Glenn W. Ferguson

Sports in America Glenn W. Ferguson

Most contemporary sports were devised in the nineteenth century. In the last fifty years, the meaning and role of sports have changed appreciably. Generally, those changes have been positive with the notorious exceptions of commercialism and nationalism. But gratification, for the athlete as well as the spectator, is increasingly limited. Moral fiber has become secondary to the marketplace. Are American sports in jeopardy? Maybe so, unless greed can be controlled, the author of this unique book about sports in the United States concludes. In drawing this conclusion, Glenn Ferguson has explored media impact, education, relevant history, rules, discrimination, and even team nicknames before proceeding in depth with the specific fascination and blemishes of the major sports--baseball, football, basketball and track--with emphasis on college and professional levels. For the minor sports, tennis, ice hockey, swimming, golf and soccer are examined. Coverage of modern summer and winter Olympics stresses lifestyle, monetary awards, television, and foreign perceptions of the United States. Not wanting to overlook anything, the author devotes a final chapter to the avocations of hunting and lawn care.