Sportsbiografier

Jack Carroll was the greatest drawcard in the history of Australian boxing. During a 16 year career, Carroll was the Australian welterweight champion, the uncrowned Australian middleweight champion and a top contender for the world welterweight title in the 1930s, however, he is rarely mentioned among Australia's greatest ever boxers.Jack Carroll and The Rise of Australian Boxing recounts Carroll's boxing career, from his days as a preliminary fighter to his struggle to secure recognition as Australia's leading boxer, to his record-breaking contests with top contenders Bep van Klaveren, Jimmy Leto, Izzy Jannazzo, Wesley Ramey, Jack Portney, Willard Brown and Tod Morgan.Also featured is the golden period of Australian middleweight boxing that brought Australian boxing back to popularity. Jack Carroll's contests with Australian middleweight champion Fred Henneberry and the great Aboriginal boxer Ron Richards were among the biggest fights in Australian boxing history. The story of the heated ten-fight rivalry between Fred Henneberry and Ron Richards as well as the savage trilogy between Jack Haines and Ambrose Palmer are told in detail for the first time in this book.With detailed fight descriptions, extensive career biographies of many of Australia's forgotten boxing stars and rare interviews sourced from newspapers, Jack Carroll and the rise of Australian boxing is a must-read for fans of Australian sport. 

If you ever wanted to know how a World Record Middle-Distance runner trained from 1963-1971 and his thoughts about racing and life in America this is the book for you. He presents his ideas as a dialogue to the reader in everyday language with a touch of humor. You will get a look at aspects of growing up on the South Side of Chicago in the 1950’s in an ethnic Slavic working class neighborhood and becoming a world class athlete who graduated from world class universities, Northwestern and The University of Chicago. He provides his exact workouts that led to a spectacular racing season in 1969 that ended with a 1000 yard run world record tie with Peter Snell, the Olympian from New Zealand. The training is for the 18-30 year old runner who is still competing and training independently who still aspires to greatness and improvement and is looking for a system that works. He offers to coach you using cyber technology worldwide. You will have an e-mail discussion board to communicate with athletes worldwide. The book is illustrated with 100 photographs of running and Chicago landmarks, many in color.The author relates his experiences in Russia during 1968 on a college cultural trip, how he trained preparing for the US Olympic tryout, interesting people he met, and Moscow and the Soviet Union.He comments about black and white athletes he knew, and has a dedication to Ted Haydon, the respected icon of track and originator of the University of Chicago Track Club. He tells the story of competing on the National Champion UCTC 2-mile relay team. The author is an economics professor. He digresses to offer some observations about the US Economy and Russian foreign policy today. These are further analyzed in depth in an upcoming book. You will get a look into a time of dynamic change from 1965-1970. This book is for people of all ages. 

The Beveled Edge is a memoir of Kevin Braun who was born and raised in Northern California. His story begins with two young parents, Lee and Joy, struggling to raise their boys on a homestead during the early 1970's. The main character and his brother are forced to figure things out on their own when their parents' divorce and move to separate towns. As he grows older, the young man develops a sense of overconfidence that is a cover for some of his shortcomings and personal failures. He eventually pursues a reckless lifestyle which leads into a world of love and loss. Several journeys are made in an attempt to re-discover who he actually is. There will be a voyage across the Sea of Cortez, hiking alone in blinding snowstorms, and a trip to Europe with his best friend Brian. Time and again, Kevin finds that his only true salvation is found while pursuing an extreme passion for skiing. The slopes of Lake Tahoe and deep powder in Snowbird, Utah gave Kevin the strength and fortitude that he was so desperately seeking. The author lives with his wife, Jacqueline, and their children on five acres of rugged land near Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Prison or Passion is a collection of vulnerable and eloquent poems from R.K. Russell, who has started and played in the NFL since 2015, for the Dallas Cowboys and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With bare honesty, walloping punchlines, and endearing flare, Prison or Passion captures the struggles of being a young boy without a father, and the strength that comes from building your own definition of manhood. There is a glimpse into the duality of abandonment and finding one's self. The book also encompasses grand moments in life: falling in love, healing through transparency, football triumphs, the simple pleasure of waking up next to the one you love. R.K. Russell recaptures the subtle cries of a young boy and the creation into the man that would have protected him, ensuring that his words will become your personal creed-and will call you to protect the young and innocent.

