Always by My Side - by Jim Nantz (Paperback)

About the Book

One of America's most visible sports commentators relives some of the most dramatic moments in sports and pays tribute to his beloved father, the man who inspired him to pursue his broadcasting dream. 8-page b&w photo insert.

Book Synopsis

The New York Times bestseller, now in paperback. America's most visible sports commentator recounts some of the most dramatic moments in American sports and pays tribute to the man who inspired him-his beloved father

As vivid as an instant replay, Always by My Side gives readers an insider's look into an unprecedented sixty-three- day stretch from February through April of 2007, when Jim Nantz became the first broadcaster to call the Super Bowl, the Final Four, and the Masters. Though Nantz was unable to share the voyage with his dad, 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, Nantz recalls legendary voices of his youth-such as Jim McKay, Chris Schenkel, Pat Summerall, Jack Whitaker, and Dick Enberg-who sparked his imagination and shaped his style.

Always by My Side traces Nantz's life and career, and along the way readers are treated to an array of memories, including Nantz's special relationship with former president George H. W. Bush and 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. Always by My Side turns every day into Father's Day.

Review Quotes

"Wonderfully well-written and heartfelt."
-Don Imus

"This book is fantastic . . . and so timely given the roiled circumstances in our culture."
-Rush Limbaugh

"The book is filled with fun anecdotes that sports fans would trade over a beer with a guy who's rubbed elbows with everyone from superstar quarterbacks Tom Brady and Dan Marino to venerable coaches."
-"New Haven Register"

"Like life, this is a book filled with lighter moments, more challenging moments...and good relationships."
-Matt Lauer, NBC's "Today" show

"Entertaining, enlightening, and often touching."
-President George H. W. Bush



aWonderfully well-written and heartfelt.a
aDon Imus
aThis book is fantastic . . . and so timely given the roiled circumstances in our culture.a
aRush Limbaugh
aThe book is filled with fun anecdotes that sports fans would trade over a beer with a guy whoas rubbed elbows with everyone from superstar quarterbacks Tom Brady and Dan Marino to venerable coaches.a
a"New Haven Register"
aLike life, this is a book filled with lighter moments, more challenging momentsa]and good relationships.a
aMatt Lauer, NBCas "Today" show
aEntertaining, enlightening, and often touching.a
aPresident George H. W. Bush

aAn equally compelling journey is Jim Nantzas "Always By My Side: A Fatheras Grace and a Sports Journey Unlike Any Other," Part autobiography, part reminiscence, "Always By My Side" was inspired by CBS commentator Nantzas 2007 broadcast triple play of calling three of sportsa grandest eventsathe Super Bowl, the Final Four and the Mastersain a 63-day period. The sweetness of that triumph was tempered by the fact that his father and namesake was succumbing to Alzheimeras and could not share or even know of his sonas success. But Nantz discovered a truth that resonated throughout his life: no matter what the circumstance, his father was aalways by his side.a Moving and easily readable, Nantzas 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 Alzheimeras.
--Booklist

About the Author

Jim Nantz, the 2007 Sportscaster of the Year, is the signature face and voice of CBS Sports. He has covered nearly every one of the network's sporting events since 1985.