Sports Audiobooks | Biography & Memoir

Wallace: The Underdog Who Conquered a Sport, Saved a Marriage, and Championed Pit Bulls-One Flying D

Today, Wallace is a champion; but in the summer of 2005, he was living in a shelter, a refugee from a suspicious pit bull-breeding operation. Then Andrew "Roo" Yori entered the picture. A scientist and shelter volunteer, Roo could immediately see that Wallace was something special. While on his honeymoon, Roo learned that Wallace was about to be put down. Roo and his wife franticly fought to keep Wallace alive until they could return home to adopt him-even though they already had two dogs. Once Wallace made it home, Roo knew the dog needed a mission, and serendipity led them to the world of competitive dog Frisbee. It seemed like a terrible idea; large and heavy with thick muscles that can make them look less than graceful, pit bulls are everything that most Frisbee dogs aren't. But that was fine with Roo-because part of his mission was to change people's minds about pit bulls. Overcoming everything from injuries to prejudice against the breed, the unlikely pair persevered to become world champions. Movingly told by bestselling author Jim Gorant, Wallace will capture the hearts of animal lovers everywhere-and help rescue this popular breed's unfairly tarnished reputation. "Having detailed the fate of Michael Vick's dogs in the heartrending and immaculately researched New York Times bestselling The Lost Dogs, Sports Illustrated senior editor Gorant describes the life story of another pit bull-Wallace, a rescue dog who went on to win or place impressively in dozens of local, national, and international doggie disc-catching competitions. The aim, though, was to clear up misunderstandings about the breed while letting Wallace have some fun."-Library Journal

Jim Gorant (Author), Sean Runnette (Narrator)

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Paterno

Joe Posnanski's biography of the late Penn State football coach Joe Paterno follows in the tradition of works by Richard Ben Cramer on Joe DiMaggio and David Maraniss on Vince Lombardi. Having gained unprecedented access to Paterno, as well as the coach's personal notes and files, Posnanski spent the last two years of Paterno's life covering the coach, on (and off) the field and through the scandal that ended Paterno's legendary career. Joe Posnanski, who in 2012 was named the Best Sportswriter in America by the National Sportswriters and Sportscasters Hall of Fame, was with Paterno and his family as a horrific national scandal unfolded and Paterno was fired. Within three months, Paterno died of lung cancer, a tragic end to a life that was epic, influential, and operatic. Paterno is the fullest description we will ever have of the man's character and career. In this honest and surprising portrait, Joe Posnanski brings new insight and understanding to one of the most controversial figures in America.

Joe Mantegna, Joe Posnanski (Author), Joe Mantegna, Joe Posnanski (Narrator)

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Wherever I Wind Up: My Quest for Truth, Authenticity and the Perfect Knuckleball

The Glass Castle meets Ball Four as Mets knuckleballer R.A. Dickey weaves searing honesty and baseball insight in this memoir about his unlikely journey to the big leagues. An English Lit major at the University of Tennessee, Dickey is as articulate and thoughtful as any professional athlete in any sport-and proves it page after page, as he provides fresh and honest insight into baseball and a career unlike any other. Fourteen years ago, Dickey was a heralded No. 1 draft choice of the Texas Rangers, only to have an $810,000 signing bonus, and his lifelong dream, ripped away by an X- ray-and the discovery that he did not have an ulna collateral ligament in his right elbow. Five years ago, he gave up a record six home runs in three innings to the Detroit Tigers-and was effectively consigned to the baseball scrap heap. Sustained by his profound Christian faith, the love of his wife and children, and a relentless quest for self-awareness and authenticity, the immensely likable Dickey details his transformation from a reckless, risk-taking loner to a grounded, life-affirming big leaguer. He emerged as one of the premier pitchers in the National League in 2010-and the knuckleballing embodiment of the wonders that perseverance and human wisdom can produce. Dickey views his story as one of redemption. Readers will come to see it as something more-a uniquely American story of beating back demons, listening to your heart, and overcoming extraordinary odds.

