David Finoli

Sports in the Steel City has never reached the highs and lows that fans in Pittsburgh experienced in the 1970s.Most remembered may be the multiple championships celebrated in city during the era, including two World Series titles, four Super Bowl victories and a NCAA football championship. Despite those successes, fans still recall major trageidies such as the deaths of Bob Moose, Roberto Clemente and others. Local authors present essays on the triumphs, tragedies and championships that defined the 1970s for the city of Pittsburgh and Steel City sports.

Sports in the Steel City has never reached the highs and lows that fans in Pittsburgh experienced in the 1970s.Most remembered may be the multiple championships celebrated in city during the era, including two World Series titles, four Super Bowl victories and a NCAA football championship. Despite those successes, fans still recall major tragedies such as the deaths of Bob Moose, Roberto Clemente and others. Local authors present essays on the triumphs, tragedies and championships that defined the 1970s for the city of Pittsburgh and Steel City sports.

Steel City Sports as a Catalyst for Change Though Pittsburgh athletics had many of the same barriers to equality and racial discrimination as the rest of the nation for far too long, the city has celebrated some of the most important moments in the integration of sports in the country. Pittsburgh was the only city with two Negro League teams, fielding such future Hall of Famers as Josh Gibson, Cool Papa Bell, Oscar Charleston and Satchel Paige. Local high school basketball stars Chuck Cooper, Bill Nunn, Jr., Dick Ricketts, Maurice Stokes, and Jack Twyman held integrated pick-up games at local parks such as Mellon Park in Shadyside in the 1950s. In college football, Connellsville native Jimmy Joe Robinson became the first African American player on Pitt's football team in 1945 as the school continued to integrate its squad ahead of federal desegregation.The Association of Gentleman Pittsburgh Journalists present the compelling, heartbreaking and courageous history of how Pittsburgh's integration of sport helped lead the nation.

Ten years after a one-loss season and being ranked third in the nation, the University of Pittsburgh's historic football team had fallen on hard times. In 1973, the team hired former All-American Johnny Majors to right the ship, and he promptly recruited Tony Dorsett and Al Romano. Over the next four years, the new-look Panthers were brought back to prominence with stunning victories, culminating in the 1976 NCAA National Championship. Dorsett, a future Pro Football Hall of Famer, became the first college running back to eclipse two thousand yards in a season and was awarded the Heisman Trophy in the championship year. Author David Finoli tells the story of one of the most dramatic turnarounds in college football history.

Let’s say you’re the manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates, deciding which players should start in Game 7 of the World Series against the American League champs. But instead of choosing from the current roster, you have every player in the team’s 131-year history in your clubhouse. Who’s your starting pitcher: lefty John Candelaria, steady Bert Blyleven, Cy Young winner Doug Drabek, or crafty Rip Sewell? Who bats cleanup—hitting-machine Honus Wagner, home-run champ Ralph Kiner, Willie “Pops” Stargell, or the hugely talented Barry Bonds? Combining career stats, common sense, and a host of intangibles, veteran sportswriter Dave Finoli imagines an embarrassment of riches and sets the all-time All-Star Pirates lineup for the ages.

Author and sports historian David Finoli's inside look at the 50 greatest male and female athletes in Pittsburgh history.Greatness in sport is both undefinable and immediately recognizable. Though it is rare, Western Pennsylvania has

Greatness in sport is both undefinable and immediately recognizable. Though it is rare, Western Pennsylvania has been graced with a long history of athletes who embody the essence of greatness. They have proudly represented the region in sports such as boxing, golf and track; carried their collegiate teams to victory; and worn the black and gold of the Steelers, Pirates and Penguins. Pittsburghers still recall how Mario Lemieux glided effortlessly through an opposing defense before befuddling the goalie or Arnie Palmer's unique swing that made the everyday duffer feel like he was one of them. Fans debate whether Bradshaw or Roethlisberger is the better quarterback and what the legacy of Barry Bonds is, while keeping Roberto Clemente among their most cherished icons. Author David Finoli covers the greatest fifty men and women athletes in Pittsburgh history.

