03/05/2018
In this sturdy, thoughtful memoir, Los Angeles Lakers legend Baylor digs into his lifelong relationship with basketball. When he was a boy in postwar Washington, D.C., the court served as a refuge from racism and from his perpetually scowling father, “the original angry black man.” The skills Baylor exhibited playing in high school, such as his reverse dunk, took him to the College of Idaho and Seattle University and, in 1958, to the Minneapolis Lakers (which would move to L.A. in 1960). Professional success did not shield him from mistreatment, however. Baylor made headlines for refusing to play a game in Charleston, W.Va., after a hotel denied him and his black teammates rooms because of their race. “I will stage my own private protest,” he said at the time. He was also among the 1964 All-Star Game players who threatened to boycott the game unless all NBA players received better treatment (including a pension plan and a full-time doctor for every team). When his playing career ended, Baylor became the GM of the Los Angeles Clippers. Throughout, Baylor vividly remembers former teammates such as the aloof Wilt Chamberlain (“In our four years on the Lakers together, we never got out to dinner”) and front-office figures, such as Clippers owner Donald Sterling, Baylor’s longtime boss, who comes across as odious in telling Baylor, “I prefer white coaches. Black players are more intimidated by a white coach.” Baylor’s bittersweet and detailed stories will enchant and enlighten hoops fans of all ages. (Apr.)

"I've always admired Elgin because of his versatility and athleticism as a player. Now he's sharing his exciting life and career stories that give us honest and revealing insights into a man who redefined what being a forward means." –Kareem Abdul-Jabbar “Before Jordan, there was Elgin Baylor with his high-flying act and incredible scoring ability. Elgin showed the world that man could fly! Elgin paved the way for many African-American NBA players while fighting for our country and breaking down color barriers. He has always been dignified, strong and a class act.” –Earvin “Magic” Johnson "The first time I saw Elgin Baylor play basketball I could not take my eyes off of him. I didn't blink for fear of missing a move that I might never see again. I always worked on trying to play like Elgin but realized he was a one and only player who could not be duplicated. He was and is my favorite all-time basketball player, and I am so happy that he has penned his story." –Julius "Dr. J" Erving "Elgin Baylor will always occupy a special place in my heart. Simply put, he has influenced me more than almost anyone in my life. As a young player on the Lakers, I looked up to him, learned from him, and I believe he looked out for me. He was my mentor, my role model, my running mate, and, ultimately, my dear friend. This is a heartfelt, deeply-moving, courageous memoir of a great, great player and an even better person." –Jerry West  "(A) compulsively readable autobiography… for anyone with an interest in basketball history, this is absolutely essential reading.”–Booklist, *starred* review "(A) sturdy, thoughtful memoir . . .  Baylor’s bittersweet and detailed stories will enchant and enlighten hoops fans of all ages.”–Publishers Weekly   “Baylor’s life story will fascinate anybody from anywhere. Nobody’s bio tops Baylor’s for a mix of race and sports . . . What a story! What a life!”–Deadspin "There is so much in this book. It goes way beyond basketball. It’s about the culture of basketball, how things have changed in America and how things have changed in the sport. Respect this man!” – Rachel Nichols, ESPN’s host of "The Jump" "Baylor . . . was refreshingly honest in his compelling book." –Seattle Times    —