David Finoli Bücher

Veteran sportswriter Dave Finoli crafts an all-time All-Star lineup for the Pittsburgh Pirates, blending career statistics with insightful analysis and unique intangibles. This imaginative exploration highlights the team's rich history and showcases the legendary players who have shaped the franchise, offering fans a nostalgic and engaging look at the best of the Pirates.

Celebrating the rich history of professional football, this book highlights the pivotal role of southwestern Pennsylvania, particularly Pittsburgh and Latrobe, as its birthplace. It recounts the story of Pudge Heffelfinger, the first paid player, and the establishment of the first all-professional club in 1897. The narrative also explores the contributions of other towns like Jeannette and Greensburg, including Latrobe's unsuccessful bid for the Professional Football Hall of Fame in the mid-20th century, showcasing the region's deep connection to the sport.

The Epicenter of Steel City Sports From Forbes Field to Pitt Stadium, Pittsburgh's Oakland neighborhood has been home to some of the most iconic moments in sports history. Including the Fitzgerald Field House and the Duquesne Gardens, Oakland has drawn in both professional and college sports fans alike. Local authors and sports historians David Finoli, Tom Rooney, Robert Healy III, Douglas Cavanaugh and Chris Fletcher celebrate the glorious victories and heartbreaking losses throughout the history of Pittsburgh's Oakland section, the epicenter of Steel City Sports.

Forbes Field, constructed in 1909 under the guidance of Pirates president Barney Dreyfuss, marked a significant development in sports history as the first concrete and steel facility in the National League. It quickly became a beloved venue, witnessing the Pirates' World Series victory and hosting memorable events for the Steelers and collegiate football teams, including the University of Pittsburgh's national championships. The site also featured notable boxing matches, solidifying its reputation as a sports mecca, with its remaining wall serving as a testament to its rich legacy.

Set against the backdrop of a struggling football program, the narrative chronicles the resurgence of the University of Pittsburgh's team under the leadership of Johnny Majors. Key recruits Tony Dorsett and Al Romano played pivotal roles in revitalizing the Panthers, culminating in their 1976 NCAA National Championship victory. Dorsett's historic achievement as the first college running back to surpass two thousand yards in a season and his Heisman Trophy win highlight this remarkable turnaround in college football history, as recounted by author David Finoli.