Name: Virginia Horse Racing
Brand: Virginia C. Johnson
SKU: 9781596294394
Price: 21.99 USD
Availability: InStock

Virginia Horse Racing

9781596294394

$21.99

Virginia, mother of presidents, is also the mother of American horse racing. From the very beginning, Virginians have risked it all on the track as eagerly as on the battlefield. Follow the bloodlines of three foundation sires of the American Thoroughbred through generations of rollicking races and larger-than-life grandees wagering kingly stakes, sometimes on horses not yet born. How did the horse nicknamed Damn His Eyes get protection money from other horse owners? What did it mean to "tap the claret" to break a neck-and-neck tie? Why was Confederate cavalry so much better than Union--was it the riders, or was it the mounts? All these and many more stories of horsemanship on and off the track fill the pages of Virginia Horse Racing: Triumphs of the Turf.

Marist Football

9781609498092

$21.99

On Fridays in the fall, a fog rises from Nancy Creek behind Marist School's Hughes Spalding Stadium and floats across the football field. The apparition, called "the Ghosts of Marist Football," represents the Great Spirit of Marist High School, a school Sports Illustrated ranked number fifteen in its list of top athletic programs in the country. The War Eagle tradition boasts more than six hundred victories, a trophy case filled with championships and thirty straight years of playoff appearances in Georgia high school football, all while playing much larger schools. Join author and Marist alumnus Franklin Cox for three years inside the Spartan-esque tradition and learn why no team dares allow itself to dishonor the glorious roll call of War Eagle history.

A History of Professional Baseball in Asheville

9781596291768

$21.99

So many greats have appeared in Asheville within McCormick Field's white lines: Babe Ruth, Jackie Robinson, Ty Cobb, manager Cal Ripken Sr. and batboy Cal Ripken Jr. As player Tom Nevers said, "When you think of all the great people that have played on this field before us, it's kinda neat being a part of history."

Asheville, North Carolina, is not widely recognized as a baseball crazy city. However, for a small town where flat land is hard to find and everything is far removed from the bright lights of the big cities, Asheville's part in professional baseball is remarkable. In these pages you'll find little-known stories of baseball's stars, the ups and downs of the national pastime in the Land of the Sky and a number of local heroes. Meet "Struttin' Bud" Shaney, a pitcher from the 1920s who served as athletic director, umpire and the McCormick Field groundskeeper at various times in the diamond's past. Despite his inexperience, gritty Tourists general manager Ron McKee's efforts revived the flagging franchise in the 1980s. Most recently, fiery skipper Joe "Mik" Mikulik has helped bring record numbers of fans to McCormick to cheer the Tourists to victory.

A History of Professional Baseball in Asheville

Golf in Oregon:

9781609496487

$19.99

In his lengthy career as an Oregon sportswriter (thirty seven years with The Oregonian), Bob Robinson covered a variety of regional and national golf events. In this collection, he takes a look back at some of the significant stories from his career, including coverage of Tiger's US Amateur win in Portland, Casey Martin's legal battle with the PGA, and Peter Jacobsen's top five finish in the 1983 PGA Championship. The book consists of twenty three essays relating memorable golf moments that occurred in Oregon or featured Oregon golfers. In each essay, Robinson seasons his initial coverage as a sports writer with follow up interviews, updated information, and his reflections on past events.

The Danny Ford Years at Clemson: Romping and Stomping

9781609497057

$21.99

The last time Danny Ford spit tobacco juice on a Clemson sideline was Dec. 30, 1989. Yet Ford has become more beloved as time has distanced the Tigers from the glory he orchestrated in eleven years as the team's football coach. It began in December of 1978 when a young, obscure offensive line coach took over a heartbroken fan base. It ended in January of 1990 under a cloud of controversy and mystery that has not yet been completely resolved. In between, Ford led Clemson on a wild and unforgettable ride. Award-winning sportswriter Larry Williams presents, for the first time in book form, the definitive story of Ford's complicated, compelling Clemson tenure.

The Danny Ford Years at Clemson: Romping and Stomping

Dancer's Image:

9781609490959

$21.99

On May 4, 1968, Dancer's Image crossed the finish line at Churchill Downs to win the 94th Kentucky Derby. Over forty years later, questions still linger over the origins of the substance and the turmoil it created.

