New Release Books by Don Yaeger

From the legendary basketball coach who inspired generations of athletes and businesspeople, an inspiring book about the power of mentoring and being mentored. After eight books, many of them bestsellers, A Game Plan for Life was the one closest to John Wooden's heart: a moving and inspirational guide to the power of mentorship. The first half focuses on the people who helped foster the values that carried Wooden through an incredibly successful and famously principled career, including his father, his college coach, his wife, Mahatma Gandhi, and Mother Teresa. The second half is built around interviews with some of the many people he mentored over the years, including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bill Walton. Their testimony takes readers inside the lessons Wooden taught to generations of players, bringing out the very best in them not just as athletes but as human beings. In all, this is an inspiring primer on how to achieve success without sacrificing principles and how to build one of the most productive and rewarding relationships available to any athlete, businessperson, teacher, or parent-that of mentor and protégé.

An inside account of the Duke Lacrosse rape case by the team's former head coach discusses the events that took place on the night of the alleged crime, cites DNA evidence and contrary testimony that supports the accused team members' innocence, and decries the media practices that resulted in damaging prejudgment. Reprint.

¿TE IMAGINAS CONVERTIRTE EN LA PRÓXIMA MIA HAMM, CARLI LLOYD O ALEX MORGAN?¿Qué podría ser mejor que practicar un deporte que te encanta y ganar dinero por hacerlo?La idea de convertirse en deportista profesional y cobrar por jugar es emocionante. Pero la verdad es que solo un número muy pequeño de deportistas llega a ser profesional. Aproximadamente uno de cada 16.000 deportistas de secundaria llega a ser profesional. De acuerdo con el Departamento de Educación de Estados Unidos, menos de uno de cada 100 deportistas de secundaria recibe alguna beca de cualquier tipo para una institución División I.Este libro te ayudará a prepararte para jugar fútbol a los más altos niveles y ser un fichaje deseable para entrenadores tanto universitarios como profesionales. El manual enfatiza el concepto de que el éxito no depende solo de la habilidad natural de la persona; también se ve influenciado por su actitud y comportamiento, así como por la manera en que te tratas a ti misma y a otras personas, tanto dentro como fuera de la cancha. Nuestro equipo de expertos -acerca de los cuales puedes leer al final de este libro- entrega guías, sugerencias y ejemplos de la vida real.

As a seven-year-old kid pitching a ball against a brick wall, John Smoltz decided to be a professional baseball player when he grew up. And from that simple decision until his last season on the mound in the major leagues, it was his faith, work ethic, and love for the game that propelled him through challenges that would have ruined other athletes. Starting and Closing chronicles the final season in a legendary career that included fourteen years in one of the most dominant rotations in baseball, a Cy Young Award, and a World Series title—all while battling and overcoming "career-ending" injuries. Recounting a season that tested his perseverance and deepened his faith, Smoltz flashes back to watershed moments in the skeptic-defying journey from being one of the best starting pitchers of all time, to closer, to starter again. What emerges is an inspirational story from a man who believed not just in himself but in God's plan for him—and one more year.

In the enhanced e-book edition of Starting and Closing, baseball legend John Smoltz goes on camera to give readers exclusive video interviews. Now fans can watch Smoltz in action and read lists of the top baseball players of all time, only in the enhanced e-book! I wasn't afraid to fail. It's really as simple as that. As a seven-year-old kid pitching a ball against a brick wall, John Smoltz decided to be a professional baseball player when he grew up. And from that simple decision until his last season on the mound in the major leagues, it was his faith, work ethic, and love for the game—even more than God-given talent—that propelled him through challenges that would have ruined other athletes. Starting and Closing chronicles John Smoltz's final season in a major league uniform, capping a legendary career that included fourteen years as part of one of the most dominant starting rotations in baseball, a Cy Young Award, and a World Series title—all while battling and overcoming "career-ending" injuries. At age forty-one, Smoltz was making yet another unlikely comeback from his fifth surgery. Recounting the story of a season that tested his perseverance and deepened his faith, Smoltz flashes back to watershed moments in the skeptic-defying journey from being one of the best starting pitchers of all time, to closer, to starter again. One of the most intelligent, talented, and passionate players in the game, Smoltz delivers insights into modern major league baseball, its place in popular culture, and the value of competition. He writes with unflinching honesty about becoming a true Christian and finding in his beliefs the peace and strength to stay focused—through postseason triumphs and defeats, upheavals in his personal life, and the sting of being sent to the bullpen. What emerges is an inspirational story of spiritual growth and family values, from a man who believed not just in himself but in God's plan for him—and one more year. Please note that due to the large file size of these special features this enhanced e-book may take longer to download then a standard e-book.

