Best Sports Essays Books of 2025

Got Your Number: The Greatest Sports Legends and the Numbers They Own is a book that settles once and for all which sports legends own which numbers. Mike Greenberg uses his lifetime of sports knowledge to spin yarns of the legends among the legends and tell readers why some have claimed their spot in the top 100 of all time. Greeny's book is sure to provoke debate and entertain readers with its short essays. This book is a must-read for all sports enthusiasts looking to discover the most visceral parts of any sports legend’s identity.

Straight Shooter: A Memoir of Second Chances and First Takes is a personal account of Stephen A. Smith's life and career. From growing up poor in Queens to becoming a household name in sports media, Smith shares his greatest highs and deepest lows. He also talks about life beyond the set, including his battle with COVID-19 and his thoughts on politics and social issues. The book provides an authentic and eye-opening look into the life of one of America's most popular sports media figures. Overall, Straight Shooter is a compelling and engaging read that offers a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs of a successful career.

The Trapper's Bible is a comprehensive guide that covers everything a trapper and hunter needs to know. It includes tips and tactics from some of the finest trappers in the United States, hundreds of photos and illustrations, and extensive information on animal behavior and nature. Readers will learn how to recognize animal tracks, use a variety of traps and snares, mix their own animal scents, and even skin, stretch, cure, and tan hides. This book is an essential reference guide for anyone interested in the trapping profession, and it offers hard-to-find information that is both fascinating and informative.

Fred Segal's "Freezing Cold Takes" is a captivating book that chronicles ill-fated sports predictions in NFL history. The book features a vast collection of poorly aged predictions and analysis from NFL media members and personalities about some of the most famous teams and players in the league’s history. Segal goes beyond just listing quotes and provides essential context surrounding each featured mistake to explain why the prediction was made and why the personality who made it is eating their words. This book is a must-read for sports fans who love to hold media "experts" accountable for their bad predictions.

Winning Fixes Everything by Evan Drellich is a fascinating account of how the Houston Astros descended into corruption, resulting in one of the worst cheating scandals in baseball history. Drellich provides never-before-told details of the team's broken management culture and the once-revered leaders who enabled it. The book reveals how the Astros aimed to build a cost-efficient winning machine, but their Moneyball-thinking and Ivy League graduates led to a Shakespearean tragedy of innovation and failed change management. Drellich's extensive interviews deliver the definitive account of baseball's most controversial franchise and how a modern baseball team truly works.

The Ultimate Guide to Home Butchering by Monte Burch is an excellent resource for those who want to become more self-sufficient in preparing their meat for the table. The author, with over forty years of experience in butchering domestic animals, game, and birds, provides step-by-step photographs and illustrations on how to butcher various types of livestock and wild animals. The book also includes recommendations on which tools to use for the task at hand. This revised and updated edition is a must-have for anyone interested in home butchering.

The Little Red Book of Fly Fishing is a comprehensive guidebook, written by Kirk Deeter and Charlie Meyers, that offers expert advice on all aspects of fly fishing. From casting techniques to selecting the right fly, this book provides a simple and digestible primer on the basic elements of fly fishing. With 240 tips, this book is insightful, plainly spoken, and entertaining, making it suitable for both novices and experts alike. The book is a must-read for anyone looking to hone their skills in fly fishing.

Basic Fishing: A Beginner's Guide is an excellent resource for those who want to learn how to fish. Written by expert angler Wade Bourne, the book provides step-by-step guidance on different types of fishing equipment, selecting bait and tackle, identifying good fishing spots, and more. The book also covers fishing safety and cooking and cleaning fish. With diagrams, vivid photographs, and lessons, this book is perfect for families who want to bond in the great outdoors. Overall, this book is a must-have for anyone who wants to learn the art of fishing and pass it down to future generations.

The Golf Round I'll Never Forget is a compilation of 50 unforgettable rounds from some of the biggest stars in golf history, including Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods. Compiled by renowned interviewer Matt Adams, the book features photographs and scorecards for each round, along with expert prose and illuminating quotes from the players. Whether you're an accomplished golfer or a duffer, this book is a must-read. Adams' ability to bring out the best in his interview subjects makes for an enjoyable read. Overall, The Golf Round I'll Never Forget is a unique and captivating book that any golf fan will enjoy.

The Cloudbuster Nine is an excellent book that tells the untold story of Ted Williams and the baseball team that helped win World War II. The book narrates the experiences of fighter-pilot cadets who wore the Cloudbuster Nine baseball jersey at an elite Navy training school at the University of North Carolina. The story is brought to life by the author's father, Jim Raugh, who suited up as the team batboy and mascot. Keene's research and insights from World War II MLB baseball veterans make this book unique. It's a riveting and inspiring read that baseball and history enthusiasts will enjoy.