Play by Play - Large Print by Verne Lundquist (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

One of America's most beloved sportscasters turns the spotlight on his own life, chronicling his incredible life covering Southeastern Conference football and some of the most iconic moments in sports history over the last five decades

Verne Lundquist's remarkable broadcasting career has placed him at the center of major sporting events in America for more than fifty years, from Jack Nicklaus's final victory at the 1986 Masters to Tonya Harding's attack on Nancy Kerrigan at the 1994 Olympics to the Auburn-Alabama shocker of 2013. In his first memoir, he replays highlights from his career, taking sports fans behind the scenes of some of the most dramatic moments in modern sports history.

Lundquist goes back to the early days of his broadcasting career, recalling his time as a producer and radio show host in Dallas when President John F. Kennedy was shot. He reminisces about Tom Landry and the great Dallas Cowboy teams of the 1970s, recalls the most unbelievable moments in Masters Tournament history, and relives the excitement of Christian Laettner's buzzer beater in the NCAA tournament and a host of other memorable thrills.

One of the defining voices of Saturday afternoon football for the SEC, Lundquist offers an in-depth look at the fans, the schools, and the game, recounting never-before-told stories about some of college football's biggest personalities. He also speaks honestly about his friendships with Terry Bradshaw, John Madden, and other greats, and his difficult relationship with legendary colleague Pat Summerall. Bringing these memories vibrantly to life with his beloved catchphrases and warm humor, and sharing fifty photos from his personal collection, Lundquist gives readers a front row seat to history as he witnessed it unfold.

From the Back Cover

Few voices epitomize the sound of sports television quite like Verne  Lundquist's. A fixture on air since the 1960s, Verne has covered just about every sport there is, making some of the most enduring calls in the history of sports. In Play by Play, Verne looks back at his remark-able career--from SEC football, to Nancy Kerrigan and Tonya Harding at the 1994 Olympics, to Jack Nicklaus's and Tiger Woods's unforgettable victories at the Masters, and more. With his trademark humility and his goal to make the athletes the legend, instead of the call itself, Verne relives the plays that have captured our collective imagination along with an incredible cast of characters including Terry Bradshaw, John Madden, and Tom Landry.

A moving recollection of the moments that make sports worth watching, Play by Play reminds us that sports are about more than games played--they're about the history we share together and the voices we remember long after the final whistle has blown.

Review Quotes

"A textbook for would-be sports commentators and a pleasure for fans." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Uncle Verne made Saturdays better, he made the SEC better, and he made college football better. Thank you for sharing your story with sports fans everywhere. Readers are sure to be entertained by your powerful storytelling." -- -- TIM TEBOW, Heisman Trophy Winner and New York Times bestselling author