The Top Picks of Best American Sports Writing 2013: A Win-Win for Sports Enthusiasts and Casual Readers

The Best American Sports Writing 2013 is a fascinating collection of stories that delve into the heart of American sports culture. From the highs of victory to the lows of defeat, these stories capture the essence of what it means to be an athlete in America today. With powerful prose and stunning insights, this anthology offers a unique perspective on the world of sports and the people who inhabit it.

The first story, The Art of the Dealer, takes readers inside the high-stakes world of professional poker, where skill and luck are equally important. It's a gripping tale filled with tension and drama, and it sets the tone for the rest of the book. The next story, The Distance, explores the grueling world of long-distance running and the psychological toll it takes on athletes. The author's vivid descriptions of the physical and mental challenges faced by runners are both inspiring and harrowing.

Another standout story is The Man Who Never Gave Up, which tells the incredible true story of a college football player who lost his leg in a car accident but refused to give up on his dream of playing again. This inspiring tale of perseverance and determination is sure to leave readers feeling inspired and uplifted.

One of the most compelling stories in the anthology is The Price of Glory, which examines the dark side of professional football and the toll it takes on players' bodies and minds. The author's searing indictment of the NFL's treatment of its players is both powerful and persuasive.

Other stories in the collection explore a wide range of topics, from the world of extreme sports to the psychology of winning and losing. One particularly intriguing piece, The Science of Sport, takes readers behind the scenes of the Olympic training center, where scientists are using cutting-edge technology to help athletes improve their performance.

Throughout the book, the writing is top-notch, with each author bringing a unique perspective and voice to their story. The editors have done an excellent job of selecting stories that are both engaging and thought-provoking, and the result is a collection that is sure to please sports fans and literary enthusiasts alike.

Overall, The Best American Sports Writing 2013 is a must-read for anyone interested in the world of sports and the people who make it so compelling. With its powerful writing and insightful commentary, this anthology offers a fresh and fascinating look at the world of American sports.

Introduction

The world of sports is one that is filled with excitement, passion, and great stories. From the triumphs to the struggles, these stories have been told by some of the best sports writers in America. In 2013, many of these writers produced some of their best work, capturing the essence of what makes sports so captivating. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the best American sports writing of 2013.

The Art of Baseball

The Boys in the Boat

One of the most celebrated books of 2013 was The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown. While not strictly a sports book, it tells the story of the University of Washington's rowing team and their quest for Olympic gold in 1936. Brown's writing is vivid and engaging, painting a picture of the beauty and brutality of competitive rowing.

The Art of Fielding

Another standout baseball book of 2013 was The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach. This coming-of-age novel follows a college baseball team and its star player, Henry Skrimshander. Harbach's writing is poetic and insightful, exploring themes of love, loss, and the pursuit of excellence in sports and in life.

The Olympics

The Boys in the Boat (again)

While we've already mentioned The Boys in the Boat, it's worth noting that much of the book is devoted to the team's journey to the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. Brown's descriptions of the games themselves are thrilling, capturing the drama and tension of the competition against the backdrop of Nazi Germany.

The Games

The 2012 London Olympics were the focus of journalist David Goldblatt's book, The Games. Goldblatt takes a deep dive into the history and politics of the Olympics, examining its role in international relations and the tensions between global powers that often play out on the world stage of these games.

Football

League of Denial

The NFL has been mired in controversy over the last several years due to the issue of concussions and their long-term effects on players. In League of Denial, Mark Fainaru-Wada and Steve Fainaru investigate the league's handling of this issue and the efforts of players and doctors to raise awareness and effect change. Their reporting is meticulous and eye-opening, shedding light on a dark side of America's favorite sport.

Collision Low Crossers

NFL insider Nicholas Dawidoff spent a season with the New York Jets, chronicling their ups and downs in Collision Low Crossers. From the draft to the final game of the season, Dawidoff provides a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of an NFL team, revealing the personalities and strategies that make the sport so fascinating.

Basketball

The Breaks of the Game

Originally published in 1981, The Breaks of the Game by David Halberstam is widely regarded as one of the best sports books ever written. It follows the Portland Trail Blazers during the 1979-80 NBA season, exploring the personalities and dynamics of the team as they navigate the highs and lows of professional basketball. Halberstam's writing is insightful and poignant, capturing the essence of what makes sports so compelling.

Dream Team

In Dream Team, author Jack McCallum tells the story of the 1992 United States men's Olympic basketball team, widely regarded as the greatest basketball team ever assembled. McCallum interviews the players and coaches involved in the team's historic run to the gold medal, providing an inside look at the personalities and rivalries that defined this legendary group of athletes.

Conclusion

The best American sports writing of 2013 offers a wide range of stories and perspectives, from the beauty of baseball to the brutality of football. These writers capture the drama and excitement of sports while also exploring the deeper themes that make them so compelling. Whether you're a die-hard fan or simply someone who appreciates great storytelling, there's something for everyone in the world of sports writing.

The Best American Sports Writing 2013

Sports writing has been around for as long as there have been sports to write about. It is a genre that captures the thrill and drama of athletic competition, the personal stories of athletes, and the societal implications of sports in America. The Best American Sports Writing series has been showcasing the best work in this field since 1991. The 2013 edition, edited by J.R. Moehringer, features a collection of essays and articles that cover a wide range of topics. Here are some of the standout pieces from the book:

A look into the life and career of NBA superstar LeBron James

LeBron James is one of the most iconic figures in modern sports. He is a four-time NBA champion, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, and a cultural phenomenon. In LeBron James: The Chosen One, Lee Jenkins takes a deep dive into James' life and career, exploring his upbringing in Akron, Ohio, his rise to basketball stardom, and his decision to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Miami Heat. Jenkins paints a picture of a driven and complex individual who has both inspired and frustrated fans and critics alike.

The inspiring tale of a college football team's unlikely comeback

The 2013 Iron Bowl between the University of Alabama and Auburn University will go down in history as one of the greatest games in college football history. In Auburn's Miracle, Lars Anderson tells the story of how the Auburn Tigers overcame incredible odds to defeat their bitter rivals. It's a tale of perseverance, faith, and the power of teamwork. Anderson's writing is vivid and emotional, capturing the tension and drama of the game and the euphoria of Auburn's stunning victory.

The controversial debate over the use of performance enhancing drugs in sports

The use of performance enhancing drugs (PEDs) has been a hot-button issue in sports for decades. In The Day the Sports World Stopped, Tom Verducci examines the fallout from the Biogenesis scandal, which implicated several high-profile baseball players in the use of PEDs. Verducci explores the moral and ethical implications of PEDs, as well as the legal and financial consequences for the athletes involved. His writing is insightful and thought-provoking, raising important questions about the role of drugs in sports.

The rise of a young female tennis player and her journey to success

In Serena Williams: The Great One, Jon Wertheim profiles one of the greatest tennis players of all time. Williams has won 23 Grand Slam singles titles, four Olympic gold medals, and countless other accolades. Wertheim traces her journey from a precocious child prodigy to a dominant force in women's tennis, highlighting her fierce competitiveness, her dedication to fitness, and her unshakeable confidence. Wertheim's writing is engaging and informative, shining a light on a remarkable athlete and person.

The impact of injuries on professional athletes and their careers

In The Game That Broke My Brain, Jeanne Marie Laskas recounts her experience playing in a women's football league and the devastating injury she suffered during a game. Laskas describes the physical and emotional toll of the injury, as well as the long road to recovery. Her writing is candid and heartfelt, offering a glimpse into the often-overlooked world of women's sports and the challenges faced by athletes who suffer serious injuries.

The significance of sports in American culture and society

Sports are more than just games; they are a reflection of our society and culture. In The Football Industrial Complex, Gregg Easterbrook delves into the business of college football, examining the financial and cultural forces that drive the sport. Easterbrook's writing is incisive and insightful, highlighting the contradictions and complexities of a sport that is beloved by millions but also fraught with controversy and scandal.

The challenges faced by NFL players after retirement and the league's response

NFL players are some of the most celebrated and well-compensated athletes in the world, but many of them struggle to adjust to life after football. In Life After Football, Mark Fainaru-Wada and Steve Fainaru investigate the long-term health consequences of playing professional football, including chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and other serious injuries. The authors also explore the NFL's response to these issues, including its controversial settlement with former players. Their writing is thorough and thought-provoking, raising important questions about the responsibility of sports leagues to protect their players.

The thrilling story of a high school basketball team's championship run

In The Redemption of Gary Bell, Michael J. Mooney tells the story of a high school basketball team in Texas that overcame adversity to win a state championship. Mooney focuses on one player in particular, Gary Bell, who struggled with personal demons and legal troubles throughout his high school career. Mooney's writing is gripping and emotional, capturing the highs and lows of a season that changed the lives of everyone involved.

The intersection of politics and sports in America

Sports have always been intertwined with politics in America, from Jesse Owens' victory at the 1936 Olympics to Colin Kaepernick's protest against police brutality. In Football, Fascism, and the Future, Dave Zirin explores the relationship between sports and politics in contemporary America. Zirin argues that the rise of right-wing populism in the United States is reflected in the politics of sports, particularly in the NFL. His writing is provocative and insightful, challenging readers to think critically about the role of sports in our society.

The emotional and powerful story of a Paralympic athlete's triumph over adversity

In The Other Side of the Miracle, Gary Smith tells the story of Jennifer French, a Paralympic sailor who lost the use of her legs in a car accident. French refused to let her disability define her, instead pursuing her passion for sailing and becoming one of the top athletes in her sport. Smith's writing is poignant and inspiring, capturing the spirit and determination of a remarkable individual.

The Best American Sports Writing 2013 is a testament to the power and diversity of sports writing. From heartwarming tales of triumph to hard-hitting investigations of controversial issues, these essays and articles capture the essence of sports in America. Whether you're a die-hard sports fan or simply interested in the intersection of sports and culture, this book is sure to captivate and inform.

Point of view on the Best American Sports Writing 2013

Pros of the Best American Sports Writing 2013

1. Diverse range of sports covered - The anthology includes pieces on a wide variety of sports, from football to horse racing to mixed martial arts, making it appealing to fans of different sports.

2. High-quality writing - The collection features some of the best sports writing of the year, with engaging narratives, insightful analysis, and beautiful prose.

3. Multiple perspectives - The writers come from different backgrounds and offer diverse perspectives on sports, including athletes, coaches, journalists, and fans.

Cons of the Best American Sports Writing 2013

1. Limited focus - While the anthology covers a range of sports, it is still limited to sports in the United States, leaving out international sports and athletes.

2. Lack of current events - The collection features stories from the previous year, which means that some of the most significant sports events of the present may not be included.

3. Subjectivity - As with any anthology, the selection of pieces is subjective and may not appeal to all readers.

Comparison of Best American Sports Writing 2013 with other editions

Edition	Year	Pros	Cons
Best American Sports Writing 2012	2012	Diverse range of sports covered, high-quality writing	Limited focus, lack of current events
Best American Sports Writing 2014	2014	Diverse range of sports covered, multiple perspectives	Limited focus, lack of current events
Best American Sports Writing 2015	2015	Engaging narratives, insightful analysis, high-quality writing	Limited focus, lack of current events

In conclusion, the Best American Sports Writing 2013 offers a diverse range of sports and high-quality writing, but is limited in focus and may not appeal to all readers. When compared to other editions, it shares some of the same strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately, whether or not to read the anthology depends on the reader's interests and preferences.

The Best American Sports Writing 2013: A Must-Read for Sports Fans

As we come to the end of 2021, it's time to take a look back at some of the best sports writing of the past decade. And one collection that stands out is The Best American Sports Writing 2013.

This collection features some of the most compelling, insightful, and entertaining sports stories of the year. From profiles of legendary athletes to investigations into the seedy underbelly of sports, these stories offer something for every sports fan.

One of the standout pieces in this collection is The Cold War on Ice by Gare Joyce. This piece tells the story of the 1972 Summit Series between Canada and the Soviet Union, which was much more than just a hockey tournament. Joyce's writing is gripping and vivid, transporting readers back in time to the height of the Cold War.

Another must-read in the collection is The Loneliness of the American Hero by Mark Bowden. This profile of Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle is a moving and thought-provoking exploration of what it means to be a hero in modern America. Bowden's writing is both compassionate and critical, delving deep into the complexities of Kyle's life and legacy.

For fans of investigative journalism, The Boy Who Cried Bull by Tim Rohan is a must-read. This piece exposes the rampant cheating and corruption in the world of bullfighting, revealing how even the most beloved and respected matadors use illegal drugs and other means to gain an unfair advantage.

And for those who love a good underdog story, Against All Odds by Seth Wickersham is sure to satisfy. This piece follows the improbable rise of Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, who overcame countless obstacles to become a Super Bowl champion.

But perhaps the most powerful piece in the collection is Dr. V's Magical Putter by Caleb Hannan. This investigative piece tells the story of a mysterious inventor named Dr. Essay Anne Vanderbilt, who claimed to have created a revolutionary new putter that could change the game of golf forever. But as Hannan digs deeper, he uncovers a dark and tragic secret that raises profound questions about identity, ethics, and the power of storytelling.

Overall, The Best American Sports Writing 2013 is a must-read for anyone who loves sports and great writing. These stories are not just about games and athletes; they are about human nature, culture, and society. They offer insights into the things that make us laugh, cry, and root for our favorite teams.

So whether you're a die-hard sports fan or simply appreciate great storytelling, be sure to add this collection to your reading list. You won't regret it!