Rethinking Fandom: How to Beat the Sports-Industrial Complex at Its Own Game

Calcaterra, Craig

ISBN 10: 1953368239 / ISBN 13: 9781953368232

Published by Belt Publishing, 2022

About this Item

All pages and cover are intact. Dust jacket included if applicable, though it may be missing on hardcover editions. Spine and cover may show minor signs of wear including scuff marks, curls or bends to corners as well as cosmetic blemishes including stickers. Pages may contain limited notes or highlighting. "From the library of" labels may be present. Shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set packaging may be missing. Bundled media e.g., CDs, DVDs, access codes may not be included.

Seller Inventory # COLV.1953368239.G

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Rethinking Fandom: How to Beat the Sports-Industrial Complex at Its Own Game
• Publisher: Belt Publishing
• Publication Date: 2022
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1953368239
• ISBN 13: 9781953368232
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: good

About this title

Synopsis

“Modern fandom is rubbish, and Calcaterra explains why, but in so doing, also shows us the way out of our desensitized, corporate, laundry-hugging ways.” ―Keith Law, The Athletic
 
Sports fandom isn’t what it used to be. Owners and executives increasingly count on the blind loyalty of their fans and too often act against the team’s best interest. Sports fans are left deliberating not only mismanagement, but also political, health, and ethical issues.
 
In Rethinking Fandom, sportswriter (and lifelong sports fan) Craig Calcaterra outlines endemic problems with what he calls the Sports-Industrial Complex, such as intentionally tanking a season to get a high draft pick, scamming local governments to build cushy new stadiums, actively subverting the players, bad stadium deals, racism, concussions, and more. But he doesn’t give up on professional sports. In the second half of the book, he proposes strategies to reclaim joy in fandom: rooting for players instead of teams, being a fair-weather fan, becoming an activist, and other clever solutions.
 
With his characteristic wit and piercing commentary, Calcaterra argues that fans have more power than they realize to change how their teams behave.
 
“If you’re like me and love sports but have become increasingly dismayed by the ‘sports-industrial complex,’ Calcaterra’s book will prove a balm that allows you to hold onto that fandom without turning a blind eye to the myriad problems and sources of exploitation on the field.” ―John Warner, The Chicago Tribune
 
“Rather than simply criticizing, Calcaterra provides positive solutions to help us form a healthier and more thoughtful relationship with the sports we love. A vital book for any sports fan in the 21st century.” ―Mike Duncan, New York Times–bestselling author

About the Author

Craig Calcaterra is the writer and editor of the daily baseball, news, and culture newsletter, Cup of Coffee. Previously, he was the lead national baseball writer for NBC Sports, where he launched and edited the baseball blog HardballTalk. Calcaterra's work has appeared on NPR, Bloomberg News, BBC, and ESPN. He lives in New Albany, Ohio.