To really be an ultimate sports fan, the fan must commit his or herself to his team fully and embrace the custom ritual of The Tailgate. Before I get into the Top 10 Must-Have Gifts for Tailgating Fans, I wanted to throw in a few bonus gifts because I think these three gift ideas are so unique and fun.

Three Unique gifts for Tailgating lovers:

1. GrillinOpoly:
I am a huge fan of custom Monopoly games. I think they are so unique and fun, and the best part is that there really is one for everyone on your list. They even have one for the Grillin’ Addict in your life! And tailgating is not a true party without a Grill Master!

2. Customized Meat Branders:
These team-logo meat branders take grilling—and team loyalty—to a whole other level. You can brand all your burgers with your favorite team logo. Imagine how fun this can be if one of your friends likes you team’s biggest rival. How pissed would they be if they had to eat a burger with their arch enemy branded on it!

3. Lolita Tailgate Party Pilsner Glasses:
I’ve been collecting Lolita glasses for years, since they just made handpainted martini glasses. Now they have a full line of martini, wine, margarita and pilsner glasses. There is one a handpainted design for every occasion–even tailgating! Super unique, super chic and super sports-fan friendly!

Top 10 Holiday Gifts for the Tailgating Sports Fan

1. GRILLS

You can’t have a tailgate party without a kickass grill. One of the challenges the ultimate tailgating fans face when they hit the road to go to a live game is how to grill on the road without their super mega grill. Well, get your tailgating friend the perfect gift of  a Portable Tailgating Grill!

My personal recommendation is the Margaritaville G-1000 Ride Behind Tailging Grill. This grill is just insane! It’s so big that you can grill 2o hamburgers at a time! It’s super powerful, heats up fast and comes with all sorts of fun features like fold-down tables. And it’s Margaritaville green!

2. GRILL COVERS

Now what if your sports fan already has an amazing grill for his house and his car? How about a Team Logo Grill Cover? Help him proudly display his team loyalty to all his friends and neighbors while protecting his baby from the elements! They are available for almost any team. If the team you are looking for is not in the links below, check out the sport’s key homepage like NFL.Com or NBA.Com.

• NFL Team Grill Covers
• NBA Team Grill Covers
• MLB Team Grill Covers
• NCAA Team Grill Covers

3. COOKBOOKS

Okay, Grill, check. Portable grill, check. Grill cover, check. Now, what about some recipes of what to cook on those grills on game day! Over the last few years, dozens of Tailgating Cookbooks and grilling recipe books have been popping up all over Barnes and Noble and Amazon.com, and with good reason: tailgating party food rocks! Here is a great list of fan favorite tailgating cookbooks. P.S.-I’ll be reviewing some of the best-selling tailgating recipe guides in a few days so check back soon!

4. COOLERS

Now that the tailgating party food is taken care of, what about the other major tailgating essential: the drinks! A tailgate without beer is like….a little black dress without a fabulous pair of shoes. Just wrong. But game goers need a way to keep those beverages cold (well, unless you are in those cold Northern states. Then I suppose you can just stick them in the snow!) Coolers come in just about every shape, size and color from can koozies to motorized coolers that you can actually drive.

One really awesome cooler gift idea is the NCAA Team Vulcan Coolers This is the ultimate, all-in-one, insulated tailgating cooler! It even comes with it’s own gas grill and three-piece BBQ tools! And the best part is that it’s available in dozens of different NCAA team logos. Perfect for the college football fan!

5. TENTS

To tailgate properly, one must be able to mark territory. Don’t want the opposing teams fans taking up your teams party space! Nothing does this better than products emblazoned with team logos and mascots. And one of the most obnoxious best ways to mark the territory is with a pop-up canopy/tent that is covered in your team’s colors and logos! These guys rise above the throngs of the crowds and other tailgators and proclaim “This is INSERT TEAM NAME HERE’s Territory!”

• NFL Team Pop-Up Tents/Gazebos
• NCAA Team Tents
• NBA Tents

6. CAR FLAGS & OTHER FAN GEAR FOR CARS

Your favorite fanatic is all decked out in his team apparel, but what about his car? A true tailgate is not dressed and ready for the game unless the car is covered in team flags, decals, bumper stickers and all sorts of other crazy team paraphernalia!

