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"Never Finished: Unshackle Your Mind and Win the War Within" by David Goggins: If you read Goggin's first book, "Can't Hurt Me", then you'll also enjoy this one. Goggins has a unique mental toughness, strengthened by his time as a Navy Seal and ultra-marathoner. His brash, no nonsense approach doesn't work for everyone, but you have to respect his unwavering authenticity.
"Barkley: A Biography" by Timothy Bella: Bella does his homework, interviewing more than 370 people to get at the facts and memorable stories that have made Sir Charles such an entertaining figure. Barkley's "second career" as a broadcaster is a testament to his work ethic and endearing personality. While several former athletes have gone the broadcasting route, Barkley's ability to be himself have set him apart, a characteristic he didn't always have as a youth.
"Swagger" by Jimmy Johnson: You can't argue with Johnson's success. A national championship at the University of Miami and winning two consecutive Super Bowls with the Dallas Cowboys puts him in elite company. I enjoyed Johnson's perspectives on scouting players, as he discusses the special sauce that isn't always visible on film or in a player's measurements. Johnson's "feel" for players and the game was unique.
"Good For A Girl" by Lauren Fleshman: Fleshman was an elite college runner and became a national champion as a professional. While she certainly draws on her experiences running at the highest level, she also rightfully points out the ways that female sports can be improved. Fleshman coaches elite female runners today and is a refreshing voice to get more girls involved in sports and then avoid the pitfulls that often plague these athletes.
"Got Your Number" by Mike Greenberg: I grew up listening to Greeny on ESPN radio, and while I don't get paid to have sports debates, I enjoy them nonetheless. This is easy reading full of thought provoking arguments and bias that can often make you shake your head; the true testament to a good sports book.
"RingMaster" by Abraham Riesman: When I was about eight years old, I attended a WWF event in my hometown. It was probably the greatest thing I had ever been to up to that point in my life. Of course, I had no idea that it was fake, or that a man named Vince McMahon was the brainchild behind something so crazy, yet so cool. McMahon created an empire, and Riesman goes deep by interviewing more than 150 people to tell his story.
"Wake Up With Purpose" by Sister Jean with Seth Davis: Many now know Sister Jean due to Loyola Chicago's recent success in the NCAA men's basketball tournament. Of course, her story is much more than that, and she's seen it all in her 102 years. There's a lot of wisdom in this book, with stories from her time teaching during World War 2 to her interactions today with students who simply need some perspective.
"Feherty" by John Feinstein: Feherty is somewhat of a troubled soul, but a likeable one, who's voice (along with Jim Nance) has become a staple in the golf world. Feinstein is a great writer that I highlighted previously and goes to great depths to get at the man behind the voice.
"Why We Love Baseball" by Joe Posnanski: Posnanski is a legendary baseball writer, and there are a lot of stories in this book that even great fans of the game will find interesting. For example, he pays homage to his favorite player as a kid, Duane Kuiper, who hits his first home run after 3,000+ at bats.
Posnanski is a frank and authentic storyteller; someone that despite his love for the game tells it like is.
Baseball fans young and old will enjoy this.
Posnanski is a frank and authentic storyteller; someone that despite his love for the game tells it like is.
Baseball fans young and old will enjoy this.
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