Das Buch ist eine autobiografische Erzählung besonderer Art. Begebenheiten in der Kindheit und Jugend des Autors bergen kleine interessante Geschichten. Der Lehrerberuf in der ehemaligen DDR, der Fall der Mauer, das Wirken von "Stasi" und Treuhand, Aktienhandel sowie Hausbau im Alter von 55 Jahren werden aus seiner Sicht beleuchtet.Die ungewöhnlichste und nahezu unglaubliche Geschichte ist jedoch die, in welcher der Autor im Rentenalter als Hobbysportler in der Sportart Wasserspringen trotz Handicap zu trainieren beginnt, mit 72 Jahren seinen ersten Wettkampf bestreitet und letztendlich eine Medaille im Turmspringen bei den Weltmeisterschaften der Masters 2017 in Budapest erringt.

In September 2017, amateur British football coach Justin Walley became the "National Team" Manager of Matabeleland, an obscure international team in western Zimbabwe.Before him lay the seemingly impossible task of taking his group of unknown amateur footballers from an impoverished region of Africa to the "alternative world cup" - the CONIFA World Football Cup in London, the following summer. All that stood in his way was the small matter of no money, no resources, no salary, no visas, and no sponsors. There was one football, though… but no goal nets.One Football, No Nets tells of one man's leap of faith into the unknown, swapping life with his girlfriend and a third division football team in Eastern Europe for international football management in Africa. It was to be a journey that would take Walley through the toppling of President Robert Mugabe, a collapsing financial system, and travelling to away games in rural Africa with 17 players in one pickup truck. And, oh yes, Liverpool legend Bruce Grobbelaar becomes Walley's goalkeeping coach after a meeting at an M6 motorway service station.And just when Walley thought his adventure could not get stranger or more surreal, he fulfilled the lifelong dream of playing international football at the age of 47, was accused of being a Kremlin spy, became a mini-celebrity on Russian TV, and was announced as the new foreign brand ambassador for Tatarstan.One Football, No Nets is the extraordinary story of one man chasing his dream of changing the world through football, and of one day becoming an international football manager.Reviews"Both a compelling personal journey and a lively, touching love letter to the pure spirit of football, packed with incident and never dull." Stuart Maconie, Radio DJ and popular culture critic."Matabeleland's struggle against fearsome odds to get to the 2018 CONIFA World Cup in London gets the fuller coverage it merits in a compelling diary from team coach Justin Walley." When Saturday Comes"I recommend this; not your usual anodyne football book" Brian Moore, former World Rugby Player of the Year and England international, presenter and pundit."A cracking story and one that features the power of football and friendship on the journey. Walley tells it well ... he even persuades Liverpool legend Bruce Grobbelaar to become the Matabeleland goalkeeping coach at an M6 service station." Late Tackle magazine

Charles P. Riney has spent decades battling health problems, but through it all, he has refused to be average.The longtime educator discovered he had lupus in 1984 when he spent a month in the hospital. Suffering from kidney issues, he took prednisone and gained sixty pounds in a single week. He was swollen everywhere, and his kidneys almost shut down.He suffered his first heart attack during graduation day at Guilford High School in Rockford, Illinois, where he was teaching. Six years later, he suffered another one.Despite his health challenges, he kept a positive attitude-even if a former student was shaving his groin area in preparation for surgery.Join the author as he celebrates his love for education and a contagious enthusiasm for refusing to let health problems limit his prospects in A Guy Named Charley.It's been my good fortune that Charley Riney and I have been friends for more than 50 years. He and I attended Loras College together, and as an athlete, he displayed intensity and focus, was highly competitive and always had a 'can do' attitude. Those qualities, and more, have served him well over the years in his various roles as teacher, coach, and businessman, and they continue to serve and guide him as he now battles numerous serious health issues.-Greg Gumbel, CBS sports announcer

Drawing inspiration from the history of the game in our country and some older inspirational Australian football books, Surfing for England - Our Lost Socceroos looks at the players who might have or could have played for Australia but who didn't, for one reason or the other. It starts with Craig Johnston and continues right to the current day with 'righting the wrongs' of those who did want to play for Australia but who had to fight to do so in the landmark FIFA ruling known as the 'Cahill Rule'. The book includes eight pages of colour images highlighting some of our 'lost Socceros'.

