With more than 1 million viewers fascinated by the "Ultimate Pistol Pete Maravich Basketball" mix, Wayne Federman and Marshall Terrill, authors of "Maravich" (Sport Classic Books, $24.95) have unveiled the sister video.
The "Ultimate Pistol Pete Maravich College Basketball" mix, which highlights Maravich's storybook career at LSU where he became Division I's most prolific scorer, is now posted on www.maravichbook.com and www.youtube.com.
"The words in our book vividly describes Pete's talent and how he played, but on this video, you get to see some of the incredible plays he made on the court in a game," said co-author Wayne Federman. "Some of the things he did will leave you shaking your head and asking, 'How did he do that?'"
The six-minute video is accompanied by music and contains footage from Maravich's LSU varsity career (1967-1970).
"Maravich" is now in its second printing and remains one of the top-selling sports books in the country.
Monday, March 12, 2007
McQueen media blast to reach millions
A Barbara McQueen New York media blast planned for the week of March 13-17 will reach an estimated 20 million people worldwide.
By the end of this week, millions of television viewers, radio listeners, newspaper readers and online browsers will find out whatever happened Barbara McQueen and will be introduced to her new book, “Steve McQueen: The Last Mile.” (Dalton Watson Fine Books, $49.95)
Steve McQueen's widow will kick off her press junket with an appearance on “The Late Show With David Letterman” on Tuesday, March 13. The show has an estimated viewing audience of five million people nationwide.
The number will double when Barbara McQueen appears on the FOX Network's “Fox & Friends,” on Wednesday, March 14. McQueen's 10-minute interview will be syndicated nationally on FOX stations throughout the country and the world and will reach an estimated 10 million people.
Also planned for the week are a series of satellite radio interviews with Premiere Radio Network, as well as interviews with CNN radio, News Fox Radio and Flash News, all nationally syndicated radio shows. On Thursday, March 15, McQueen will also give print interviews with several New York publications, including “The New York Times.”
All of these efforts will go toward promoting “Steve McQueen: The Last Mile,” a new 240-page photo book which will go wide release on March 13. The book contains approximately 150 pictures documenting Barbara McQueen's three-and-a-half year relationship with the movie icon, which includes candid shots from 1977 to 1980 McQueen's years out of the spotlight. It also chronicles Barbara's early history and modeling career; her years with Steve McQueen at Trancas Beach and Santa Paula as well as behind-the-scene photos on the sets of Tom Horn and The Hunter.
Books can easily be obtained by going to www.daltonwatson.com or www.amazon.com.
By the end of this week, millions of television viewers, radio listeners, newspaper readers and online browsers will find out whatever happened Barbara McQueen and will be introduced to her new book, “Steve McQueen: The Last Mile.” (Dalton Watson Fine Books, $49.95)
Steve McQueen's widow will kick off her press junket with an appearance on “The Late Show With David Letterman” on Tuesday, March 13. The show has an estimated viewing audience of five million people nationwide.
The number will double when Barbara McQueen appears on the FOX Network's “Fox & Friends,” on Wednesday, March 14. McQueen's 10-minute interview will be syndicated nationally on FOX stations throughout the country and the world and will reach an estimated 10 million people.
Also planned for the week are a series of satellite radio interviews with Premiere Radio Network, as well as interviews with CNN radio, News Fox Radio and Flash News, all nationally syndicated radio shows. On Thursday, March 15, McQueen will also give print interviews with several New York publications, including “The New York Times.”
All of these efforts will go toward promoting “Steve McQueen: The Last Mile,” a new 240-page photo book which will go wide release on March 13. The book contains approximately 150 pictures documenting Barbara McQueen's three-and-a-half year relationship with the movie icon, which includes candid shots from 1977 to 1980 McQueen's years out of the spotlight. It also chronicles Barbara's early history and modeling career; her years with Steve McQueen at Trancas Beach and Santa Paula as well as behind-the-scene photos on the sets of Tom Horn and The Hunter.
