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... does YA count? I recently read one on Roberto Clemente. It was pretty good, though possibly a bit more factual than I'd have liked. The beginning was the best, describing his impoverished childhood and drive to overcome the odds and succeed.
Thanks, Ken. I grew up in Pittsburgh, at the end of Clemente's reign. Of course I ask because what a shock, I've got a sports novel! One based on a real boxer who had a plate in his right arm from a childhood "accident". Actually at the age of ten he dove off a two story roof. What's the name of the Clemente book?
... I'll get back to you next week on the title of the Clemente book. Don't recall the title. I got it out of the library so I can easily find out. Two movies you might be interested in that are somewhat related to your novel are:
Fear Strikes Out, 1957
True story of the life of Jimmy Piersall, who battled mental illness to achieve stardom in major league baseball.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0050383/
The Stratton Story, 1949
Star major league pitcher Monty Stratton loses a leg in a hunting accident, but becomes determined to leave the game on his own terms. (Awesome ending!)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0041928/
G'luck.
(I've got a cousin out in Pittsburgh. Sounds like a nice place.)
ps If I recall correctly, I think Clemente had a very serious illness when he was young that almost ended his career. The doctor actually told him to call it quits I believe.
... the title of that book was "Roberto Clemente," by Macht, Norman L.. (1994). Sorry for the delay.
That's cool, Ken- thanks. What an odd title, right?
Having been a sports writer, I'm often disappointed with the quality of most of the sports related novels I've read. Either they're written by non-insiders, which means a lack of realism, or they're written by former athletes, who are often not the best writers. One notable exception to this is North Dallas Forty by former Cowboys receiver Peter Gent. Excellent novel.
Sorry for the late response Bebop (are you a Charlie Parker fan, by chance?) but haven't been on the site the last couple of weeks. No, I'm not familiar with Roy McHugh. I actually used to be a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and wrote for Ring Magazine but I'm afraid McHugh was before my time. If you enjoy boxing related fiction, I'd suggest Thom Jones, he has several collections of short stories, a few of which have some boxing related portions. The Pugilist at Rest and Sonny Liston Was a Friend of Mine are two of his books. I'm also coming out with my own boxing novel in a few weeks which you might find of interest. Will make mention of it on the site when it's out.
My favorites:
Ball Four
Into Thin Air
Bang the Drum Slowly
Eight Men Out
Moneyball
If you have any interest in the Red Sox, the Stephen King and Stewart O'Nan book is pretty entertaining.
It was very excellent, though probably a bit more informative than I'd have liked. The starting was the best, explaining his poor child years and generate to get over the possibilities and be successful.