Raise your hand if you skimped on your assigned reading in school? If you aren’t raising your hand you’re lying. I guess some of you denied the greatness of spark notes or your inherent ability to BS. If you were like me, maybe one night you’d dedicate your time and do the reading but no way was it happening two nights in a row when there was sports to watch or video games to play. I’m not sure if my interests and time commitments at that age would allow me to develop the love of reading I have today, but I can tell you I certainly wasn’t in love with reading textbooks or some of the other actual reading books we were required to read. The reason I love reading now is that I get to choose what I read. Below are 15 sports books I really enjoyed and I’d certainly love to hear some of yours…
(in alphabetical order)
Always By My Side by Jim Nantz
This book is mostly an autobiography of Nantz’s interesting journey but a big part of it is his relationship with his father. I read this book while my dad and I drove from Minneosta to California as I was wrapping up my summer broadcasting in the Northwoods League and returning to college. After reading the book, inspired by Nantz’s relationship with his dad, I promise my dad if I ever got to call a Major League game I’d have him right there for it. On July 7, 2015 I got to honor that promise.
Ball Four by Jim Bouton
Bouton takes you along for the ride during his 1969 season which includes a trade from the Seattle Pilots to the Houston Astros. He also goes through his career with several laughs along the way.
The Blind Side by Michael Lewis
Not only is Michael Oher’s story inspirational, but it is very interesting. Lewis tells it while examining the growing value of the left tackle position. He goes into certain detail and provides a certain verity that the movie, as good as it was, does not.
The Book of Basketball by Bill Simmons
This is long but filled with all sort of information. Whether it is rankings that fuel internal debate or stories that spark interest, the book covers so much history and provides so much information about the great sport of hoops.
Clemente by David Maraniss
As someone who didn’t live through Clemente’s career, I only knew the stories I had heard. This book, given to me by one of my mentors and high school basketball coach, Jaye Andrews, helped me truly understand the impact and the importance of Clemente.
Friday Night Lights by Buzz Bissinger
Friday Night Lights hit the trifecta: awesome movie, aweome TV show, awesome book. Some of the content you’ll have already consumed if you saw the movie but as is often the case, the book is not only more accurate but more in-depth about what that scene truly was like. Mindblowing.
Lords of the Realm by John Helyar
No book details the history of baseball better than this one.
Lucky Bastard: My Life, My Dad, and the Things I’m Not Allowed to Say on TV by Joe Buck
I love Joe Buck and think he’s an outstanding broadcaster and absolutely hilarious off air. This book gives you a look into his upbringing with some raw honesty on certain controversies while always injecting more than a dash of humor.
Moneyball by Michael Lewis
Whether you agree with all, some, or none of the “Moneyball” philosophies, it is an interesting look into the Oakland front office’s unique way of thinking.
MVP Machine by Travis Sawchik and Ben Lindbergh
A very interesting look into data-driven player development and how it is changing the world of baseball.
The Only Rule is It Has to Work by Ben Lindbergh and Sam Miller
What if two stats dorks actually ran a baseball team? Here’s that exact experiment.
A Season on the Brink by John Feinstein
One of many awesome sports reads from John Feinstein. This one takes you inside the Bob Knight-led Indiana Hoosiers team during its 1985-86 season.
The System by Armen Keteyian
Armen takes you inside a few college programs and alongside some central figures in college football like Mike Leach. His weaves vignettes in and out while providing unique insight.
Those Guys Have All the Fun by James Andrew Miller
Want to learn about the history and evolution of ESPN with some fun stories along the way? Here you go…
Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
One of the best stories involving a sports figure that not enough people know about. Truly unbelievable.