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Gods at Play: An Eyewitness Account of Great Moments in American Sports
A beautifully observed narrative of American character, grit, tragedy, unremarked heroism, and, always, the illuminating story behind the story.
As a columnist for Time magazine, among many other publications, Tom Callahan witnessed an extraordinary number of defining moments in American sport across four decades. He takes us from Roberto Clemente clinching his 3,000th, and final, regular-season hit in Pittsburgh; to ringside for the Muhammad Ali–George Foreman fight in Zaire; and to Arthur Ashe announcing, at a news conference, that he’d tested positive for HIV. There are also little-known private Joe Morgan whispering thank you to a virtually blind Jackie Robinson on the field at the 1972 World Series, or Kareem Abdul-Jabbar saying he was more interested in being a good man than in being the greatest basketball player.
Brimming with colorful vignettes and enlivened by Callahan’s eye for detail, Gods at Play offers surprising portraits of the most celebrated names in sports. Roger Rosenblatt calls Callahan “the most complete sportswriter in America. He knows the most and writes the best."
As a columnist for Time magazine, among many other publications, Tom Callahan witnessed an extraordinary number of defining moments in American sport across four decades. He takes us from Roberto Clemente clinching his 3,000th, and final, regular-season hit in Pittsburgh; to ringside for the Muhammad Ali–George Foreman fight in Zaire; and to Arthur Ashe announcing, at a news conference, that he’d tested positive for HIV. There are also little-known private Joe Morgan whispering thank you to a virtually blind Jackie Robinson on the field at the 1972 World Series, or Kareem Abdul-Jabbar saying he was more interested in being a good man than in being the greatest basketball player.
Brimming with colorful vignettes and enlivened by Callahan’s eye for detail, Gods at Play offers surprising portraits of the most celebrated names in sports. Roger Rosenblatt calls Callahan “the most complete sportswriter in America. He knows the most and writes the best."
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 22, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
October 6, 2020
A tough one to review. Callahan is a fine writer at the organic level. He knows metaphors and similes, and brings sports to life with verve and frequent (and sometimes obscure) allusions. Impressive. He's also apparently met every major sports figure since the mid 1960s, and remembers his conversations with all of them. The result is fodder for scores of anecdotes. Also impressive.
Yet this book reads like a stream of consciousness tour through Callahan's memory. It's like the kind of conversation one might have at a bar (and Callahan frequently reminds us of how many of those conversations he's had), where one story leads to another story and, as the drinks flow, the subjects change frequently and abruptly. Yes, each chapter sort of has a theme. There's one about boxing. There's another sort of about horse racing .. but it shifts abruptly to car racing ... so, is it about racing? Hard to tell. What is more, even when the anecdotes are clustered into categories (boxing, Pete Rose, etc.), they don't have any framing device. They literally are anecodotes of the sort "One time I saw Muhammad Ali at X location ...".
So here's where the review becomes tough. Many of those anecdotes are fascinating, amusing, illuminating, or all of the above. But, like a bar conversation, they have no common thread other than a) sports and b) Callahan. What is Callahan's point about boxing? there isn't one, except perhaps that Ali was the greatest (but that's only inferred, not a serious argument). What is his point in any chapter? there isn't one, as each chapter is a collection of loosely-collected anecdotes.
So, if one is content to read a series of well-written anecdotes, this is going to be a five-star book. If one wants more of a framework, some sort of guiding point or thesis, then it's going to disappoint. I clearly fall in the latter category - while I enjoyed the stories, two days later I can barely remember any of them. Probably a 2.5 for me, but I'll boost to 3 stars for the quality of the bar fodder.
Yet this book reads like a stream of consciousness tour through Callahan's memory. It's like the kind of conversation one might have at a bar (and Callahan frequently reminds us of how many of those conversations he's had), where one story leads to another story and, as the drinks flow, the subjects change frequently and abruptly. Yes, each chapter sort of has a theme. There's one about boxing. There's another sort of about horse racing .. but it shifts abruptly to car racing ... so, is it about racing? Hard to tell. What is more, even when the anecdotes are clustered into categories (boxing, Pete Rose, etc.), they don't have any framing device. They literally are anecodotes of the sort "One time I saw Muhammad Ali at X location ...".
