals.

The legendary sportswriter and the Hall of Fame, 11-Time NBA Champion coach separate the music from the noise in the stories of the greatest who ever played and their impact on the game.

Newspapers called him the “the man with the cast-iron toes,” “the best drop-kicker in wrestling,” and “one of the mat game's biggest box office attractions.” But Dr. John “Dropkick” Murphy's legacy extends far beyond the wrestling ring. Decades before the Betty Ford Center became a household name—and long before the band the Dropkick Murphys named themselves in his honor—the phrase going to Dropkick’s meant a person struggling with addiction needed help and would soon get some.

Leaps, turns, and handsprings are hard enough, but when a beam is added, difficulty is maximized. In this book, gymnasts will learn the best tips and tricks to conquering the balance beam.

14 Minutes is the memoir of Alberto Salazar, the most accomplished, charismatic, and controversial marathoner in history. The narrative follows Alberto's boyhood in New England, his rise to stardom at the University of Oregon, his dramatic victories in the New York City and Boston Marathons, his long malaise due to injuries, which resulted in a near-suicidal depression; his resurgence due to intense spiritual experiences and discipline; his close alliance with Phil Knight and the Nike corporation; and describes his numerous near-death experiences.

Among these biographies, listeners will find aviators and artists, politicians and pop stars, athletes and activists. The exceptional men featured include artist Aaron Douglas, civil rights leader John Lewis, dancer Alvin Ailey, filmmaker Oscar Micheaux, musician Prince, photographer Gordon Parks, tennis champion Arthur Ashe, and writer James Baldwin.

No sport is more enthralling than boxing - called “the noble art” and the “sweet science”. As famed boxing announcer Larry Merchant once noted, boxing is the “theater of the unexpected”. Its storied history has seen momentous bouts, the breakdown of racial barriers, and fights of the century. In this thrilling 18-part audio series, the inimitable David L. Hudson, Jr. takes you on a thrilling ringside ride.

With unparalleled access to Postecoglou himself and a career spent pitch-side, leading Australian football writer Vince Rugari presents a comprehensive portrait of one of the sport's most enigmatic figures. Traversing the world interviewing players, coaches, colleagues, friends and foes alike, Rugari brings to light the tenacity, innovation and passion that have driven Postecoglou to the pinnacle of football management.

As one of the world's most popular sports, and with races in far corners of the globe, F1 is big business. With unparalleled insight and decades of reporting, they describe the pivotal moments which have driven the sport to new heights - the influx of tobacco advertising, the Concorde agreement, television deals, the reign of Bernie Ecclestone, and the huge popularity of Drive to Survive.

It’s a reality that athletes take more turns than most at public speaking and therefore provide both exemplary and cautionary examples to the rest of us. In Jock Talk, Beth Levine points out, in a pithy and poignant way, what executives can learn from these examples. Jock Talk candidly examines the public comments of athletes, coaches, and team owners. Their stories serve to illustrate five foundational communication principles that will help you find your best voice and communicate in a way that will build support, reputation, and business.

From star players and powerhouse teams to historic moments and record-breaking stats, this action-packed book is filled with full-color photos, fun facts, and must-know trivia. Dive into the history of the world’s most beloved tournament, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the players, coaches, and unforgettable games that have shaped the World Cup legacy.

Murray Walker was the voice of Formula 1, matching the thrill of the track with his equally fast-paced and exhilarating commentary, delivering the euphoria of motor racing to millions. Commentating on his first grand prix for the BBC at Silverstone in 1949, Murray's broadcasting career spanned over 50 years. His natural warmth and infectious enthusiasm won great affection with audiences, whilst his passion and knowledge of motorsport allowed him to hone his instinctive presenting style into a craft.

In Bill Russell: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Legendary Centers, you will learn the incredible story of one of basketball's greatest players of all time, Bill Russell. In his 13-year career, Bill Russell accomplished what many NBA players today would dream of. He was an 11-time champion, 12-time All-Star, and five-time Most Valuable Player. He won the MVP award so many times that the league renamed the trophy after him in 2009! Listen to find out more.