7.  TEAM SNUGGIES and TEAM FAN BLANKETS

Everyone’s favorite blanket-with-sleeves and this year’s hottest holiday present–The Snuggie—is now available in Fan Wear! Sure it’s not the stylish leopard or zebra print that everyone is freaking out about that they must-have-NOW, but the Pittsburgh Steerlers Snuggie or the New York Giants Snuggie is bound to make your sports fan very happy this holiday season. **the team licensed may not be real trademarked Snuggies, just “blankets with sleeves”

• NCAA Team Snuggie
• MLB Team Snuggie
  

8.  THE GO-PLATE

This is quite possibly the most ingenius idea of all time. It’s a plate, with a cut out in the middle for the beer. Are you freaking kidding me? How did I not come up with this idea? Every day I curse the fact I only have two hands when I’m trying to carry all my food and drink from the kitchen to the living room and here is the perfect solution! This is a perfect item for anyone who likes to host (or attend) any kind of party, but especially a tailgater!

9. TAILGATING GAMES

So tailgating can often begin bright and early in the morning and carry into the wee hours of night before the game even kicks, tips, tees, or faces off. Yes, beer consumption is the favorite pasttime of tailgating however, true tailgating fanatics love other stimulation too. Tailgating games are an awesome gift! There is everything from bean bag toss games, card games and my personal favorite: The NFL Trivia Game! Which, let me tell you, after a few beers, is a very funny game to watch guys attempt to play.

10. MARGARITAVILLE FROZEN CONCOCTION MAKER

So I was originally going to talk about the margarita machines that hook up to your car because I think they are the coolest thing of all time. But then came across the Frozen Concoction Maker and fell in love at first sight. I’m not sure you can run it off your tailgating vehicle, but who cares!? It can make 6 different potent blended concoctions AT ONE TIME!

I originally posted this article back in May for Mother’s Day and it was uch a hit that I thought I better re-release it for a Holiday Guide. So I apologize if some of the things still say Mother’s Day gifts!
All the Holiday Gift Guides for Sports Lovers are available in The Stiletto Sports Fierce & Fabulous Boutique. There are tons of fun gifts for basketball, golf, baseball and football lovers……and for moms you are trying to convince to like sports!

Because I found so many great products, I decided to feature a few of my personal favorites & recommendations per sport. Click on any product picture to check availability and get ordering info. Also, all products shown here can also be purchased at the Fierce & Fabulous Boutique.

Happy Mother’s Day!

———————————————————————-

Featured Products from the Holiday Gift Guide for  Golf Loving Moms!

Hot Flops Golf Flip Flops

Adorable grass-green flip-flops covered in mini golf clubs and golf balls!

————————————————————————–

Golf Lovers Gift Sets

A whole list of great Golf Lover’s Gift Sets but these are my personal favorites!

Mother’s Day Hole-in-One Set

The six-can golf bag cooler is filled with golf-lover goodies like: White Chocolate covered “golf ball” truffles, Golf motif coffee mug and special delicious Perfect Potful from Coffee Masters, and a fun golf-ball shaped picture frame. Buy the Hole-in-One Gift Set

Golf Lover’s Set

This set is toted as an “executive gift set” but I think it’s great for any golf lover! I want one and I don’t even golf! The set is actually a real golf ball bucket and it is filled with  gourmet chocolate golf balls, golf shaped gourmet cookies, Moravian sugar cookies, Crazy for Golf pasta treats, cappuccino candies, tasty fresh-popped popcorn, and crisp gourmet crackers. The Golf Lovers Set is created by World Famous Gift Baskets and is available in all different sizes, the price ranging from $76-$200, depending on how many goodies are stuffed in the bucket!   Buy the Golf Lovers Gift Set

Belgian White Chocolate Dipped Golf Oreos

That’s right, you read that correctly! White Chocolate covered Oreos! Yummy! Each gourmet treat features a different golfing design. This unique gift is guaranteed to satisfy any chocolate loving golf fanatic!  Buy the White Chocolate Dipped Golf Oreos!

Check out More  golf-molded chocolate

————————————————————————

Personalized Golf Balls

Both my father and grandfather collected golf balls and I used to think it was such a fun collection to have. There were so many different colors, logos and styles— for something so simple as a ball you hit with a club!

Today, you can find golf balls personalized in any way you can imagine! I’ve seen ones promoting favorite sport teams and ones for people who just can’t get enough of flamingos!

