LeBron James is simultaneously on the cutting edge of basketball greatness and a cultural icon. Some see him as the second coming of Michael Jordan as both an exceptional talent and a marketing marvel. This biography offers a well- rounded portrait of James unprecedented rise to basketball superstardom in a dizzying short span of time.
Focusing on his illustrious career, this biography chronicles Johnny Mize's journey from a rural Georgia upbringing to becoming a dominant power hitter in Major League Baseball. Celebrated for his time with the St. Louis Cardinals, New York Giants, and New York Yankees, Mize played a crucial role in five consecutive World Series victories. The narrative highlights his MVP accolades, All-Star selections, and contributions to the science of batting, culminating in his Hall of Fame induction, reflecting on his lasting impact on the sport.
Since the NHL's founding on November 26, 1917, hockey has become a global favorite. Following the closure of the National Hockey Association (NHA), the NHL emerged as a cornerstone of the sport. Among the many teams that have existed, six are celebrated as the Original or Traditional Six: the Montreal Canadiens, Boston Bruins, New York Rangers, Chicago Blackhawks, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Detroit Red Wings. In this work, Lew Freedman invites readers to explore the NHL's origins and its evolution. The book is organized into six sections, detailing the histories and narratives of these iconic teams that embody the league's spirit. It covers their formation, early challenges, and contributions to the game's development. This work appeals to both devoted fans and casual observers, offering insights into how hockey transformed into one of the world's most entertaining sports. Skyhorse Publishing, along with its Sports Publishing imprint, is dedicated to producing a diverse range of sports literature. Whether you're a fan of baseball, football, basketball, hockey, or soccer, there’s a title for you. Committed to spotlighting often-overlooked subjects and authors, the publisher aims to provide a platform for unique voices in sports writing.
The biography delves into Peyton Manning's dual identity as a celebrated athlete and a complex individual. It offers insights into his career with the Indianapolis Colts, highlighting key moments and achievements while also examining his personal life, character, and the values that shaped him both on and off the field. Through a detailed narrative, readers gain a deeper understanding of Manning's impact on football and his legacy as a leader.
The narrative chronicles Johnny Vander Meer's remarkable achievement of pitching two consecutive no-hitters in 1938, a record that remains unmatched. Despite early promise and becoming a four-time All-Star, injuries hindered his career, leaving him with a .500 record. The story also highlights the Cincinnati Reds' journey through triumphs, including two National League pennants and a World Series title, alongside the challenges of World War II and the tragic suicide of a teammate, painting a complex portrait of perseverance and legacy.
With 363 victories, Warren Spahn is the winningest left-handed pitcher in baseball history. During his 21-year career, Spahn won 20+ games thirteen times, was a 17-time All Star, a Cy Young–award winner, and was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1973. In addition, Spahn was also a war hero, serving in World War II and awarded the Purple Heart. To say Spahn lived a storied life is an understatement. In Warren Spahn, author Lew Freedman tells the story of this incredible lefty. Known for his supremely high leg kick, Spahn became one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history. However, the road wasn’t as easy as it would seem. Struggling in his major-league debut at age twenty, manager Casey Stengel demoted the young left. It would be four years before Spahn would return to the diamond, as he received a calling of a different kind―one from his country. Enlisting in the Army, Spahn would serve with distinction, seeing action in the Battle of the Bulge and the Ludendorff Bridge, and was awarded a battlefield commission, along with a Purple Heart. Upon his return to the game, he would take the league by storm. Spahn dominated for over two decades, spending twenty years with the Braves (both Boston and Milwaukee), as well as a season with the New York Mets and San Francisco Giants. Pitching into his mid-forties, he would throw two no-hitters at the advanced ages of thirty-nine and forty. From his early days in Buffalo and young career, through his time and the military and all the way to the 1948 Braves and “Spahn and Sain and Pray for Rain,” author Lew Freedman leaves no stone unturned in sharing the incredible life of this pitching icon, who is still considered the greatest left-handed pitcher to ever play the game.
The biography explores the life of Denton "Cy" Young, a pioneering pitcher who set unparalleled Major League records during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Originating from a small-town Ohio farming background, Young's journey to becoming an early baseball celebrity showcases his exceptional talent and impact on the sport. His legacy is marked by supreme standards on the mound, with achievements that continue to resonate in baseball history.
The 1930 Major League baseball season was both marvelous and horrendous, great for hitters, embarrassing for pitchers. In totality it was just this side of insane as an outlier among all seasons. Major League Baseball began with the founding of the National League in 1876. In the 143 seasons since then one season stands out as unique for the astounding nature of hitting. Baseball people frequently refer to the anomaly of the 1968 season when pitching so thoroughly dominated that just a single batter hit more than .300 in the American League. During that season, the St. Louis Cardinals’ Bob Gibson compiled a 1.12 earned run average. During that season, the Detroit Tigers’ Denny McLain compiled a 31-7 record on the mound. That was the first time in 34 years any pitcher won 30 games in a season – and it remains the last time this was accomplished. Several books have been written covering this unusual season. The 1930 baseball season was the flip side of 1968, the hitter’s version when 78 players batted .300, when the entire National League averaged .300 and some of the greatest individual performances established all-time records. The 1930 season is a wild, sometimes unbelievable, often wacky baseball story.
Chronicling the remarkable journey of the 1980 Philadelphia Phillies, this book delves into the team's challenges, triumphs, and key players that led to their historic World Series victory. It highlights pivotal moments in the season, the strategies employed by the coaching staff, and the resilience of the players. Through detailed accounts and personal anecdotes, readers gain insight into the team's dynamics and the passionate fanbase that supported them, making this a compelling narrative of perseverance and achievement in sports history.
A standout pitcher, Hoyt Wilhelm's baseball career spanned two decades, marked by eight All-Star selections. His journey to the major leagues was unconventional, as he debuted at nearly 30 years old. Before his baseball success, he served as a veteran in the Battle of the Bulge. Wilhelm played for notable teams including the New York Giants, Baltimore Orioles, Chicago White Sox, and Atlanta Braves, showcasing his talent and resilience in both sports and life.