Books can easily be obtained by going to www.daltonwatson.com or www.amazon.com.
Friday, March 2, 2007
Barbara McQueen invades East Coast
Barbara McQueen, widow of actor Steve McQueen, will invade the East Coast in March with an appearance on “The Late Show With David Letterman,” several book signings and attend the world premiere of new Steve McQueen documentary.
McQueen will appear as a guest on “The Last Show With David Letterman” on Tuesday, March 13, along with actor Jeff Goldblum and musical guest The Queen. The former model-turned-photographer will appear on the show to promote her 240-page book, “Steve McQueen: The Last Mile” and talk about why she has re-emerged in the public spotlight after 25 years.
On Thursday, March 15, McQueen, along with co-author Marshall Terrill, will sign copies of “The Last Mile” at the world famous Kiehl's Pharmacy, 109 Third Avenue (between 13 & 14th avenues). The pharmacy contains a world-class collection of cars and motorcycles. The two authors will sign books with one of Steve McQueen's bikes lurking in the background. The signing takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. and will include cocktails and appetizers. For more information, call (212) 677-3171.
The two will then travel to an hour north to Newburgh, New York to sign books at the Newburgh Barnes and Nobles, 1245 Route 300. The 1 p.m. Signing, which takes place on Saturday, March 17, includes a presentation and question and answer session. For more information, call (845) 567-0782.
Later that evening, McQueen and Terrill will attend the world premiere of “An American Rebel: Steve McQueen,” a new 90-minute documentary. Directed and produced by Richard Martin, the documentary is based on Terrill's 1993 biography, “Steve McQueen: Portrait of an American Rebel.” The premiere starts at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 17 at the Downing Movie Theater, 19 Front Street , Newburgh, New York. It includes a 6:45 p.m. wine & cheese reception, and a Q & A with Martin, Terrill and McQueen following the conclusion of the documentary. The film's soundtrack features music from Bob Dylan, Sam Cooke, Anne Murray, The Rolling Stones and the Human Beinz. The last time a Hollywood premiere was held in Newburgh was with Tyrone Power and the West Point film, “The Long Grey Line” in the 1950s. Tickets for the premiere go on sale March 1 and seats are limited. For more information, call the Downing Film Center at (845) 561-3686.
An after premiere party will be held at 9:45 p.m., Saturday, March 17 at the East Side Bar & Grill, 624 Route 300, Walden, New York. McQueen and Terrill will be on hand to greet guests and sign books. For more information, call Sam Torres at (845) 629-0803.
McQueen will appear as a guest on “The Last Show With David Letterman” on Tuesday, March 13, along with actor Jeff Goldblum and musical guest The Queen. The former model-turned-photographer will appear on the show to promote her 240-page book, “Steve McQueen: The Last Mile” and talk about why she has re-emerged in the public spotlight after 25 years.
On Thursday, March 15, McQueen, along with co-author Marshall Terrill, will sign copies of “The Last Mile” at the world famous Kiehl's Pharmacy, 109 Third Avenue (between 13 & 14th avenues). The pharmacy contains a world-class collection of cars and motorcycles. The two authors will sign books with one of Steve McQueen's bikes lurking in the background. The signing takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. and will include cocktails and appetizers. For more information, call (212) 677-3171.
The two will then travel to an hour north to Newburgh, New York to sign books at the Newburgh Barnes and Nobles, 1245 Route 300. The 1 p.m. Signing, which takes place on Saturday, March 17, includes a presentation and question and answer session. For more information, call (845) 567-0782.
