Customer Reviews (1)

The greatest of his day Brains and Guts together
One of the remarkable and sad things of life is how often those who are very great in their day are relatively forgotten with time. I do not know if this is true about Sid Luckman who was in the late thirties and through a good part of the forties, football's premier quarterback, but it is true of many.
Sid Luckman first at Columbia where in Coach Lou Little's words he made a team of mediocrities into a winner, and then with the Chicago Bears where under Coach George Halas he led them to five Championships he was a leader and winner. Many considered him to be the smartest football player they had ever seen.
Two estimates of his ability follow, taken from the Jewish Sports Heros ' Internet site.
" Official Red Friesell said of Luckman's college days, "I worked behind Sid in six of his college games. In each of those games, he threw at least 30 passes, and on every single one of them he was knocked nearly out of his britches by some fast charging opponent...Never once did I see him throw in fright or see him wince when he got his lumps. I never heard a word in protest about the beating he was taking. That brand of courage, coupled with his uncanny knack of hitting his target, put Luckman down in my book as the greatest forward passer I ever saw in college ranks."

Sportwriter Jimmy Cannon said, "You had to be there to realize how great Sid was because the statistics didn't measure his true worth to a team that didn't help him much. The defenders were in on him most of the time but he got most of his passes away as he ran from his tacklers in a hurried ballet of evasion."
He was the best of his time, the ideal combination of brains and guts together.

... Read more

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More than 100 "opportunities" for students and job seekers!

The most comprehensive career book series available, Opportunities in . . . covers a range of professions, from acting to writing, and encompasses traditional as well as cutting-edge careers. Each book offers job seekers essential information about a variety of careers within each field and includes training and education requirements, salary statistics, and professional and Internet resources.

Customer Reviews (1)

It's a Start...
Heitzman's 2003 review of sports-related career opportunities is kind of like the rides in the traveling carnivals that come to small towns: it's not a great ride but it's better than nothing. Essentially, this is a resource book that has its list of other resources as its best feature. The writing is straight forward and not particularly engaging but it quickly sets out a good bit of information. It addresses nine areas, including entrepreneurship and a collection chapter of miscellaneous careers. It includes guidelines for preparing for each career type and provides numerous lists such as duties, organizations, etc. The book's primary usefulness is in identifying several potential areas and then furnishing ideas of "what to do next."

For a much more comprehensive treatment, I'd recommend The Comprehensive Guide to Careers in Sports For a more dated but more interesting look at five specific sports careers, try Careers w/o College: Sports (Careers Without College) ... Read more

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WHO THIS BOOK IS FOR -An obvious audience is the university, graduate school, and highschool student with the love of writing, because The Mulligan Guideenables young writers, interns, and novices to learn how and where tochannel their journalistic talent to one of the many major sportsbusinesses that need good writers. It explains, chapter by chapter,the top fifteen sports career fields in which the skills andintelligence of a writer are vital to the business success of apublication, product, or service.

Therefore, college English, Communications, Journalism, RTVJ majors,career offices and seminars, and college and high school libraries useits 315 pages plus full Index for a comprehensive career reference andhow-to text. It's written for:

Students (high school & college)Journalism teachersCommunications teachersRTVJ teachersSports management teachers/studentsYoung WritersExperienced Writers (in non-sports fields)JournalistsSports fansSports JournalistsSports EditorsCopy editorsPublic Relations writersNew Media writersPhotojournalists (videographers, camerapersons)Media Relations writers or SID'sAdvertising or Marketing writersRadio & TV writersSports Business writersFreelance writers

WHY TEACHERS, STUDENTS, PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS, AND SPORTS FANS ARE PRAISING IT

Experienced professionals writing in other fields who enjoy the excitement of sports finds The Mulligan Guide an essential guide for examining alternatives to the writing positions they now hold in and out of sports. The education and skills required for each field are fully explained, as well as how to find employment, what it takes to succeed and make a good living in each. Read how the superstars in the business achieved their success, and their advice and recommendations for the newcomer.

Sports fans love to hear the internal workings of the sports journalism world because insider stories about the journalists' way of life; their pet peeves and favorite player anecdotes make for a fascinating read.Sports journalists love to read about their colleagues and how their own personal writing or editing situation and environment compares with others around the country. That's why we have so many interviews from all parts and corners of the country; so you can see what your peers are accomplishing and get some new ideas.