Bellisimo! Hand-Painted Golf Balls

My favorites are these special hand-painted golf balls. Warning: even though the handpainting is on premiere golf balls from Titleist, Callaway, etc., these balls are not meant to be hit! They are signed collectors items, meant to be displayed!

There are actually over 45 different balls in the collection. I love the whimsical martini painted golf ball and the Pretty in Pink-Ribbon Awareness golf ball the best!

From the Bellisimo! designer Raenell about the Pretty in Pink Design:
“For me, the worst part about dealing with this disease was first learning that I had cancer. Fortunately, what used to be devastating news has evolved into the beginning of the survival journey. My wish while creating Pretty In Pink was to gladden the heart and soul with brightness and color, and to bring enjoyment and pleasure to those who wear the pink ribbon.”

Buy the personalized golf balls!

———————————————————————————————

Novelties

I don’t know why but golfing and drinking go together like Manolo Blahnik and Carrie Bradshaw!

Lolita 19th Hole Glasses

I’ve been collecting Lolita’s unique hand-painted glassware for years (there is a great shoe-aholic and shop-aholic collection!). They have designed a special “19th Hole” line to commemorate the celebration after a long day of 18 holes of golf!  There are wine goblets and pilsner glasses and even a special travel flask and mini-martini glass. Perfect for the concealing carrying on the golf course! Buy the Lolita Golf Glasses!

Dennco Kooler Klub Drink Dispenser/Cooler

Winner of: Best Invention EVER! (as voted on by many of my male golfing friends)

There are a lot of varieties of this fun golf gift. The Kooler Klub  holds 48 fluid ounces and is insulated to keep beverages hot or cold! The Klub looks just like a regular golf club and fits right into the golf bag! There is an easy pump dispenser that shoots the liquid out of the top of the Klub! Genius! Buy the Dennco Kooler Klub Drink Dispenser/Cooler

—————————————————————————-

Golfing Gear

I would do a section of gear to help Mom up her game, but well, I don’t golf so I don’t have a clue. Although I do rock at Wii Golf! Instead I wanted to feature two products that I thought were really special and worth talking about. Both items help to promote Breast Cancer Awareness.

Wilson HOPE 12-pc Golfing Set

Custom Wilson pink “Hope” golf clubs come in a special pink and purple golf bag. The set and clubs feature the Pink Ribbon of Hope for Breast Cancer Awareness. This set is specially designed for women golfers. Set includes:

• 1, 3 and 5 woods,
• 1 hybrid, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and pitching wedge irons,
• 390cc driver
• heel/toe alignment Dynabalance putter
• golf bag and 3 headcovers

Buy the HOPE 12Pc Golf Set

Wilson HOPE Golf Balls

The Wilson Hope ladies’ golf ball generates a double dose of virtue with every swing. Not only are Hope golf balls responsive and powerful–with a high-quality construction that drives straight and true while playing soft around the green–but Wilson also makes a donation to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) with every Hope purchase. To symbolize your commitment to fighting for a cure, each ball carries a pink ribbon along the side. -Wilson & Amazon

The HOPE collection comes in a variety of sizes and colors–not just pink! It really is a great gift to give anyone.  Buy the HOPE Golf Balls

————————————————–

For more fabulous golf gift ideas, see the full collection at my Fierce & Fabulous Boutique: Golf Gifts

My new favorite shopping site: The NBA Store

I will say my top recommendations are:

-Jerseys. I think every basketball loving friendI know has at least one jersey and always wants another.

-Hot Kicks: Yeah, I didn’t really think I was cool enough to pull that expression off but I had to try. But NBA fans are bigger shoe addicts than I am and that’s saying something. They are always coveting the hottest new sneakers that are released

-A Collector’s DVD. And I did give a list of my favorites. I did notice that Amazon.com was usually cheaper.

-A gift card to the NBA Store or online store. Then if you were just as overwhelmed as I was, grab the gift card and let the recipient try to decide!

2009 NCAA Tournament Tickets

-And my personal favorite: Tickets to a game! I LOVE live games. Check out your favorite team and players live. And with March Madness fast approaching…just saying, that would be a great gift!