Later that evening, McQueen and Terrill will attend the world premiere of “An American Rebel: Steve McQueen,” a new 90-minute documentary. Directed and produced by Richard Martin, the documentary is based on Terrill's 1993 biography, “Steve McQueen: Portrait of an American Rebel.” The premiere starts at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 17 at the Downing Movie Theater, 19 Front Street , Newburgh, New York. It includes a 6:45 p.m. wine & cheese reception, and a Q & A with Martin, Terrill and McQueen following the conclusion of the documentary. The film's soundtrack features music from Bob Dylan, Sam Cooke, Anne Murray, The Rolling Stones and the Human Beinz. The last time a Hollywood premiere was held in Newburgh was with Tyrone Power and the West Point film, “The Long Grey Line” in the 1950s. Tickets for the premiere go on sale March 1 and seats are limited. For more information, call the Downing Film Center at (845) 561-3686.
An after premiere party will be held at 9:45 p.m., Saturday, March 17 at the East Side Bar & Grill, 624 Route 300, Walden, New York. McQueen and Terrill will be on hand to greet guests and sign books. For more information, call Sam Torres at (845) 629-0803.
Friday, February 23, 2007
"Maravich" book signing at LSU game on Feb. 24
Gabcast! A Book Buzz #15 - "Maravich" book signing at LSU vs. Florida game on Feb. 24
This Saturday, the "Maravich" team will sign books in the Pete Maravich pass before, during and after the Feb. 24 game at LSU. Jackie, Jaeson & Joshua Maravich, as well as authors Marshall Terrill and Wayne Federman, will sign copies of "Maravich." The book retails for $25.
This Saturday, the "Maravich" team will sign books in the Pete Maravich pass before, during and after the Feb. 24 game at LSU. Jackie, Jaeson & Joshua Maravich, as well as authors Marshall Terrill and Wayne Federman, will sign copies of "Maravich." The book retails for $25.
"Maravich" in the Livingston Parish News
Pee Wee Day: Maravich book brings back memories of showtime
PETE'S PALACE - This time forty years ago on a football farm in Tigertown, a basketball seed suddenly sprouted out of the turf.
Back then, freshmen were not eligible to participate on the varsity squad, so all eyes were focused on the LSU Baby Bengals basketball team.
Actually, all eyes were zeroed in on one particular player, a skinny 6-foot-5 mop-top phenomenon, who was about to change basketball forever at LSU.
Pete Maravich took Louisiana by storm during the 1966-67 season and proceeded to cultivate a new fan base that spread far beyond Baton Rouge.
Four decades later and 19 years following his untimely death at age 40, the "Pistol" remains firmly planted in the hearts of his fans, whom he inspired both on and off the court.
Bringing "Showtime" to a cow barn, which laid down a hardwood on top of the dirt floor to house basketball for four months a year, Pistol Pete dazzled the crowds with an array of basketball skills that one could only see before when the Harlem Globetrotters came to town.
Three years later, Maravich had become the NCAA all-time leading scorer, while at the same time, leading the Tigers to their first post-season action in 15 years.
Far from a fluke, Maravich went on to have a very successful professional basketball career, where he was a multiple All-Star selection and scoring leader. Following his retirement in 1980, Maravich was named one of the "NBA's 50 Greatest Players" of all time. He was also enshrined into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Many books have been written on Maravich, beginning with a pair while he was still at LSU. Maravich himself joined in with an autobiography entitled "Heir to a Dream," which paralleled his entire of life in basketball with his father Peter "Press" Maravich, who was also his coach during his tenure at LSU.
But none of the books come close to documenting his incredible story of trials and tribulations like the current "Maravich," written by Wayne Federman and Marshall Terrill. What even authenticates the book to the utmost, is the fact it's the first book written with collaboration of Maravich's widow, Jackie.
Not to be confused with yet another current book on the racks, "Pistol," by Mark Kreiegel, the 400-plus page "Maravich" is practically a play-by-play of his life. Not only is the book packed with incredible detail and statistics, but the eight-year project by the authors unveil some stunning facts that even a diehard Pistol Pete fan like myself never knew, including one mystery never revealed before.
Even though they interviewed some 300 people who, in some way or another, crossed paths with Maravich, I'm living proof that the number of lives Maravich actually touched, is countless.
