Skip to main content

Before The Internet Sports Fans Had Zander Hollander

There is an absolutely fantastic feature in the New York Times this week about Zander Hollander. For nearly three decades he wrote annual "Complete Handbooks" about hockey, baseball, football and basketball. He wrote over 300 sports books over 45 years. I have most of the hockey books, though a couple of seasons are very hard to get a hold of.

These books were the bible of sports back then, spreading statistics and player biography information that simply was not compiled in such a "complete" and "handy" format until the internet came along. Sports fans of that era owe Hollander a debt of gratitutde.

This story, authored by Pete Croatto, is a celebration of Hollander's work and life. But it does have a sad ending.

From 1971 to 1997, Hollander edited sports yearbooks, brick-sized tomes known as Complete Handbooks, which in the pre-Internet era were almost holy objects to a certain type of sports-crazed youngster. Here, in one glorious place, was information — statistics, team rosters, records, schedules, predictions for the coming season and more — freed from the restrictions of newspaper column inches and far beyond what a still embryonic cable television system was providing.

In black and white were photos and detailed profiles of players from every team, players that even the most devoted fans might glimpse only in a rare nationally televised network game of the week or an All-Star contest, if at all. The work was Hollander’s driving force. Then he had a stroke, with Alzheimer’s following shortly after. Now 90, he no longer remembers the books that he struggled to produce, that brought him professional fulfillment, friendships and minor fame.

Here's the full story, including the complete behind-the-scenes look at how Hollander produced so many books every year.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Free Patrick Roy Books

Wiley is giving away two copies of Patrick Roy: Winning, Nothing Else . This offer is exclusive to readers of HockeyBookReviews.com ! All you have to do is email me the names of three other 2008 Wiley hockey book releases. Here's a helping hint - there are currently 5 2008 Wiley titles reviewed at HockeyBookReviews.com . It's just that easy! Then email your answers to hockeybookcontest@hotmail.com . As always, those with the correct answers are put into a draw, with two lucky winners being selected randomly. One entry per person. Contest is open to North American mailing addresses only. Winners will be announced on October 15th .

Slap Shot Original by Dave Hanson with Ross Bernstein

Many think the 1970s cult classic movie Slap Shot is as synonymous with hockey as Wayne Gretzky, Gordie Howe and hockey fights. It is mandatory viewing for any hockey fan. And many fans have, since, believe it or not, Slap Shot is the second most rented movie ever. Slap Shot looked at the rough and tumble world of minor league hockey in unforgettable fashion, often using an explosive cocktail of glorified violence and crazy humour. The adventures and hijinks of the Charlestown Chiefs has spun off two sequels, Breaking the Ice in 2002, and Slap Shot 3: The Junior League , just released directly to DVD. The original Slap Shot starred none other than the late Paul Newman as the foul-mouthed coach, but the stars of the show became The Hanson Brothers. The lovable, entertaining, violent, and bespectacled Hansons were loosely based on three actual hockey playing brothers - Steve, Jeff and Jack Carlson. Jeff and Steve actually play Jeff and Steve Hanson in the movie. Jack Carlson could n

Net Worth: Exploding The Myths of Pro Hockey

Net Worth delves deep into the intricate web of professional hockey, dissecting its myths, realities, and the complex interplay of economics, politics, and culture that shape the sport. Written by Allison Cruise and David Griffith, the book offers a comprehensive exploration that is as enlightening as it is engaging. From the outset, Cruise and Griffith shatter the romanticized notions surrounding professional hockey, peeling back the layers to reveal the stark realities beneath the glitz and glamour of the sport. Drawing on extensive research and insider insights, the authors confront prevalent myths head-on, challenging readers to reconsider their perceptions of what truly defines success and worth in the hockey world. One of the book's strengths lies in its meticulous examination of the economic forces driving professional hockey. Cruise and Griffith provide a nuanced analysis of the financial dynamics at play, exploring the intricate balance between player salaries,