Welcome to the Knup Sports Book Reviews! Reading sports books is somewhat of a passion for our team Below, you will read a number of “small book reviews” for all the sports books they have read lately. We don’t get paid at all for reading or reviewing these books. So, if you happen to buy any of these books or other sports books — use our SPORTS BOOKS LINK HERE so we earn a few cents for our efforts 🙂
Publishers, authors, editors — if you have a sports book you’d like for us to review — contact us as soon as possible to discuss.
“Last Seasons in Havana: The Castro Revolution and the End of Professional Baseball in Cuba”
“Last Seasons in Havana” deal with politics, military, and baseball after the overthrow of Batista in Cuba by a more ruthless dictator in Fidel Castro.
SPIRALS- A Family’s Education in Football
The author attempts to make a connection between his grandfather, father, and himself using football and Ivy League football. He details each one and their accomplishments.
“Reclaiming 42: Public Memory and the Reframing of Jackie Robinson’s Radical Legacy”
This book about Jackie Robinson gives the readers some food for thought about the unpublicized parts of his life.
“Jail Blazers: How the Portland Trail Blazers Became the Bad Boys of Basketball”
When I think of 'bad boys" in the NBA, my mind goes to the old Detroit Pistons teams of the '90s. I never felt the Portland Trail Blazers were of the same magnitude. The difference might be how we define bad boys. Attitude and cockiness sure factor in and that is my...
“No Place I Would Rather Be; Roger Angell and a Life on Baseball Writing”
The full title of this book by Joe Bonomo is "No Place I Would Rather Be; Roger Angell and a Life in Baseball Writing". This 223-page book was published on May 1, 2019, by the University of Nebraska Press. Those that are baseball fans are fully aware of the writings...
“Mascot Nation: The Controversy over Native Americn Representatives in Sports”
This book delves into the social issue of how sports mascots are viewed and how they are insensitive to some groups including the Native Americans.
“Doc, Donnie, The Kid, and Billy Brawl: How the 1985 Mets and Yankees Fought for New York’s Baseball Soul”
This is a book about the 1985 baseball season in the City of New York and how the fans of the Mets and Yankees fought for supremacy.
Let’s Play Two: The Life and Times of Ernie Banks
“Let’s Play Two: The Life and Times of Ernie Banks” By Doug Wilson This book covers a full gamut of the life of Ernie Banks. It is interesting to get a deeper understanding of his life in and around Dallas as a player and more importantly in a deeply racist city that...
One Nation Under Baseball- How the 1960’s Collided With the National Pastime
This book by Florio and Shapiro chronicles the 1960’s and how events such as racism and reserve clause shaped the national pastime into today’s game.
“The Masters: A Hole-By-Hole History of America’s Golf Classic”
This is a unique approach to giving the readers a look into the history of The Masters in a hole-by-hole detailing the great golf tourney.
Baseball: A History of America’s Game
“Baseball: A History of America’s Game” from the University of Illinois Press by Benjamin G. Rader is a book that every fan needs and we review it here.
“Hockey- A Global History” Book Review
Many sports fans believe the game of hockey began in Canada but authors Hardy and Holman let us know it is a world game with lots of history.
“We Want Fish Sticks: The Bizarre and Infamous Rebranding of the New York Islanders”
This book review examines that horrible stretch in the New York Islanders organization starting with a hideous looking logo.
“Bjorn Borg and the Super Swedes” by Mats Holm and Ulf Roosvald
This is a wonderful book about the Golden Era of Tennis during the 1970s through 1990s when Borg, Edberg, and Wilander ruled professional tennis.
From Ghetto to Glory: The Story of Bob Gibson
This book by Bob Gibson and Phil Pepe details many of the adversities that the Hall of Fame pitcher had to endure as a black athlete.
“Baseball: The Writer’s Game” By Mike Shannon
The book “Baseball: The Writer’s Game” written by Mike Shannon is a collection of interviews from 17 authors of baseball books.
“Collision of Wills: Johnny Unitas, Don Shula, and the Rise of the Modern NFL”
This book by Jack Gilden, “Collision of Wills: Johnny Unitas, Don Shula and the Rise of the Modern NFL” deals with how they didn’t get along.
“Women on the Move: The Forgotten Era of Women’s Bicycle Racing”
This book goes back to 1895 and chronicles a seven-year period when women in America began racing bicycles in competition.
“Pigskin Nation: How the NFL Remade American Politics”
This book chronicles the life of American football from the 50’s and 60’s when it was considered brutal to how the politics change it to a success.
“Bob Feller: Ace of the Greatest Generation”
This is a book about pitcher Bob Feller and his rise from American Legion baseball to the American League where he was a fireballing pitcher.
