9 more books sportscasters should be reading

In the past, I’ve shared books I have read that I recommend for all sports broadcasters. Reading helps you learn more, faster.

Browse my original list here.

Since publishing that list, I’ve received dozens of additional recommendations.

I’ve compiled the most common suggestions, with a few comments from our fellow broadcasters.

That’s A Winner – Jack Buck

“Even though Buck is from a different era of broadcasting, his work in so many forms of radio and television can show even today’s broadcasters why versatility is so important.”

Put It In The Book – Howie Rose

“While there is a lot of New York sports history, Howie also talks about his schedule, and the fact that while he was doing Islander games, he never attended morning skate. Now, this may not be something young sportscasters should hear, but I don’t go to shoot-around on game day either. Can’t learn much. Howie’s reasoning is the same.”

Holy Toledo! Lessons From Bill King, Renaissance Man of the Mic – Ken Korach

“Ken speaks with so much passion.”

Living Out Loud – Craig Sager

A Complete Guide to Sportscasting – Bob Wolff

Play-by-Play Sportscaster Training – Lou Riggs

Sports Broadcasting – John Catsis

The Glory of Their Times – Lawrence Ritter

The Handmaid’s Tale – Margaret Atwood

The last two book suggestions come from a sportscaster who is also a published author. The Handmaid’s Tale is not a sports book, but there’s a great reason it was recommended to me:

“Reading well-written literature helps me greatly in finding the right diction for each subsequent broadcast. It’s all about finding the right words, and books that aren’t even about sports are terrific at introducing the right words for the right situations.”

Reading beyond books…

Books aren’t the only literature sportscasters should be reading regularly. One sportscaster shared a few of his favorite online resources:

“On LinkedIn you’ll find a ton of blogs that are actively updated. Also read the online radio and TV trades about whose coming and going where, what radio and TV groups are succeeding and merging and which are selling, divesting, downsizing, laying off, etc. It gives you a better picture of what’s out there…and who are the best companies to work for!”

Another valuable suggestion I received is to read books about the sport in which you work. One broadcaster shared this tip:

“You can learn things about the game and even pick up notes you can use on the air. A great book about scouting is “Scout’s Honor”, written about the Atlanta Braves minor league system. Whitey Herzog’s book “You’re Missin’ a Great Game” has ideas about how small market teams can compete in the Major Leagues that still make sense today.”

Now that you’ve finished this blog post, I encourage you to grab a book!

I’d love to know what your favorite books are, whether they are about sportscasting or anything else. Please share your favorite titles below. I’m eager to read your suggestions.