Yet the jubilation ended three days later for the owner, the jockey and the trainers who propelled the celebrated thoroughbred to victory. Amid a firestorm of controversy, Dancer's Image was disqualified after blood tests revealed the presence of a widely used anti-inflammatory drug with a dubious legal status. Veteran turf writer and noted equine law expert Milt Toby gives the first in-depth look at the only disqualification in Derby history and how the Run for the Roses was changed forever.

The Cleveland Cavaliers: A History of the Wine & Gold

9781626196803

$21.99

Take a courtside seat with author Vince McKee as he dishes out the complete history of the Cleveland Cavaliers, from the founding of the franchise in 1970 to the triumphant return of LeBron James in 2014. Relive every major moment in team history. Highlights include draft picks turned all-stars, such as LeBron James and Brad Daugherty; coaching changes; heated rivalries; player departures; and dubious distinctions like "the Shot" and "the Stepien Rule." Get insight and analysis of every epic run from legendary sportscaster Joe Tait; players Austin Carr, Craig Ehlo and Larry Nance; and others as they reveal the untold true stories behind every major event in Cavs history.

The Cleveland Cavaliers: A History of the Wine & Gold

Connecticut Baseball:

9781596295520

$21.99

Whether Connecticut fans were cheering on Connecticut teams in baseball's major and minor leagues or watching their native sons participate in America's favorite pastime all across the country, they have taken satisfaction in the contributions of the Nutmeg State. As former Commissioner of Baseball Fay Vincent notes in his foreword, Don Harrison has lovingly assembled the best selections from a lifetime spent covering Connecticut's corner of the game. Read twenty-five interviews from his own forty-three-year career and discover even older traditions that date back to Hartford's entrance into the majors in the 1870s. You might disagree with Harrison's choices for a Connecticut All-Time Team--that's half the fun--but you will find it hard to resist the enthusiasm that has united so many fans of the sport.

The Cleveland Grand Prix: An American Show Jumping First

9781626195257

$21.99

Home to inventors of the first automobile, airplane and professional baseball team, Ohio is also the birthplace of the first horse show jumping grand prix in the Western Hemisphere. Longtime fans can relive the exciting victories of some of the finest horses and riders in history, while newcomers can experience the Cleveland Grand Prix's glory years as the premier summer social tradition for thousands of spectators. From harness racing to fox hunting, saddle up with equestrian authority Betty Weibel as she explains how this picturesque corner of the Chagrin Valley grew into a world-class horse sport hub.

The Cleveland Grand Prix: An American Show Jumping First

Oregon Sports Stories:

9781626191570

$21.99

Oregon has its share of playmakers, dramatic finishes and legendary coaches. With humor and insight, Oregon native and longtime sportswriter Bob Robinson relates highlights from six decades of coverage throughout the state. Blazermania overruns the Rose City as the Trail Blazers take down the favored Philadelphia 76ers in 1977. Oregon State's Orange Express, coached by Ralph Miller, captivates the state in 1981 before a shocking stumble in the NCAA playoffs. University of Oregon's Bill Dellinger kickstarts the school's distance-running tradition with a stunning win in 1954. In the 1970s, Mouse Davis performs coaching magic at Portland State with his Run and Shoot football offense. In these twenty essays, Robinson offers a unique, behind-the-scenes account of some of Oregon's greatest sports moments and game-changing personalities.

Byrnes High School Football:

9781609491697

$19.99

Byrnes High School football has sparked a legacy of champions since its inception in 1955. It was one of the first schools in South Carolina to desegregate, and it now boasts nine state championship wins. Team historian and former Rebel Zachary Johnson (class of '99) traces the evolution of the Rebels, from their first win over Blue Ridge High in 1955 to their now nationally televised games. Included are stories of the incredible coaches and players, such as Coach Bobby Bentley, who brought the team to the Class 4-AAAA playoffs ten times, and tailback Marcus Lattimore, who scored 104 touchdowns during his tenure at Byrnes. With a generous collection of statistics, all-time records and photographs of every team, this book is a must-have for every proud Rebel.