In the first edition of Classic Pens readers were reminded of the franchise’s most memorable contests, from its beginnings in the 1960s through the 2010s. is new edition brings the team’s standout games up to date, including their triumphant 2016 Stanley Cup victory. During the Penguins’ early years, it wasn’t uncommon to buy a $5 ticket for a seat at the top of the Civic Arena (the “Igloo”) and at the end of the first period move to a seat in the first row behind the glass. Except for a few winning moments scattered through their first three decades, the idea of a full-season sold-out arena was too farfetched, never mind the thought of a Stanley Cup. The only constant was that the Penguins were always in financial trouble and often threatening to move out of the Steel City. The 1983–84 campaign proved to be the season that turned everything around. e Penguins’ prize was Mario Lemieux, an 18-year-old center from Montreal, Quebec, who would lift the Pens out of the canyon of last-place finishes to the lofty heights of backto-back Stanley Cup championships in 1991 and 1992. Lemieux went on to become one of the greatest players the game had ever seen. He and teammates such as Jaromir Jagr, Tom Barrasso, Ron Francis, Joe Mullen, Kevin Stevens, Larry Murphy, and Paul Coffey soon made the Civic Arena the place to be. In 1999 Mario Lemieux, now in his 30s, headed a group that purchased the club. e new ownership began a renaissance in which players like Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Marc-Andre Fleury, Kris Letang, and Jordan Staal again made the Pens a powerhouse on the ice, led them to a third Stanley Cup championship in 2009, and secured one of the best new buildings in the NHL: the Consol Energy Center. In 2016 the Penguins qualified for the playoffs for the tenth consecutive season, winning their fourth Stanley Cup by defeating the San Jose Sharks in a 4–2 series. In Classic Pens, author David Finoli’s tour of the best moments in the Penguins’ long history will evoke special memories from longtime fans and delight those who currently follow the team.

Half a century ago there were many old neighborhood breweries that dotted the landscape of western Pennsylvania. It was a family tradition to drink the local beers. In Westmoreland County, which is about 15 miles outside Pittsburgh, there were several choices, but one of the most popular came from the Jones Brewing Company in Smithton and their family of beers. The House of Jones, as it was referred to, produced four of the area's most popular brands. Esquire, the brewery's premium beer, Fort Pitt, Old Shay Ale and the main style named after its owner, Stoney's Beer. All four found their way into the refrigerators of local patrons and were enjoyed by local families for decades. The story of the House of Jones and their fabulous products is certainly very fascinating. The story goes that a brewery was won by William B. "Stoney" Jones in a poker game in Sutersville, Pa. and was originally named the Eureka Brewing Company. In 1907 he built a brewery in Smithton where the immigrants who settled in the area had a difficult time saying Eureka so they simply asked for one of "Stoney's" beers. After prohibition, the name of the company was changed to the Jones Brewing Company and its headline beer renamed after the owner. Stoney's Beer was now an official brand. Through the 20th century the story took many unimaginable twists and turns. Some of the highlights include the many championship baseball, soccer, football and bowling teams in the area that it sponsored. In 1934 the family welcomed Shirley Jones to Smithton, granddaughter of Stoney and one of this county's most celebrated actresses. Today she remains Smithton's most cherished and famous citizen. During the early part of the 1920s, Stoney had an embarrassing episode as he was slipped a "Mickey" (for those of you too young to know that's a drink someone laced with a drug that is intended to incapacitate another. It was named after a 19th century bar keeper in Chicago who allegedly drugged and robbed his patrons. The bar keeps name: Mickey Finn.) in Cincinnati and was swindled out of $50,000. In 1930 the government took over the brewery after they fined it for producing beer with alcohol during prohibition. It wasn't returned until the steep fines were paid. There were also tense labor negotiations with the workers, the sale of the brewery by the family, a push towards turning the brewery into a contract brewer, the tragic death of its new owner Gabby Podlucky and the scandalous trial of their son Greg Podlucky, owner of LeNature beverages, that not only rocked the family, but hurt the financial outlook of Stoney's itself. Finally, after the beer became irrelevant the story came full circle with the Jones family coming to the rescue in the name of Jon King, the great-grandson of Stoney, and his business partners John LaCarte, Rich Boyer, and Bob Matthews, who bought the rights to the iconic brand in 2017 with the hope of making Stoney's Beer a staple in this area once again. The tale may read like a soap opera at times, but in the end the beer meant a lot to the people of this area in the past and hopefully will in the future. This is the story of the path it took to get to this point.