As the first African American player in major league base-ball, Jackie Robinson had the eyes of the nation upon him. The pressure was incredible; not only did he constantly face prejudice-from ignorant fans, malicious players, and even bigoted sportswriters-but he also carried the hopes and expectations of all those who were rooting for him. Most mortals would have been crushed, but Jackie Robinson was no ordinary man. Maintaining both his dignity and calm while under attack, Robinson handled the stress heroically and delivered top-notch performance. His first year he batted .297, was chosen to be Rookie of the Year, and two years later, he was voted the league's MVP.Not surprisingly, there has been plenty of media coverage on such an iconic and groundbreaking player, but in Jackie Robinson: My Own Story, Robinson's experiences both on and off the field are presented in his own words. This account (as told to the veteran sports writer Wendell Smith) was written soon after Robinson's first year in the majors. It helps us understand the forces that influenced this much admired superstar as well as gives us insight into what it was like to live and perform under unfathomable pressure. Jackie Robinson has left an indelible mark on baseball history. In fact, his jersey, number 42, is the only number to be retired for all teams in the majors. For any baseball fan interested in one of the game's true greats, both on the field and off, Jackie Robinson: My Own Story is an engaging must-read.

More than 150,000 Copies Sold in the I Remember Series Ageless Sam Snead made golf look easy with his silky-smooth swing, and he played the game at an elite level longer than any other golfer. His accomplishments were phenomenal: a PGA Tour record of eighty-one career victories, including Greensboro at age fifty-two; seven major championships, including three Master's titles and three PGA Championships; a round of 59 in 1959 at age forty-six; and induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame. Snead was perhaps the sport's most graceful and limber champion. Together with Ben Hogan and Byron Nelson, who also were born in 1912, Snead formed what arguably was golf's greatest triumvirate of competitors. These three men nearly dominated golf for much of the 1940s and well into the 1950s. Even past the age of seventy, Snead battled his way onto leader boards against men a generation younger than he. He was a star attraction for many years on a Senior PGA Tour he helped pioneer. When Snead passed away in May 2002, he left behind a life filled with stirring accomplishments as well as stunning heart-breaks. I Remember Sam Snead includes detailed reminiscences of Slammin's Sammy"" as told by dozens of the players and people who knew him, including Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Lee Trevino, Chi Chi Rodriguez, Fuzzy Zoeller, early tour days traveling companion Johnny Bulla, and many other friends and golf writers.""

John Cangelosi: The Improbable Baseball Journey of the Undersized Kid from Nowhere to World Series ChampionA born and bred New Yorker, John Cangelosi's claim to fame was as a super-quick base stealer with a tremendous work ethic. He played on that 1997 Florida Marlins team that surprised everyone by wining the World Series. In this biography, he teams up with noted sports writer K. P. Wee to share his stories of growing up in Brooklyn and what it took to become an MLB player. This is an inside look at a real everyman of baseball, full of stories about stealing bases against legendary pitchers and catchers, and how it felt to celebrate the first championship in Marlins history."[Cangelosi] put forth the effort in the way he played, and he got back to the big leagues. You salute guys like that. And that's why with the younger players, you just tell them, 'Hey, look. You wanna try to get to the big leagues? Do what he does. Show up, and play hard every night." -Terry Collins, former Buffalo Bisons manager and Houston Astros manager"If you have that blue-collar work ethic and not give up on your dreams, anything can happen. That's what happened for me in those years in the 1990s." -John Cangelosi