The Dover-Phila Football Rivalry:

9781596299917

$21.99

It was 1908, and Dover had just upset a far superior New Phila football team. A group of DHS students set forth on a streetcar to gloat in the Phila square. They were met with eggs, and the football rivalry, which had been simmering, began in full. Through the lens of this rivalry's greatest games, traditions emerge and passions mount as The Game becomes Game Week and community pride hinges on the outcome. Whip through the first snake dances, paint the rock and revisit the early clashes in the fairgrounds through the 100th game and beyond. Whether you remember Paul Miskimen's field goal in 1946 to beat the Tornadoes, Don Watsons ninety-four-yard fumble return for Dover in 1989 or Richard Sindiland's dominating performances in 2004 and 2005, this book commemorates triumphs for all fans of this classic Ohio rivalry.

Cañonero II

9781626190474

$21.99

In the months leading up to the 1971 Kentucky Derby, Canonero II was an unknown horse with a Venezuelan trainer who spoke only Spanish.

The Derby ""experts"" laughed when an exercise boy rode the horse out on the track with no saddle or stirrups. But the laughter promptly ended when Canonero II charged to the front from twenty lengths back to win the Derby, followed by a victory at the Preakness Stakes in track record time. In recounting Canonero II's quest to become the first Triple Crown winner since Citation, award-winning turf historian Milt Toby tells the compelling story of how one man's wildly improbable dream became the dream of a nation and how a bargain-basement yearling born with a crooked front leg became the ""people's horse.""

Brown University Baseball:

9781609495015

$21.99

This book will chronicle the history of baseball at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. Brown has earned the distinction of being the most influential institution regarding baseball in Rhode Island. Fields, players, coaches are also included. Perhaps the most interesting parts of the book are the stories revolving around students and baseball games. Racial Integration on the ball field at Brown University is also explored, as well as women who played baseball at Pembroke College (Brown's sister college prior to integration of female and male students).

Cleburne Baseball

9781467137010

$21.99

Shortly after Cleburne landed the largest railroad shops west of the Mississippi, it set its sights on securing a professional baseball team. Against the odds, Cleburne became a Texas League town in 1906. After the first championship, the Railroaders loaded a train and left Cleburne. The town's professional teams would amass two championships, three pennants and several legendary major league players, including Tris Speaker, before disappearing. Despite lacking a professional club, the town continued to field teams at all levels, until the Railroaders made their triumphant return in 2017. Scott Cain shares a century of Cleburne baseball, including the cowboys who gunned down fly balls to intimidate umps, the pro team that played the Chicago White Sox and the city councilman who was a scorekeeper for the Negro Leagues in the 1950s.

Fight, Grin and Squarely Play the Game:

9781609499181

$21.99

In 1945, the Loyola New Orleans Wolf Pack became the city's first basketball team to earn a national championship. The Cinderella season was chronicled in the Times Picayune," the student newspaper "The Maroon" and letters from students and alums fighting overseas. The 1944-45 run to the championship was an amazing boon to the community during trying times. The group of boyhood friends and rivals beat out previous national champions and exhausted opponents. Take a courtside seat as journalist Ramon A. Vargas chronicles the season, including heartfelt personal narratives to tell the story of the championship and legacy of a team that led Loyola to national prominence."

Football and Integration in Plano, Texas

9781626195011

$21.99

The year 1964 was momentous for civil rights as Congress passed the Twenty-fourth Amendment and Texas's own Lyndon B. Johnson unveiled his plan for the Great Society. That same year, the Plano school district integrated, setting an example for the state and nation. The tightknit community banded together through a language fluent to everyone--football. The Wildcats had few winning seasons and no state titles at that time, but with hard work and a trailblazing spirit, coaches Tom Gray and John Clark led the integrated team all the way to state championship victory in 1965. The Plano Conservancy for Historic Preservation, Inc. presents the inspiring story of the Wildcat fight for the title that made Plano a better place to live.

Football and Integration in Plano, Texas

Florida's First Big League Baseball Players

9781596291164

$21.99

In recent years, Florida's playgrounds have produced an abundance of exceptional professional baseball players: Alex Rodriguez, Gary Sheffield, Luis Gonzales and Tino Martinez, to name only a few. Before 1950, however, only twenty-six Florida boys made it to the pros got their shot in the big leagues.