I was fortunate enough to be at the ideal age, 11-13-years-old during his playing days at LSU. I stood in line for hours to buy one of those "standing-room-only" general admission tickets for the student section. I was fortunate enough to have mid-court tickets for the night he broke Oscar Robertson's all-time scoring record and I can still watch myself on the highlight reel dashing on the court with a friend moments after he made the milestone bucket.
But I must confess, I also snuck into the sold-out home finale his senior year against Kentucky. But well-worth the risk.
Although I still treasure the autographs and memorabilia I've collected over his entire career, the memories of watching Maravich play are still etched in my mind to this day.
"Pete would always make the comment, 'when you die, they forget about you. You're last week's news,'" said Jackie Maravich McLachian.
How wrong he was.
Pete's "Homework Basketball" video series, which he filmed at the Albany High School gym in four days back in the late 1980's is still widely sold to help youngsters learn the fundamentals of the game.
And Pete's basketball camp at Clearwater Christian College in Florida is thriving as well.
Or just type "Pete Maravich" into the ebay search engine and one will finds trading cards, replica jerseys and various other memorabilia up for auction day-in and day-out ... and garnering top dollars.
Fans won't need a computer to get a signed copy of "Maravich," however, as Jackie, her and Pete's two sons, Jaeson and Josh, along with author Marshall Terrill, will all be on hand at none other than the Pete Maravich Assembly Center on Saturday afternoon to sign copies of the book prior to and at halftime of the LSU-Florida game.
Both Jaeson and Josh played roundball at St. Paul's in their hometown of Covington, with both trying their hand at college basketball as well. Josh followed in his father's footsteps as a member of the Tiger squad from 2002-2005.
The two were just eight and five years old when their father died of a heart condition while playing a pickup game of basketball at the First Church of Nazarene in Pasadena, Calif.
Although the average fan may have known of Maravich's struggles on the court, battling both injuries and acceptance as a pro player, those were overshadowed by his many off-the-court struggles in life.
Just days before the beginning of his first season with the New Orleans Jazz, Maravich had to deal with the suicide of his mother.
Maravich gave his life to the Lord a little more than five years prior to his death and proceeded to coach his father into reborn Christianity. Press Maravich died of cancer just months prior to Pete's death.
"What was surprising was that as fun as he was to watch, there was the dichotomy that he was tortured and unhappy in his personal life because of so many factors," said co-author Terrill. "He was the highest paid player in pro sports, but he didn't get respect by his teammates. He was an all-star, but he never played on a winning team. He was so expressive on the court, but was a very private person.
"I think any baby boomer who loved basketball gravitated to the 'Pistol,'" said Terrill. His game was not only innovative, but fun to watch. Every kid on the playground wanted to be "Pistol Pete."
Me included.
(P.S. - If you're not able to attend the LSU-Florida game on Saturday to obtain an autograph copy of "Maravich", Jackie Maravich is finalizing dates to sign books at various Livingston Parish libraries in March.)
Sam Muffoletto is a sportswriter for the News and long-time newspaper and radio figure on sports in the Baton Rouge area.
PETE'S PALACE - This time forty years ago on a football farm in Tigertown, a basketball seed suddenly sprouted out of the turf.
Back then, freshmen were not eligible to participate on the varsity squad, so all eyes were focused on the LSU Baby Bengals basketball team.
Actually, all eyes were zeroed in on one particular player, a skinny 6-foot-5 mop-top phenomenon, who was about to change basketball forever at LSU.
Pete Maravich took Louisiana by storm during the 1966-67 season and proceeded to cultivate a new fan base that spread far beyond Baton Rouge.
Four decades later and 19 years following his untimely death at age 40, the "Pistol" remains firmly planted in the hearts of his fans, whom he inspired both on and off the court.
Bringing "Showtime" to a cow barn, which laid down a hardwood on top of the dirt floor to house basketball for four months a year, Pistol Pete dazzled the crowds with an array of basketball skills that one could only see before when the Harlem Globetrotters came to town.
