There have been thousands of sports books written throughout the years. Some have been absolute crap and most are mediocre at best, but there are that select few that remain deep-seated in our memories as classics. Below is my Top 5 of all time. There are some popular books missing, either because I don’t think that selection is as good as others, or because I have not read it.

5. Foul Ball: My Life and Hard Times Trying to Save an Old Ballpark
By Jim Bouton. Bouton gives a candid look at a corrupt sports town. All he wants to do is keep a classic stadium alive, but local businesses and politicians oppose him for selfish reasons. They will do what’s right for their businesses regardless of the effects on the community. Beyond sports, their actions also are detrimental to the health and well being of those who live there. It’s amazing how greedy and selfish some people can be, and Bouton exposes them ALL.

4. Eight Men Out: The Black Sox and the 1919 World Series
By Eliot Asinof. This was a very, very interesting read and that is why I rate it so high. I am absolutely obsessed with the perplexing depth of this scandal. However Asinof presents a TON of evidence about the scandal, so much so that it can be a bit overwhelming. I probably need to go back and read it again to get the whole story down. It reads a lot like a really good history book about the Black Sox.

3. Friday Night Lights: A Town, a Team, and a Dream (Paperback)
By H.G. Bissinger. One of the things that drives me nuts about Odessa is that H.G. Bissinger wrote a very fair observation of the current state of their town and they treat him like he’s the devil to this day. Rather than acknowledge that maybe they shouldn’t put so much pressure on their young athletes and that maybe they needed to re-evaluate what is truly important to them, they chose to shoot the messenger. Maybe people shouldn’t be taught that the most important thing in the world is a high-school football game. I applaud Bissinger for his efforts.

2. Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game
By Michael Lewis. This is an absolutely amazing story about success. The book is far more than baseball, it shows the value of statistical analysis in equalizing and unequal playing field. Like the cover says, it teaches the ‘Art of Winning an Unfair Game’. I can’t stand narrow minded baseball purists that don’t see the value in what Billy Beane does. The man succeeds in spite of nearly insurmountable odds. Who couldn’t learn something from him?

After you’ve bought the basic paintball equipment such as the paintball marker, mask, and safety devices, there are some important paintball supplies you need to consider before you really start playing a game of paintball. These little accessories and supplies can come in quite handy if you want to put yourself in an advantageous position when playing with other opponents.

Paintball markers/guns tend to weather after constant use. In order to prevent this or slow down the progress, use paintball gun oil. The oil also helps operate your gun smoothly which is a prerequisite if you want to win in a game of paintball. However, remember to buy good quality oil from a dealer, which may or may not be specified by the manufacturer.

If you use a paintball gun with a hopper that runs on batteries, remember to always double check if you have extras with you before the game starts. It can be very inconvenient if you run out of fuel while out at the field. Buy high quality batteries that will last for a few good hours.

You’re going to need to disassemble your paintball marker once in a while, in order to clean or fix it. You should always have the gun manual and an Allen wrench with you so that if, in an emergency, you need to take apart your gun, there shouldn’t be any hassles of not having a diagram, or a tool to help you work faster.

You can get yourself into big trouble if the lens of your paintball mask cracks and you don’t have a replacement. This is because most tournament organizers will not allow you to play without proper safety equipment. It is also unsafe, so always have an extra lens handy in case of emergencies. Also remember to never use masks with a lens that’s been overused, or is wearing out.

The barrel or breach of the paintball gun may collect dust or paintball debris. Use squeegees to clean these out. A clean and well-lubed barrel is essential for the smooth operation of the marker so, it would be a great idea if you could carry an extra squeegee before joining a game.

Barrel covers such as barrel plugs and barrel socks prevent accidentally fired paintballs to cause any harm by blocking exit. A barrel sock is more effective in reducing the possibility of the safety equipment being detached from the marker/gun barrel. Always carry one to ensure that no one gets hurt.

Paintball guns can malfunction due to small, seemingly unimportant but vital parts such as the O-rings and Cupseals, which may become defective in the middle of a game. Do not let your game suffer because you forgot to carry extra parts.

Bowling amateurs as well as professionals agree on one thing about the game. Bowling relieves tension and stress and helps free many emotions that cannot be released in any other way. What better way to have fun and enjoy the time spent either for a healthy competition or merely a friendly game than to go bowling. Below are more tips to get everyone participating in the game to enjoy the sport.

1. Experiment with different kinds of bowling balls. Try the different weights, size, and colors until the most comfortable ball is found. The rule of thumb is to choose the ball that is most comfortable to carry and release but still making sure the weight is heavy enough.

2. If bowling is turning out to be a passion, purchase a custom made bowling ball; one made for ease, and with holes drilled especially to fit the owner’s fingers.

3. Discount sporting goods stores carry a wide selection of bowling balls that are less expensive and yet perform very well.

4. Choose bowling shoes that fit perfectly and do not pinch the toes.  Avoid slippery soled shoes and to get the best deal, check with the many discount stores. Still, the Pro Shop is still your best bet.

5. Begin by placing the feet at the start of the alley for this affects the ball’s direction. Try different angles and places to get the right angle for releasing the ball. Once the perfect spot is discovered, make sure to stand in the same place each time for consistency.

6. To attain perfect balance, right-handed players step with their right foot first when they approach the foul line and the left foot is used to give the last step when the ball is released and vise versa.

7. Practice doing the steps slowly and visualize a ball in your hand. It will be helpful to do the flare in front of a mirror to get used to the way the body is maneuvered during the approach.

8. Always aim at the head pin. Look at the balls closely and concentrate on hitting the target. Never take the eyes away from the head pin during the first or second ball. Professionals say that balls really do follow the player’s eyes.

9. Bend the knees when releasing the ball as this creates ball control. Be sure to follow through.

10.Avoid turning the wrist to prevent fracture.

11. Wipe the ball as often as needed to keep dirt and oil from sticking to it and make sure that it is dry. Using a clean ball during the game helps the ball get the curve desired.

No matter how or when a player started bowling, it is the passion and the sense of fun that leads him to success. Just keep on practicing and the scores will continue to grow.

If you were thinking of getting a treadmill for your home, you might not have realized how much trouble it can be. Instead, it is generally much easier to just join a gym.

A good gym will have the most expensive treadmills around, with all the extra luxury features there for you to take advantage of. They won’t be limited on space either, meaning that they can have the models that are big enough to run on comfortably without having to worry about straying a little from side to side.

If you take your running seriously, and will be doing some of your training using a treadmill, another advantage gyms have over home treadmills is that they can provide qualified instructors who know what they’re doing. They can set up the treadmill so it closely mirrors the conditions you’re going to be running in, and advise you on how much to run so you don’t strain any of your muscles. At home, you would just have to figure these things out for yourself.

Whether you are using a treadmill to get fit or training to be a runner, the social side of going to the gym is not to be underestimated. As everyone there is working towards the same goals, exercise and fitness, and has it as an interest in common, you can make good friends and motivate each other to try harder and not give up. Seeing the people who have been coming to the gym for a long time is a big part of going there, as it lets you see the results of what you are doing long before you have achieved them for yourself. It’s all about motivation, and after all, if you’re just sitting at home, and the sofa is right there next to your treadmill, who is going to motivate you to keep going?