“A Franchise on the Rise: The First Twenty Years of the New York Yankees”
This book deals with the first twenty years of the New York Yankees franchise from the “honest graft” days to the success of today.
“Dream Like a Champion- Wins, Losses and Leadership the Nebraska Volleyball Way”
“Dream Like a Champion- Wins, Losses and Leadership the Nebraska Volleyball Way” is a book that guides an aspiring coach to examine their methods.
“I Was Right on Time: My Journey from the Negro Leagues to the Majors”
This is the story of Buck O’Neill starting in the Negro Leagues of baseball and the many characters he met and became friends with in his journey.
“The Legendary Life of Ken ‘Snake’ Stabler” by Mike Freeman
This book is about the legendary life of Ken “Snake” Stabler and how he lived a fun life but always was prepared to produce on the football field.
“The Roger Kahn Reader: Six Decades of Sportswriting”
Roger Kahn has spent over 60 years writing about sports and has interviewed many athletes in the world and this is a collection of his great work.
“A Game of Their Own: Voices of Contemporary Women in Baseball” By Jennifer Ring
The book follows the story of several young women that wanted to be athletes in the baseball world even though society told them it was a male world.
“Walter Camp and the Creation of American Football” by Roger R. Tamte
This is a well-researched book that deals with football at Yale and Walter Camp and how it led to him becoming the Father of American Football.
“Baseball Italian Style: Great Stories Told by Italian American Major Leaguers from Crosetti to Piazza”
This book by Lawrence Baldarrosa guides baseball fans through what players of Italian descent endured in the early days and how things are better today.
“Liftoff!: The Tank, the Storm, and the Astros’ Improbable Ascent to Baseball Immortality” by Brian T. Smith
This book deals with how the Houston Astros had 55 years of bad baseball and then GM Jeff Luhnow made some smart moves and now they are World Series champs.
“Urban’s Way: Urban Meyer, The Florida Gators, and His Plan to Win”
The book is about Urban Meyer and is considered his authorized biography.
“Warren Spahn: A Biography of a Legendary Lefty” by Lew Freedman
The life of Warren Spahn on the ball field and a hero in World War II.
“Being Ted Williams: Growing Up with a Baseball Idol”
Famous broadcaster Dick Enberg goes into great detail abut how Ted Williams as his sports idol and later in life they became very close friends.
“One Last Strike: Fifty Years in Baseball, Ten and a Half Games Back, and One Final Championship Season”
The book with the miraculous comeback of the 2011 St. Louis Cardinals.
“The Year of the Pitcher: Bob Gibson, Denny McLain, and the End of Baseball’s Golden Age”
The book details the pitching of 1968 that led to several rule changes.
“Miller Time: The Story of John Miller, A Small-Town Basketball Coach Who Inspired Dynasties”
This book examines how a smalltown high school coach can have an effect.
“Brothers in Arms: Koufax, Kershaw, and the Dodgers’ Extraordinary Pitching Tradition”
Tom examines the pitching rich tradition of the Dodgers.
“Insight Pitch: My Life as a Major League Closer”
Tom examines Skip Lockwood’s twelve seasons in the major leagues as a closer.
“The Age of Ruth and Landis The Economics of Baseball during the Roaring Twenties”
Tom examines the economics of baseball beginning in the 1920’s.
“In Pursuit of Pennants: Baseball Operations from Deadball to Moneyball”
Tom examines how teams put together dynasties in major league baseball.
“Urban Shocker: Silent Hero of Baseball’s Golden Age”
Tom examines the life and career of pitcher Urban Shocker.
“The Big Chair” by Ned Colletti with Joseph A. Reaves
Tom examines baseball from the perspective of sitting in the chair of the General Manager of the Dodgers.
“The Cloudbuster Nine: The Untold Story of Ted Williams and the Baseball Team That Helped Win World War II”
Tom examines baseball during World War II and how Ted Williams and others were involved.
“Getting to Us: How Great Coaches Make Great Teams”
Tom examines how great coaches make great teams.
“Bearing the Cross: My Inspiring Journey from Poverty to the NFL and Sports Television”
Tom examines the life and journey of Irv Cross from poverty to NFL to being the first black national journalist
“Joy in Tigertown: A Determined Team, Resilient City, and Our Magical Run to the 1968 World Series”
Tom examines the life of Mickey Lolich and his winning of the World Series MVP in 1968.
“Eli Manning: The Making of a Quarterback” By Ralph Vacchiano
Tom examines the making of Eli Manning into a Super Bowl champion quarterback.
“Presidents and the Pastime” by Curt Smith
Tom examines how the US Presidents reacted to baseball during their terms in office.
“Arnold Palmer: Homespun Stories of the King” By Chris Rodell
Tom examines Arnold Palmer’s life from pro golfer to hometown hero as told by his friends and associates.
