Marty Gordon
The countdown is on for everyone to find special gifts for those special persons on their list especially when it comes to the sports fan.
Today, we take a look at some examples found online and in local retailers to cross that person off your list.
One of the hottest gifts this season should be a book authored by Giles County native and Radford University graduate and current ESPN broadcaster Marty Smith.
“Sideline CEO” details key leadership principles Marty has learned from championship coaches he has interviewed over the past two decades.
It delves into the unique psychology and daily preparation and gameplan execution of some of America’s most respected leaders—the coaches who have led hugely successful programs to win it all. Included among the legends whom Marty interviewed for SIDELINE CEO are: Nick Saban, Mack Brown, Kim Mulkey, Doc Rivers, John Calipari, Tim Corbin, Roy Williams, Tom Izzo, Patty Gasso, Dabo Swinney, Frank Beamer, and many others.
In talking to these sideline CEOs, Marty develops a set of leadership pillars that include:
Building vital TRUST within the organization.
Creating open lines of COMMUNICATION.
DELEGATING responsibility—and thereby empowerment—to your coaches and players.
Establishing and sustaining the RIGHT CULTURE in your program.
MANAGING CRISES and adversity.
EVOLVING with the game, the players and society, and always challenging your team.
Packed with insight, candor and keen storytelling from some of the greatest coaches of all time, SIDELINE CEO offers valuable takeaways that go beyond the game and apply to the boardroom, the classroom, and can help set intentions for winning in our daily lives.
The book can be found on Amazon for $25.49 and several local bookstores.
Of course, Smith also has a backup book called “Never Settle: Sports, Family, and the American Soul”. Check it out too.
High again on the list for shoppers for the third straight year is MLB Stadium Blueprints, which can be found at uncommongoods.com for $85.
The description is simple: “Relive your most memorable moments at the ballpark with a beautifully detailed blueprint that honors each stadium’s unique history and architecture in classic style. The illustration is accompanied by your favorite stadium’s design specs and highlights of major events, while an antiqued finish that evokes the look of a vintage document. Printed on museum-grade, archival paper and framed in black BonanzaWood® using acid-free archival board.”
For those extreme junkies, the Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio is a free radio designed and tested in the Colorado Rockies. Created with climbers and skiers in mind, the compact radio is suited for any rugged adventure where communication is critical.
A specialized lithium-ion battery provides over 4 days of battery life, even in very cold conditions (-20°F).
Price is $110. Best buy is purchasing two so you will have someone to talk to. Available online at https://rockytalkie.com/products/mountain-radio.
You can’t go wrong with chunky slides. This top-rated pair is pretty much guaranteed to put a smile on any athlete’s face. They feel like heaven after a long workout (and are great for gym showers too). This pair in particular is Amazon’s best-selling men’s slipper, and it comes in a slew of colors. The Bronax Cloud Slides are now on sale on Amazon for $24.
Gift your friend “The Everyday Athlete Cookbook” from America’s Test Kitchen. Also found on Amazon, right now for $18.
Fanny packs are making a comeback. They just have been relabeled/renamed. Much smaller belts that hold phone, keys and wallet come in a new compact, small size. Already several publications are calling it the one of the hottest items on the market. Price range anywhere from $15 to $40.
WHOOP fitness bands 4.0 track heart rate, sleep (and sleep quality), and more to help you keep an eye on your performance in workouts. They’re soft, waterproof, and they come with a charger that lets you charge on the go. A much least expensive way to watch your fitness goals. Priced at $25 directly at join.whoop.com.
Also, don’t forget about the Hokie fan in your life who would love a player football jersey or one with their last name on the back. Checkout https://shop.hokiesports.com for the latest bargains.
Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in American, so why not gift a set of wooden paddles. Priced reasonably at $34 at Walmart and Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Author Nick Green also has a unique take on sports in his book “How to Watch Basketball Like a Genius.”
Priced at $23.74 at Amazon.
Gotta admit one of the best deals hits real close to home. For the holiday season, fans can purchase 24 tickets to the Pulaski River Turtles baseball games for $24. Man, what a great deal for the summer.
Igloo has an entire limited collection of coolers and drinkware—officially licensed by NFL—emblazoned with the logos of all 32 teams for the football fanatic in your life. Coolers found online for $50.
Another rising star in the sports game industry is Spike Ball. A set will run you $40 at Walmart and other retailers.
Gotta love this next one.
The Coach Personalized Football is a stylish and functional gift for sports fans of all ages. This leather football is personalized with the player’s name on the back and comes with an engraved message on the front. Your message will appear on one side of the football and the name of the recipient on the other. Available on Etsy for $28.
The same website has personalized man cave signs are perfect for any man who likes to escape to his personal oasis and enjoy time with friends and family.
Who wouldn’t want to say “Marty’s Man Cave. My cave. My rules.”
Each sign has a clear acrylic frame covered in wood, finished in dark brown paint, and sealed. Personalize these wood signs with text and photos, then hang them on the wall or add them to a shelf for a finishing touch.
Back to the website Uncommon Goods for College Football Stadium Sculpture Candle. The topper for this unique candle is your favorite college stadium for $48.
Whatever you choose, make it special and maybe a little out of-the ordinary for your favorite sportsman or sports fan this Christmas season.
Happy holidays everyone and happy shopping. The countdown is on.