My Favorite NBA Collectors DVDS

-Ultimate Jordan 20th Anniversary Collector’s Set

I am actually going to admit that I would like myself. I don’t care who the superstars of today are or how great they may be, no one can compare to Michael Jordan. I thought about being objective but, well, it’s my site so I can sat what I want Included in the set are 5 of MJ’s best games and 5 of his top selling programs like “Come Fly With Me”

-Boston Celtics 2007-2008 Championship Collectors Edition

-These are also available for Spurs, Rockets, Lakers…..pick a team

-Greatest NBA Rivalries & Upsets: Volume I

-60th Anniversary Edition: Greatest Moments in NBA History (this is from 2005 though)

-NBA Dynasty Complete Histories

-Knicks, Lakers, Bulls, 76ers, Celtics

I already talked about the Monopoly games made for MLB (and the other pro sports).

But now I’ve found other really fun MLB themed games! Think these would make really great gifts–at least I know I like them and think they are entertaining. Especially the Connect Four!

Connect Four: Battle between Red Sox & the Yankees!

Yankees Scrabble or MLB Scrabble

Chess: Red Sox vs. Yankees

Yankees Mr. Potato Head

Red Sox Yahtzee

And just to point out, here is a list of some of the Monopoly Editions out there:

Yankees, Red Sox, Phillies World Series, Fantasy Baseball: Players, Cubs, Mets, Giants, Astros, Cardinals

I’ve already given a list of great Football Movies and great Football Books, any of which I would like–actually a lot of the movies, I already have! (Just watched Invincible again the other night and am so watching Rudy this weekend!) I highly recommend both of those lists for any football fan. But there are so many other ideas out there that it would be impossible for me to analyze the best of the best of the best. So instead I give you…

What I would want for Christmas if I was A Football Fan:

1. A Collector’s Book

These all sound really cool and fascinating. And I don’t even care that much

-Football’s Greatest Stars

-The Football Game I’ll Never Forget: 100 NFL Star’s Stories

-How Football Explains America: I kid you not, it’s real and it sounds really good!

-Sports Illustrated: The Football Book

2. NFL Team History DVDs:

Some quick links for you: Giants, Jets, Patriots, Cowboys , Or NFL DVD List

3. Superbowl Collector DVDs

-My fave was the big Super Bowl I-Xl Collector’s Set.  My only question, do they come with the commercials? Because that’s the best part!

-There are tons of others out there. Pick by Year or by team!

4. NFL Historic Moments Commemorative Book

-I loved this and am getting it for a friend of mine.  It is a hardbound book personalized on the front with the receipient’s name. You pick their favorite team and inside the book is famous moments of the team as documented by the New York Times. Really nice and a very unique gift.

5. Tailgating Gear!

I’ve already discussed my love of tailgating! Who doesn’t love a party in a parking lot where you get completely schnockered before the actual even that you were supposed to go to? I found lots of fun sites but one of my favorites was the Tailgatingideas.com’s Holiday Gift Guide

-Tailgating Grills

6. Laptop Skins (or cell phones, PDAs, pretty much anything)

Thought these were pretty fun! Give your laptop a piece of personal flair!

-Skinit: Very comprehensive site. You pick the team, the device, and all the specifications. It was a bit overwhelming but it makes sense. Not every laptop is the same shape & size.

7. Football Cookbooks!

If I am being forced to watch the game, you better believe I’m going to at least enjoy the football. I’m all for pizza, wings, beer and pigs-in-a-blanket on occasion but every single Sunday for like 17 weeks? I think not.

-NBC Sunday Night Football Cookbook

-The NFL Gameday Cookbook

-Tailgating Cookbooks! ( I liked The Cookbook for Tailgating Recipes: Hosting a Superbowl or any kind of Tailgating Party)

Seriously Bob, you couldn’t come up with a shorter title? Then again, I don’t really have to give a description, you pretty much summed the whole thing up! Guess I might as well let you tell the rest too: “Follow the Roar is the definitive account of Tiger’s dominating 2008 season. From the are-you-kidding-me highlights everyone saw on TV to the off-camera moments that no other writer witnessed, the book brings the year to life and unravels the mystery of who Tiger Woods really is and how he makes the most frustrating sport in the world look terrifyingly simple.”

Arnie & Jack: Palmer, Nicklaus and Golf’s Greatest Rivalry by Ian O’Connor

The book not only shows their intense competition, but also their individual stories. They were as different as can be yet both are esteemed legends in the world of golf. They battled each other from on the green to their business empires. And those around them were either in Jack Pack or Arnie’s Army. So which one are you?