Poignant stories from this nation's best-loved athletes include: Michael Jordan Michael Phelps John Cena Tony Hawk Evander Holyfield Ken Griffey Jr. Bethany Hamilton Misty May-Treanor Barry Sanders Danica Patrick The New England Patriots Annika Sörenstam Imagine a seriously ill child who gets to make one wish . . . and that wish is to meet you. How would you measure up? In Wish Granted, twenty-five of the most celebrated professional athletes of all time answer this question, sharing their stories of what it's like to transform the lives of Make-A-Wish kids. You will discover that these wishes are game changers, not just for the kids . . . but for the athletes themselves. Sports fans will be thrilled to get an insider's look into the deeply personal moments of their favorite superstars, and every reader will find inspiration in the amazing gift of human connection.

Examines the criminal records of NFL players.

"Never die easy. Why run out of bounds and die easy? Make that linebacker pay. It carries into all facets of your life. It's okay to lose, to die, but don't die without trying, without giving it your best." His legacy is towering. Walter Payton—the man they called Sweetness, for the way he ran—remains the most prolific running back in the history of the National Football League, the star of the Chicago Bears' only Super Bowl Championship, eleven times voted the most popular sports figure in Chicago's history. Off the field, he was a devoted father whose charitable foundation benefited tens of thousands of children each year, and who—faced with terminal liver disease—refused to use his celebrity to gain a preferential position for organ donation. Walter Payton was not just a football hero; he was America's hero. Never Die Easy is Walter Payton's autobiography, told from the heart. Growing up poor in Mississippi, he took up football to get girls' attention, and went on to become a Black College All-American at tiny Jackson State (during which time he was also a finalist in a Soul Train dance contest). Drafted by the Bears in 1975, he predicted that he would last only five years but went on to play thirteen extraordinary seasons, a career earning him regular acknowledgment as one of the greatest players in the history of professional football. And when his playing days were over, he approached business and charity endeavors with the same determination and success he had brought to the football field, always putting first his devotion to friends and family. His ultimate battle with illness truly proved him the champion he always had been and prompted a staggering outpouring of love and support from hundreds of thousands of friends and admirers. Written with veteran journalist and author Don Yaeger in the last weeks of Walter Payton's life, Never Die Easy presents Walter's singular voice—warm, plainspoken, funny, self-aware—along with the voices of the friends, family, teammates, and business associates who knew him best at all stages of his life, including his wife, Connie, and their children, Brittney and Jarrett; his teammate and friend Matt Suhey; former Bears head coach Mike Ditka; and many, many others. Walter made Don Yaeger promise that his book would be "inspirational and leave people with some kind of lesson . . . and make sure you spell all the words right." Never Die Easy keeps all those promises.

Explosive and controversial, this expos uncovers the exploitation of college, high school, and even junior high basketball players by the billion-dollar atheltic shoe companies competing for national endorsements. photo insert.

The only sports agent ever to be featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine reveals the secrets of the high-stakes arm-twisting that has earned his clients millions of dollars in the National Football League. Reprint.

The legendary late pitcher offers a candid chronicle of his life on and off the baseball field, discussing his accomplishments as a pitcher, his battle with brain cancer, what happens to a professional athlete when his career is over, and his evolving relationship with the son he had for years denied fathering, country music star Tim McGraw. Reprint.

One of pro basketball's most outspoken figures, the head coach of the Seattle Supersonics tells his story and offers provocative opinions about basketball and its top players, blasting the selfish, flashy, and flamboyant nature of the game today. Reprint.