So here's where the review becomes tough. Many of those anecdotes are fascinating, amusing, illuminating, or all of the above. But, like a bar conversation, they have no common thread other than a) sports and b) Callahan. What is Callahan's point about boxing? there isn't one, except perhaps that Ali was the greatest (but that's only inferred, not a serious argument). What is his point in any chapter? there isn't one, as each chapter is a collection of loosely-collected anecdotes.
So, if one is content to read a series of well-written anecdotes, this is going to be a five-star book. If one wants more of a framework, some sort of guiding point or thesis, then it's going to disappoint. I clearly fall in the latter category - while I enjoyed the stories, two days later I can barely remember any of them. Probably a 2.5 for me, but I'll boost to 3 stars for the quality of the bar fodder.
February 28, 2022
While there are some good stories in this book, overall I did not enjoy it. It seemed to ramble in many different directions, felt disorganized and I thought that maybe this was better for those who enjoy the stories of sportwriters who were drinking buddies with the athletes during a long ago era. The dialogue in this book felt like the author would be talking to those athletes in that setting. I will say, however, that the section about female sportswriters was the best part of the book and if expanded would be a worthy subject of a book by itself. Since I finished it, this will be three stars - but I was not impressed.
December 3, 2020
Thanks Goodreads for my copy of Gods at Play:An Eyewitness Account of Great Moments in Sports by Tom Callahan.
I was really torn between giving this book a 3 or 4 stars. Some of the stories of sports greats were very illuminating and I enjoyed them immensely. The problem was much of the book read like an inside joke. I had a hard time following his train of thought and he left out much description of events that would have clarified what he was trying to say. That said, if you are an avid follower of many different sports over the years, I imagine you will be thrilled to read Tom's first hand account of meeting many sports greats. I loved many of the inside scoops of our heroes in sports at the same time some stories left me scratching my head, wondering what he was trying to say.
I was really torn between giving this book a 3 or 4 stars. Some of the stories of sports greats were very illuminating and I enjoyed them immensely. The problem was much of the book read like an inside joke. I had a hard time following his train of thought and he left out much description of events that would have clarified what he was trying to say. That said, if you are an avid follower of many different sports over the years, I imagine you will be thrilled to read Tom's first hand account of meeting many sports greats. I loved many of the inside scoops of our heroes in sports at the same time some stories left me scratching my head, wondering what he was trying to say.
May 10, 2021
Tom Callahan is one of the best sportswriters that ever lived and in this book he discusses his career and some of the stories and people he met. You'll learn more about Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Muhammad Ali, Larry Bird, Oscar Robertson, Wayne Gretzky, Joe Montana, Tiger Woods, Pete Rose, Johnny Bench, Jackie Robinson, Roberto Clemente, Jackie Joyner Kersee, Mike Tyson, Secretariat, Bob Cousy, John Mackey and much more. You'll also hear some great stories between Callahan and other reporters such as Red Smith, Dave Anderson and others. If you're in journalism, especially sports, this book is a must. Flows very well and the descriptive writing is excellent.
July 5, 2022
I really wanted this book to be more than it is. I wouldn’t say don’t read it because it has some funny tales, some heart-wrenching stories and some interesting “tales told out of school.” Still, it’s parts don’t really add up to the total. Callahan has lived a life most sports fans can only dream of and he doesn’t mind telling you that fact.
One thing all these old sports writers’ memoirs do that always gets me is “now I’ll tell you how awful all these people really were during the time when I was protecting their reputations and making them larger than life.” Thanks for admitting that.
Callahan loves to insert himself into the tale and all he proves is that he was FAR from an objective observer over the years. So much for the profession of journalism, I guess. He jumped into more events when he was supposed to be the neutral observer than most players of the sports he covered.
And insert a date every once in awhile! You were there, but I wasn’t. I had to Google a few events just to figure out what year he was talking about.
One thing all these old sports writers’ memoirs do that always gets me is “now I’ll tell you how awful all these people really were during the time when I was protecting their reputations and making them larger than life.” Thanks for admitting that.
Callahan loves to insert himself into the tale and all he proves is that he was FAR from an objective observer over the years. So much for the profession of journalism, I guess. He jumped into more events when he was supposed to be the neutral observer than most players of the sports he covered.
And insert a date every once in awhile! You were there, but I wasn’t. I had to Google a few events just to figure out what year he was talking about.
