Skip to main content
You Can't Make This Up: Miracles, Memories, and the Perfect Marriage of Sports and Television

You Can't Make This Up: Miracles, Memories, and the Perfect Marriage of Sports and Television

Current price: $28.99
Publication Date: November 18th, 2014
Publisher:
William Morrow
ISBN:
9780062314963
Pages:
304

Description

In this highly entertaining and insightful memoir, one of television’s most respected broadcasters interweaves the story of his life and career with lively firsthand tales of some of the most thrilling events and fascinating figures in modern sports.

No sportscaster has covered more major sporting events than Al Michaels. Over the course of his forty-plus year career, he has logged more hours on live network television than any other broadcaster in history, and is the only play-by-play commentator to have covered all four major sports championships: the Super Bowl, World Series, NBA Finals, and the Stanley Cup Final. He has also witnessed first-hand some of the most memorable events in modern sports, and in this highly personal and revealing account, brings them vividly to life.

Michaels shares never-before-told stories from his early years and his rise to the top, covering some of the greatest moments of the past half century—from the “Miracle on Ice”—the historic 1980 Olympic hockey finals—to the earthquake that rocked the 1989 World Series. Some of the greatest names on and off the field are here—Michael Jordan, Bill Walton, Pete Rose, Bill Walsh, Peyton and Eli Manning, Brett Favre, John Madden, Howard Cosell, Cris Collinsworth, and many, many more.

Forthright and down-to-earth, Michaels tells the truth as he sees it, giving readers unique insight into the high drama, the colorful players, and the heroes and occasional villains of an industry that has become a vital part of modern culture.

About the Author

Al Michaels has logged more hours on network television than anyone in history, including twenty years as the play-by-play voice of Monday Night Football. Michaels is currently the play-by-play voice of NBC's Sunday Night Football, TV's highest-rated show.

L. Jon Wertheim is the executive editor of Sports Illustrated. He is the author of seven highly praised books, including the New York Times bestseller Scorecasting. He is a regular contributor to CNN and National Public Radio and is a commentator for the Tennis Channel.

Praise for You Can't Make This Up: Miracles, Memories, and the Perfect Marriage of Sports and Television

“An enjoyable look at an important period in sports and television history by a man who helped shape it.” — Washington Times

“A playful puppy of a memoir about a big dog career.” — Kirkus Reviews

Praise for Al Michaels: “Al Michaels is my favorite. . . . He is the last of the true icons.” — Eminem, in GQ Magazine

“Al Michaels might be the best storyteller in all of sports.” — Bill Simmons, editor-in-chief of Grantland and author of the #1 New York Times bestseller The Book of Basketball

“One of my favorite guests. I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve had Al Michaels on my shows” — Howard Stern

“Al Michaels may be the best all-around play-by-play announcer ever.” — Sports Illustrated