GREATNESS is a motivational book whose target audience is found in business and self-help. It is a life book, aimed at inspiring others to achieve their personal and professional best. Opening with an in-depth discussion of the nature of Greatness-what it is, what it is not, and why it is worth pursing-each subsequent chapter of the book consists of a detailed story illustrating one aspect of Greatness with examples from the sports greats that Don has interviewed over the years. This will be followed by a discussion and other related examples. There are also practical tips and plans for assisting the reader in implementing new habits, routines, practices, and philosophies of Greatness into his or her daily life. As each characteristic is outlined, the reader is challenged to look for areas in his or her professional and personal lives that can be improved by embracing these lessons. As Don often says during his speeches, "Though these characteristics are culled from some of the greatest winners in sports, not a single one requires you to be able to touch your toes! These iconic figures in sports have provided a classroom for us to learn about their pursuit of Greatness. You don't have to be good at sports - heck, you don't even have to like sports - to benefit from their lessons." It is the strong belief of those who Don has talked to over the years that greatness is available to all of us. Not in the same way or on the same field, mind you. But we all have the capacity to achieve greatness if we'll give the same dedication to these characteristics as do the winners presented and interviewed in GREATNESS.

Reveals the story of how Notre Dame has tarnished its halo in its soulless quest for football glory

Reveals the story of how Notre Dame has tarnished its halo in its soulless quest for football glory

Warrick Dunn was only eighteen when his mother, a Baton Rouge police officer, was shot and killed. Yet somehow he managed to enroll at Florida State University and help his team to a national championship during his freshman year—while also caring for his five brothers and sisters. Despite his modest size, Dunn went on to a storied NFL career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Atlanta Falcons, becoming one of only twenty-three running backs in NFL history to exceed the 10,000-yard career rushing mark. Off the field, he created the Warrick Dunn Foundation and its Homes for the Holidays program, helping single parents achieve first-time home ownership. But in his drive to help others, the one person Dunn neglected was himself, as the pain of his mother's loss led to a spiraling depression that went untreated for years. Running for My Life details Dunn's struggle to confront his past and face the grief that consumed him for far too long. Thought-provoking and uplifting, it is the story of an exceptional athlete's secret torment and inspiring courage.

New York Times bestselling author Yaeger tells the electrifying story of the game that broke down the last racial division in college football.

Business lessons from one of the greatest Olympic teams of all time It's been called the greatest upset of all time, the most memorable Olympic moment ever, the "Miracle on Ice." No matter which superlative is used, no one can deny that the U.S. men's hockey team's defeat of the Soviet Union in the medal round of the Lake Placid Olympic Games was a defining moment for Cold War America. The U.S. team's goalie was a Boston University student named Jim Craig, who is now a leadership expert and keynote speaker to business audiences. Gold Medal Strategies gives you Craig's unique lessons from the "Miracle" team on team dynamics, leadership, motivation, and other important management topics. With his unparalleled perspective, Craig dissects and analyzes the elements of a successful team, how to assemble one, and what philosophies will keep the team's shared goal a reality. This book outlines the necessary skills and details the specific techniques you need to maximize your business readiness, hone competitive cooperation, gather your strategies, and attack your challengers.

Describes how the former University of Southern California football player and his family accepted money and valuable gifts from a marketing agency from Bush's sophomore year on, making him ineligible for the Heisman Trophy.

Based on 300 hours of interviews with coaches, athletic directors, student-athletes, and NCAA officials, Undue Process examines the NCAA's system of "justice" -- the organization's history and its growth in power over the years, the lack of due process for its accused, its guilty-until-proven-innocent attitude, and its 100 percent conviction rate.

The star of the Olympic gold medal-winning U.S. softball team offers a personal account of her athletic career and training for the 1996 summer games.

The coach of the Seattle Supersonics offers criticism of the sport of professional basketball today, including the marketing of individual players and young players ruined by eager coaches and greedy parents

Portrays the intelligence agents known as George Washington's secret six, who were recruited by George Washington to gather information secretly and thus contributed to the general's successes in the Revolutionary War.

Looks at Jerry Tarkanian's troubled career with UNLV and examines the inner workings of the NCAA