January 9, 2021
I was not familiar to Tom Callahan or his sports writing prior to this book. I did enjoy this book with stories about Muhammed Ali, Pete Rose, Arthur Ashe, Oscar Robertson, Roberto Clemente, Bill Walton, Kareem Abdul Jabbar and many others. The stories were not recaps of what the various athletes did on the field, or courts, or diamond etc . as they were personal glimpses into their personalities, motivations and how they dealt with the press and the public.
Callahan described the superstars as people more than athletes. The reader comes away admiring Roberto Clemente, Arthur Ashe, Ali and Bob Cousy for their humanitarianism and humility. 90% of the book was very interesting to me. I wasn’t interested in the horse racing stories for example.
I was particularly moved by how Bob Cousy took care of his wife who had suffered dementia for many years. Very touching...
261 pages. Very good read...Very good sports book and stories.
Callahan described the superstars as people more than athletes. The reader comes away admiring Roberto Clemente, Arthur Ashe, Ali and Bob Cousy for their humanitarianism and humility. 90% of the book was very interesting to me. I wasn’t interested in the horse racing stories for example.
I was particularly moved by how Bob Cousy took care of his wife who had suffered dementia for many years. Very touching...
261 pages. Very good read...Very good sports book and stories.
January 1, 2023
Tom Callahan has written an excellent book! What makes it so good? First it's about sports. All sports. He's an outstanding writer. He has met a lot of famous athletes and from them gotten a lot of great insider stories. Mr. Callahan gets some of those stories in ways that are entertaining stories in and of themselves. There are villains (okay, maybe that's overstated; let's call 'em horse's patoots). And heroes. The narrative has so much heart. Humor. Pathos. Some real grit your teeth moments. (I'm looking at you, IOC. And you, Cincy Reds honchos.) I've read many outstanding sports books, but I think this could be the best, certainly in the top 10. I highly recommend it. It has something for everybody.
June 17, 2021
Full of anecdotes about sports figures that start to pile up after a while.. I can’s say I was super compelled by the breakfast habits of Boris Becker or the vascularity of Secretariat’s haunches.
The appeal of this book comes in its portrayal of what it was to be a sportswriter in the golden age of newspapers. Writers shouting out the beginnings of similes into the press box to have their peers workshop their endings… the long memories and perceived slights of editors and athletes alike. Sections like: “On the eve of a Garden fight, a cocktail tribute begin at the yacht club and resumed at Runyan’s bar for a sportswriter who drank himself to death at 47, my friend Pete Axthelm.” Gold!
The appeal of this book comes in its portrayal of what it was to be a sportswriter in the golden age of newspapers. Writers shouting out the beginnings of similes into the press box to have their peers workshop their endings… the long memories and perceived slights of editors and athletes alike. Sections like: “On the eve of a Garden fight, a cocktail tribute begin at the yacht club and resumed at Runyan’s bar for a sportswriter who drank himself to death at 47, my friend Pete Axthelm.” Gold!
November 4, 2021
I read this because it was written by a friend's brother who has been a sportswriter for decades. It's my first book by Tom Callahan and I found it to be very enjoyable and well-written.
The book explores Callahan's personal story as a reporter on a variety of sporting events from the major sports through tennis, boxing and golf. It's an extensive career covered here and, and as a result, a significant number of interesting takes on events and personalities in sports.
There's something here for most any sports fan. This book is a winner.
The book explores Callahan's personal story as a reporter on a variety of sporting events from the major sports through tennis, boxing and golf. It's an extensive career covered here and, and as a result, a significant number of interesting takes on events and personalities in sports.
There's something here for most any sports fan. This book is a winner.
October 13, 2020
I vaguely remember Callahan as a DC sportswriter, probably because he was opposite the Post. Many of the stories were new to me, the best of those being Tiger’s father and his relationship w the Tiger friendship in Vietnam
The Jerry Smith remembrance was enjoyable even within its lessons. My favorites a REDSKiNS. There, I’ve said it. Smith, Taylor and Mitchell catching Sonny’s passes.
A good covid distraction
The Jerry Smith remembrance was enjoyable even within its lessons. My favorites a REDSKiNS. There, I’ve said it. Smith, Taylor and Mitchell catching Sonny’s passes.