The grand slam: Bobby Jones, America and the Story of Golf by Mark Frost

A Grand Slam in baseball is hitting a homerun with the bases loaded. In golf, it’s takes on a whole new meaning. It means winning The U.S. Open, U.S. Amateur, the British Open, and the British Amateur championships all in the same year. And there is only one man in the history of golf to do such a thing, and it ain’t Tiger, Jack, or Arnie. It was Bobby Jones way back in 1930 . This is the story of his life and of his remarkable, unparralled accomplishment in 1930.

Greatest Game Ever Played by Mark Frost

This book was also by Mark Frost and is supposed to be a bit more thrilling–they even made it into a movie. The review from Booklist reads ” The story of Francis Ouimet, the first amateur to win the U.S. Open golf tournament, is just too good to be true: it’s Rocky without the sequels, it’s Jack without his beanstalk, it’s Tiger without Nike. But it’s true, and as told by veteran thriller writer Frost, it’s the most compelling sports book since Laura Hillenbrand’s best-selling Seabiscuit.”  Sold me on it! And the opening line of the book: “It begins with the simplicity of a fairy tale.” You know how much I love fairy tales! This is the true story of  Francis Ouimet, a caddy who grew up very poor and turned pro golfer in 1913 against all the odds.  He challenges his idol Harry Vardon, who is still considered one of the best golfers ever to have played,  in the U.S. Open Championship.

Caddy for Life: The Bruce Edwards Story by John Feinstein

It wouldn’t be a sports book list without a book from John Feinstein. It is the story of Bruce Edwards, the well known caddy for big name golfer Tom Watson. He was with Watson for over 30 years beginning in 1973. One of the most famous scenes in golf history came in the 1982 U.S. Open after Watson sank a seemingly impossible shot to beat the legend Jack Nicklaus. Watson then turned and began celebrating with Edwards in a clip scene by millions every year since. In 2003, he was diagnosed with ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease, only 15 days after proposing to the love of his life. I personally haven’t read it but I will now. And my father said it was a truly remarkable story.

Instant Replay: The Day that Changed Sports Forever by Tony Verna

Another one of those arrogantly boasting titles, but again, for good reason. Tony Verna was the creator of the most key components of televised sports today: “Instant replay.” The technology was first introduced in 1968 in a college football game between Army and Navy. However, the book doesn’t just discuss this historical event. Verna was a very influential person in the movie industry and it also chronicles his life and impact there.

Friday Night Lights by H.G. Bissinger

The book is where the whole t.v. show began. Okay, well actually it began in small towns across the country on your typical Friday night in the fall. But Bissinger, took this everyday norm–the high school football game–showcased it and discovered the inner truths. He reveals the pressure and struggles the high schoolers are under to be the best and the demands the the coaches, parents, and the town place upon them.

When Pride Still Mattered: A Life of Vince Lombardi: by David Maraniss

I knew the name and who he is (The head coach of the Green Bay Packers from 1959 to 1967–well okay I knew he was A coach anyway) but other than that, no idea. I asked “why do we love Vince Lombardi” and I was told: “he is considered the greatest coach in the history of football. He formed the first football dynasty in the 60s and all of his assistant coaches went on to have amazing careers. All of his players where completely devoted to him and he has become synonymous with the NFL.” And then he also sent me 5 really long paragraphs of Lombardi’s accomplishments that totally overwhelmed me and would have taken over the whole page so um, yeah, read the book! His saying “winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing” is legendary. Although I violently disagree with his philosophy of “Lombardi Time,” meaning always arrive 10-15 minutes early otherwise you are late. That’s a negative. Ten minutes late is very early for me!

Why Fantasy Football Matters and Our Lives Do Not by Eric Barmack and Max Handelman

I don’t even care if the book is good, I’m judging this one soley on it’s title and I think it’s hilarious. Totally LOLed at this one. And the description makes it sound like the perfect book for guys…and the girls that need to understand their crazy behavior.

“U.S. businesses lose $200 million in productivity each football season because employees are managing their fantasy squads instead of working.

In Why Fantasy Football Matters (And Our Lives Do Not), two grizzled veterans revel in the addiction that is fantasy football. From pre-draft hijinx to post-draft trash talk, from tumultuous trades to the perils of free agency, it celebrates the eccentric personalities, absurd rituals, and hilarious superstitions of one of the most fanatical fantasy leagues on earth.

