Always By My Side: A Father's Grace and a Sports Journey Unlike Any Other

Product Description
In the bestselling tradition of Big Russ and Me, America’s most visible sports commentator tells the stories of some of the most dramatic moments in American sports and pays tribute to the man who inspired him to pursue his broadcasting dream— his beloved father, who has fallen victim to the ravages of Alzheimer’s disease.

Vividly written in exciting, you-are-there replay, Always by My Side gives readers an insider’s look into an unprecedented sixty-three-day stretch from February to April of 2007 when Jim Nantz became the first broadcaster to call the Super Bowl, the Final Four, and the Masters. Because Nantz was unable to share the voyage with his dad, however, this remarkable journey through America’s premier sporting events took on a bittersweet tinge. Nonetheless, the devoted son felt his father’s presence every step of the way, and used this championship odyssey to celebrate the people, venues, and moments that tapped into all the goodness that his dad—and his dad’s generation— represent.

In recounting the highlights of more than two thrilling decades with CBS Sports, this broadcasting hall of famer recalls the legends of the industry—Dick Enberg, Curt Gowdy, Jim McKay, Chris Schenkel, Pat Summerall, Jack Whitaker, and others—who sparked his imagination and shaped his style.

Always by My Side traces Nantz’s career, from creating his own imaginary studio as a boy to his college days rooming with future PGA Tour golfers Fred Couples and Blaine McCallister to his successful network audition at age twenty-six. Along the way, readers are treated to an array of memories, including Nantz’s special relationship with the former president George H. W. Bush, as well as his friendships with such sports royalty as Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Peyton Manning, Tony Dungy, Tom Brady, Bill Belichick, Mike Krzyzewski, John Wooden, and many others. Poignant stories that explore the theme of fathers and sons who have bonded through a common love of sports complete this sparkling narrative.

Always by My Side promises to be the most cherished Father’s Day gift of the year.


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Product Details
Amazon Sales Rank: #104 in Books
Published on: 2008-05-06
Number of items: 1
Binding: Hardcover
273 pages

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Editorial Reviews
Review
“An equally compelling journey is Jim Nantz’s Always By My Side: A Father’s Grace and a Sports Journey Unlike Any Other. Part autobiography, part reminiscence, Always By My Side was inspired by CBS commentator Nantz’s 2007 broadcast triple play of calling three of sports’ grandest events—the Super Bowl, the Final Four and the Masters—in a 63-day period. The sweetness of that triumph was tempered by the fact that his father and namesake was succumbing to Alzheimer’s and could not share or even know of his son’s success. But Nantz discovered a truth that resonated throughout his life: no matter what the circumstance, his father was “always by his side.” Moving and easily readable, Nantz’s story offers inside moments that will delight sports fans, while touching the heart of anyone who has watched a loved one slip into the deep fog of Alzheimer’s.
--Booklist

About the Author
Jim Nantz is the signature face and voice of CBS Sports, who has covered nearly every one of the network’s sporting events since 1985.

Eli Spielman, Emmy Award–winning senior studio writer at CBS Sports, has been collaborating with Jim Nantz for more than twenty years.


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Customer Reviews
Honor They Father - Done Well
I have always thought that Jim Nantz had one of life's greatest gigs. He gets to do The Super Bowl, The NCAA Basketball Tournament and The Masters in sequence as well as covering the PGA and the NFL for CBS. Not bad.

Little did any of us know that he did much of it while dealing with the loss of his Dad to Alzheimer's. This book recounts that episode in his life and tells of the anguish and the pain that this terrible disease inflicts on loved ones.

Before reading this book and learning more about Jim Nantz, his family and his life experiences it has always been clear to me that he is a genuine gentleman and a caring and thoughtful person. After reading it, this is confirmed in spades.

For those who have never had to experience the heartbreaking realization of what Alzheimer's does to it's victims and their families, this book will open your eyes and tug at your heart.

For those that just love to learn some of the inside stories of what it is like to be Jim Nantz and rub elbows with some of the most interesting people around this book delivers on that score as well.

For those who hope to pick up some dirt or gossip about some of the issues and people that Nantz has been associated with during his time at CBS Sports, you will be disappointed. He may kiss, but he dosen't tell. That's not the kind of person he is.

Nantz still has a long career ahead of him and this is not intended to be an autobiography. It opens a window on his life that he wanted to share, to honor his father and tell the world what he meant to him. It does that quite well.

I took the picture at the beach in Aruba 08'
I am sitting here watching the Today SHow this morning and I glance up and see your book being spoken about with some photos, and then I realize how familiar you are.

My husband and I saw you and your dad in Aruba last March, We watched as you took your dads arm and walked along with him thru the sand to the water.
I said to my husband, (who lost his dad in 06' and who had always said he wanted to take his father to our home away from home- ARUBA) "Look at that man, with his elderly father, taking his pictures, watching his every step, What a wonderful place to bring him to. "Lucky Him" was my husbands reply, and as he spoke that , with tears in my eyes, I got up and went over to you and asked if you wanted a picture together. I am not usually that assertive, but I felt that I had to go over to you.
I had no idea if you were his son , a friend or a caretaker..

I am so glad I did..
Best of Luck

Is it his time (to buy this book)??? YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hello friends,

I started this book in March, finished it in April, and now it belongs to May!! If you are looking to "come out of hibernation" after a long winter, this is your book. It is as grand as it gets!! A book for the ages!!

Doug Riddell