A good covid distraction
November 27, 2021
The life and times of a true scribe
A throwback to a golden age of sportswriting, when monikers like Sultan of Swat, Lou the Toe, The Big O and The Great One were minted in a poetry of sweat and pain and grind. Callahan seemed to have been everywhere sports history was unfolding, and that needed the perfect mix of humor, empathy and pathos to provide the plinth those heroes and events were made for.
A throwback to a golden age of sportswriting, when monikers like Sultan of Swat, Lou the Toe, The Big O and The Great One were minted in a poetry of sweat and pain and grind. Callahan seemed to have been everywhere sports history was unfolding, and that needed the perfect mix of humor, empathy and pathos to provide the plinth those heroes and events were made for.
December 20, 2020
A very interesting book and on many different sports figures, with so many being known on a personal level. Was sometimes lost as subjects were abruptly changed to another story or train of thought and as others have mentioned, as was if having a few drinks with the author. Will try to read again.
March 14, 2021
A little like a sports-version of Forrest Gump. Callahan’s stories weave him in and out with the famous and not-so-famous. A fun, quick read with no one subject or topic being stayed on too long before switching. Any sports fan will find something that will pique their interest in a chapter here and there.
June 26, 2021
This book will only be enjoyable to baby boomer sports fans. It reads as a random amalgamation of sports names with little depth and mostly vanity towards the writer himself. It is like a who’s who of who he met during his career and he is trying to impress the reader with all the famous people he met.
June 30, 2022
It's a very good collection of tales from a sportswriter who has connections to most of the most significant supporting events of the last 60 years. Unfortunately, it reads like the storytelling of an elderly man - drifting from one story into the next, without any continuity. This should be a 4.5 rating, but Grandpa was always a bit harsh.
April 2, 2023
Started out decent but really dragged about halfway through. The writer goes on too many tangents. And a lot of the material is only interesting to the writer. He writes a lot about people that no one really knows. I was expecting more stories about famous athletes because of the title and the synopsis. But there were several stories about other writers and random people.
September 15, 2025
An interesting collection stories of many of the better sport stars of the late 1900's and early 2000's and their involvement with Callahan. Many of the stories I have heard before ,even from Callahan's other books. There is no theme to the book but it is just Callahan recalling people and events he has interacted with,
October 23, 2020
What should have been a really great book by Callahan, a terrific and knowledgeable multi sports writer who could give us and does give us a number of interesting insights and stories about great sports figures is spoiled by too much Callahan and not enough sports gods.
October 17, 2023
Rambling and gappy, Callahan reminisces about key sports figures of the 20th and early 21st centuries. If you have a forgetful uncle who tells boozy stories about sexy people you never met as if you were along on the adventure, you'll have a good feel for this book.
October 21, 2025
The author was the sports writer for TIME magazine; this is his memoir. It's full of interesting stories about stars in almost all the sports. It also addresses the issues of racism, sexism, homophobia, safety, as they relate to sports and society in general.
December 6, 2020
This book is a series of vignettes from the great sports writer Tom Hallahan. His crisp and flowing style is quite an easy read. Just a brilliant book for sports fans.
January 25, 2021
What a life in sports journalism. Mr. Callahan shares so many stories and interactions he had with the great athletes of his times. Enjoyable read for sports fans.
January 29, 2021
Great insightful look at sports writing
This book provides an opportunity to see how sports writing used to be now days there isn't nearly the personal touch there was back then
This book provides an opportunity to see how sports writing used to be now days there isn't nearly the personal touch there was back then
March 7, 2021
Lots of fun stories by a well connected writer that kind of weave in and out of traffic, across sports, including the sports he clearly dislikes.
March 9, 2021
Very good book for sports fans. very interesting.
March 18, 2021
Author is completely full of himself.
May 20, 2021
Fantastic
It was like watching history, only the parts you usually don't see. It was wonderful. I absolutely loved the book.
It was like watching history, only the parts you usually don't see. It was wonderful. I absolutely loved the book.
March 27, 2022
A sports book with a lot of heart. Tom Callahan has had a front row seat to many of the greatest sports moments in modern history, and it was such a treat reading about them.
June 5, 2022
An excellent collection of behind-the-scenes/off-the field anecdotes from a sportswriter who covered all of the major sports and sporting events primarily during the 70's and 80's.
September 17, 2022
An extraordinary collection of stories. Even if you’re not familiar with some of the athletes in these anecdotes, Callahan’s gift as a storyteller will guide you through.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews