Includes index.

Death of a sculler -- Horse racing in Warsaw -- Sports as a window of social change -- A dynasty in the making -- Sports can distract, but they don't heal -- Baseball and the national mythology -- Reggie Smith -- The fan divided -- Fenway opener -- Why men love baseball -- The good old days, for baseball owners -- My dinner with Theodore (Ted Williams) -- Jackie Robinson -- DiMaggio's kick -- The ultimate gamer -- Torre -- Perfectionist at the plate -- Basketball -- Pat Riley -- Michael Jordan -- Iverson -- Harvard Football -- NFL -- Super Bowl XL -- Fishing -- Bob Francis and the striper -- Why I fish -- Homage to Patagonia -- Anatomy of a champion -- Ali wins another fight -- Soccer-- Olympics -- Schaap.

This work delivers the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist's unique vision of sports, with an intimate and personal collection that reveals the ideals of a culture steeped in integrity, loyalty, and character.