The question was, would she be the victim of itching powder on the toilet roll?As a youngster, why did I trash library books for fun?Will the Friday Boys survive the 20-foot waves of the monstrous river Wye? In my 57 years, I have survived my parents marriage, my parents divorcing, death and adoption.I have spent 30 years plus, pimping barristers out and pumping up their egos'.I've played most ball sports there is, taught strange folk to drive cars, sold houses and delivered rabbits and hamsters all over the UKI will introduce you to the world renowned Friday Boys too.Now if that's not exciting, what is? I am an ordinary chap who has been lucky to travel to far-flung places and lived to tell the tale.I hope you find this book humourous, informative and a joy to read.If you do enjoy this book half as much as I've lived it, we will both be very happy.

An Englishman in Texas is a memoir by Ron Kenney, an English jockey who came to the United States in 1960. His autobiographical account begins with his childhood in the northeast of England during WWII. He goes on to describe how, with no knowledge of horses, he was sent four hundred miles from home at 14 years of age to apprentice as a jockey. He'd been turned away by the foreman at the coal mine because he was too small. The story follows Kenney through his coming of age to his coming to America when he was 30. It follows his fortunes in pursuit of the American Dream. Kenney tells of riding horses for some of the wealthiest and most famous horse trainers in Texas. He tells of his loves and his betrayals, and he introduces the people who helped him along the way.

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.

James J. Corbett and Joe Choynski were destined to spill each other's blood.In the beginning, the boxing legends were simply two lads scratching and clawing to find their way in the world. They grew up a mile apart on San Francisco's mean streets during the 1880s, ran in rival neighborhood gangs, and earned tough reputations as teenagers for their fistic prowess.Corbett loved to play the role of the dandy, working as a bank teller and always dressing to the height of fashion. His gentlemanly appearance often deceived the brawlers he boxed in the gritty Barbary Coast saloons. From the start, he displayed a natural elusiveness and speed that would eventually revolutionize boxing and win him the World Heavyweight Championship.Yet Corbett's road to glory almost ended prematurely due to a feud with Choynski, who proved his equal in the ring. Choynski developed a brawny physique in those early days as a candy puller and blacksmith before entering the ring with raw power and energy that electrified crowds. Soon, San Francisco wasn't big enough for the two-up-and-coming pugilists. Locals clamored for an illegal "fight to the finish" to determine who was the city's best boxer. A parade of colorful socialites, gamblers, newsmen, and sporting hacks entered the scene as they tried to secure the match as they tried to outwit law enforcement. Along the way, tensions swirled around the hype from outside forces who saw the Irish Corbett or Jewish Choynski as representatives of their ethnic pride. Club bragging rights also played a part in the drama. For the boxers, however, the fight was simply a matter of pride. Losing was not an option.What ensued would captivate boxing fans for generations to come. The Corbett-Choynski feud resulted in arguably the most savagely contested fight in the annals of boxing history - an epic, twenty-seven round brawl under the blistering California sun on a barge anchored near the sleepy port town of Benecia.This is their legend . . .

The author of ""The Ultimate Golf Trivia Book"" gathers candid memories and insights into ""the Hawk"" through more than 100 original stories and observations offered by friends, peers, partners, and apprentices.

This book deals with the sporting life of fifteen Australian Rugby League players who almost reached the pinnacle of their sporting career. Sadly, for many reasons, they were to fall at the final hurdle. The book also gives fascinating insights into the players' lives off the field-one player gaining the second-highest military honour during World War I and another dying while en route to England to represent his country. One player was to lose his life in the most bizarre and mysterious circumstances while another remains somewhat of a mystery even to this day. Whilst essentially a book about Rugby League players, it is also a book about the extraordinary lives of sportsmen.

Despite being considered the greatest coach in the history of the game, Hogan is also the great mystery man of British football. His significance has so far been misunderstood by historians and his influence misapplied.