R. A. Dickey, Wayne Coffey (Author), Ben Hunter (Narrator)

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Paterno: By the Book

Here are the Paterno principles: the straight word from the curious quarterback and English major who went from Brooklyn to Brown to Penn State, who lost his way to law school and became instead America’s best-loved coach. With the help of a first-rate biographer and friend, Bernard Asbell, Joe Paterno tells his story, sharing his life’s principles and touching on a number of important subjects, including family, heroes, management, leadership, loyalty, teamwork, discipline, motivation, and of course, football strategy. After listening to his story, you will understand why Joe Paterno was voted Coach of the Year four times and was the first football coach ever chosen as Sports Illustrated’s Sportsman of the Year; how he racked up more than four hundred victories, two national championships, and twenty-four bowl-game victories; and why his proudest stats involved the remarkable graduation rates of his players. “Engaging.”—New York Times

Joe Paterno (Author), Joe Vincent (Narrator)

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Dream Team: How Michael, Magic, Larry, Charles, and the Greatest Team of All Time Conquered the Worl

Acclaimed sports journalist Jack McCallum delivers the untold story of the greatest team ever assembled: the 1992 U.S. Olympic men's basketball team that captivated the world, kindled hoop dreams, and remade the NBA into a global sensation. They were the Beatles of basketball, the Mercury Seven in sneakers. In Dream Team, acclaimed sports journalist Jack McCallum delivers the untold story of the greatest team ever assembled: the 1992 U.S. Olympic men's basketball team that captivated the world, kindled the hoop dreams of countless children around the planet, and remade the NBA into a global sensation. As a senior staff writer for Sports Illustrated, McCallum enjoyed a courtside seat for the most exciting basketball spectacle on earth, covering the Dream Team from its inception to the gold medal ceremony in Barcelona. For the duration of the Olympics, he lived with, golfed with, and-most important-drank with some of the greatest players of the NBA's Golden Age: Magic Johnson, the ebullient showman who shrugged off his recent diagnosis of HIV to become the team's unquestioned captain and leader; Michael Jordan, the transcendent talent at the height of his powers as a player-and a marketing juggernaut; and Charles Barkley, the outspoken iconoclast whose utterances on and off the court threatened to ignite an international incident. Presiding over the entire traveling circus was the Dream Team's beloved coach, Chuck Daly, whose laissez faire approach proved instrumental in getting the most out of such disparate personalities and superstars such as Larry Bird, Patrick Ewing, and Scottie Pippen. Drawing on fresh interviews with the players, McCallum provides the definitive account of the Dream Team phenomenon. He offers a behind-the-scenes look at the controversial selection process. He takes us inside the team's Olympic suites for late-night card games and bull sessions where the players debate both the finer points of basketball and their respective places in the NBA pantheon. And he narrates a riveting possession-by-possession account of the legendary July 1992 intrasquad scrimmage that pitted the Dream Teamers against one another in what may have been the greatest pickup game-and the greatest exhibition of trash talk-in history. In the twenty years since the Dream Team first captivated the world's attention, its mystique has only grown-and so has its influence. The NBA is now flush with international stars, many of them inspired by the exuberant spirit of '92. Dream Team vividly re-creates the moment when a once-in-a-millennium group of athletes came together, outperformed the hype, and changed the future of sports-one perfectly executed fast break at a time.

