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Minnesota Hockey Greats: Homegrown Talent in the NHL (Sports)
by Jeff H. OlsonA chronicle of Minnesota's hockey excellence in the world's top hockey league--the NHLThe years 1960 to 1982 were a watershed moment for Minnesota hockey, and the Land of 10,000 Lakes has enjoyed hockey success ever since. In that time, pioneering homegrown players like Bill Nyrop, Dave Langevin, Reed Larson, Mike Ramsey, Dave Christian, Neal Broten, Paul Holmgren, and Phil Housley established themselves as bona fide stars at the games' highest and most competitive level. More recently, another remarkable group of native sons--including Zach Parise, Blake Wheeler, Dustin Byfuglein, and T. J. Oshie--left their mark on the league.Profiling more than seventy players and compiling Minnesota NHL records gathered nowhere else, Jeff Olson celebrates the brilliant achievements of Minnesotans in the National Hockey League.
Minnesota Twins Baseball: Hardball History on the Prairie (Sports)
by Stew ThornleyFor more than half a century, Minnesotans have been treated to the memorable players and teams of the Minnesota Twins. <P><P>From the Ruthian blasts of Harmon Killebrew and Kirby Puckett to a successful brand of "small ball," the Twins have fielded competitive teams at Metropolitan Stadium, the Metrodome and Target Field. But prior to its arrival in 1961, the team also had a storied past in Washington that included Walter Johnson, the greatest pitcher of the Deadball Era, if not all time. <P><P>Sports historian Stew Thornley highlights the lesser-known events in the club's history, from the area's attempts to lure a major-league team to town in the 1950s to then-owner Calvin Griffith's campaign to regionally rename the team. <P><P>He also pays tribute to the rich heritage of baseball before the Twins, marked by minor-league teams such as the St. Paul Saints and Minneapolis Millers, which produced future Hall of Famers Willie Mays, Duke Snider, Ted Williams and Roy Campanella.
Minnesota Twins: The Complete Illustrated History
by Dennis Brackin Patrick ReusseA treasury of Twin Cities baseball history packed with photos from the archives.Major League Baseball came to the Minnesota prairie in the spring of 1961, and ever since, the Minnesota Twins have held a cherished place in the hearts of sports fans throughout the region. With Hall of Famers like Harmon Killebrew, Rod Carew, and Kirby Puckett and beloved characters from Billy Martin to Kent Hrbek to Joe Mauer, the history of the Twins encompasses highs and lows, heroes and goats, but always nonstop excitement.Minnesota Twins: The Complete Illustrated History provides an in-depth and entertaining look at the team, its players, its stadiums, and the memorable moments through the years. Illustrated with photos from the Star Tribune’s archives, it is the ultimate celebration of a beloved franchise.
Minnesota Vikings (Super Bowl Champions)
by Nate LeboutillierThe history of the Minnesota Vikings professional football team from its first season in 1961 to today, spotlighting the team's greatest players and most dramatic moments.
Minnesota's Angling Past (Images of America)
by Thomas A. UehlingThe importance of fishing in Minnesota goes back thousands of years: first as a means of critical subsistence and then, in the last 200 years, as a major economic influence. In the 1800s, anglers seeking pristine lakes with ample fish traveled to Minnesota on the railroads. The widespread use of automobiles and an improving road system rapidly increased the state's accessibility in the 1900s, and resorts sprouted everywhere. During the early tourist boom, the state was also home to countless boat builders, tackle manufacturers, and other fishing-related businesses. Images of America: Minnesota's Angling Past provides a view of the time when boats were made from wood and propelled by rowing; when great fishing spots were found through experience rather than electronics; and, for some, a suit or dress was proper attire for a day of fishing. This book includes rare images from across the state that capture memorable days of angling, such as the 1955 Leech Lake Muskie Rampage.
