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Jackie Robinson: A Biography

by Arnold Rampersad

The extraordinary life of Jackie Robinson is illuminated as never before in this full-scale biography by Arnold Rampersad, who was chosen by Jack's widow, Rachel, to tell her husband's story, and was given unprecedented access to his private papers. We are brought closer than we have ever been to the great ballplayer, a man of courage and quality who became a pivotal figure in the areas of race and civil rights.Born in the rural South, the son of a sharecropper, Robinson was reared in southern California. We see him blossom there as a student-athlete as he struggled against poverty and racism to uphold the beliefs instilled in him by his mother--faith in family, education, America, and God. We follow Robinson through World War II, when, in the first wave of racial integration in the armed forces, he was commissioned as an officer, then court-martialed after refusing to move to the back of a bus. After he plays in the Negro National League, we watch the opening of an all-American drama as, late in 1945, Branch Rickey of the Brooklyn Dodgers recognized Jack as the right player to break baseball's color barrier--and the game was forever changed.Jack's never-before-published letters open up his relationship with his family, especially his wife, Rachel, whom he married just as his perilous venture of integrating baseball began. Her memories are a major resource of the narrative as we learn about the severe harassment Robinson endured from teammates and opponents alike; about death threats and exclusion; about joy and remarkable success. We watch his courageous response to abuse, first as a stoic endurer, then as a fighter who epitomized courage and defiance.We see his growing friendship with white players like Pee Wee Reese and the black teammates who followed in his footsteps, and his embrace by Brooklyn's fans. We follow his blazing career: 1947, Rookie of the Year; 1949, Most Valuable Player; six pennants in ten seasons, and 1962, induction into the Hall of Fame. But sports were merely one aspect of his life. We see his business ventures, his leading role in the community, his early support of Martin Luther King Jr., his commitment to the civil rights movement at a crucial stage in its evolution; his controversial associations with Eisenhower, Kennedy, Nixon, Humphrey, Goldwater, Nelson Rockefeller, and Malcolm X.Rampersad's magnificent biography leaves us with an indelible image of a principled man who was passionate in his loyalties and opinions: a baseball player who could focus a crowd's attention as no one before or since; an activist at the crossroads of his people's struggle; a dedicated family man whose last years were plagued by illness and tragedy, and who died prematurely at fifty-two. He was a pathfinder, an American hero, and he now has the biography he deserves.From the Hardcover edition.

Jackie Robinson: American Hero

by Sharon Robinson

Just in time for the major motion picture release, discover everything you wanted to know about Jackie Robinson!To tie- in with the April 2013 release of the movie 42, the life story of Jackie Robinson, this full-color comprehensive biography will feature everything there is to know about this inspiring American hero. The movie, featuring high-profile actors such as Harrison Ford, Christopher Meloni, and T.R. Knight, explores Robinson's history-making signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers under the guidance of team executive Branch Rickey. The biography will explore what led up to Robinson's signing and what happened after. As the first black man to play major league baseball, his progress monumentally influenced the desegregation of baseball. Because of this, Robinson became an icon for not only the sport of baseball, but also for the civil -rights movement. Featuring photos throughout, this biography will be a sports tale and a history lesson. It will coincide with the movie and also provide many more Robinson details, introducing him to a new generation of readers.

Jackie Robinson: Baseball's Civil Rights Legend

by Karen Mueller Coombs

The story of Jackie Robinson--how he tried to break the color barrier in modern major league baseball.

Jackie Robinson: He Led the Way (Penguin Young Readers, Level 3)

by April Jones Prince

Jackie Robinson became the first black Major League baseball player of the modern era when he stepped onto the field as a Brooklyn Dodger in 1947. In simple, engaging language, this book follows Jackie from childhood through his career as an MVP, award winning baseball player and a hero of the civil rights movement. This book is perfect for Black History Month and the start of spring training!

Jackie Robinson: Race, Sports and the American Dream

by Joseph Dorinson Joram Warmund

With these words, President Clinton contributed to Long Island University's three-day celebration of that momentous event in American history when Robinson became the first African American to play major league baseball. This new book includes presentations from that celebration, especially chosen for their fresh perspectives and illuminating insights.A heady mix of journalism, scholarship, and memory offers a presentation that far transcends the retelling of just another sports story. Readers get a true sense of the social conditions prior to Robinson's arrival in the major leagues and the ripple effect his breakthrough had on the nation. Anecdotes enliven the story and offer more than the usual "larger than life" portrait of Robinson.A melange of contributors from the sports world, academia, and journalism, some of Robinson's contemporaries, Dodger fans, and historians of the era, all sharing a passion for baseball, reflect on issues of sports, race, and the dramatic transformation of the American social and political scene in the last fifty years. In addition to the editors, the list of authors includes Peter Golenbock, one of America's preeminent sports biographers and author of Bums: The Brooklyn Dodgers, 1947-1957, Tom Hawkins, the first African-American to star in basketball at Notre Dame and currently Vice-President for Communications of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Bill Mardo a former writer for the New York Daily Worker, Roger Rosenblatt, teacher at the Southampton Campus of Long Island University, and author of numerous articles, plays, and books, Peter Williams, author of a study of sports myth, The Sports Immortals, and Samuel Regalado, author of Viva Baseball!: LatinMajor Leaguers and Their Special Hunger.

Jackie Robinson: Race, Sports and the American Dream (Routledge Revivals)

by Joseph Dorinson Joram Warmund

There are defining moments in the life of a nation when a single individual can shape events for generations to come. For America, the spring of 1947 was such a moment, and Jackie Robinson was the man who made the difference." With these words, President Clinton contributed to Long Island University's three-day celebration of that momentous event in American history when Robinson became the first African American to play major league baseball.First published in 1998, Jackie Robinson: Race, Sports and the American Dream includes presentations from that celebration, especially chosen for their fresh perspectives and illuminating insights. A heady mix of journalism, scholarship, and memory offers a presentation that far transcends the retelling of just another sports story. Readers get a true sense of the social conditions prior to Robinson's arrival in the major leagues and the ripple effect his breakthrough had on the nation. Anecdotes enliven the story and offer more than the usual "larger than life" portrait of Robinson.A mélange of contributors from the sports world, academia, and journalism, some of Robinson's contemporaries, Dodger fans, and historians of the era, all sharing a passion for baseball, reflect on issues of sports, race, and the dramatic transformation of the American social and political scene in the last fifty years. This book is a must read for anyone interested in American Sports history and sports in general.

Jackie Robinson: Strong Inside and Out

by Denise Lewis Patrick

Jackie Robinson was the first African American to play baseball in the modern major leagues. That may not seem like a big deal today -- but in 1947 it was a very big deal. Until Jackie stepped up to the plate, African Americans couldn't play on most professional sports teams. TIME For Kids Biographies help make a connection between the lives of past heroes and the events of today. Because of Jackie's courage and perseverance, people of all colors now participate in America's favorite pastime. Jackie worked hard and proved to the world that it's your character and talent -- not the color of your skin -- that really matters.

Jackie Robinson: Young Sports Trailblazer (Childhood of Famous Americans Series)

by Herb Dunn

A fictionalized biography emphasizing the childhood of the baseball legend who became the first African American to play Major League baseball.

Jackie and Campy: The Untold Story of Their Rocky Relationship and the Breaking of Baseball's Color Line

by William C. Kashatus

As star players for the 1955 World Champion Brooklyn Dodgers, and prior to that as the first black players to be candidates to break professional baseball’s color barrier, Jackie Robinson and Roy Campanella would seem to be natural allies. But the two men were divided by a rivalry going far beyond the personality differences and petty jealousies of competitive teammates. Behind the bitterness were deep and differing beliefs about the fight for civil rights. Robinson, the more aggressive and intense of the two, thought Jim Crow should be attacked head-on; Campanella, more passive and easygoing, believed that ability, not militancy, was the key to racial equality. Drawing on interviews with former players such as Monte Irvin, Hank Aaron, Carl Erskine, and Don Zimmer, Jackie and Campy offers a closer look at these two players and their place in a historical movement torn between active defiance and passive resistance. William C. Kashatus deepens our understanding of these two baseball icons and civil rights pioneers and provides a clearer picture of their time and our own.

Jackie's Nine: Becoming Your Best Self

by Sharon Robinson

This inspiring collection pays tribute to baseball legend and civil rights hero Jackie Robinson. Jackie1s daughter, Sharon, acts as a personal tour guide through the nine heartfelt, hard-won values that helped her father achieve his goals. Jackie1s values are brought to life through the powerful words of other heroes and pioneers, including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Oprah Winfrey, and Christopher Reeve.

Jackie’s Nine: Jackie Robinson's Values to Live By

by Sharon Robinson

Short essays, by a variety of writers, that illustrate the nine values that Sharon Robinson associated with her father: Courage, determination, teamwork, persistence, integrity, citizenship, justice, commitment, and excellence.

Jackrabbit Goalie

by Matt Christopher

Eager to make friends when he moves to a new town, a boy tells lies in order to get on the local soccer team.

Jackrabbit: The Story Of Clint Castleberry And The Improbable 1942 Georgia Tech Season

by Bill Chastain

He ran like a crazed jackrabbit, according to one awe-struck sportswriter. Clint Castleberry was already an Atlanta-area football sensation when he arrived at Georgia Tech in 1942, and in one meteoric college season he became a national sports hero as well. He was the first college freshman ever to be voted All-American. At least one Heisman Trophy was all but certain. Though weighing just 155 pounds, he seemed destined to become one of the greatest tailbacks in college football history. But then World War II intervened, and Castleberry became, instead, another young man whose destiny was cut short. His #19 is the only number ever retired in the illustrious history of Georgia Tech football. Bill Chastain weaves Clint Castleberry’s story around other legends of Georgia Tech football--including John Heisman, William Alexander, and Bobby Dodd—to create a glorious portrait of a proud football tradition and America’s Greatest Generation.

Jackson's Trust: A Fourth Down Novel (Fourth Down #1)

by Violet Duke

New York Times bestselling author Violet Duke kicks off her sizzling-hot new Fourth Down series with a friends-to-lovers romance between a no-strings-attached sports analyst and the hottest damn tomboy he's ever met. It's no secret that sports analyst Jackson Gray doesn't do relationships. What is a secret, however, is the reason why. Jackson's life is . . . complicated. And it doesn't help that his current hands-off "friendship" is with the cute-as-hell new sideline reporter he's assigned to train. Turns out, not only is the woman damn sweet, she also knows as much about football as he does. Like it or not though, Jackson has to remind himself that sex is the only thing he has to offer . . . until now. Leila Hart's fast-growing friendship with Jackson is something she'd never risk, no matter how unbelievably seductive the reward. Becoming an NFL sportscaster has always been the goal, and thanks to Jackson's fierce support and mentoring, it all finally seems within reach. Problem is, a girl can only take so much of that sexy-as-sin voice whispering dirty, filthy football stats in her ear before she loses all self-control. A workplace romance with Jackson is a disaster waiting to happen, especially for someone with big dreams . . . and secrets of her own. Includes a special message from the editor, as well as an excerpt from another Loveswept title.

Jacobo, el constructor: Jack the Builder (Spanish Edition) (MathStart 1)

by Stuart J. Murphy

“Kids, young and old, fall in love with math when they see how real-life and effortless it becomes thanks to these books.” —Kimberly D. Mueller, Ed.D., First Grade Teacher, Ashbrook School, Lumberton NJThis high-quality Spanish-language book can be enjoyed by fluent Spanish speakers as well as those learning the language, whether at home or in a classroom.The MathStart series has sold over 1.5 million copies and combines math with fun stories that have real-life applications. In Jacob el constructor, a Level One MathStart, Math becomes child's play as young readers are introduced to the skill of counting on, a first step toward mastering addition.Dos bloques . . . más tres son cinco bloques . . . ¡más diez son quince! ¿Qué puede crear un niño con su imaginación? Este cuento sobre bloques y construcción presenta la destreza matemática contar hacia adelante, un paso importante para dominar la suma.Math skills are life skills, and the MathStart series supports success!This award-winning series by Stuart J. Murphy teaches math through stories and visual models63 books divided into three levels with 21 books in eachFun activities kids will love are included to help parents and teachers emphasize the lessonsEngaging and relatable stories, with each story revolving around practical applications of the math concept presentedLively art from top-notch illustratorsCharts and other visual representations help children understand how the math works and promote deeper comprehensionMathStart's unique combination of stories, illustrations, and visual models helps teachers and parents in the teaching of math and provides all children with the opportunity to succeed.The math concepts taught in MathStart books conform to state and national standards. Level 1 is Pre-K–Kindergarten; Level 2 is Grades 1–3; Level 3 is Grades 2–4. The series follows math topics across grades so there is a foundational path to learning that runs through the levels.Help kids with their math skills plus their reading skills with the engaging and fun MathStart series!

Jacobs Beach

by Kevin Mitchell

The story of New York in the Fifties--of Rat Pack cool and the fading of the mob's glamour, brilliantly told through the prism of Madison Square Garden New York in the Fifties was the most interesting and most vibrant city in the world. New York gave the world a couple of other things too: one bloody and brutal but the king of sports, the other simply bloody and brutal. The Fifties were boxing's last real heyday. Never again would the sport be so glamorous or so popular. And that's where New York's other gift to the world--the Mob--came in. Gangsters have been around for boxing's entire history, but this time it was special. Most of the decade's major fights took place at boxing's spiritual home, Madison Square Garden, and most of the deals that made or ruined the lives of the era's many fine fighters were done on a famous strip of pavement across the road from the Garden: Jacobs Beach. And the man ruling that strip of pavement was a charming Italian murderer called Frankie Carbo.

