Forget Ring Lardner, Grantland Rice, and the others. Jim Murray of the Los Angeles Times was not merely the best writer but the single greatest sports columnist who ever lived - fullstop. Known for his highly descriptive metaphors and phrasing - i.e a strike zone the size of Hitler's heart - Murray was a poet.
This book tells the complete, unvarnished story of the great Tom Seaver, that rarest of all American heroes, the New York Sports Icon. In a city that produces not mere mortals but sports gods, Seaver represented the last of a breed. Here is Tom Terrific of the Amazin' Mets, worthy of a place alongside DiMaggio, Ruth, Mantle, and Namath in the pantheon of New York idols.
Genuine fans take the best team moments with the less than great, and know that the games that are best forgotten make the good moments truly shine. This monumental book of the San Francisco 49ers documents all the best moments and personalities in the history of the team, but also unmasks the regrettably awful and the unflinchingly ugly. In entertaining--and unsparing--fashion, this book sparkles with 49ers highlights and lowlights, from wonderful and wacky memories to the famous and infamous. Such moments include "the Catch" and the magic of Super Bowl XXIX, as well as the joke Gale Sayers made of the 49ers defense one muddy day in 1965 and the 1972 playoff loss to Dallas. Whether providing fond memories, goose bumps, or laughs, this portrait of the team is sure to appeal to the fan who has been through it all.
Set against the backdrop of a pivotal college football game in 1966, the narrative delves into John Wayne's presence in Texas while filming. It offers an intimate look at the cultural clash between the integrated USC Trojans and the all-white Texas Longhorns. The book explores Wayne's complex mythology, touching on his political views, rumored conspiracies against him, and connections to global figures like Stalin and Mao, all while reflecting on the decline of the Western genre.
The book offers a thorough exploration of college football's evolution, tracing its journey from the leather-helmet era to the modern media frenzy. It highlights the sport's significant societal impact, supported by carefully researched insights and complemented by photographs that enhance the understanding of its development over time.
The narrative explores the life and legacy of Tom Seaver, a revered figure in American sports, particularly as a member of the "Amazin' Mets." It delves into his status as a New York sports icon, comparing him to legendary athletes like DiMaggio and Ruth. The book presents an unfiltered account of Seaver's journey, highlighting his unique contributions to the world of sports and his lasting impact on New York's athletic culture.
Set against the tumultuous backdrop of 1975, the narrative reveals the chaotic production of Apocalypse Now, highlighting the challenges faced by Francis Ford Coppola. The original jingoistic script was abandoned, leading to a troubled casting process that saw Harvey Keitel replaced by Martin Sheen, who suffered a heart attack during filming. Marlon Brando's philosophical approach to his role, combined with relentless rain and a hurricane destroying the set, illustrates the film's tumultuous journey. The Philippine government's last-minute diversion of helicopters added to the production's difficulties.
The narrative explores the complex legacy of Candlestick Park, a stadium marked by its unique location on a landfill and its turbulent weather conditions. It highlights the impact of the 1989 earthquake, which delayed the World Series, and the challenges faced by players like Willie Mays due to the stadium's notorious winds. Despite its controversies, Candlestick was the backdrop for significant sports achievements, including the legendary San Francisco 49ers and notable baseball legends, making it a beloved yet contentious venue in sports history.