In Baseball Samurais, take a look back at Ichiro Suzuki's sensational rookie year...from the top spot in Japan to the Seattle Mariners' right field.Seven-time batting champion for Japan's Pacific League, he was a paradoxical combination of modesty and ego, calling himself simply "Ichiro." But when the Seattle Mariners signed him to a fourteen-million-dollar contract, scoffers said the 5-foot-9 inch, 156-pound Ichiro wasn't even in the ballpark. He proved t...

The complete story of the Cardinals' unexpected run to the 2011 World Series title is captured in this action-packed commemorative volume. Profiles of the team's stars, complete recaps of every postseason game, and stunning photography make this book a must-have keepsake for every St. Louis baseball fan.

A biography of Mark McGwire, one of baseball's hottest sluggers, following his quest for the all-time single-season home run record.The powerhouse player who's revolutionizing the game...In 1998, Mark McGwire made baseball history by breaking the legendary 61-home-run record set by Roger Maris in 1961. Not only did the outstanding Cardinals player break Maris' mark, he surpassed it by hitting 70 in one season!Find out all the facts on McGwire, from hi...

It seems unlikely that James Naismith, who grew up playing “Duck on the Rock” in the rural community of Almonte, Canada, would invent one of America’s most popular sports. But Rob Rains and Hellen Carpenter’s fascinating, in-depth biography James Naismith: The Man Who Invented Basketball shows how this young man—who wanted to be a medical doctor, or if not that, a minister (in fact, he was both)—came to create a game that has endured for over a century.James Naismith reveals how Na...

An inside look at the faith that guides the all-stars.The St. Louis Cardinals have long been one of the most successful franchises in the major leagues. They have won 11 World Series titles and some of the most famous players in the history of the game have worn the storied "Birds on the Bat" uniform.While that on-field success has been well documented, Intentional Walk is the first book which goes beyond the story of what happens on the field to t...

The third in the Diamond Communications series, this little paperback offers insight, wisdom and humor tailored especially for fans of the St. Louis Cardinals.

Albert the Great: The Albert Pujol's Story is a book that describes how Pujols moved from the Dominican Republic when he was just 15 years old and worked hard in the US to fulfill his dream of becoming one of the best players in Baseball today. Take a look at how this down-to-earth and motivated player has quickly won the respect and admiration of not only Cardinals fans, but also Baseball fans around the country.

Written by veteran sportswriter and Cardinals insider Rob Rains, Taking Flight answers two basic questions – what makes the Cardinals different from other organizations, and why are they so successful? Perhaps the most important man in the history of the organization was George Kissell. Among the future managers who came under Kissell's tutelage were Sparky Anderson, Joe Torre, Tony La Russa and the Cardinals' current manager, Mike Matheny. Kissell's imprint is still everywhere on...

The St. Louis Cardinals are a team steeped in history and a winning tradition. For proof look no further than the epic 2011 World Series! The secret to their success? It’s those special players who have been lucky enough to don the Birds at Bat. But whatever happened to those players once the bright stadium lights were dimmed and the cleats were hung up for good? St. Louis Cardinals: Where Have You Gone? provides the fascinating answer as veteran sportswriter Rob Rains catches up ...

Coach P created the Choice Not Chance philosophy which focuses on making the correct choices in life. The philosophy is widely used by McCallie, her staff and players, who are very active in the community speaking about "CNC." Age 26 when she took over at Maine, Coach McCallie was the youngest head coach in Division I history. She took that program from nothing and built it into a very competitive team in a span of eight years. She started to outdraw the men's team, a rarity in college spo...

Have you ever...Got into a four-hour argument over what does and does not belong in a full English breakfast?Sat perfectly still in terrified silence until the unknown number stops ringing and goes away?Replied to the question 'Can I get you anything? Tea, coffee, water?' with 'Lovely, thanks'?...then you may (still) be suffering from VERY BRITISH PROBLEMS....

Sunshine After the Rain is the story of Aston Villa FC from 2009 to 2023 a turbulent time when the mighty Villa lion fell from the top flight before clawing its way back to the Premier League and Champions League. After the untimely departure of Martin O’Neill just days before the start of the 2010/11 season, the club entered the doldrums before relegation in 2016. At the heart of this book are those three surreal seasons when Villa played in the Championship. It was a time when t...