“SUGAR: Micheal Ray Richardson, Eighties Excess, and the NBA” By Charley Rosen
Tom examines the NBA career of Micheal Ray Richardson and how drugs, sex, and arrogance ruined his NBA career.
“Gil Hodges- A Hall of Fame Life” By Mort Zachter
Tom examines the life of Gil Hodges and the impact he had through playing and managing baseball.follows.
“Alou: My Baseball Journey” by Felipe Alou with Peter Kerasotis
Tom looks at Felipe Alou and his illustrious career as a player, manager, and pioneer to baseball..
“Hawk: I Did it My Way” by Ken Harrelson with Jeff Snook
Tom looks at Hawk Harrelson and his interesting career in and around baseball and pro golf.
“The Pitcher and the Dictator: Satchell Paige’s Unlikely Season in the Dominican Republic” By Averell “Ace” Smith
Tom looks Satchell Paige’s hunger for more money gets him to a powerful dictator and the fear that follows.
“Dust Bowl Girls: The Inspiring Story of the Team that Barnstormed its Way to Basketball Glory” By Lydia Reeder
Tom looks women’s basketball in the 1920’s and 1930’s. The issues they faced including some huge obstacles.
“Davey Johnson: My Wild Ride in Baseball and Beyond” by Davey Johnson, Erik Sherman
Tom looks at Davey Johnson from player to manager and his success everywhere he goes.
“The Integration of the Pacific Coast League: Race and Baseball on the West Coast” By Amy Essington
Tom looks at the process of integration in the minor leagues and later into the major leagues.
“Electric October: Seven World Series Games, Six Lives, Five Minutes of Fame That Lasted Forever” By Kevin Cook
Tom looks at the 1947 World Series and how it produced some unlikely heroes in this book called “Electric October”
“Try Not to Suck: The Exceptional, Extraordinary Baseball Life of Joe Maddon” by Bill Chastain and Jesse Rogers
Tom looks at the baseball life of Joe Maddon and some of the things he learned and decisions he has made.
“You Can’t Make This Up” By Al Michaels
Tom looks at the life of Al Michaels and all of the places he has been, the people he has worked with and the amount of preparation it tales to broadcast one event.
“The Phenomenon: Pressure, the Yips, and the Pitch that Changed My Life” By Rick Ankiel
Take a look at one of our latest sports book reviews. This is the Phenomenon, which talks about the life of Rick Ankiel.
“Game Worn: Baseball Treasures from the Game’s Greatest Heroes and Moments” By Stephen Wong and Dave Grob
Tom looks at the history of the uniforms worn in the game of baseball throughout history.
“Casey Stengel: Baseball’s Greatest Character” by Marty Appel
Tom looks at the life of the great baseball manager Casey Stengel. Truly, he is one of the greatest characters of the game.
“Attitude: Develop a Winning Mindset on and off the Court” by Jay Wright
Tom reviews this book from 2016 National Champions Villanova head coach Jay Wright and his thoughts on success on the basketball floor and beyond.
“Gehrig and the Babe” by Tony Castro
Tom looks at this book published by Triumph Books that deals with the friendship on the field and the coolness off the field of Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth.
“Papi: My Story” By David Ortiz and Michael Holley
Tom looks at another sports book. This one is on the Major League Baseball slugger David Ortiz, as he takes us through his live in the game.
“Bill Self: At Home in the Phog”
Tom looks at another sports book. This one is on the Hall of Fame College Basketball Coach Bill Self. Self takes us through his career at Kansas.
“Fall From Grace: The Truth and Tragedy of ‘Shoeless Joe’ Jackson” By Tim Hornbaker
Tom looks at another sports book. This book tells the story of “Shoeless Joe” and the Black Sox Scandal. It goes from early days to the end of his career.
“Toughness: Developing True Strength On and Off the Court” By Jay Bilas
Tom looks at another sports book. This book talks about the ever popular, but controversial Jay Bilas and his look at life and College Hoops.
“Lucky Bastard” by Joe Buck
Tom looks at another sports book. Joe Buck discusses what his life was like growing up as the son of Jack Buck and how it became difficult to carve out his own destiny.
“Furious George: My Forty Years Surviving NBA Divas, Clueless GM’s and Poor Shot Selection” by George Karl
Read our Sports Book Review of “Furious George” By George Karl. We talk about the book and give you links to buy the Furious George book.
“Raw: My 100% Grade-A, Unfiltered, Inside Look at Sports” by Colin Cowherd
Tom looks at another sports book. This one is on one of the most famous sports names in sports media. Colin Cowherd has a new book, and you will love it!
“You Got to Give Them What They Want” By Jalen Rose
Tom looks at another sports book. This book talks with Jalen Rose about his AAU life, the the Fab Five at University of Michigan and into his NBA days and beyond.