Gerald Grant Leeman emerged from a life of poverty and addiction to become one of the greatest wrestlers and most beloved coaches in American history. Nicknamed "Germ" due to his small stature, Gerald and his nine siblings lived hardscrabble childhoods, but their Osage, Iowa, roots grew deep and served them well. In Germ's case, those humble beginnings taught lessons that led to three state high school wrestling titles; serving as a Naval carrier pilot; an NCAA championship during which he was named Most Outstanding Wrestler; an Olympic silver medal; and a storied coaching career at Lehigh University. The son of an alcoholic father, Gerald battled the disease later in life with grace and dignity, and became a glowing example of the power of recovery and redemption. Tough Street illuminates Germ's expansive impact on his siblings, teammates, children, and, most poignantly, his wrestlers at Lehigh, where famed Grace Hall's arena bears his name. Gerald Leeman lived the American Dream.• "God gave Gerald Leeman abilities no one else could have. Leeman was an artist in our sport. It's difficult to describe unless you saw him. He is the greatest wrestler I ever saw, and I've seen them all." - Bill Nelson, three-time NCAA champion and 1948 Olympian• "The thing about Gerry is you could surround him with chief executives of any company, politicians from all over the world, with farmers or Indian chiefs, and he would soon be ruling the room. He had that presence, that aura." - Kirk Pendleton, 1963 NCAA champion• "Gerry Leeman was a legend who absolutely loved the sport. Going into Grace Hall - The Snake Pit - for a dual, well, Leeman would fill the place up and those partisans would pound their feet on the metal bleachers. The noise was so intimidating." - Donald Rumsfeld, former Princeton wrestling team captain and United States Secretary of Defense• "Gerald Leeman was so much more than our coach. He was a molder of men, an educator who used the lessons of strife on the mat to form foundation in his boys, enabling them to achieve fame, fortune and esteem in their lives. This is his legacy." - Mike Caruso, three-time NCAA champion

An Unexpected HonorIt happened on May 1, 2011 on Sunday afternoon with about seventy-five friends, former kickers and families of former kickers, coaches, my family, and other friends from the church and community. The Thomasville Athletic Boosters Club, the Thomasville Athletic Department and others from the community had made the arrangements. They had raised enough money to replace the old original post and add one at the other end of the field. This field is not only used for football practice and track and field, but soccer is also played there. It is probably one of the best facilities of its kind around. This facility was named "The Allen Brown Athletic Complex" in honor of retired football coach Allen Brown. So having the goal posts dedicated to me on that Sunday afternoon was a great honor.There were several speakers who said some very complimentary things, pointing out the two beautiful new goal posts that were being dedicated to me. Then my attention was called to a plaque that was placed on the wall of the Allen Brown athletic Complex.I was overwhelmed by all the wonderful things said and the honor I received. I was also amazed at the number of friends who were there to share this moment with me. I really didn't think I deserved this much adulation. As I told them, I have enjoyed it so much because of all the rewards received in seeing these young men progress and become successful in their journey through life.

Baseball Under the Palms: A History of Miami Minor League Baseball - The Early Years (1892-1960), tells the fascinating story of the growth of hardball from its humble beginnings, to organized play, and team participation in "outlaw leagues." This led to the eventual acceptance of a minor league baseball team in Miami by the National Association. This sometimes included affiliations with major leagues teams. Along the way, some of baseball's most legendary names including the likes of Chico Fernandez, Pepper Martin, Satchel Paige, and Woody Smith passed through Miami, either on their way to illustrious minor or major league careers or finishing out their celebrated moments in the sun.This work is the first of its kind that brings to light the full spectrum of the history of minor league baseball in Miami. The inspiration for us writing Baseball Under the Palms, emanated from, The Forgotten Marlins: A Tribute to the 1956-1960 Original Miami Marlins. For lovers of our national pastime, we bring to light the richly varied and illustrious history of teams and leagues; once at the forefront of local baseball.

This collection of personal memories of Chicago Bears star Walter Payton, who died in November, 1999, is compiled from recollections of those who know Payton best. Illustrated.

In the Olympics, some countries are historically or exceptionally dominant in certain sports. However, Rio 2016 proved that China dominated table tennis like no other country did any other sports. According to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Chinese National Team's "Dominance Score" in table tennis was the highest of any sport at 63.9, while Team USA's in basketball was only 42.9! Hate them if you want, but the "CNT" is what every national team dreams to be! Until the rest of the world reengineer how to play and how to win the game, the "CNT " will continue to dominate the people's republic of table tennis for a very long time. All the tips are inside.