Three years later, Maravich had become the NCAA all-time leading scorer, while at the same time, leading the Tigers to their first post-season action in 15 years.
Far from a fluke, Maravich went on to have a very successful professional basketball career, where he was a multiple All-Star selection and scoring leader. Following his retirement in 1980, Maravich was named one of the "NBA's 50 Greatest Players" of all time. He was also enshrined into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Many books have been written on Maravich, beginning with a pair while he was still at LSU. Maravich himself joined in with an autobiography entitled "Heir to a Dream," which paralleled his entire of life in basketball with his father Peter "Press" Maravich, who was also his coach during his tenure at LSU.
But none of the books come close to documenting his incredible story of trials and tribulations like the current "Maravich," written by Wayne Federman and Marshall Terrill. What even authenticates the book to the utmost, is the fact it's the first book written with collaboration of Maravich's widow, Jackie.
Not to be confused with yet another current book on the racks, "Pistol," by Mark Kreiegel, the 400-plus page "Maravich" is practically a play-by-play of his life. Not only is the book packed with incredible detail and statistics, but the eight-year project by the authors unveil some stunning facts that even a diehard Pistol Pete fan like myself never knew, including one mystery never revealed before.
Even though they interviewed some 300 people who, in some way or another, crossed paths with Maravich, I'm living proof that the number of lives Maravich actually touched, is countless.
I was fortunate enough to be at the ideal age, 11-13-years-old during his playing days at LSU. I stood in line for hours to buy one of those "standing-room-only" general admission tickets for the student section. I was fortunate enough to have mid-court tickets for the night he broke Oscar Robertson's all-time scoring record and I can still watch myself on the highlight reel dashing on the court with a friend moments after he made the milestone bucket.
But I must confess, I also snuck into the sold-out home finale his senior year against Kentucky. But well-worth the risk.
Although I still treasure the autographs and memorabilia I've collected over his entire career, the memories of watching Maravich play are still etched in my mind to this day.
"Pete would always make the comment, 'when you die, they forget about you. You're last week's news,'" said Jackie Maravich McLachian.
How wrong he was.
Pete's "Homework Basketball" video series, which he filmed at the Albany High School gym in four days back in the late 1980's is still widely sold to help youngsters learn the fundamentals of the game.
And Pete's basketball camp at Clearwater Christian College in Florida is thriving as well.
Or just type "Pete Maravich" into the ebay search engine and one will finds trading cards, replica jerseys and various other memorabilia up for auction day-in and day-out ... and garnering top dollars.
Fans won't need a computer to get a signed copy of "Maravich," however, as Jackie, her and Pete's two sons, Jaeson and Josh, along with author Marshall Terrill, will all be on hand at none other than the Pete Maravich Assembly Center on Saturday afternoon to sign copies of the book prior to and at halftime of the LSU-Florida game.
Both Jaeson and Josh played roundball at St. Paul's in their hometown of Covington, with both trying their hand at college basketball as well. Josh followed in his father's footsteps as a member of the Tiger squad from 2002-2005.
The two were just eight and five years old when their father died of a heart condition while playing a pickup game of basketball at the First Church of Nazarene in Pasadena, Calif.
Although the average fan may have known of Maravich's struggles on the court, battling both injuries and acceptance as a pro player, those were overshadowed by his many off-the-court struggles in life.
Just days before the beginning of his first season with the New Orleans Jazz, Maravich had to deal with the suicide of his mother.
Maravich gave his life to the Lord a little more than five years prior to his death and proceeded to coach his father into reborn Christianity. Press Maravich died of cancer just months prior to Pete's death.
"What was surprising was that as fun as he was to watch, there was the dichotomy that he was tortured and unhappy in his personal life because of so many factors," said co-author Terrill. "He was the highest paid player in pro sports, but he didn't get respect by his teammates. He was an all-star, but he never played on a winning team. He was so expressive on the court, but was a very private person.