“The New Baseball Bible” by Dan Schlossberg
Tom looks at another sports book. The New Baseball Bible has information from the beginning of the sport until the current day.
“A Life Well Played” by Arnold Palmer
Tom looks at “A Life Well Played: My Stories” by Armold Palmer as he takes us from golf course to his personal dealings.
“Bias in the Booth” by Dylan Gwinn
Tom looks at “Bias in the Booth” which deals with how the sports insiders control their message and own personal agenda.
“John Feinstein: The Legends Club” by John Feinstein
Tom looks at another sports book. This one is by the legendary John Feinstein.. The Legends Club talks about some of the best college basketball coaches in the world.
Urban Meyer: Above the Line Book Review
Tom looks at another sports book. This one is about current Ohio State Buckeyes Football coach Urban Meyer.
“The Arm: Inside the Billion-Dollar Mystery of the Most Valuable Commodity in Sports” By Jeff Passan
Tom looks at a new sports book called — “The Arm: Inside the Billion-Dollar Mystery of the Most Valuable Commodity in Sports”
“Tim Tebow Through My Eyes A Quarterbacks Journey” by Tim Tebow
Tom looks at Tim Tebow’s book about growing up in Florida and always being placed as a lineman because he was bigger. He loved being homeschooled as he had time to play.
“The Closer: My Story” by Mariano Rivera
Read our Sports Book Review of “The Closer” By Mariano Rivera. We talk about the book and give you links to buy The Closer book.
“Living Out Loud: Sports, Cancer, and the Things Worth Fighting For” By Craig Sager
Take a look at one of our latest sports book reviews. This one is Living Out Loud: Sports, Cancer and the Things Worth Fighting For.
“Shoe Dog: A Memoir of the Creator of Nike” by Phil Knight
Read our full Shoe Dog Book Review here at Knup Sports. Shoe Dog is written by Phil Knight and can be bought at a discount with our links.
“Growing Up Gronk: A Family’s Story of Raising Champions” by the Gronkowski Family with Jeff Schober
Tom looks atthis book about the Gronkowski family and their sports success. It is a book that highlights the dad.
“Francona: The Red Sox Years” By Dan Shaughnessy
Tom looks at a new sports book called — Francona: The Red Sox Years. Taking a look at manager Terry Francona and his time with the Boston Red Sox.
“I Was There” by Eric Mirlis
Tom looks at another sports book. The book is about some of the great sportscasters and how they have seen some fantastic sporting events. We hear from Jim Nantz, Bob Costas and Joe Buck among others.
“How to Win at the Sport of Business” by Mark Cuban
Tom looks at the advice by Mark Cuban and how he uses business models to succeed as he does in owning the Dallas Mavericks.
“You’re Welcome, Cleveland — How I Helped LeBron James Win a Championship and Save a City” by Scott Raab
Tom looks at another sports book. The author Scott Raab talks about the first time LeBron James was in Cleveland and how he dissed his leaving and then his return.
“Gunslinger: The Remarkable, Improbable, Iconic Life of Brett Favre” by Jeff Pearlman
Tom looks at the humble beginnings of the remarkable football life of quarterback Brett Favre.
“Courage to Soar-A Body in Motion, A Life in Balance” by Simone Biles
Tom looks Simone Biles and her book about the sport of gymnastics. She tells how hard it is to be away from home and be a black athlete.
“Life is Yours to Win: Lessons Forged from the Purpose, Passion, and Magic of Baseball” By Augie Garrido with Wes Smith
Tom examines the life lessons taught by legendary coach Augie Garrido through baseball.
“The Cooperstown Casebook: Who’s in the Baseball Hall of Fame, Who Should Be In, and Who Should Pack Their Plaques” by Jay Jaffe
Tom examines this book that attempts to make a case for who is in the Hall of Fame and who doesn’t belong..
“After Further Review: My Life Including the Infamous, Controversial, and Unforgettable Calls That Changed the NFL” by Mike Pereira, and Rick Jaffe
Tom examines the world of sports reviews as Mike Periera gives us some inside information.
“Eight Men Out: The Black Sox and the 1919 World Series” by Eliot Asinof
Read our Eight Men Out Book Review here at Knup Sports. This book is written by Eliot Asinof. We include a review and links to buy the book directly.
“Success is the Only Option: The Art of Coaching Extreme Talent” by John Calipari
Tom looks at the book “Success is the Only Option by John Calipari. He talks about handling talented players that expect to go to the NBA.
“Called Out but Safe: A Baseball Umpire’s Journey” by Al Clark
Tom looks at major league umpire Al Clark and his ups and downs in his career.
“OPEN: Inside the Ropes at Bethpage Black” By John Feinstein
Tom reads the story about the first time a U.S. Open was played at a public golf course.