An exciting story of the immigration struggles of an Indonesian family.  Fleeing their home country, they spent ten years in Dutch immigrant camps.  After receiving permission they came to America, with a dream of freedom!  One family member took that dream and reached the impossible!  Young Chris made his way, through countless obstacles, to establish his name in U.S.C. football lore.  This pint-sized nobody, etched his name into Trojan and Rose Bowl history!  Few gave him a chance to succeed in a game of giants. He wouldn’t be denied!  Earlier, he met a young coach from Oklahoma.  Although Chris and “Coach D” came from totally different backgrounds, they teamed to develop a new kicking style in California high school football.  The rest is history!  The kid, with a big heart, taught us to “reach for the stars!”  Chris Limahelu will always be: “#11 - The Little Trojan That Could!”

Kurt Diemberger's Summits and Secrets is a mountaineering autobiography like no other. It is a must-read for those wanting an insight into the life and achievements of one of the toughest high-altitude climbers the world has ever known.

Shayne Burgess was born near Hastings in 1964. All he ever wanted to do was play darts. At the peak of his career, he went on to become World Number Three. Like many in his era, he found himself embroiled in The Split, which rocked the darts world in 1993 and changed the game forever. His story, however, is like nobody else's. From smuggling cigarettes to eating roadkill, life on the road meant living in the back of a campervan. Mixing it with the greats of the game, but often down to his last penny, this is the true story of what it is like to play professional darts. What goes on tour no longer stays on tour...

Against All Odds is the true story of Alan Nebauer's remarkable experiences in the 1994-95 BOC Around the World Race for single-handed sailors. Sailing as a Class II competitor aboard the 50-foot (15.2 m) Newcastle Australia, Alan Nebauer had to endure incredible difficulties in a race that lasted almost eight months and covered 27,000 nautical miles.This book recounts the author's rescue of a fellow English competitor, his experiences of being dismasted and rounding Cape Horn with a jury rig, and the loss of his rudder north of the Falkland Islands, sailing with a steering oar to Uruguay. Beyond this, it is a testament to Alan's extraordinary courage and determination in the face of overwhelming odds, and to his outstanding seamanship for which he deservedly won two awards."Australian sailors, including Don McIntyre, David Adams, and others, have stamped an incredible imprint on the rich legacy of the classic BOC Challenge single-handed yacht race around the world. None, however, have faced the daunting obstacles Alan Nebauer confronted and overcame in his remarkable Newcastle Australia campaign. His first-hand account of his star-crossed voyage is a lesson in perseverance and, ultimately, a tale of triumph."Herb McCormickExecutive Editor, Cruising WorldBOC Media Relations Manager"Sailing around Cape Horn under jury rig is like climbing Mount Everest in thongs. Alan's seamanship and tenacity is tremendous."David AdamsWinner of Class II of the 1994-95 BOC Challenge and competitor in 1990-911995 Australian Yachtsman of the Year"Alan Nebauer's love of the sea and his determination not to be defeated by the challenges he faced in the world's most gruelling yacht race is positively contagious. The result is a page-turning thriller that those with an ounce of salt in their veins cannot afford to miss."Alan LucasCircumnavigator and author

Winning the state championship in football-crazed Texas is the holy grail for high school coaches. Newton, Texas, is a sleepy little town nestled in the piney woods of southeastern Texas where the residents live for what they lovingly call "Friday night church."In December 2018 a video of the Newton Eagle coach went viral on sports and non-sports platforms as millions of people watched. In his emotional postgame interview, W.T. Johnston recounted how he had been given only a few months to live. But during his long coaching career, every one of his teams heard the same message. "I told them I was going to teach them football, but I was going to teach them something more important. How to live until you die."This is the story of a remarkable coach and the miracle that allowed him to pursue championship dreams. Between the White Lines is a story of courage, faith, and community that will inspire and challenge you.