I'd Love to but I Have a Game

David Letterman provides a hilarious foreword to a look at the popular sports announcer's nearly thirty seasons of broadcasting that includes chapter introductions by, among others, Jerry Seinfeld, Senator Bill Bradley, Bob Costas, and Robert Klein. 50,000 first printing. $50,000 ad/promo.

Albert and Reilly (coauthor of The Boz ) have written a tongue-in-cheek autobiography that contains a humorous and perceptive look at the life of a professional sports broadcaster. Albert, an NBC announcer for football, basketball and boxing matches, and the voice of the New York Knicks and Rangers, has been working in the sports world since he was a teenager. Through dogged effort and the influence of sportscaster Marty Glickman, he became the radio voice of the Knicks. There are blunt characterizations here of some of the most prominent names in sports: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (who was terrified that the Knicks' Willis Reed would "rearrange his dental work"), Reggie Jackson ("One of the most manipulative people I've ever known.") and the ever personable Howard Cosell (Albert once asked him for career advice and Cosell replied: "Guys like you are a dime a dozen."). Albert makes good points on the controversies surrounding the NFL's policy on instant replay and has valuable tips for young broadcasters. Albert comes across as a man who thoroughly enjoys his work, and sports buffs, especially younger ones, will like this book.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

All but one of the many chapters that make up this tongue-in-cheek expose of Albert's 30-plus seasons of sports broadcasting are introduced by personalities such as David Letterman and Sen. Bill Bradley. There are also quips from coaches who became announcers and then returned to coaching (e.g, Bill Parcells, Pat Riley, and Mike Fratello). In keeping with the toastmaster humor of this journal, perhaps Woody Allen's one-liner should be modified to read: "Those who can, do--those who can't, broadcast sports." While comedic in style, the account also documents the countless hours of travel and preparation that make Albert one of America's premier sportscasters. This book of light reading is recommended for libraries serving sports fans (and comedians).
- Albert Spencer, Coll. of Education, Univ. of Nevada, Las Vegas
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Sorry, James Brown, but Marv Albert is the hardest workin' man in show business. Now the longtime voice of the New York Knicks, the New York Rangers, various New York college teams, and many national sports events steps forward to tell all. Well, not all, just the funny parts. The dry wit that Albert employs throughout his broadcasts translates well to paper. The introduction by Albert buddy David Letterman jump-starts this anecdotal autobiography with an overview of Marv and Dave's "Fear and Loathing" years on the road together. Yeah, right, Dave. Albert began his career in sports as a general gofer in the employ of the Brooklyn Dodgers. He says it was a difficult career decision to stay behind when the Bums moved to Los Angeles. His mom said no. He was 13. Albert's anecdotes encompass not only his career but also those of such other broadcasters as Bob Costas, Jack Buck, and, of course, Albert's broadcasting brothers, Al and Steve. He relates the peculiarities of his dozens of partners, including Ferdie Pacheco, the fight doctor; Mike Fratello, the Czar of the Telestrator; and Joe Namath. A wonderful book, filled with laughter and good humor and absolutely certain to be in demand among sports fans. Wes Lukowsky