Jack McCallum (Author), Dick Hill (Narrator)

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Martina Navratilova In Her Own Words

In this fascinating collection of interviews from the BBC radio and TV archive, Martina Navratilova talks about her life and career as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. The interviews included are: BBC Radio interview (first broadcast 1 June 1978, featuring Gerald Williams); BBC Radio interview, (first broadcast 6 July 1979, featuring Gerald Williams, Jana Navratilova); BBC Radio interview (first broadcast 7 July 1984 (featuring Mike Ingham); Nicky Campbell, BBC Radio (first broadcast 18 January 1995, featuring Nicky Campbell); Friday Night With Jonathan Ross , BBC TV (first broadcast 23 June 2006, featuring Jonathan Ross); Woman's Hour, BBC Radio (first broadcast 10 July 2006, featuring Jenni Murray); The Steve Wright Show with Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio (first broadcast 11 July 2006, featuring Mark Radcliffe); The Andrew Marr Show, BBC TV (first broadcast 22 June 2008, featuring Andrew Marr); The Jeremy Vine Show, BBC Radio (first broadcast 5 July 2010 (featuring Jeremy Vine). Due to the age and nature of this archive material, the sound quality may vary. ©2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Martina Navratilova (Author), Martina Navratilova (Narrator)

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Running For My Life: One Lost Boy's Journey from the Killing Fields of Sudan to the Olympic Games

Running for My Life is not a story about Africa or track and field athletics. It is about outrunning the devil and achieving the impossible faith, diligence, and the desire to give back. It is the American dream come true and a stark reminder that saving one can help to save thousands more. Lopez Lomong chronicles his inspiring ascent from a barefoot lost boy of the Sudanese Civil War to a Nike sponsored athlete on the US Olympic Team. Though most of us fall somewhere between the catastrophic lows and dizzying highs of Lomong's incredible life, every reader will find in his story the human spark to pursue dreams that might seem unthinkable, even from circumstances that might appear hopeless. "Lopez Lomong's story is one of true inspiration. His life is a story of courage, hard work, never giving up, and having hope where there is hopelessness all around. Lopez is a true role model." ―MICHAEL JOHNSON, Olympic Gold Medalist "This true story of a Sudanese child refugee who became an Olympic star is powerful proof that God gives hope to the hopeless and shines a light in the darkest places. Don't be surprised if after reading this incredible tale, you find yourself mysteriously drawn to run alongside him." ―RICHARD STEARNS, president, World Vision US and author of THe Hole in Our Gospel

Lopez Lomong, Mark Tabb (Author), Brandon Hirsch (Narrator)

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Winning Balance: What I've Learned So Far about Love, Faith, and Living Your Dreams

The inspiring story of a pint-size American gymnast with a big smile and an even bigger heart. You've seen her perform gravity-defying gymnastics moves. You've seen her win Olympic medals in Beijing and the coveted mirror ball trophy on Dancing with the Stars. You've also seen her land on her feet-with her trademark smile-even when things haven't gone her way. Despite achieving more success and celebrity in her first two decades than most people experience in a lifetime, things haven't been easy for Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson. Her first gymnastics coach told her family she lacked talent. Her modest upbringing in Iowa made elite competition unlikely. Although she won four medals at the Beijing Olympics, she was denied the big prize she'd dreamed of-the all-around gold medal. She had a terrifying experience with a stalker and would-be kidnapper. And after suffering a potentially career-ending injury, Shawn ultimately had to rethink what was truly important. What did she want most in life? What kind of success was worth pursuing? Would she ever find true faith, lasting hope, and real love? In Winning Balance, for the first time Shawn reveals her journey so far: her against-the-odds quest to become a gymnastics world champion, her flirtation with Hollywood glamour, her growing faith, and her struggle to find herself. It's the full, behind-the-scenes story of how a young woman who won Olympic gold on the balance beam learned new lessons about balance-as well as love, faith, and what winning really means.

Nancy French, Shawn Johnson (Author), Shawn Johnson (Narrator)

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A Life Too Short: The Tragedy of Robert Enke

Why does an international footballer with the World at his feet decide to take his own life?On 10 November 2009 the German national goalkeeper, Robert Enke, stepped in front of a passing train. He was thirty two years old.Viewed from the outside, Enke had it all. Here was a professional goalkeeper who had played for a string of Europe's top clubs including Jose Mourinho's Benfica and Louis Van Gaal's Barcelona. Enke was destined to be his country's first choice for years to come. But beneath the bright veneer of success lay a darker story. In A Life Too Short, award-winning writer Ronald Reng pieces together the puzzle of his lost friend's life. Reng brings into sharp relief the specific demands and fears faced by those who play top-level sport. Heartfelt, but never sentimental he tells the universal tragedy of a talented man's struggles against his own demons.