Players like Tampa's Al Lopez, a Hall of Fame member and baseball's first Hispanic manager, and Pensacola native Russ Scarritt, who set the Boston Red Sox record for most triples in a season his rookie year, blazed a trail that has opened the door for many of today's baseball superstars. Florida's First Big League Baseball Players, by baseball historian and enthusiast Wes Singletary, is a narrative journey into the early days of baseball in Florida before 1950.

When this project was undertaken only eight of the original twenty-six players were still living. Written from hours of interviews and presented in a narrative form that is engaging and informative, this collection allows the reader to journey back to a time when the game was more innocent and the heart of the men playing, a little bigger.

Florida's First Big League Baseball Players

Football in Long Beach

9781609495459

$23.99

The roots of football run deep in Long Beach, where Long Beach Polytechnic High School has produced more players who have played in the National Football League than any other high school in the United States. Poly's storied program has fed the NFL a wide variety of top players, including such receivers as Johnny Morris, Gene Washington, Tony Hill, Stephone Paige, Marcedes Lewis and DeSean Jackson. This authoritative citywide pigskin history by Mike Guardabascio includes the football sagas of other area high schools, as well as the legacies of Long Beach State and Long Beach City College, which have enjoyed their own brands of national recognition.

Nasrullah

9781626190146

$21.99

Nasrullah arrived in Kentucky in 1950 and forever changed the modern American thoroughbred.

Bred in royalty by the Aga Kahn, Nasrullah's journey from Europe to America was one of glorious victories and grand potential. He was the first horse to lead both the American and English sire lists, which led to a legendary line of descendants that includes nine U.S. champions, three Hall of Famers and ninety-eight stake winners like Bold Ruler, Noor and Nashua. Nasrullah is even grandsire of the famed Secretariat. Ride along with author Melanie Greene as she recounts the compelling history of a truly remarkable horse that is sure to take any equestrian fan beyond the bluegrass.

Boston Marathon

9781626194755

$19.99

Author and marathon veteran Paul C. Clerici's inside look of the Boston Marathon route and the history it holds.

From Hopkinton to Boylston Street, the beloved 26.2 miles of the Boston Marathon mark historic moments and memories dating back to 1897. Town by town and step by step, follow author, journalist, and runner Paul C. Clerici as he goes deeper into each town and city along the route with firsthand descriptions of the course from the uphill climbs to the spirited sprints. Insightful anecdotes, from the naming of Heartbreak Hill to the incorporation of women runners, reveal meaningful racing heritage along the route. This comprehensive and unique journey also explores the stories behind notable landmarks, statues, and mile markers throughout the course. Woven into the course history is expert advice on how to run each leg of the race from renowned running coach Bill Squires. Whether you're a runner, spectator, or fan, "Boston Marathon History by the Mile" has it all.

The Blue Streaks & Little Giants: More than a Century of Sandusky & Fremont Ross Football

9781609499914

$21.99

On November 2, 1895, the newly formed football team at Fremont High School journeyed to Sandusky to play its first game against Sandusky High School. It was the beginning of the second-oldest high school football rivalry in Ohio. Since then, the teams have met 106 times in the regular season and once in the playoffs. The players have included an Olympian, a top NFL draft pick, a Heisman Trophy winner and scores of athletes and coaches who went on to notoriety and success. Take the field with author and sports journalist Vince Guerrieri as he recounts the amazing legacy of a truly historic rivalry.

The Blue Streaks & Little Giants: More than a Century of Sandusky & Fremont Ross Football

More University of Kansas Basketball Legends

9781626196889

$19.99

KU alumnus and Jayhawk enthusiast Kenn Johnson is back with even more legends and firsts. Notable coaches like Danny Manning, who won the national championship as a player in 1988 and again as part of the coaching staff in 2008, have shaped and molded the team throughout the decades. Players like Raef LaFrentz, who became the first Jayhawks player in twenty-seven years to average a double-double over an entire season, keep the fans coming back for more. From the history of the famous Allen Fieldhouse to current coach Bill Self, Johnson offers a closer look at the team's unique contribution to the sport of basketball.