A highly-entertaining collection of sports journalism from a forty-year veteran.
For decades, Pat Jordan has been one of the best sports writers in America. This engrossing book compiles twenty-six features from throughout his career, among them his most famous magazine pieces and a small selection of previously unpublished gems.
Included is an exciting selection of Jordan's profiles of sports legends such as Wilt Chamberlain, Tom Seaver, Greg Louganis, Venus and Serena Williams--each one frank, insightful, and salty--as well as an extraordinary sampling of the pieces with which Jordan made his name: those about athletes who are obscure, unsuccessful, or have fallen from grace. Whether writing about the marginal, the famous, or the infamous, Jordan displays a hard-boiled, highly literate prose and a capacity to convey how the idiosyncratic mindsets of athletes lead to success or failure.
"The Best Sports Writing of Pat Jordan" covers a variety of mainstream sports and some less athletic (but equally competitive) pastimes like poker, pool, and child beauty pageants. A Q&A with Jordan gives intriguing behind-the-scenes scoops on select stories. Fun, revealing, and very readable, this book represents the best work from a standout in his field.
Highlights from "The Best Sports Writing of Pat Jordan":
"Trouble in Paradise": L.A. Dodger all-star (and presumed future-U.S. Senator) Steve Garvey takes a hit to his public image--from his unsatisfied wife.
"Roger Clemens Refuses to Grow Up": The greatest pitcher of his generation is really just a big baby.
"The Outcast": O. J. Simpson stars as O. J. Simpson and has a thing for Jennifer Love Hewitt.
"Of Memory, Death, and the Automobile": Phil Hill, Renaissance Formula 1 racecar driver, obsesses over his obsessions.
"Renee's Retreat": Transsexual tennis pro Renee Richards reflects on her life on both the women's and men's tours.
"Duquesne, PA": In a down-and-out factory town, high school football provides the only escape.
"Is this Man the Future of Poker?": Poker phenom David Williams beats the odds, but can't bluff his girlfriend.
"The Noble Turtle": A wannabe actor can't escape his boxing past. His name? Sylvester Stallone.