The Mulligans tapped a wide ranging mix of veteran career pros, as well as newcomers who provided an unusual slant and honest appraisals of life near the lower rungs of the sports journalism ladders. You'll read the stories and advice of John Rawlings, Editor of The Sporting News, Armen Keteyian, CBS and HBO sportscaster, Joe Paterno, Penn State football coach, Bill Carter, business/TV writer for The New York Times, Harvey Greene PR director of the Miami Dolphins, John Calipari, recent head coach of the New Jersey Nets, as well as college interns and just-getting- started reporters.

WHY THIS BOOK IS UNIQUE

There are, of course, numerous books on the shelves covering the subject of journalism careers and sportswriting. They concentrate, however, almost exclusively on either a) general, non-sports journalism or b) if they are sports oriented, almost always on newspaper careers. Sportswriting books, then, are either about newspaper careers or are anthologies of the published works of accomplished sports reporters. Others focus in an instructional way on training for the newspaper business. None, however, haveThe Mulligan Guide focus on all of the other fields in which you can write or edit your way to sports enjoyment and income.

The Mulligan Guide contains a candid, no-punches-pulled analysis of both the favorable and prejudicial aspects that work for and against all writers, including women and minority groups.

WHAT IT CONTAINSThe outline of The Mulligan Guide to Sports Journalism Careers:

Chapter 1 -Welcome to the Wide, Wide World of Writing About Sports JournalismChapter 2 -Newspaper Sports WritingChapter 3 -Sports Copy EditingChapter 4 -Careers As Sports EditorsChapter 5 -Investigative ReportingChapter 6 -Magazine Sportswriting Chapter 7 -Sports Media Relations in Colleges and Universities Chapter 8 -Sports Advertising and MarketingChapter 9 -Sports Public RelationsChapter 10 -Radio Sports JournalismChapter 11 -Television Sports JournalismChapter 12 - Photojournalism in Sports Chapter 13 -Writing About Sports Business Chapter 14 -New Media Sportswriting Chapter 15 -Freelance SportswritingBibliographyAppendixIndex

BRIEF CHAPTER SUMMARIES:

Chapter 1 -Welcome to the Wide, Wide World of Writing About Sports Journalism
In addition to introducing the book's structure, Chapter 1 examinesthe fundamentals of sports journalism and the scope of career pathsthat writers new to the business of sportswriting must understand. Itdefines sports journalism and its educational aspects and explores thegeneral concept of internships and how they established a network ofjournalistic contacts that are vital in career planning.
Chapter 2 -Newspaper Sportswriting
This chapter explainsthe various levels and positions of the newspaper sports business, including the wire services. Readers learn how to get started during and after collegeby working on the small town daily and, through the stories and advice of both newcomers and veterans pros, how to develop your skills and progress into a position as a big city daily beat reporter or columnist. The major differences in newspaper circulation levels are discussed-- including salary, workload, pressures, etc.. Experienced reporters, via their experiences and anecdotes, give valuable guidance on the importance of a broad education, the demands of the profession, and how to make it in this very competitive field.
Chapter 3 - Sports Copy Editing
The emphasis of this chapter is on the importance of the copy editor in the various sports journalism fields. Although in some ofof journalism fields there may not be a well defined position or person called "editor",in one way or other, there is an editing function necessary for the quality of the final written material. The chapter examines the knowledge and skills required of a copy editor, because in addition to English grammar and writing, he or she must possess excellent people skills to deal with the egos of sports journalists and the pressures of newspaper deadlines.
Chapter 4 -Careers As Sports Editors
This chapter examines one of the most important positions in the journalism world, the Sports Editor.with its special aptitudes and talents. Only a select few sports writers, columnists, and editors rise to this top position on newspapers, magazines, and other sports publications. With the help of some of the top men and women Sports Editors, we explore why they usually draws the highest income in the business andwhat it is that makes her or him so valuable to the company.
Chapter 5 -Investigative Reporting
Using the exciting and unusual stories of some of the best in this business, this chapter analyzes the unique challenges, demands, and risks of investigative sports reporting through the eyes and minds of some of the nation's best investigative reporters. We examine the reasons why they prefer to specialize in the special, but fascinating challenges of this little understood profession. Because investigative sports reporting has become a major beat at many major dailies, and good writers are in demand, we consider the special prerequisites and attitudes that sports editors look for in candidates.
Chapter 6 -Magazine Sportswriting
Emphasis of this chapter is on the challenge of writing for a national audience in dozens of glossy periodicals such as Sports Illustrated, Baseball, Hoop, or Golf Digest. We'll examine in detail, for example, the differences between writing for these markets and all other sports publications. Through the eyes of well-known magazine writers, we will also contrast the different writing styles, technical requirements, and abilities necessary to make it in the magazine business.
This chapter looks at the world of opportunities available because of the flourishing business of specialty sport magazines. Today, magazine racks are bulging with a proliferation of special interest periodicals with surprisingly large circulations. There are top quality monthlies for skiers, snowboarders, golfers, cyclists, bikers, tennis enthusiasts, golfers, and bowlers, to name just a few. The career paths of well-known sports magazine authors, many of whom began in other journalistic jobs, will be charted, with the focus on what prompted them to leave one media for another and what they found when they made the jump.
Chapter 7 -Sports Media Relations in Colleges and Universities
This chapter analyzes the variety of talents and knowledgethat Sports Media Relations writers (aka: sports information directoror SID) must possess and what it takes to enter this exciting field ofsports journalism in intercollegiate athletics. It explains theversatile skills and techniques the SID employs to ensure maximumpublic relations success for their school or organization.
Readers will learn why the field of "sports media relations" is not for the faint hearted writer. Althoughinteresting and exciting, it is also a very demanding career choice.Our interviews with many sports information experts will provide the reader with stories, experiences, and career advice to help them decide if this field is the right one for them. They will hear from some of the best in the business, including a Hall of Famer from the Collegiate Sports Information Directors of America, and Directors for Media Relations at many large and small universities.
Chapter 8 -Sports Advertising and Marketing
This chapter explores the growing writer's field of marketingand advertising in sports of every kind. It covers the many marketableobjects, people, events, and services connected with dozens of typesof sports, even beyond the ordinary professional team sports ofbasketball, football, baseball, and hockey. We explain why writershave found these related fields to be the most financially rewardingfor a journalist with a talent for selling with words all the sportsworld can offer, from superstars to baseball cards.
This chapter offers the do's & don'ts a writer should be concerned with and anecdotes about personalities our experts have worked with, for, and around. Finally, we examine Success....what defines it in marketing and in advertising and what it takes to be among the best at this field.
Chapter 9 -Sports Public Relations
This chapter first focuses on why men and women sports journalistschoose Public Relations over other sports-related professions and whatstepping stones one encounters on the way. We study the specificskills and education required for entry and the normal progressionpath to the upper organizational levels of marketing and advertisingof sports.
Through extensive interviews with some of the top names in the business, we learn what life is like as a pro team's PR director including writing and editing publications and other duties that come with the territory.
Chapter 10 -Radio Sports Journalism
An often overlooked field of sports writing is that of the radio newsman/reporter/ commentator who must first write and rewrite his or her copy and promotional spots, commentaries, and news reports before reading them over the air to his audience. Radio news writing, you'll find, presents a unique opportunity for the prospective sports-minded writer who may not be interested in writing long articles or writing for a daily newspaper, but rather is well qualified to verbally use his writing and voice to report on sports.
Chapter 11-Television Sports Journalism
While writing radio sports news and television sports news are similar in some ways, there are significant differences which will be detailed in this chapter. It will explore the all-important process of "writing to fit" the limited time allowed and the video being shown to viewers on the television screen.
More than people realize, television is first a written medium before it becomes a visual one, and through interviews and first-hand newsroom accessibility, the reader will leave this chapter with a well-rounded picture of life as a TV sports newscaster, producer or behind-the-scenes reporter. Experts in the business explain how to get your start in television and what it takes to succeed.
Chapter 12-Photojournalism in Sports
The average sports fan is often fascinated by the skillful still and video camera work they see in sports communications. Very few know that their visual enjoyment resulted from a wide range of skills and the knowledge of the experienced photojournalist in addition to his or her obvious expertise with a camera lens.
In this chapter, we examine the work of the photojournalist and how to communicate via photography. Journalists considering this fascinating field are introduced to the techniques and styles of sports photography for all of the visual forms of sports journalism explored in this book: newspapers, magazines, public relations, advertising, and television.
Chapter 13- Writing About Sports Business
Modern fans know that sports is not only fun; it's a business! This chapter studies this unique writing career field and how its technology differs from conventional sportswriting. We examine this new profession that has spawned radio programs, Internet Web sites, and university curricula dedicated entirely to Sports Business and Sports Law.
This chapter answersthe questions that journalists must ask when they consider this new and fascinating field of sports journalism.
Chapter 14- New Media Sportswriting
Millions of Americans aregetting much of their sports news electronically and on-line in a variety of ways. New students and experienced sports communicators must come to grips with this reality and become skilled in its ways, or they may find themselves on an off-ramp of the Information Superhighway, rather than part of the traffic flow.
Using the expertise of the pioneers of this new technology, this Chapter provides readers with the preparation and know-how to become one of the new breeds of writer, the Cyberjournalist, and succeed at it. It describes the new tools and career field of the sports journalist and how to adapt writing styles to its needs. Included will be samples of major sports Websites and how they are developed, anecdotes on the beginnings of this new field, and a detailed peek at what the future may hold for those who take the plunge.
Chapter 15- Freelance Sports Writing
In this chapter we explore freelance writing, both as a career and as a part time activity. We examine what the young sports writer needs to know about becoming an independent freelancer or how he or she can use this wide ranging field as a way to make extra income. Learn how to introduce your writing skills to editors of sports magazines, newspapers, etc.. If they like your work, it could be the beginning of regular paid assignments.
Being your own boss, selecting your own story lines, and choosing which publications to write for sounds good at first glance. This chapter, however, will examine the pitfalls of putting all of your chips on freelancing, until you are sure of your ability to succeed. Practicing, published freelance writersdescribe the thrill of receiving their first acceptance letter and seeing their firstbylined story published. They explain what it's like to endure a long string of rejection letters from editors and how to rebound from them with a positive attitude. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

The Mulligan Guide to Sports Journalism Careers.
This book is very informative especially if someone is considering a career in sports journalism. It goes into details about the various types of career one can embark on in sports.

Things you never thought about...
The Mulligans have done an impressive job of identifying more jobs in sports journalism than I could have named.They write easily, with humor, historical references, and an eye to the future.They consider Homer the first sports journalist for his accounts of battles in The Iliad.Did you know that Bat Masterson became a sports reporter after he ended his career as a gambler/lawman of the nineteenth century?Now you do.
This book covers not only sports writing, copy editing, investigative reporting, college media relations, and freelance opportunities to name a few, but also touches on the cutting edge of multimedia work opportunities.
I wish they covered more on salary ranges within the fields they describe, but what they have done is expand the options for the reader/student/career seeker enamored of the field of sports journalism.

A must for all college journalism students.
As Intern Coordinator of The Baltimore Sun, I would recommend this book to all college journalism students...not just those interested in careers in sports journalism. Great examples and first-person experiences to drawfrom. And a smart college student can use the book to form a great list ofcontacts.

Uncertain of your place in sports journalism?
This book has answered the questions I didn't know to ask.It's a must read for any student or interested writer.Inspiring, Thorough, & Informative.A clear explanation covering all aspects of the industry. Don'tmiss it!

Invaluable guideline!
As a sports enthusiast and budding journalist, this book provided a very TIMELY guideline to the number of professions in this area.The explanations of positions and salaries, anecdotes and advice really helpedme figure out my fit in this field.I read it from cover to cover withease and anticipation.Excellent! ... Read more

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Provides brief descriptions of various jobs connected with professional sports, including athlete, coach, official, marketing, and team management. ... Read more

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An authoritative sourcebook for anyone who wants to work in the field of sports but can't cut it on the playing field, this book tells you where the jobs are off the field, and how to get them. It directs the reader to sports internships, professional contacts and effective college programs in sports management and marketing, recreation and sports facilities maintenance. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Best insiders information on those "other" careers in sports
I work in a high school with students trying to decide which college to attend. We are always trying to find information on sports carees that are not your typical "Professtional Athlete".This book goes beyondthat, to the careers that are part of sports - the agents, sportsmanagement, sports producers, and national teams.The best part of thebook, it also covers the colleges that have majors and programs in theseareas.This is a "MUST HAVE" resource book for anyCollege/Career Room. ... Read more

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Discusses career opportunities in areas related to professional sports including team scout, sports writer, and vendor. ... Read more

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Sport and Fitness Management not only provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of sport management - it opens the door to sport management careers. Part I presents a broad overview of what sport management is, with separate chapters on each of 12 areas. Each chapter describes the area of specialisation, skills required for management positions, career opportunities, duties of personnel, professional organizations, professional publications, and references or suggested readings. Part II of Sport and Fitness Management explains how to develop professional skills, from career planning and professional style to avoiding self-sabotage. Part III surveys the body of knowledge of sport and fitness management within the context of American culture. ... Read more

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Limited but Worthwhile
While the job demands and salary information aren't going to be highly reliable after seventeen years, Richardson's description of five sports related careers is worth the time. It is especially appropriate for people with an interest in athletics/sports but aware that a career as a professional athlete is unlikely. The writing is fast-paced and interesting with a quick description of each career and a summary of the pro's and con's for each. Richardson provides a profile/interview for three individuals at the conclusion of each section, allowing readers to gain firsthand perspectives on each of the careers. The book ends with a good self-analysis that allows readers to assess their own fit/readiness for a sports related career.

For a much more comprehensive look at careers related to sports, try The Comprehensive Guide to Careers in Sports. ... Read more

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A successful major league sports career can provide an athlete with enough money and memories to last a lifetime.

But what about all the players who come and go in the blink of an eye? The backup quarterbacks. Baseball's September call-ups. Why were they good enough to get there, but not lucky enough to stay?

Journeymen: 24 Bittersweet Tales of Short Major League Sports Careers introduces us to 24 athletes who enjoyed only the proverbial "cup of coffee" in major league baseball, football, hockey or basketball. Instead of fame and riches, they walked away with a handful of stories and plenty of lessons--about professional sports, personal growth and how to move on with life.

As their stories unfold, we bask in the simple pleasures of the major leagues. The players describe the rush of stepping into the spotlight for the first time and the pride of playing alongside legendary athletes. But for every feel-good occasion, there are poignant moments that reveal the limits of their dreams. Touchdown passes and game-winning goals are offset by personal failures and demotions.

The stories are a blend of excitement and frustration, humor and heartache. All 24 athletes offer deeply personal accounts of their careers--and how they found inspiration for their lives after sports. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Hidden Treasure!
Purchased this book for several men in our family who are big sports fans, but not big readers.They LOVED this book.Highly recommend for a fan of any sport. ... Read more

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Looks at careers in professional sports--the possibilities, life, training, and salaries, as well as alternative careers to actually playing. ... Read more

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The world is enjoying a sports and fitness revolution, and rewarding careers abound for sports-focused men and women. Described here are job opportunities in public and private health clubs, martial arts academies, public and private golf courses, sports equipment sales reps and retailers, and more. Here too is advice on training as referees, umpires, and judges at games and other athletic contests. Titles in the practical and enlightening Success Without College series guide ambitious young men and women toward satisfying and well-paying careers in fields where a college degree is not required. However, all occupations described do require specialized training, either on the job or in technical or vocational classroom settings. Readers learn how and where to get that training, then find out how to get started on the highway to career success. ... Read more

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Features such jobs as golf professional, ski instructor, athletic director, and referee. ... Read more

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A picture of pro sports today including the hypocrisy in the field, television's effect, salaries, advantages and disadvantages of a sports career, careers for nonplayers, and information on twenty-nine specific sports. ... Read more

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A biography of Billie Jean King, a United States women's tennis champion whose work to help women gain equality in tennis has completely changed the women's game into an important pro sport. ... Read more

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Discusses career opportunities in the sports field including participating in athletics, coaching, officiating, sports journalism, public relations, and others. ... Read more