"I think any baby boomer who loved basketball gravitated to the 'Pistol,'" said Terrill. His game was not only innovative, but fun to watch. Every kid on the playground wanted to be "Pistol Pete."
Me included.
(P.S. - If you're not able to attend the LSU-Florida game on Saturday to obtain an autograph copy of "Maravich", Jackie Maravich is finalizing dates to sign books at various Livingston Parish libraries in March.)
Sam Muffoletto is a sportswriter for the News and long-time newspaper and radio figure on sports in the Baton Rouge area.
"Maravich" in the Livingston Parish News
Pee Wee Day: Maravich book brings back memories of showtime
PETE'S PALACE - This time forty years ago on a football farm in Tigertown, a basketball seed suddenly sprouted out of the turf.
Back then, freshmen were not eligible to participate on the varsity squad, so all eyes were focused on the LSU Baby Bengals basketball team.
Actually, all eyes were zeroed in on one particular player, a skinny 6-foot-5 mop-top phenomenon, who was about to change basketball forever at LSU.
Pete Maravich took Louisiana by storm during the 1966-67 season and proceeded to cultivate a new fan base that spread far beyond Baton Rouge.
Four decades later and 19 years following his untimely death at age 40, the "Pistol" remains firmly planted in the hearts of his fans, whom he inspired both on and off the court.
Bringing "Showtime" to a cow barn, which laid down a hardwood on top of the dirt floor to house basketball for four months a year, Pistol Pete dazzled the crowds with an array of basketball skills that one could only see before when the Harlem Globetrotters came to town.
Three years later, Maravich had become the NCAA all-time leading scorer, while at the same time, leading the Tigers to their first post-season action in 15 years.
Far from a fluke, Maravich went on to have a very successful professional basketball career, where he was a multiple All-Star selection and scoring leader. Following his retirement in 1980, Maravich was named one of the "NBA's 50 Greatest Players" of all time. He was also enshrined into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Many books have been written on Maravich, beginning with a pair while he was still at LSU. Maravich himself joined in with an autobiography entitled "Heir to a Dream," which paralleled his entire of life in basketball with his father Peter "Press" Maravich, who was also his coach during his tenure at LSU.
But none of the books come close to documenting his incredible story of trials and tribulations like the current "Maravich," written by Wayne Federman and Marshall Terrill. What even authenticates the book to the utmost, is the fact it's the first book written with collaboration of Maravich's widow, Jackie.
Not to be confused with yet another current book on the racks, "Pistol," by Mark Kreiegel, the 400-plus page "Maravich" is practically a play-by-play of his life. Not only is the book packed with incredible detail and statistics, but the eight-year project by the authors unveil some stunning facts that even a diehard Pistol Pete fan like myself never knew, including one mystery never revealed before.
Even though they interviewed some 300 people who, in some way or another, crossed paths with Maravich, I'm living proof that the number of lives Maravich actually touched, is countless.
I was fortunate enough to be at the ideal age, 11-13-years-old during his playing days at LSU. I stood in line for hours to buy one of those "standing-room-only" general admission tickets for the student section. I was fortunate enough to have mid-court tickets for the night he broke Oscar Robertson's all-time scoring record and I can still watch myself on the highlight reel dashing on the court with a friend moments after he made the milestone bucket.
But I must confess, I also snuck into the sold-out home finale his senior year against Kentucky. But well-worth the risk.
Although I still treasure the autographs and memorabilia I've collected over his entire career, the memories of watching Maravich play are still etched in my mind to this day.
"Pete would always make the comment, 'when you die, they forget about you. You're last week's news,'" said Jackie Maravich McLachian.
How wrong he was.
Pete's "Homework Basketball" video series, which he filmed at the Albany High School gym in four days back in the late 1980's is still widely sold to help youngsters learn the fundamentals of the game.
And Pete's basketball camp at Clearwater Christian College in Florida is thriving as well.
Or just type "Pete Maravich" into the ebay search engine and one will finds trading cards, replica jerseys and various other memorabilia up for auction day-in and day-out ... and garnering top dollars.
