Sports Audiobooks | Biography & Memoir

Calling the Shots: My Autobiography Audiobook

"Brought to you by Penguin. Rewind to 1971, and Sue Barker's coach is sending his 15-year-old tennis protégé to a junior championship in France, alone, with a one-way ticket, telling her she'd have to win the money to pay for her return fare. Sue hides in the grounds of the hosting tennis club overnight, to avoid paying for a hotel. The next day, she walks onto court and smashes it. Five years later, and she's Britain's No 1. The same combination of grit, grace and talent took her to the top of live Sports TV. And now, after four decades on camera encouraging other legends to share their stories, she is telling her own. Going all in for her once-only autobiography, Sue takes us inside the showbizzy world of 70s and early 80s tennis, dating the stars, hitting the headlines. She reveals the battles she fought for hard-won success in two careers, gives us a ringside seat on the nation's biggest sporting dramas, and a fascinating insider's understanding of competitors under pressure. This is the remarkable life story of a tennis champion, an award-winning broadcaster who has brought sporting history into our living rooms for decades, and a trail-blazing woman who has always called the shots. © Sue Barker 2022 (P) Penguin Audio 2022"

Sue Barker (Author), Sue Barker (Narrator)

Audiobook

Ed Snider: The Last Sports Mogul

"A multidimensional biography of one of Philadelphia’s ultimate power brokers Most sports team owners make their money elsewhere and purchase a team as an extravagant hobby—but that is not the story of Ed Snider. One of the few owners in history to start a franchise by mortgaging nearly everything to his name, the Philadelphia Flyers founder would go on to form the billion-dollar empire of Comcast-Spectacor and cement his standing as one of the biggest movers and shakers in the city’s history. Snider was ambitious and entrepreneurial, though his ferocious demands for perfection would scare some employees away. He was affectionate with his treasured family yet lacked emotional intelligence in other personal matters. Staunchly capitalist, Snider could be progressive-minded when it came to sharing his wealth with those in need. The Last Sports Mogul embraces these seeming contradictions to form a complex portrait of an unparalleled figure in sports, business, and civic history. Thoroughly researched and reported, this is a fascinating business story encompassing humble beginnings, unprecedented success, and the values one chooses at the end of the day."

Alan Bass (Author), Michael Quinlan (Narrator)

Audiobook

Whispers of the Gods: Tales from Baseball’s Golden Age, Told by the Men Who Played It

"In Whispers of the Gods, bestselling author Peter Golenbock brings to life baseball greats from the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s through timeless stories told straight from the players themselves. Like the enduring classic The Glory of Their Times, this book features the reminiscences of baseball legends, pulled from hundreds of hours of taped interviews with the author. Roy Campanella talks about life in the Negro Leagues before coming up to the Brooklyn Dodgers. Ted Williams recounts why he believes Shoeless Joe Jackson belongs in the Hall of Fame. Tom Sturdivant provides vivid memories of Casey Stengel, Mickey Mantle, and other Yankee icons. Other voices include Phil Rizzuto, Jim Bouton, Monte Irvin, Stan Musial, Ron Santo, Rex Barney, Ellis Clary, Roger Maris, Ed Froelich, Marty Marion, Jim Brosnan, Gene Conley, and Kirby Higbe. The players interviewed were All-Stars, Hall of Famers, and heroes to many, and their impact on the national pastime is still seen to this day. Baseball history comes alive through the stories shared in Whispers of the Gods, offering a fascinating account of the golden age of baseball."

Peter Golenbock (Author), Mike Chamberlain (Narrator)

Audiobook

Shawn Thornton: Fighting My Way to the Top

"A refreshing memoir of battles and self-belief from one of the NHL's most revered enforcers Shawn Thornton was an unlikely NHL success, to say the least. The Oshawa, Ontario, native was picked late in the OHL and later thought he was being pranked when the Toronto Maple Leafs called him to say he'd been selected in the seventh round of the 1997 NHL draft. After years spent working and maturing in the AHL, Thornton would go on to play fourteen seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks, Anaheim Ducks, Boston Bruins, and Florida Panthers, winning two Stanley Cups along the way. For the first time, in this candid memoir, Thornton opens up about his life in hockey and beyond, from his early days as an unrated prospect to the leadership lessons he learned in the minors, from the most difficult on-ice brawls to the ecstasy of reaching the sport's most celestial heights. Fans will not want to miss this story of perseverance and finding one's own path."

Shawn Thornton (Author), Dale Arnold (Narrator)

Audiobook

LeBron: Life Lessons from the King

"Secrets to success from one of the greatest basketball players of all time: LeBron James “Nothing is given. Everything is earned.” His power, speed, and killer instincts made him a basketball phenom, but it was blood, sweat, and determination that turned him into an undisputed champion. From the day Sports Illustrated deemed him “The Chosen One” when he was still in high school, LeBron James, a skinny kid from Akron, Ohio, rose to stardom for his world-class athleticism. Two decades, four NBA championships, three Olympic medals, four MVP awards, three teams, and eighteen All-Star selections later, LeBron is the reigning king of the NBA. The world watches in awe as he breaks countless records and sets jaw-dropping new ones. He has taken his success further than anyone imagined, proving himself a savvy investor and businessman, making a splash in the entertainment industry, and emerging as a powerful voice for social justice. LeBron: Life Lessons from The King offers courtside seats to the highs and lows of LeBron’s unbelievable journey and reveals valuable insights for anyone trying to make their own lofty dreams come true. Motivating and empowering quotes from King James himself A biographical look at LeBron’s early years, his rise to fame, and his most spectacular achievements Guiding truths and hard-earned lessons to inspire your own path to excellence"

Brian Boone (Author), Cary Valentine (Narrator)

Audiobook

[Spanish] - El circo de los pueblos: Cómo dictadores, narcos, políticos y empresarios consiguieron p

"Desde la primera mitad del siglo XX el poder busca utilizar el fútbol a su favor: Mussolini, Hitler, la dictadura argentina con el Mundial 78, jeques árabes, Pablo Escobar, la Camorra napolitana, Berlusconi, Macri o George Weah, el primer jugador en convertirse en presidente. Pero también hay víctimas como Maradona, tal vez la persona que más amó y sufrió el fútbol. El fútbol es el entretenimiento más grande del planeta. Absolutamente nada concentra tanta atención como un Mundial. No existe elección política, ni discurso, ni concierto, ni manifestación que puedan acercarse en interés global. La prueba es que el campeonato de Rusia 2018 fue visto por 3500 millones de personas. Casi la mitad del mundo. Desde principios del siglo XX el poder buscó y busca utilizar este deporte a su favor: Mussolini, Hitler, la dictadura argentina con el Mundial 78, jeques árabes, Pablo Escobar, Pelé, la Camorra napolitana, Silvio Berlusconi, Mauricio Macri o George Weah, el primer jugador en convertirse en presidente. Pero también hay víctimas como Diego Maradona, tal vez la persona que más amó y sufrió el fútbol. Con rigor histórico, sagacidad periodística y entrevistas exclusivas, José Ignacio Lladós analiza y cuenta cómo el fútbol pasó de entretenimiento deportivo a ser un negocio global que mueve millones de dólares alrededor del mundo y una plataforma de lanzamiento para todo aquel que quiera llegar a lo más alto del poder."

José Ignacio Lladós (Author), Juan Balvin (Narrator)

Audiobook

[Spanish] - Cabezón. Biografía oficial de Andrés D’Alessandro: Mi vida. Mis sueños. Mi fútbol. Mi le

"Hoy que se aproxima su retiro, en conversación íntima y sin reservas con Diego Borinsky, Andrés D'Alessandro -máximo ídolo del club brasileño Inter, y desde siempre muy querido por todos los hinchas de River- cuenta por primera vez su vida, de La Paternal y Racing a Brasil pasando por Europa y, por supuesto, por el Monumental, con testimonios de quienes mejor lo conocen y más lo aprecian, de su esposa y sus padres a Marcelo Bielsa. Mucha gente cree que voy discutiendo con todos por la calle. No soy así, quizás se dejan llevar por la imagen de discutidor que se ve en el campo de juego. Es parte de mi carácter, el mismo que me llevó a construir esta carrera de la que me siento muy orgulloso. La idea de escribir un libro nació porque se acerca el final y de algún modo quiero dejar un mensaje, un legado, y mostrar quién es no sólo el que entra con sus compañeros a hacer lo mejor por su equipo, sino también la persona que se va después a la casa con su bolsito. No puedo reclamarle nada a mi carrera, aunque debo admitir que mi gran espina es no haber podido jugar un mundial. Jamás imaginé que triunfaría en Brasil. Tampoco que iba a terminar organizando partidos benéficos y que me nombrarían ciudadano ilustre y embajador del Instituto de Cáncer Infantil. Son halagos que me llenan el alma y me obligan a redoblar el compromiso. Me produce una profunda tristeza saber que dejaré de hacer lo que me gusta tanto e hice durante toda mi vida. Me he largado a llorar más de una vez en estos meses hablando sobre el futuro. Leyendo el libro van a comprender por qué todos los integrantes de la familia D'Alessandro somos tan sensibles y de lágrima fácil. Espero les guste y lo disfruten, como yo he disfrutado de mis años en el fútbol y de contarlos en estas páginas. Andrés D'Alessandro «Gran polemista, analizaba todas las decisiones. Sin embargo, aún en el disenso, siempre sentí que contaba con su adhesión. Cuestionador, pero en sintonía con los intereses colectivos y con los del entrenador, comprometido con el escudo a defender». Marcelo Bielsa «En el colegio era un poco rebelde, pero nada demasiado grave. Con lo que me volvió loca en la infancia fue con todos los golpes que se dio. Ay, Dios santo, ese chico era un infierno de inquieto, no ganamos para sustos». Gladys (mamá) «Su mayor virtud como persona creo que es la honestidad. Existe una relación directa y sincera entre lo que dice y lo que hace. Es auténtico. Eso le jugó muchas veces en contra en su carrera». Érica (esposa) «Acompaño a Inter desde los ocho años y no tengo dudas: Paulo Roberto Falcão, Valdomiro Vaz Franco, Fernando Lúcio da Costa y Andrés Nicolás D'Alessandro son los cuatro máximos ídolos de la historia del club». Marcelo Medeiros, presidente de Inter «El apodo Cabezón se lo puse yo. De chico era muy caprichoso, le decías una cosa y hacía lo contrario, era discutidor. Andrés dice que yo nunca lo vi jugar bien, pero en el fondo le buscaba el pretexto, lo fui llevando de esa manera para que nunca se conformara». Eduardo (papá) «Hay muchos futbolistas que juegan por instinto y otros que entienden el juego, que tienen lectura y son entrenadores dentro del campo. Dale es uno de esos. Quiere saber los porqués de todo, siempre pregunta. Juega con la cabeza, pero también con el corazón». Dunga (exentrenador de Andrés y amigo)"

Diego Borinsky (Author), Marcelo Pintos (Narrator)

Audiobook

LeGyandary: The Autobiography of Asamoah Gyan

"In this book, Gyan bares his soul. He seeks no sympathy; he simply wants his side of an often-one-sided story to be heard, introducing us to names, people and influences we did not know before. Want to know about the penalty miss with Uruguay ? I guessed as much! The book takes us into the mind of the legend and his perspective about life. The book is an easy reference for facts and details about our football for over a decade spanning 2006 to 2019. The book outlines the strength and fortitude needed to rise to the top Do you want to be on top of your career?? Then this book is for you!!! The book is a clear recollection of the events that unfolded during every single AFCON and world Cup the legend has been to It details the exploits of not only the legend but the entire black stars team."

Asamoah Gyan (Author), Kafui Dey (Narrator)

Audiobook

[Portuguese] - Klopp (resumo)

"Este minilivro é um resumo produzido a partir da obra original. Jürgen Klopp é um treinador com o dom de transformar tanto os jogadores sob seu comando quanto os clubes que o empregam. Foi o que fez no Mainz 05 e, sobretudo, no Borussia Dortmund – um time que há tempos frequentava apenas o meio da tabela e, depois de se entregar à Kloppmania, tornou-se bicampeão nacional e uma das equipes mais aclamadas de toda a Europa por seu estilo de jogo. Klopp é autêntico, simpático e divertido, atributos que encantam quem está à sua volta. Incrivelmente obstinado e devotado ao trabalho, o seu temperamento efervescente parece deixá-lo o tempo todo na iminência de uma explosão. Por todos esses fatores, a sua chegada ao Liverpool FC gerou muita expectativa e, mesmo quando os resultados trouxeram frustração, o seu entusiasmo à beira do gramado e o futebol elétrico de seu time conquistaram a torcida, que pôde testemunhar o triunfante retorno do clube a uma final de Champions League. A fim de compor o melhor retrato deste impressionante personagem, o livro recupera a sua história desde os seus primeiros anos de vida, leva o leitor ao início de sua carreira como 'jogador de quinta divisão com cérebro de primeira' e relata a sua ascensão acidental ao posto de treinador, com as suas passagens de grande sucesso por Mainz 05 e Borussia Dortmund pavimentando o seu caminho até Anfield, a casa do Liverpool."