Ronald Reng (Author), John Telfer (Narrator)

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Finding Ultra: Rejecting Middle Age, Becoming One of the World's Fittest Men, and Discovering Myself

An incredible but true account of achieving one of the most awe-inspiring midlife physical transformations ever. In October 2006, the night before he was to turn forty, Rich experienced a chilling glimpse of his future. Nearly fifty pounds overweight and unable to climb the stairs without stopping, he saw where his sedentary lifestyle was taking him. Most of us look the other way when granted such a moment of clarity, but not Rich. Plunging into a new way of eating that made processed foods off limits and prioritized plant nutrition and daily training, Rich morphed-in mere months-from out-of-shape midlifer to endurance machine. Ninety days into his physical overhaul, Rich left the house for a light jog and found himself running a near marathon. It was time to scale up his goals. How many of us take up a sport at age forty and compete for the title of the world's best within two years? Finding Ultra recounts Rich's remarkable journey to the starting line of the elite Ultraman World Championship competition, which pits the world's fittest humans against each other in a 320-mile ordeal of swimming, biking, and running. Following that test, Rich conquered an even greater one: the Epic5 Challenge-five Ironman-distance triathlons, each on a different Hawaiian island, all completed in less than a week. This is more than an inside look at a series of jaw-dropping athletic feats or a practical training manual for those who would attempt a similar transformation. Yes, Rich's account rivets and instructs, providing information that will be invaluable to anyone who wants to change their physique; but this book is most notable as a powerful testament to human resiliency, for as we learn early on, Rich's life has posed numerous physical and social challenges, including a fierce battle with alcoholism. Ultimately Finding Ultra is a beautifully written portrait of what willpower can accomplish. It challenges us to rethink what we're capable of and urges us, implicitly and explicitly, to "go for it." "You walk away from reading this book knowing you have the total power to transform your life on every level...Roll is immensely likeable, a most compelling storyteller, and a true shaman of health and fitness!"-Kathy Freston, New York Times bestselling author **Contact Customer Service for Additional Material**

Rich Roll (Author), Rich Roll (Narrator)

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Jeremy Lin: The Reason for the Linsanity

Harvard graduate Jeremy Lin recently became a New York Knicks phenomenon and he's the NBA's first American-born player of Taiwanese descent. The book will chronicle Lin's high school, college and early career in the NBA with particular emphasis on the media explosion surrounding his success as starting point guard with the Knicks. It will explore how Jeremy's Christian faith, family, education and cultural inheritance have contributed to his success. The book will also include interviews with basketball experts on Jeremy's future in the NBA, Asian-American thought leaders on the role of race in Jeremy's rise to stardom, and renowned Christian athletes and pastors on the potent combination of faith and sports.

Timothy Dalrymple (Author), Feodor Chin (Narrator)

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King of the World

There had been mythic sports figures before Cassius Clay, but when he burst upon the sports scene in the 1950s, he broke the mold. Those were the years when boxing and boxers were at the mercy of the mob and the whim of the sportswriters. If you wanted a shot at a title, you did it their way. Young Clay did it his way - with little more than an Olympic gold medal to his credit, he danced into Sonny Liston's baleful view and provoked the terrifying champ into accepting him as his next challenger. The rest is history. Muhammad Ali has become a mythic hero, an American icon, a self-invented legend. As both a mirror and a molder of his times, Ali became the most recognizable face on the planet, a key figure in the cultural battles of the times. This is the story of his self-creation, and his rise to glory, told by a master storyteller.

David Remnick (Author), Dick Hill (Narrator)

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Sports Audiobooks in Biography & Memoir