Fans won't need a computer to get a signed copy of "Maravich," however, as Jackie, her and Pete's two sons, Jaeson and Josh, along with author Marshall Terrill, will all be on hand at none other than the Pete Maravich Assembly Center on Saturday afternoon to sign copies of the book prior to and at halftime of the LSU-Florida game.
Both Jaeson and Josh played roundball at St. Paul's in their hometown of Covington, with both trying their hand at college basketball as well. Josh followed in his father's footsteps as a member of the Tiger squad from 2002-2005.
The two were just eight and five years old when their father died of a heart condition while playing a pickup game of basketball at the First Church of Nazarene in Pasadena, Calif.
Although the average fan may have known of Maravich's struggles on the court, battling both injuries and acceptance as a pro player, those were overshadowed by his many off-the-court struggles in life.
Just days before the beginning of his first season with the New Orleans Jazz, Maravich had to deal with the suicide of his mother.
Maravich gave his life to the Lord a little more than five years prior to his death and proceeded to coach his father into reborn Christianity. Press Maravich died of cancer just months prior to Pete's death.
"What was surprising was that as fun as he was to watch, there was the dichotomy that he was tortured and unhappy in his personal life because of so many factors," said co-author Terrill. "He was the highest paid player in pro sports, but he didn't get respect by his teammates. He was an all-star, but he never played on a winning team. He was so expressive on the court, but was a very private person.
"I think any baby boomer who loved basketball gravitated to the 'Pistol,'" said Terrill. His game was not only innovative, but fun to watch. Every kid on the playground wanted to be "Pistol Pete."
Me included.
(P.S. - If you're not able to attend the LSU-Florida game on Saturday to obtain an autograph copy of "Maravich", Jackie Maravich is finalizing dates to sign books at various Livingston Parish libraries in March.)
Sam Muffoletto is a sportswriter for the News and long-time newspaper and radio figure on sports in the Baton Rouge area.
PETE'S PALACE - This time forty years ago on a football farm in Tigertown, a basketball seed suddenly sprouted out of the turf.
Back then, freshmen were not eligible to participate on the varsity squad, so all eyes were focused on the LSU Baby Bengals basketball team.
Actually, all eyes were zeroed in on one particular player, a skinny 6-foot-5 mop-top phenomenon, who was about to change basketball forever at LSU.
Pete Maravich took Louisiana by storm during the 1966-67 season and proceeded to cultivate a new fan base that spread far beyond Baton Rouge.
Four decades later and 19 years following his untimely death at age 40, the "Pistol" remains firmly planted in the hearts of his fans, whom he inspired both on and off the court.
Bringing "Showtime" to a cow barn, which laid down a hardwood on top of the dirt floor to house basketball for four months a year, Pistol Pete dazzled the crowds with an array of basketball skills that one could only see before when the Harlem Globetrotters came to town.
Three years later, Maravich had become the NCAA all-time leading scorer, while at the same time, leading the Tigers to their first post-season action in 15 years.
Far from a fluke, Maravich went on to have a very successful professional basketball career, where he was a multiple All-Star selection and scoring leader. Following his retirement in 1980, Maravich was named one of the "NBA's 50 Greatest Players" of all time. He was also enshrined into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Many books have been written on Maravich, beginning with a pair while he was still at LSU. Maravich himself joined in with an autobiography entitled "Heir to a Dream," which paralleled his entire of life in basketball with his father Peter "Press" Maravich, who was also his coach during his tenure at LSU.
But none of the books come close to documenting his incredible story of trials and tribulations like the current "Maravich," written by Wayne Federman and Marshall Terrill. What even authenticates the book to the utmost, is the fact it's the first book written with collaboration of Maravich's widow, Jackie.
Not to be confused with yet another current book on the racks, "Pistol," by Mark Kreiegel, the 400-plus page "Maravich" is practically a play-by-play of his life. Not only is the book packed with incredible detail and statistics, but the eight-year project by the authors unveil some stunning facts that even a diehard Pistol Pete fan like myself never knew, including one mystery never revealed before.