Sihugo Green, Dick Ricketts, Dave Ricketts, Mickey Winograd, Lou Severine, Jim Fallon, Lou Iezzi, Paul Lojpersberger, Ralph Leng, John Nosworthy, Tom Peszko, Bob Schneider, Dudey Moore and Red Manning. They are all connected, in perpetuity, as a special group of men who not only captured the lone major national title in Duquesne University history, but to date the only Division I college basketball national championship the city of Pittsburgh has ever produced in a tournament. Kings on the Bluff: The Next Chapter not only tells the complete story of this legendary team but the story of what happened to the program soon after. The updated version also celebrates the hiring of coach Keith Dambrot with the extensive tale of how he came to the Bluff as well as a section that includes list of the best players, teams, performances, coaches ever to play at the University. Kings on the Bluff: The Next Chapter has all the great moments in the history of Men's Basketball at Duquesne

Pittsburgh is synonymous with winning. From the Penguins and Steelers to the Pirates and Panthers, the Steel City knows championships. The Negro League's Crawford and Homestead Grays are too often overlooked in the city's sports history but were as talented as any team that has played there. Names such as Lemieux, Crosby, Roethlisberger, Bradshaw, Clemente and Stargell are legends of American sport and members of Pittsburgh's most cherished franchises. The 1970s Steelers were known as the Steel Curtain. The Penguins have raised the Stanley Cup five times. Author Dave Finoli ranks the fifty greatest teams that won trophies, brought glory and lifted the hearts of Pittsburgh's devoted sports fans.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have a vast and celebrated history dating back to 1887, winning five World Championships and nine National League pennants since their inception. Many baseball legends have called Pittsburgh home, including Hall of Famers Honus Wagner, Roberto Clemente, Paul Waner, and Arky Vaughan. Although the Pirates have had their fair share of losing seasons, recent postseason appearances have brought life back into this storied franchise. The 50 Greatest Players in Pittsburgh Pirates History celebrates the best to ever wear a Pirate uniform. David Finoli carefully and diligently ranks the Steel City icons based on statistics, awards, achievements, and postseason success. Each entry includes biographical information, accomplishments, and recaps of the player’s greatest moments. In addition to stories of glory on the field, Finoli also shares important events that took place away from the diamond, such as Roberto Clemente personally bringing supplies to earthquake-ravaged Nicaragua, a selfless act that led to his tragic death. Two concluding chapters cover the ten Pirates who almost made the cut and the players who went on to greatness after leaving the Pittsburgh organization. More than 25 photographs throughout the book enhance the rankings of these Pittsburgh legends. Sure to inspire debate and controversy among Pirate fans old and new, The 50 Greatest Players in Pittsburgh Pirates History isan engaging look at the many players who have been a part of the franchise’s long and memorable history.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have one of the most storied histories in the annals of baseball. The Pittsburgh Pirates Encyclopedia captures these fabulous times through the stories of the individuals and the collective teams that have thrilled the Steel City for 125 years. The book breaks down the team with a year-by-year synopsis of the club, including biographies of more than 180 of the most memorable Pirates through the ages as well as a look at each manager, owner, general manager, and announcer who has served the club proudly. Now updated through the 2014 season, The Pittsburgh Pirates Encyclopedia will provide Pirates fans as well as baseball fans in general a complete look into the team's history, sparking memories of glories past and hopes for the future. Highlights include: ? Single-season and career records ? Player and manager profiles ? Pirates award winners ? Synopses of key games in Pirates history Now fully updated, this is one of the most comprehensive books ever written about the Pirates, and a resource that no Bucs fan should be without. Skyhorse Publishing, as well as our Sports Publishing imprint, are proud to publish a broad range of books for readers interested in sports?books about baseball, pro football, college football, pro and college basketball, hockey, or soccer, we have a book about your sport or your team. Whether you are a New York Yankees fan or hail from Red Sox nation; whether you are a die-hard Green Bay Packers or Dallas Cowboys fan; whether you root for the Kentucky Wildcats, Louisville Cardinals, UCLA Bruins, or Kansas Jayhawks; whether you route for the Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, or Los Angeles Kings; we have a book for you. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to publishing books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked by other publishers and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.

