THE BEST AMERICAN SPORTS WRITING 2003

The latest edition in the Best American Sports Writing series features 25 pieces of cracker-jack writing from some of the country's best known sports journalists. In keeping with the tradition of the series, the new volume includes articles on some of the country's most famous athletes—Barry Bonds (by David Grann), Shaquille O'Neal (by Rebecca Mead)—as well as stories on little-known people —one-legged marathon runner Jim MacLaren (written by Elizabeth Gilbert), golfer and Vietnam veteran Walter Donaldson (by Bill Plaschke). Many of the stories are poignant, either in describing how sports helped a person cope with a difficult situation or in relating the downfall of a celebrated personality. Among the best are David Grann's look at the softer side of Barry Bonds; Michael Leahy's piece on Michael Jordan's "love of risk"; and Terry Pluto's profile of the 275-pound autistic waterboy for the Hudson High football team. Although there are millions of words written about sports every year, Bissinger has managed to assemble stories that bring a fresh perspective to their subject; there are no often-told stories of faded glory days. (Oct.)