Minor League Baseball: Community Building Through Hometown Sports
by Frank Hoffmann Martin J Manning Rebecca S KrausExamine the big-league benefits of minor league baseball!The Minor League Baseball: Community Building Through Hometown Sports examines the role played by minor league baseball in hundreds of cities and towns across the United States. Written from the unique perspective of a sociologist who also happens to be an avid baseball fan, the book looks at the contributions minor league teams make to the quality of life in their communities, creating focal points for spirit and cohesiveness while providing opportunities for interaction and entertainment. The book links theory and experience to present a “sociology of baseball” that explains the symbiotic relationship which brings people together for a common purpose-to root, root, root for the home team.From the author: Minor league baseball is played across the country in more than 100 very different communities. These communities seem to share a special bond with their teams. As with all sports teams, there is a symbiotic relationship between the team and the city or town that it represents. In the case of major league professional sports, the relationship is often fueled by economic outcomes. On the minor league level, the relationship appears to go beyond mere money and prestige. Minor league teams occupy a special place in our hearts. We are more forgiving when they lose, and extremely proud of them when they win.Minor League Baseball: Community Building Through Hometown Sports is a detailed look at the connection between town and team, including: economic benefits (development strategies, community growth) intangible benefits (ballpark camaraderie, hometown pride) fan attachment and attendance (demographic variables, stadium accessibility, “home court advantage”) case studies of two Maryland minor-league franchises--the Class AA Bowie Baysox and the Class A Hagerstown Suns Minor League Baseball: Community Building Through Hometown Sports also includes an introduction to the organizational structure of the minor leagues, a history of each current league, and charts and tables on attendance figures and franchise relocations. This book is essential reading for sociologists, sport sociologists/historians, academics and/or practitioners in the fields of community sociology and psychology, and of course, baseball fans.
Mint Condition: How Baseball Cards Became an American Obsession
by Dave JamiesonWhen award-winning journalist Dave Jamieson’s parents sold his childhood home a few years ago, he rediscovered a prized boyhood possession: his baseball card collection. Now was the time to cash in on the "investments” of his youth. But all the card shops had closed, and cards were selling for next to nothing online. What had happened? In Mint Condition, his fascinating, eye-opening, endlessly entertaining book, Jamieson finds the answer by tracing the complete story of this beloved piece of American childhood. Picture cards had long been used for advertising, but after the Civil War, tobacco companies started slipping them into cigarette packs as collector’s items. Before long, the cards were wagging the cigarettes. In the 1930s, cards helped gum and candy makers survive the Great Depression. In the 1960s, royalties from cards helped transform the baseball players association into one of the country’s most powerful unions, dramatically altering the game. In the ’80s and ’90s, cards went through a spectacular bubble, becoming a billion-dollar-a-year industry before all but disappearing, surviving today as the rarified preserve of adult collectors. Mint Condition is charming, original history brimming with colorful characters, sure to delight baseball fans and collectors.
Minus 148 Degrees: First Winter Ascent of Mt. McKinley
by Art DavidsonArt Davidson recounts the exciting adventures of the first winter ascent of Mt. McKinley in Alaska.
Miracle Ball
by Brian Biegel Peter Thomas Fornatale"Nothing short of mind-blowing . . . Just amazing stuff"-Newsday "A fast-paced, fascinating tale that combines shoe leather, high-tech forensics and some healthy dollops of luckhellip;. Biegel makes a compelling case that he's solved the mysteryhellip;his book is a home run. " -Associated Press October 3, 1951. Giants third baseman Bobby Thomson hit the most dramatic home run in the history of baseball. The moment occurred in the bottom of the ninth inning of a sudden-death playoff game between the New York Giants and their arch rivals from Brooklyn, the Dodgers. People across the nation watched on their new TV sets, and the home run became known as "the Shot Heard 'Round the World. " But after clearing the left-field wall, the central artifact of the play-the ball itself-inexplicably went missing. The mystery of what happened to the legendary baseball has remained unsolved for a half century. Until now. Miracle Ballis the gripping account of author Brian Biegel's two-year effort to unravel the mystery that experts said could never be solved. A sports story for the ages, an engrossing mystery narrative, and a moving account of a man's unbreakable bond with his family and of his struggles to save himself,Miracle Balldelivers both heart and headlines.