Between 1929 and 1937, Hall of Fame coach Jock Sutherland took the championship program at the University of Pittsburgh that was built by his mentor Glenn "Pop" Warner, and won five of the nine national championships the school now claims. While a successful period, it was also controversial: Sutherland enjoyed the support of a group of wealthy boosters named the Golden Panthers, who helped him secure the services of the best players western Pennsylvania had to offer. While they made sure the players had what they needed, the school also made sure they had enough money to be comfortable. Critics accused Pitt of employing what amounted to professional athletes in a college sport. These accusations not only embarrassed the school administration, but led to the end of their dynasty and its coach. This book tells the exciting tale of their championship run, and describes how their downfall began what has since been a continual academics versus athletics tug-of-war at the school.

When it came to football in the 1930s, the college sport was king. But in 1933, former boxer and minor league baseball player Art Rooney, who had quarterbacked the squad at Duquesne University, purchased a team for Pittsburgh for $2,500. Thus began the legacy we know as "Steeler Nation."At the time, no one could have imagined that the Pirates, as they were originally named, would become a treasured possession for Pittsburghers. For the first 40 years, the franchise was a national joke. With only one playoff performance—a 21–0 defeat at the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles for the eastern division title in 1947—highlights were minimal for a team that regularly found itself at the bottom of the standings.Then in 1969, Art Rooney's son Dan hired Chuck Noll from the Baltimore Colts to coach his team. Noll replaced undisciplined players with future hall of famers. By 1974 the team won its first world championship and went on to capture four Super Bowl titles in six years. Noll's legacy for excellence continued with four more Super Bowl appearances and two championships in 2005 and 2008, garnering the franchise a league record of six Super Bowl wins.Classic Steelers includes these six championship tilts and takes citizens of the Steeler Nation on a play-by-play tour of the most memorable games in the team's history. Author David Finoli recounts in vivid detail the thrilling gridiron performances that have made the Steelers so special to their legions of fans.

A countdown of the greatest games of a Steel City institutionWhen slow-footed former Pirate Sid Bream broke the heart of the "Bucco" nation, it was Game Seven of the 1992 NLCS. He slid across the plate in the bottom of the 9th for the Braves, giving them the pennant with a heart-wrenching 3–2 victory. The run began a mind-numbing slide that enters its third decade of sub .500 performances. The curse of Sid Bream was born.Until the surprising 2012 campaign, a generation of Steel City baseball fans had hungered for the Pirates to be involved in an actual pennant race, a goal that even the most diehard could not have imagined. There was a time that it wasn't a far-off dream, but instead an annual right. From 1970 through 1979, Pittsburgh won six eastern division crowns and two national championships. While impressive, the 1970s were only the second-best decade in franchise history. Classic Bucs looks back to the beginning of the twentieth century, the indisputable best decade of the Pittsburgh Pirates, when a young and brash team captured four senior circuit titles and their initial World Series in 1909.During the years between those two memorable seasons, the club won two other world championships in 1925 and 1960, the latter of which culminated in arguably the greatest contest in the history of the game. On a memorable fall afternoon on October 13, 1960, a second baseman known more for his defensive prowess than his bat became the only man in the history of the World Series to end the last game of the fall classic with a home run. The second baseman was Bill Mazeroski, and he smacked a Ralph Terry pitch over the left field wall at Forbes Field to give the Bucs a wild 10–9 victory over the New York Yankees and send the town into hysterics.Incredible moments like this are the inspirations for this book chronicling the 50 greatest Pirate games of all time. Memories of these games are sure to bring a collective smile to the Pirates Nation. Classic Bucs tells the story of this celebrated old franchise to a new generation of Pirate fans, a generation that has been looking for its own Mazeroski moment ever since Bream slid across home plate three decades ago.