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.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #27190 in Books
• Published on: 2008-05-06
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 273 pages

From Publishers Weekly
In this sentimental look back, Nantz recounts his beloved father's descent into illness during his own rise to success in sports broadcasting. Nantz's early ambition was to announce sporting events, and he got his start by taking advantage of even the smallest opportunity; his first job was driving Houston Open announcers from the parking lot to the clubhouse. Meanwhile, his jolly, curious and encouraging father was fielding the first symptoms of Alzheimers; sadly, as Nance finds greater recognition within the industry, the man who inspired him becomes more distant. Nantz finds father figures in his friendships with George H.W. Bush and golfer/broadcaster Ken Venturi, and turns up charming stories of others he admires like Tony Dungy, Arnold Palmer and former college roommate Freddie Couples. Though it has a saccharine streak, Nantz's on-the-job memoir fulfills his old man's vision ("Good people with good stories... To him, that was what sports-and sportsmanship-were all about") with a gentle, anecdote-heavy tour.
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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.

Customer Reviews

A Moving, Personal Adventure from the 'Voice' of Sports
You don't need to be a sports fan to appreciate this book. Despite Nantz's carefully-worded prose about the Masters, Final Four, and the Super Bowl, this book is truly about the bond that he formed with his father.

The story takes us on a journey. Nantz discovers his passion for sports and wants to share each and every moment with his father. As his father drifts into the abyss of Alzheimer's disease, he is moved and touched by the 'little things' that his Dad showed him on the road of life. I had a grandma with Alzheimer's, so I definitely understand the emptiness one feels when a loved one is distant and fading.

A great gift for first-time or long-time Dads. The most important takeaways from this book are: Appreciate the time that you have and be generous and loving, especially to close famiy.

Dan Naden
http://www.dannaden.com

A bit schmaltzy for my taste
Nantz seems like a really good guy. And if you're a sports fan, you'll enjoy some of the behind the scenes and inside stories no doubt, as I did. But throughout I thought it was a bit self indulgent on Jim's part, and quite a bit schmaltzy. That is, overly sentimental. At least for my taste. Am I the only one felt that way ?

Excellent read
We gave it to our son after we had read it and it was excellent. We wanted to share with him.