Jacobs Beach: The Mob, the Fights, the Fifties

by Kevin Mitchell

The story of New York in the fifties - of rat pack cool and the fading of the Mob's glamour, brilliantly told through the prism of Madison Square Garden. New York in the Fifties was the most interesting and most vibrant city in the world. New York gave the world a couple of other things too: one bloody and brutal but the king of sports, the other simply bloody and brutal. The Fifties were boxing's last real heyday. Never again would the sport be so glamorous or so popular. And that's where New York's other gift to the world--the Mob--came in. Gangsters have been around for boxing's entire history, but this time it was special. Most of the decade's major fights took place at boxing's spiritual home, Madison Square Garden, and most of the deals that made or ruined the lives of the era's many fine fighters were done on a famous strip of pavement across the road from the Garden: Jacobs Beach. And the man ruling that strip of pavement was a charming Italian murderer called Frankie Carbo.

Jacobs Field: History and Tradition at The Jake (Sports)

by Vince Mckee

The sports landscape changed in the spring of 1994 when the Cleveland Indians moved into their new stadium at the corner of Carnegie and Ontario. No longer the joke of the league, The Jake made them the jewel of baseball and helped revitalize a city and a fan base. For the first time ever, these interviews and stories from the players, managers and front office personnel give the inside scoop on what happened on the field, in the dugout and behind the scenes of this exciting time in Cleveland sports history. Get the best seat in the house for the most recent addition to the Tribe's celebrated legacy.

Jacques Plante

by Vladimir Konieczny Raymond Plante

Jacque Plante, the first National Hockey League goalie to regularly wear protective facemask, was known for roving out of his net. "The Masked Marvel" won the Vezina trophy seven times and became a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Jacques Plante

by Todd Denault

The first full-scale biography of a legendary and award-winning NHL goalie who transformed the game."There are a lot of very good goalies, there are even a fair number of great goalies. But there aren't many important goalies. And Jacques Plante was an important goalie." Ken DrydenOn and off the ice Jacques Plante was a true original; he was extremely talented, boastful, defiant, mysterious, and complex. Throughout his tumultuous career as a goalie, he played for Montreal, New York, St. Louis, Toronto, Boston, and Edmonton. His contributions to and impact on the game were extensive and are reflected in today's rules, equipment, and style of play. Thoroughly investigated through archival and primary research, and including interviews with figures such as Jean Béliveau, Henri Richard, Dickie Moore, and Scotty Bowman, this biography sheds light on one of the most pivotal figures in the history of hockey.From the Hardcover edition.

Jagger: A Caldwell Brothers Novel

by Mj Fields Chelsea Camaron

USA TODAY BESTSELLER * Full of swagger and sensuality, the Caldwell Brothers series--perfect for fans of Katy Evans and Emma Chase--packs an emotional punch as the last bachelor standing fights for a woman who's worth every ounce of trouble. Jagger Caldwell is no one's hero. With a reputation for busting heads and breaking hearts on the underground MMA circuit, he lives for easy cash and easier women. But when he stumbles upon an all-too-familiar scene, painful memories awaken Jagger's sensitive side and compel him to act. As a kid, he stood by helplessly as his old man beat his mom. Now, Jagger won't let seventeen-year-old Tatiana Rand suffer the same fate. Nothing matters except saving her. Tatiana is a prisoner in her own home, at the mercy of her violent father--until an unlikely savior bursts through her door and into her life. Six-feet-plus of tattooed muscle and raw power, Jagger is no prince charming--but Tatiana stopped believing in fairy tales long ago. Despite their differences in age and, well, everything else, the sexy bad boy sparks a fire that Tatiana never knew she had--and desires that only Jagger can quench.Praise for Jagger"The youngest of the Caldwell brothers packs a good punch! In this fast-paced story, Jagger falls for the girl cowering in the corner--and claims his legacy along the way."--New York Times bestselling author Heidi McLaughlin"The Caldwell brothers never disappoint. Jagger will fight for your heart and win it a thousand times over!"--Stacey Kennedy, USA Today bestselling author of the Club Sin series"Heartwarming and humorous, Jagger gives us the modern-day hero everyone needs."--Ryan Michele, author of Ravage Me "Chelsea Camaron and MJ Fields find that cool mix between beauty and beast with Jagger. He was born to be a fighter, and Tatiana needs him in her corner."--S. M. Donaldson, author of the Game Time series"The word flow of these books is so good and melodic. . . . The drama, when looked at in the context of the whole story, fits in with the general tone the story sets."--The Romance Factor "Jagger brought me to my knees emotionally and had me falling hard for three of the sexiest heroes and the strong women who make them better men."--Rochelle's Reviews "A successful final installment . . . [Jagger Caldwell is] probably my favorite of the three."--Carlene Inspired "I absolutely love this series about the Caldwell Brothers. I couldn't wait to read Jagger's story."--She Hearts Books (4 hearts) "I found Jagger to be an excellent conclusion to the story (and I still loved the overlap from the other books, seeing scenes in Jagger's and Totty's eyes), and found Baby Caldwell to have just as much emotional capacity as his brothers."--Mignon Mykel Reviews "Thank you, Chelsea and MJ, for this wonderful series about fighting for a better life."--Ripe for Reader"What a wonderful finish to this series. The Caldwell Brothers are not to be missed. I have read each book in this series and I have enjoyed each one in its own way."--DRC Promotions Includes a special message from the editor, as well as an excerpt from another Loveswept title.

Jags to Riches: The Cinderella Season of the Jacksonville Jaguars

by Pete Prisco John Oehser

Jags to Riches is the ultimate fan book chronicling the Jacksonville Jaguars' improbable run to the AFC Championship Game and within one game of going to the Super Bowl. In Jags to Riches Prisco and Oehser of the Florida Times Union cover the wildly successful 1996 season of Jacksonville's pro football team, a surprising development because the Jaguars were in only their second year and had compiled a dismal 4-12 record in their first. An expansion team in a city that had sought a pro grid franchise since 1979, its concentration had been on signing young athletes, with the expectation that they would be ready to make a major move in three years. And, although coach and general manager Tom Coughlin had gotten off to a bad start with the team members, he was an important contributor because he judged players solely on their ability and drive and not on their press clippings, according to the authors. In his first year, Coughlin's coaching reflected more of his college than his pro background: gradually he relaxed many of his rules, and the team was better for it. Most amazing was the record, since, after 11 games, it stood at 4-7; then came five straight wins in the regular season and play-off victories against highly favored Buffalo and Denver.

Jai Alai: A Cultural History of the Fastest Game in the World

by Paula E. Morton

Paula Morton provides a fun, concise introduction to jai alai, a fast-paced ball game with ancient roots that is admired by fans for the sport&’s power and spectacle. Cesta punta, as the game is known in its Basque homeland, became a phenomenon during the twentieth century as organized jai alai spread from Spain into the Caribbean, Latin America, the United States, and Asia. This book outlines the multifaceted history of the sport, from its beginnings in Basque country to its North American &“unveiling&” at the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Centennial Exposition and World&’s Fair and to its rise and fall in popularity in the United States. Guest essays and historic photographs offer extensive insight into the sport&’s fascinating history. Morton further explores the players and venues, providing a carefully crafted and thoroughly researched look into jai alai. Sports lovers and cultural history enthusiasts will marvel at the sport&’s unique history and reach.

Jail Blazers: How the Portland Trail Blazers Became the Bad Boys of Basketball

by Kerry Eggers

In the late ’90s and early 2000s, the Portland Trail Blazers were one of the hottest teams in the NBA. For almost a decade, they won 60 percent of their games while making it to the Western Conference Finals twice. However, what happened off-court was just as unforgettable as what they did on the court. When someone asked Blazers general manager Bob Whitsitt about his team’s chemistry, he replied that he’d “never studied chemistry in college.” And with that, the “Jail Blazers” were born. Built in a similar fashion to a fantasy team, the team had skills, but their issues ended up being their undoing. In fact, many consider it the darkest period in franchise history. While fans across the country were watching the skills of Damon Stoudamire, Rasheed Wallace, and Zach Randolph, those in Portland couldn’t have been more disappointed in the players’ off-court actions. This, many have mentioned, included a very racial element—which carried over to the players as well. As forward Rasheed Wallace said, “We’re not really going to worry about what the hell [the fans] think about us. They really don’t matter to us. They can boo us every day, but they’re still going to ask for our autographs if they see us on the street. That’s why they’re fans and we’re NBA players.” While people think of the Detroit Pistons of the eighties as the elite “Bad Boys,” the “Jail Blazers” were actually bad. Author Kerry Eggers, who covered the Trail Blazers during this controversial era, goes back to share the stories from the players, coaches, management, and those in Portland when the players were in the headlines as much for their play as for their legal issues.

Jake Gaither, Winning Coach

by Wyatt Blassingame

He always did his best. This is an inspiring biography of a man who worked hard, excelled at sports, and survived brain cancer.

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