With humor, insight, and a dash of advice, Why Fantasy Football Matters celebrates the thirty-two million Americans who prefer managing their fantasy squads to relaxing with loved ones. And it gives girlfriends, coworkers, and sports purists all the proof they need to accept that this is an obsession that really matters.”

Committed: Confessions of a Fantasy Football Junkie by Mark St. Amant

Buy him this and buy yourself Confessions of a Shopaholic. Then trade books. Then you can be understanding with his fantasy football leagues and he can come with you when Becky Bloomwood hit’s the big screen in Shopaholic movie in February 2009! The book gives the history of fantasy football and some how-tos. But the best part is the narrative of St. Amant’s life and how he somehow managed to convince his wife that he should quit his job to play fantasy football, and write about it.

The name might be a mouthful but the book itself is a great look into college basketball. These are serious powerhouse teams and the breeding ground for the elite. I’m actually just going to give you the back cover as my summary because after reading that, you will realize it is a must-have for any basketball fan.

Back Cover: “As the 2005 NCAA basketball season entered conference tournament play, three of the nation’s top five rated teams were from the famed basketball hotbed in North Carolina known as “Tobacco Road.” Between 1981 and 2005, teams from the four basketball powerhouses – Duke, North Carolina, North Carolina State, and Wake Forest – reached the Final Four nineteen times and won seven national championships. Not since the Yankees, Dodgers, and Giants all played in New York City have rivalries so passionate been contained within such a small geographical region. These four college programs grew up within just thirty-four miles of each other (though Wake eventually moved across the state to Winston-Salem) and have staged classic battles throughout the decades, featuring stars like David Thompson, Michael Jordan, Johnny Dawkins, and Tim Duncan, and legendary coaches such as Dean Smith, Jim Valvano, Mike Kryzewski, and Roy Williams, Tobacco Road covers the rich traditions of Tobacco Road basketball – and the backyard rivalries that become more and more intense with every year.”

And The Walls Came Tumbling Down: The Basketball Game That Changed American Sports by Frank Fitzpatrick

A.k.a  Another verision of Glory Road, the book that has now been made into a movie. But I will be honest here and tell you that I had no idea it was the same story when I picked the book out. It was only as I was typing the description that I said, hmm, this sounds familiar! Because I reviewed Glory Road in the basketball movie section, I thought here I would change it up and refer you to this different POV on the event, because Glory Road is actually from Coach Don Haskins perspective. This one, is not. It’s 1966. Texas Western has 5 black players as their starting line-up, something unheard of at that time. They went on to beat Kentucky in the NCAA Championship and their players totally dominated the white boys of Kentucky. This game wound up becoming a history altering event. I would LOVE if someone could read them both and then tell me which one you like best because after reading The Pistol I really want to re-read the Harry Potter books.

How March Became Madness: How the NCAA Tournament Became the Greatest Sporting Event in America by Eddie Einhorn and Ron Rapoport

Wow! That’s a bold title! I mean, I’m not going to dispute since I, Admitted March Madness Addict since the early 90s, 100% agree. This book shows how NCAA basketball went from a bunch of coaches and college kids playing ball to the crazed, billion dollar phenomenon that it is today. How the first televised regular season game between UCLA and Houston in 1968 paved the way for march madness. It is also a a great story compiled from interviews from the greatest coaches and players.

A Season on the Brink by John Feinstein

This was Feinstein’s breakout book. Since then he has gone on to acheive greatness in his career as an acclaimed sports novelist. It is the best selling sports book of all time because of the winning combo of Feinstein’s writing and his “main character” Indiana Hoosier’s head coach Bobby Knight. Feinstein was able to follow the infamous Knight during the 1985-65 season and helped shed light the heart of Knight who was always known for his volatile temper and love of throwing chairs during game.

Leading with the Heart: Coach K’s Strategies for Basketball, Business and Life by Mike Krzyzewski and Donald T. Phillips

Go ahead, try to say his name. Not many can, hence the Coach K. There are many books about the beloved Duke Basketball coach but I’m picking this one because it is his words, even though it’s not necessarily his biography. There are his rules of life and how to apply them to you every day life whether you are a coach, a businessman or just a basketball fan looking to better himself. Duke fan or not, there are few people who don’t love and respect Coach K.