Even though they interviewed some 300 people who, in some way or another, crossed paths with Maravich, I'm living proof that the number of lives Maravich actually touched, is countless.
I was fortunate enough to be at the ideal age, 11-13-years-old during his playing days at LSU. I stood in line for hours to buy one of those "standing-room-only" general admission tickets for the student section. I was fortunate enough to have mid-court tickets for the night he broke Oscar Robertson's all-time scoring record and I can still watch myself on the highlight reel dashing on the court with a friend moments after he made the milestone bucket.
But I must confess, I also snuck into the sold-out home finale his senior year against Kentucky. But well-worth the risk.
Although I still treasure the autographs and memorabilia I've collected over his entire career, the memories of watching Maravich play are still etched in my mind to this day.
"Pete would always make the comment, 'when you die, they forget about you. You're last week's news,'" said Jackie Maravich McLachian.
How wrong he was.
Pete's "Homework Basketball" video series, which he filmed at the Albany High School gym in four days back in the late 1980's is still widely sold to help youngsters learn the fundamentals of the game.
And Pete's basketball camp at Clearwater Christian College in Florida is thriving as well.
Or just type "Pete Maravich" into the ebay search engine and one will finds trading cards, replica jerseys and various other memorabilia up for auction day-in and day-out ... and garnering top dollars.
Fans won't need a computer to get a signed copy of "Maravich," however, as Jackie, her and Pete's two sons, Jaeson and Josh, along with author Marshall Terrill, will all be on hand at none other than the Pete Maravich Assembly Center on Saturday afternoon to sign copies of the book prior to and at halftime of the LSU-Florida game.
Both Jaeson and Josh played roundball at St. Paul's in their hometown of Covington, with both trying their hand at college basketball as well. Josh followed in his father's footsteps as a member of the Tiger squad from 2002-2005.
The two were just eight and five years old when their father died of a heart condition while playing a pickup game of basketball at the First Church of Nazarene in Pasadena, Calif.
Although the average fan may have known of Maravich's struggles on the court, battling both injuries and acceptance as a pro player, those were overshadowed by his many off-the-court struggles in life.
Just days before the beginning of his first season with the New Orleans Jazz, Maravich had to deal with the suicide of his mother.
Maravich gave his life to the Lord a little more than five years prior to his death and proceeded to coach his father into reborn Christianity. Press Maravich died of cancer just months prior to Pete's death.
"What was surprising was that as fun as he was to watch, there was the dichotomy that he was tortured and unhappy in his personal life because of so many factors," said co-author Terrill. "He was the highest paid player in pro sports, but he didn't get respect by his teammates. He was an all-star, but he never played on a winning team. He was so expressive on the court, but was a very private person.
"I think any baby boomer who loved basketball gravitated to the 'Pistol,'" said Terrill. His game was not only innovative, but fun to watch. Every kid on the playground wanted to be "Pistol Pete."
Me included.
(P.S. - If you're not able to attend the LSU-Florida game on Saturday to obtain an autograph copy of "Maravich", Jackie Maravich is finalizing dates to sign books at various Livingston Parish libraries in March.)
Sam Muffoletto is a sportswriter for the News and long-time newspaper and radio figure on sports in the Baton Rouge area.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
"Maravich" reaches its highest ranking ever on Amazon
Gabcast! A Book Buzz #14 - "Maravich" reaches its highest ranking ever on Amazon
Three months after its initial release, "Maravich" by Wayne Federman and Marshall Terrill has reached its highest ranking ever by Amazon.com. The book is currently the sixth-ranked sports book in the U.S. according to the bookseller.
Three months after its initial release, "Maravich" by Wayne Federman and Marshall Terrill has reached its highest ranking ever by Amazon.com. The book is currently the sixth-ranked sports book in the U.S. according to the bookseller.
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