Raphael Honigstein, Raul Oliveira Moreira (Author), Everton Ferreira (Narrator)

Audiobook

[Portuguese] - Mourinho Rockstar (resumo)

"Este minilivro é um resumo produzido a partir da obra original. 'A atitude desafiante, as declarações polêmicas, a inteligência impertinente, e, sobretudo, a atitude provocadora que demonstra no banco e nas coletivas de imprensa foram alguns dos motivos pelos quais Mourinho acabou protagonizando a nossa última capa do ano.' Editorial da Revista Rolling Stone, versão espanhola, em dezembro de 2011. O novo lançamento da editora Grande Área, Mourinho Rockstar, é uma coleção de grandes momentos da vida do técnico, que não deixa também de lançar luzes sobre seus maiores fracassos. Constrói-se apoiado em polêmicas, desavenças, grandes conquistas e episódios inesquecíveis para combinar os altos e baixos no temperamento do português com a sina de vitórias que parece sempre acompanhá-lo. Afinal, Mourinho pode ser o rebelde estampado na capa da revista Rolling Stone, um espírito rock'n'roll que invadiu o mundo do futebol, mas é também, e inegavelmente, um anti-herói muito bem-sucedido. Entre os personagens retratados no livro, encontram-se os grandes protagonistas do futebol mundial: Guardiola, Ibrahimovic, sir Alex Ferguson, Balotelli, Arrigo Sacchi, Cristiano Ronaldo. Muitos deles dividiram o vestiário com o técnico português e todos têm uma história para contar. As diversas faces desse personagem complexo convivem nas páginas da obra, e tentar harmonizá-las enquanto passava a limpo a carreira do Special One foi o desafio que o autor, o também português Luís Aguilar, enfrentou com categoria."

Luís Aguilar, Raul Oliveira Moreira (Author), Everton Ferreira (Narrator)

Audiobook

Where There's a Hill: One woman, 214 Lake District fells, four attempts, one record-breaking Wainwri

"'The greater the challenge, the sweeter the reward, but also the greater the risk of failure. And fear of failure is the greatest barrier to success.' Sabrina Verjee is an ultrarunning phenomenon. In June 2021, on her fourth attempt, she became the first person to climb the Lake District’s 214 Wainwright hills in under six days, running 325 miles with a colossal 36,000 metres of ascent. Where There’s a Hill tells the story of an outsider who was never picked for a school sports team yet went on to become an accomplished modern pentathlete and adventure racer. After switching her focus to ultrarunning in her thirties, Sabrina moved to the Lake District, where she could hone her mountain-running skills on the local fells. High-profile success in endurance events followed, as she completed the Dragon’s Back Race three times and was the outright winner of the 2019 Summer Spine Race, beating her nearest competitor by more than eight hours. However, it was the Wainwrights Round which really captured Sabrina’s imagination. Having learnt about the challenge from fell-running legend Steve Birkinshaw, Sabrina began to plan an attempt of her own. Despite multiple obstacles – including lockdown regulations, bad weather, injury and controversy – Sabrina’s grit and determination shone through. Where There’s a Hill is a frank and inspirational account of how one woman ran her way into the record books."

Sabrina Verjee (Author), Liz Jadav (Narrator)

Audiobook

Pickleball For All: Everything but the ''Kitchen'' Sink

"An entertaining and comprehensive look at the America’s fastest growing sport, Pickleball for All is the ultimate primer for any level of player interested in the wacky history, unique rules, and exciting future of pickleball. Bainbridge Island, Washington State. On a sleepy summer vacation, three dads with bored kids started a game with handmade equipment and rules that were even more hastily constructed. Pickleball—an accessible and engaging combination of sports like ping-pong and tennis—was born, and a rich history began to take shape. Fifty years later, as the COVID-19 pandemic forced the world to quarantine and hunt for new activities, Americans of all ages and athletic ability discovered pickleball, turning to the rapidly growing phenomenon as a way to stay active, safe, and entertained. With its unique rules, wacky terminology, and inclusive gameplay, pickleball caught the attention of the likes of the Kardashians, Bill and Melinda Gates, and Leonardo DiCaprio, and quickly became the world’s fastest growing sport with Olympic games potential.Few have followed pickleball’s ascent in American life as closely as New York Times writer and pickleball enthusiast Rachel Simon. Now Simon shares her fascination with the world in this lively, energetic primer for anyone wondering what in the world a dink is or why their neighbors have had a net up in their driveway since May 2020. From the history of the game to the basic rules (hint: you do not want to be caught in the “kitchen” during a volley), Simon offers a complete overview for casual and expert players alike. With easy-to-follow steps and expert advice, readers will learn everything they need to know, including information like: Where and how to set up a court Scoring, gameplay, and equipment Strategies to win at any skill level The difference between a dink, a drive, and a drop shot In addition, Simon weaves in inspiring stories from the world’s top players during their most exciting pickleball moments. An immersive look at a global phenomenon that’s only gaining momentum, Pickleball for All paints a vivid portrait of a new American pastime. Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook."

Rachel Simon (Author), Allyson Ryan (Narrator)

Audiobook

Sports Audiobooks in Biography & Memoir