The Best Sports Writing of Pat Jordan

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features from throughout his career, among them his most famous magazine pieces and a small selection of previously unpublished gems.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.

"Renée's Retreat": Transsexual tennis pro Renée 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.