biography & autobiography / sports

"Hall of Fame New York Yankees pitcher Ron Guidry recounts his years playing for . . . the world champion New York Yankees during their heyday in the Bronx Zoo years, with . . . manager Billy Martin, . . . owner George Steinbrenner, and an ego-driven all-star cast that included everyone from Reggie Jackson and Thurman Munson to Sparky Lyle and Catfish Hunter . . . --Provided by publisher.

An examination of Brazilian soccer star Pel?'s life, covering his personal history from childhood, his career as a multi-time World Cup champion playing for Brazil, his experiences in the United States playing for the New York Cosmos, and his recent, current, and future activities as ambassador for Brazil when it hosts the World Cup in 2014 and the Summer Olympics in 2016.

While racing through the Gobi Desert in China and Mongolia, the author, a seasoned ultramarathoner, encounters a stray dog who, keeping pace with him for nearly 80 miles, gives him a new perspective on life, causing him to fight to bring her home with him with the help of strangers and a viral outpouring of assistance on the internet.

"For the casual enthusiast and hockey fanatic alike comes a collection of essays and photographs celebrating the grit and dedication of hockey players to withstand injury and hardship to play the sport they love. Based on the author's interviews with key figures and capturing the inside stories of superstars old and new, Hockey Strong is one of a kind: an exploration of the long, dangerous, and often arduous journey of an NHL player. Packed with intimate interviews, exclusive photographs, and iconic moments, it's a beautifully designed celebration of one of the toughest sports in the world, and the hearts of the athletes who play it. Featuring figures like Kris Draper, Shjon Podein, Craig Berube, Joey Kocur, Rick Tocchet, Chris Nilan, and even the trainer for the 1980 Winter Olympics USA team, Todd Smith provides unprecedented access to the stories behind famous hits, injuries, and fights, while also revealing the human drive and brotherhood that propels such players forward. With a particular focus on the Original Six franchises of the NHL, Smith interviews players young and old from across North America, and illustrates hockey's broad appeal to new and lifelong fans. Unique in its content and design, and appealing to all generations of fans, this is the perfect gift for both the passionate fanatic and the casual follower of hockey"--.

"A group portrait of the female track stars who won gold at the Olympics--in 1928, 1932, and 1936--breaking barriers for female athletes and overcoming personal odds"--Provided by publisher.

"NPR's Scott Simon's personal, heartfelt reflections on his beloved Chicago Cubs, replete with club lore, memorable anecdotes, frenetic fandom and wise and adoring intimacy that have made the world champion Cubbies baseball's most tortured--and now triumphant--franchise."--Provided by publisher.

"A biography of Hall of Fame Baltimore Colts quarterback Johnny Unitas as told by his son, John Unitas Jr"--.

"The authorized autobiography of Baseball Hall of Famer Andre Dawson"--.

"Drawn from more than 60 interviews and hours of face time, this authorized biography offers an unprecedented inside-the-dugout look at the manager who guided the New York Yankees to their 27th world championship. Beginning with his childhood in the baseball mecca of Chicago, this book traces Joe Girardi's rise from a catcher at Northwestern University to his time in the minors, his 15 years in the majors, and his successful career as a manager. As much a character portrait of the man as a chronicle of his achievements, this study reveals the amalgam of influences--the relentless work ethic learned from his father combined with the systematic mind of an engineer, the baseball know-how instilled by the likes of Don Zimmer and Joe Torre, and the heart of his tenacious mother--that combined to propel Girardi to his current stature"--.

"The story of Billy "the Hill" McGill, who set the still-unbroken collegiate scoring record for big men with an outstanding 38.8 points per game and then faded away into oblivion, underpaid, nearly forgotten, and barely able to survive"--.