Talkin' Sports: A B.S.-er's Guide [Paperback]

Pat O'Brien (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 31, 1998

Why should politicians get to do all the lying? Yes, sports fans can spin, especially with a little help from Pat O'Brien, a guy who can convincingly expound on any game, even if he doesn't know the rules. It's not that O'Brien isn't up to speed--he's a veritable encyclopedia of sports lore--it's just that even he gets cornered sometimes and needs to get out fast.
        What if a fan asks about that big trade between the Maple Leafs and the Canucks? Instead of saying "Huh?" you can sound erudite: "You know, the great thing about hockey is that it's always changing." What do you do when the office smart aleck starts blathering about that Monday Night Football game you couldn't bear to watch? Blindside him: "That was nothing compared to the fourth-quarter drive the Jets ran in 1967 against Oakland--remember?"
        Hilarious, irreverent, and packed with downright useful ammunition for picking up a date or picking a fight--and perfect for anyone who wants to shoot it like one of the pros--Talkin' Sports is for every sports fan who wants to win the battle of the bull.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Finally, a book for those who think that a pitcher's ERA refers to his stand on the Equal Rights Amendment. The next time talk in the office turns to March Madness or the Fall Classic, thanks to veteran sports writer Pat O'Brien and his guide for the not-so-sports-literate, you'll know which sport your colleagues are talking about. According to the author, your friends will be entirely convinced you know your stuff as long as you say something about a team's "returning starters," and you'll earn instant respect by muttering statements like "I wouldn't want to face Coach K in the sweet sixteen...." This silly, irreverent book is packed with arguably useful sports information that will allow you to save face when the so-called sports experts start piping up, and it's ideal for the nonfan who couldn't care less about sports but refuses to admit it--at least in public! --Lance Judd

From the Inside Flap

Why should politicians get to do all the lying? Yes, sports fans can spin, especially with a little help from Pat O'Brien, a guy who can convincingly expound on any game, even if he doesn't know the rules. It's not that O'Brien isn't up to speed--he's a veritable encyclopedia of sports lore--it's just that even he gets cornered sometimes and needs to get out fast.
What if a fan asks about that big trade between the Maple Leafs and the Canucks? Instead of saying "Huh?" you can sound erudite: "You know, the great thing about hockey is that it's always changing." What do you do when the office smart aleck starts blathering about that Monday Night Football game you couldn't bear to watch? Blindside him: "That was nothing compared to the fourth-quarter drive the Jets ran in 1967 against Oakland--remember?"
Hilarious, irreverent, and packed with downright useful ammunition for picking up a date or picking a fight--and perfect for anyone who wants to shoot it like one of the pros--Talkin' Sports is for every sports fan who wants to win the battle of the bull.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 254 pages
• Publisher: Villard; 1 edition (March 31, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0679778187
• ISBN-13: 978-0679778189
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.8 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,215,377 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Humorous sports anecdotes to make you look good., June 4, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Talkin' Sports: A B.S.-er's Guide (Paperback)

Not only is Pat O'Brien an excellent broadcaster, he knows HOW to tell a story. This book is loaded with sports anecdotes to keep up with your sports fanatic friends. Organized by month so that you can easily find an appropriate story beforehand, O'Brien helps you recall unforgettable moments in sports that will make you sound just like an expert.