Miracle In The Andes: 72 Days on the Mountain and My Long Trek Home
by Nando ParradoIn October 1972, Nando Parrado and his rugby club teammates were on a flight from Uruguay to Chile when their plane crashed into a mountain. Miraculously, many of the passengers survived but Nando's mother and sister died and he was unconscious for three days.Stranded more than 11,000 feet up in the wilderness of the Andes, the survivors soon heard that the search for them had been called off - and realise the only food for miles around was the bodies of their dead friends ...In a last desperate bid for safety, Nando and a teammate set off in search of help. They climbed 17,000-foot-high mountains, facing death at every step, but inspired by his love for his family Nando drove them on until, finally, 72 days after the crash, they found rescue.
Miracle In The Andes: 72 Days on the Mountain and My Long Trek Home
by Nando ParradoWhen Nando Parrado took off on a flight from Uruguay to Chile with his rugby team-mates, he was looking forward to an enjoyable weekend break, and had invited his mother and sister along for the trip. Then disaster struck, as their plane crashed into a mountain. Miraculously, many of the passengers survived, but Nando's family died and he was unconscious for three days. Stranded 11,000 feet up on an inhospitable glacier, the survivors had almost no food or suitable equipment to withstand temperatures as low as -40C. Meagre supplies rapidly diminished, and soon they heard on the radio that the search for them had been called off. It was then that they realised the only food for miles around was the bodies of their dead friends... In a final, desperate bid for safely, Nando and one of his friends set off on an impossible journey, climbing 17,000 feet-high mountains, facing death at every step. Finally, on the twelfth day of their journey, and 72 days after the crash, they saw a hill farmer and the survivors found rescue.Read by Nando Parrado and Josh Davis(p) 2006 Orion Publishing Group
Miracle Men: The Greatest Underdog Story in Cricket
by Nikhil NazThe year was 1983 and Team India was in its first-ever World Cup final. They were the minnows of the cricketing world – so much so that the bookmakers were offering 66:1 against India winning the title. Yet, despite the odds stacked against them, Kapil Dev’s inspirational captaincy took a bunch of no-hopers to World Cup glory. As Dev held the trophy in his hands on 25 June that year, India ushered in an era during which cricket would go on to dominate all sporting activity in the country and the men who played the winning innings would be venerated as demigods. Based on first-hand accounts of the days leading up to that historic win, Miracle Men brings alive some of the most glorious moments in Indian cricket. From dressing-room disagreements to selectorial intrigues to on-field strategies, this riveting account is as entertaining and full of unexpected turns as the best game of cricket.
Miracle Moments in Alabama Crimson Tide Football History: Best Plays, Games, and Records (Miracle Moments)
by Mark MayfieldAlabama’s Crimson Tide has been the most dominant college football team in America for the past decade, winning five national championships and five conference titles. The team, under coach Nick Saban, has won an astounding ninety percent of its games since 2008, and established a dynasty unparalleled in modern college football. As impressive as Saban and his teams have been, these are far from the only glory days in Alabama football history, and their great tradition is celebrated in Miracle Moments in Alabama Crimson Tide Football History. Mark Mayfield chronicles Alabama’s colorful football history dating to when their first team won a scrimmage, 56–0, over a group of Birmingham high school players in 1892. Three decades later, Alabama pulled off a stunning 20–19 upset of West Coast powerhouse Washington in the 1926 Rose Bowl, won its first national championship, and took its place among the elite teams in America with seventeen national titles through eras coached by Wallace Wade, Frank Thomas, the legendary Paul “Bear” Bryant, Gene Stallings, and Saban. Along the way, some of the best players in the nation have been a part of this extraordinary program—from Don Hutson, Harry Gilmer, Joe Namath, Ken Stabler, John Hannah, Lee Roy Jordan, Derrick Thomas, and Cornelius Bennett to Julio Jones, Amari Cooper, Mark Barron, Dont’a Hightower, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Calvin Ridley, and Heisman Trophy winners Mark Ingram Jr. and Derrick Henry. They and so many other remarkable players and coaches are highlighted in Miracle Moments in Alabama Crimson Tide Football History, a must have for all ‘Bama football fans.
Miracle Moments in Kansas City Royals History: The Turning Points, the Memorable Games, the Incredible Records
by Jeff DetersSince their founding in 1969, the Kansas City Royals have provided memorable moments to generations of fans in America’s heartland and beyond. Miracle Moments in Kansas City Royals History is the ultimate tribute book for die-hard fans of the team from the City of Fountains. Jeff Deters recounts the most memorable moments in Royals history, including: Steve Busby’s throwing two no-hitters in each of his first two season, a first for a big-leaguer; George Brett’s hitting .333 to win his first batting title while leading the Royals to the AL West championship in 1976; Brett’s second batting title in 1980 as he just misses batting .400 for the season; Dick Howser’s firing by the Yankees and revenge five years later as he manages the Royals to a championship in 1985; Bo Jackson’s electrifying but brief career as a Royal while starring for the Los Angeles Raiders; The Royals’ sweep of the Orioles in the 2014 ALCS to return to the World Series in 29 years; The magnificent 2015 season capped by a World Championship. Miracle Moments in Kansas City Royals History is much more than just a comprehensive resource. It recounts the hidden stories behind one of the most successful franchises in baseball..
Miracle Moments in Michigan Wolverines Football History: Best Plays, Games, and Records (Miracle Moments)
by Steve Kornacki Derek KornackiWith the most victories and highest winning percentage in college football history, the University of Michigan Wolverines have a long and storied history. They have won forty-two Big Ten championships, eleven national titles, and twenty-one bowl games. These accomplishments and more are celebrated in Miracle Moments in Michigan Wolverines Football History. Derek and Steve Kornacki detail many of the Wolverines' greatest moments including legendary coach Fielding Yost's 1901 "point a minute" team that posted a perfect 11-0 record and outscored their opponents, 550-0, the opening of Michigan Stadium, "The Big House" in 1927, the hard-fought "Snow Bowl" victory over Ohio State in 1950, the 1969 victory over Ohio State that broke the Buckeyes' twenty-two game winning streak and launched "The Ten-Year War," the 1998 Rose Bowl victory over Washington State that clinched their first National Championship since 1948, and much more. All the great players and coaches are highlighted in Miracle Moments in Michigan Football History, a must have for all fans of the maize and blue.
Miracle Moments in Montreal Canadiens History: The Turning Points, The Memorable Games, The Incredible Records
by Jim HynesThe Habs, Les Glorieux, La Sainte Flanelle-the Montreal Canadiens have almost as many nicknames as they do Stanley Cup Championships: twenty-four. In Miracle Moments in Montreal Canadiens History, the first book of a new sports series, Montreal native Jim Hynes details twenty-four memorable moments in the history of hockey's oldest franchise.Over the course of three periods-the regular season, the playoffs, and off the ice-relive the highest of highs and lowest of lows of the National Hockey League's signature franchise, from their founding in 1909 for the enjoyment of Montreal's French Canadian population to their centennial season of 2009, and beyond. Rub shoulders with the legendary players, from "Rocket" Richard and Jean Béliveau to Guy Lafleur and Patrick Roy, and the owners, managers, and coaches who pulled the strings, creating both dynasties and catastrophic failures along the way.From "Phantom" Joe Malone's five-goal night in the NHL's founding season of 1917 to Jacques Plante's debut of the goalie mask in 1959, Captain Saku Koivu's courageous battle with cancer in 2002, and much more, this book brings it all to life. Now hear the chants, sing the songs, feel the thunderous ovations, then stand and cheer (or mercilessly boo) along with those who came before, transfixed before their TV sets or in the shrines to hockey that are the legendary Montreal Forum and its successor, the raucous Bell Centre. Through the pages of this book, join those still watching, waiting, hoping, and praying for that elusive twenty-fifth Stanley Cup.
Miracle Moments in New York Giants Football History: Best Plays, Games, and Records (Miracle Moments)
by Tom RockA collection of the most special moments from throughout Giants history! With 32 playoff appearances under their belt, the New York football Giants comprise one of the oldest and most successful teams in pro football history. In Miracle Moments in New York Giants Football History, Newsday’s Tom Rock highlights the team’s greatest achievements over the course of its remarkable history. Some of the many moments Rock details include: Y.A. Tittle’s 7-touchdown performance, the best by a quarterback in team historyFrank Gifford’s return to the field 18 months after a gruesome head injury forced him to retireBig Blue’s first Super Bowl win, led by Phil SimmsMichael Strahan setting the league sack record in 2001The Giants’ Super Bowl victory over the unbeaten Patriots (including the epic David Tyree catch, cementing his place in history)The catch by Mario Manningham in Super Bowl XLVIAnd many more! With full-color images to accompany Rock’s detailed story-telling, this book makes the perfect gift for any fan of Big Blue!
Miracle Moments in New York Mets History: The Turning Points, the Memorable Games, the Incredible Records (Miracle Moments)
by Brett TopelIn 1969, the New York Mets took on a nickname that was certainly fitting for that season—the "Miracle Mets." Nevertheless, even beyond 1969, there have been numerous moments in the history of the Mets that have proven miraculous, from the pitcher's mound to the batter's box and from the regular season to the playoffs. In Miracle Moments in New York Mets History, Brett Topel details the team’s greatest achievements, from the Mets' first win in franchise history in 1962, to Tom Seaver's near-perfect game in 1969, the 1986 World Series, the trade for Mike Piazza, Al Leiter's two-hitter during the 1999 one-game playoff, Jacob deGrom’s 2015 All-Star Game appearance, and much more. In doing so, Topel highlights the key players and coaches and reveals the high level of excitement that comes with being a Mets fan. Complete with full-color photos, this book makes the perfect gift for young and old fans alike of the New York Mets!
Miracle Moments in New York Yankees History: The Turning Points, the Memorable Games, the Incredible Records
by David FischerThroughout its illustrious history, the New York Yankees have produced some of the most memorable highlights in baseball annals. Babe Ruth’s “called shot” home run, Joe DiMaggio’s 56-game hitting streak, Derek Jeter’s amazing “Flip Play.” Most Yankees fans have seen newsreel footage of Lou Gehrig’s farewell speech, watched highlights of a young Mickey Mantle, and have heard the story of Billy Martin’s five managerial hirings and firings. But what makes the Yankees the world’s most celebrated sports franchise goes beyond sheer headlines? it is the stories of the men behind the headlines who have thrilled and enchanted New York fans since 1903.Miracle Moments in New York Yankees History is the ultimate tribute book for die-hard fans of the Bronx Bombers. Whether you’re a passionate booster from the days of Yogi Berra or a newly minted supporter of Alex Rodriguez, author David Fischer has compiled a supreme collection of 50 of the most prominent and relevant team successes, player feats, and award-winning accomplishments from the Yankees’ incredible past and present. And, much like the team itself, Miracle Moments in Yankees History is about far more than just miracle moments; in-depth player profiles, exciting game details, and the perspective of time bring the greatest achievements of history’s greatest Yankees to life.Miracle Moments in New York Yankees History is much more than just a comprehensive resource. It recounts the hidden stories behind the most storied franchise in baseball.
Miracle Moments in Notre Dame Fighting Irish Football History: Best Plays, Games, and Records (Miracle Moments)
by Michael R. SteeleThe Notre Dame Fighting Irish is one of the most celebrated teams in college football. It has the second-most victories of all time, eleven national titles, featured seven Heisman Trophy recipients including Paul Hornung and Tim Brown, and won eighteen bowl games. Its storied tradition is celebrated in Miracle Moments in Notre Dame Fighting Irish Football History. Michael R. Steele brings to life many of the Irish's greatest moments, including their first victory over Michigan in 1909, Knute Rockne’s “Four Horsemen” in the 1920s, the epic scoreless tie with powerful Army in 1946, their incredible comeback led by Joe Montana in the 1979 Cotton Bowl, Lou Holtz’s 1988 national championship team that ended Miami’s thirty-six-game regular-season winning streak in stunning fashion, and much more. All the great players and coaches are highlighted in Miracle Moments in Notre Dame Fighting Irish Football History, a must-have for all fans of the blue and gold.
Miracle Moments in USC Trojans Football History: Best Plays, Games, and Records (Miracle Moments)
by Dan WeberThe USC Trojans football program has been one of the winningest and most recognizable college football teams to ever play the sport. There have been numerous moments in the history of the Trojans that have proven miraculous, from recruiting day to the gridiron and from the regular season to bowl games. In Miracle Moments in USC Trojans Football History, Dan Weber details the team’s greatest achievements, from their first BCS national championship victory of many in 1928 over the favored Stanford team, to its notable rivalries with Notre Dame and crosstown enemy UCLA, USC’s role in breaking the color barrier in college football, its legendary 1972 championship team, the famous O.J. Simpson 64-yard game-winning run over the top-ranked UCLA Bruins, the arrival of head coach Pete Carroll, the famous Bush Push, Jake Olson’s historic snap in 2017, and much more. In doing so, Weber highlights the key players and coaches and reveals the high level of excitement that comes with being a USC Trojans fan. Complete with full-color photos, this book makes the perfect gift for young and old fans of the USC Trojans football team alike!
Miracle Mud: Lena Blackburne And The Secret Mud That Changed Baseball
by David A. KellyLena Blackburne loved baseball. He watched it, he played it, he coached it. But he didn't love the ways players broke in new baseballs. Tired of soggy, blackened, stinky baseballs, he found a better way. Thanks to a well-timed fishing trip and a top-secret mud recipe, Lena Blackburne Baseball Rubbing Mud was born. For seventy-five years, baseball teams have used Lena's magic mud to prepare baseballs before every game. Read the story of how Lena's mud went from a riverbank to the major leagues and all the way to the Hall of Fame.
Miracle Year 1969: Amazing Mets and Super Jets
by Bill GutmanSports fans in New York will always remember the incredible events of 1969. It was the year that two of the city’s underdog teams would rise above all expectations to be crowned world champions.On January 12, 1969, the underdog New York Jets faced the heavily-favored Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III. Up to this point, no former AFL team had ever won a Super Bowl. Leading the Colts were future Hall of Fame coach Don Shula and quarterback Johnny Unitas (also a future Hall of Famer).The team looked unbeatable finishing the season with a 13-1 record.But then, in historic fashion, "Broadway Joe” Namath, the quarterback of the Jets, made an incredible "guarantee” that the Jets would be victorious. And behind Namath’s strong arm they were, as he led his team to a 16-7 victory.For a city that had not housed a championship team since the Dodgers in ’65, one championship was more than enough. But who would have expected that just seven months later, another New York team would rise to stardom?The New York Mets completed their first season in 1962 and would go down in history with the worst record ever recorded at 40-120 (a record still unbroken). They averaged over 100 losses in their first seven seasons and were seemingly permanent cellar dwellers of the National League. That was until the ’69 season, when the Mets-led by Tom Seaver (a future Hall of Famer) and Jerry Koosman-would complete an improbable run by not only leading their team to a winning record (which they’d never done before), but by defeating the Baltimore Orioles 4 games to 1 for their first World Series championship.Miracle Year 1969 tells the story of how two teams defied almost insurmountable odds to win it all for a city that has always loved champions, underdogs, and its heroes.Skyhorse Publishing, as well as our Sports Publishing imprint, are proud to publish a broad range of books for readers interested in sports-books about baseball, pro football, college football, pro and college basketball, hockey, or soccer, we have a book about your sport or your team.Whether you are a New York Yankees fan or hail from Red Sox nation; whether you are a die-hard Green Bay Packers or Dallas Cowboys fan; whether you root for the Kentucky Wildcats, Louisville Cardinals, UCLA Bruins, or Kansas Jayhawks; whether you route for the Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, or Los Angeles Kings; we have a book for you. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to publishing books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked by other publishers and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.
Miracle at Medinah: Europe's Amazing Ryder Cup Comeback
by Oliver HoltGolf fans will not forget the 39th Ryder Cup in a hurry. Staged at the Medinah Country Club just outside of Chicago, the 2012 event has already gone down as the most remarkable competition in its 85-year history. The American team had home advantage, and a golf course unapologetically set up to suit its own players. Supported by tens of thousands of loud and proud fans, the USA's star-studded line-up dominated the first two days and ended the Saturday with a seemingly unassailable 10-6 advantage. No away team had ever won the Ryder Cup from such an unpromising position. Sunday was singles day, traditionally the forte of American teams. The situation looked bleak, especially when European team member and number 1 golfer in the world, Rory McIlroy, very nearly missed his tee-off time. Yet slowly but surely, the European team - who had top-loaded their line-up in one last throw of the dice - started to turn the scoreboard blue. With inspirational captain Jose Maria Olazabal stiring European blood with thoughts of the late Ryder Cup magician Seve Ballesteros (whose silhouette was emblazoned on the players' sweaters and bags), the tide turned and the previously dominant American players started to crumble in the face of the onslaught. Suddenly European players were holing miraculous putts to win holes out of the blue. Something very special was happening. When German Martin Kaymer sank his putt on the eighteenth green to clinch the point that retained the Ryder Cup, the most astonishing comeback in the event's long and distinuished history was complete. Miracle at Medinah is the compelling narrative of those amazing three days in Illinois, a fitting chronicle of an unbelievable sporting story.
Miracle at Medinah: Europe's Amazing Ryder Cup Comeback
by Oliver HoltGolf fans will not forget the 39th Ryder Cup in a hurry. Staged at the Medinah Country Club just outside of Chicago, the 2012 event has already gone down as the most remarkable competition in its 85-year history. The American team had home advantage, and a golf course unapologetically set up to suit its own players. Supported by tens of thousands of loud and proud fans, the USA's star-studded line-up dominated the first two days and ended the Saturday with a seemingly unassailable 10-6 advantage. No away team had ever won the Ryder Cup from such an unpromising position. Sunday was singles day, traditionally the forte of American teams. The situation looked bleak, especially when European team member and number 1 golfer in the world, Rory McIlroy, very nearly missed his tee-off time. Yet slowly but surely, the European team - who had top-loaded their line-up in one last throw of the dice - started to turn the scoreboard blue. With inspirational captain Jose Maria Olazabal stiring European blood with thoughts of the late Ryder Cup magician Seve Ballesteros (whose silhouette was emblazoned on the players' sweaters and bags), the tide turned and the previously dominant American players started to crumble in the face of the onslaught. Suddenly European players were holing miraculous putts to win holes out of the blue. Something very special was happening. When German Martin Kaymer sank his putt on the eighteenth green to clinch the point that retained the Ryder Cup, the most astonishing comeback in the event's long and distinuished history was complete. Miracle at Medinah is the compelling narrative of those amazing three days in Illinois, a fitting chronicle of an unbelievable sporting story.