Pistol: The Life of Pete Maravitch by Mark Kriegel

I read about this while researching for my DVD list and I really can’t wait to read the book and see the movie. I’m flat out admitting that I have absolutely no idea who this kid is, although the name Pistol Pete did sound familiar (although I think that I think he is a cartoon character that is friends with Bugs Bunny….) But his life sounds remarkable. This is the story of Pete Maravitch, told in what has been described as an unforgettable biography about “a child prodigy, the prodigal son and his father’s ransom in a Faustian bargain.” Maravitch was a remarkable basketball player in the 60s who went on to set huge scoring records at Lousiana State University. But beyond that he became “basketball’s answer to Elvis, a white Southern who sold Middle America on a black man’s game.” And the price he paid to be so great.

Let me tell you a story: A Lifetime in the game: by John Feinstein and  Red Auerbach

I was about to say it is the tale of the coach of the Boston Celtic’s Dynasty when I just read a better headline: The Emperor of the Celtic’s Dynasty. Feinstein spent four years meeting with Auerbach once a week, for lunch with the good ole boys at 11 a.m. on Tuesdays. And every week he learned more and more about one of his great idols. Feinstein is a highly acclaimed sports novelist so that alone is reason to read this. Auerbach has many books about his life and philosophies but this one is truly unique and fascinating.

Michael Jordan: A Biography: by David L. Porter

It’s Michael Jordan. Do I really have to elaborate on why this book should be read? He is one of, if not THE, greatest athletes and sports heroes of all time. He single-handedly (although I hate to say that because his teammates, coaches and rivals were great as well) changed the game of basketball into what it has become to day and became and international phenom. His skill, personality and branded image had a profound impact on American society. I’m sorry, I really can say nothing bad. I love him.

Mindgames: Phil Jackson’s Long Strange Journey by Roland Lazenby

Love him or hate him, there is no denying that this man is good. He lead the Bulls and Lakers to a combine 7 Championships as head coach and he also had two rings himself when he was a player. He was a mentor to Michael Jordan, Shaquielle O’Neal, Kobe Bryant and he was adored in Chicago, L.A., and even in New York during the 90s when the Knicks/Bulls rivarly ran rampant. He is truly a fascinating person and the book sheds light on both the good and bad parts of his long, strange journey of his life.

A poignant and celebratory tribute to “The House That Ruth Built.” Yankee Stadium was the most famous stadiums and ballparks in professional sports and 2008 was its final year. They built a new one next door. This book commemorates the amazing moments that occurred there in the last 85 years, and they aren’t just famous and historic sports moments. The first 9/11 memorial service was held at the stadium. Yankee Stadium was home to some of the greatest achievements in sports history and this book documents them in a great collectible tribute piece.

• Ball Four

This is a behind-the-scenes tell-all book by the pitcher Jim Bouton written in the 70s. Back then, this was a groundbreaking piece as no one had ever discussed the dark side of baseball. He talked about the locker room and life on the road–and all it entailed: the women, the drugs, the alcohol and the racial tension in the teams in the emotionally charged 60s. The diary is based on the season he tried to make a come-back on his skills with knuckle-ball. Sarcastic, funny, and still better than the other tell-alls that have come since then.

• Unforgettable Season by G.H. Fleming and Lawrence S. Ritter

First, this book ranks in Sports Illustrated top 100 sports books of all time, that’s reason alone to check it out. It’s the tale of the 1908 season and the National League pennant race that pitted the Giants, Cubs and Pirates in a dead heat race. Fleming compiled newspapers from the time and edited them to recreate the season from a newspaper readers POV. Historically captivating and wildly entertaining.

• The Entitled: A Tale of Modern Baseball by Frank Deford

This one I saw in Borders on day and pointed it out to my boyfriend, who was shocked to find a baseball book he didn’t know about. He’s been reading it and said it’s really good. So if it sucks, blame him, not me! But it’s finally something that’s not based on the life of someone else. This one’s fiction! It’s the story of a big name player accused of rape but told by the manager that has to deal with it. It’s engaging and LOL funny. I haven’t read it yet but there was a quote already that made me spit my coffee on my computer. So put any drinks down now!  “He never really understood pitchers. They were different from hitters in that pitchers didn’t seem to Howie to be whole people. They were just one thing, an arm, attached to the corpus. Pitchers were sort of like ordinary girls who got by because they had big boobs.”