Talking to GOATs: The Moments You Remember and the Stories You Never Heard

While Talking to Goats (meaning Greatest Of All-Time) by Jim Gray is of greatest interest to sports fans, it is still very much a book the general reader can enjoy. Each of the sports figures Gray profiles is a well-known name. Gary became friends with many of the athletes he interviewed. It is truly amazing how Gray became friends with major sports figures and also got to know three presidents (Reagan, Ford, and Carter). One of the themes in Gray’s book is honesty. He comes down hard, as he should, on athletes who have cheated. While honesty is a theme, Gray crossed a journalistic line of integrity. In the main text, Gray is passionate about Tom Brady’s innocence in “deflategate.” However, Brady is a close friend of the author and wrote the forward to the book. Brady may have been falsely accused, but Gray’s analysis of the controversy can hardly be considered unbiased. Except for this one issue, Talking to Goats would be a five-star book. The narrative is well-written and informative, and even if one is not a huge sports fan a pleasure to read.

Jim Gray like a handful of others in sports broadcasting when you hear their name you automatically can hear them like Vin Scully, Joe and Jack Buck just to name a few. This cover many of the great sports stars over the last 30 to 40 years such as Tom Brady, Mike Tyson, Tiger Woods, Floyd Mayweather and many others. But it is not limited to just sports but also Presidents also. It is interesting to read how many people that Mr. Gray has been involved with and developed relationships with the man must be genuine to have these people be comfortable enough to not be concern that he is there just to report a story.Anytime you read a sports book you usually are hoping to learn something you may not have known and this book really delivers. Did you know that Mile Tyson gave away a lamborghini right before Tyson Holyfield II fight because he thought it was bad luck. There is short part of this book that does delve in to politics but it is sports for the most part. I am amazed to see so much harsh criticism on this book maybe it is do to perception that those may have thought that this was strictly dealing with interviews when this all about his interactions with various people. Now I will say that there was a little to much of I,i,i, but when you are involved how do you navigate it ? I also wonder if there are many that have issues because of his relationship with Tom Brady or clear back to his interview with Pete Rose. Regardless this man is one of the top people in his field and this is a good book so give it a read. One of the side notes in this book is more then once stories that show that news and sprots reporting are such in a hurry to be the first to get a story out that they will either ignore facts or not do complete research for a story.Edit: Apparently alot of the very negative or trashy reviews have been removed

As advertised...fast and will be an enjoyable read.

I've known Jim since his days at Colorado U, over 40 years. His book is not just about interviewing GOATs, it's about the personal relationships Jim has developed over the decades with these athletes, and it's also about his hard work and professionalism over the past 40 years!. He calls it as he sees it. No fluff. A true professional reporter. But what really resonated with me was his relationship with his dad. Nothing more important in life. Thanks "Kid". Love the book! So proud of your success!!This book needs to be on your bookshelf! Happy to call Jim a friend.Lt. Col. Scott "Hurler" Weaver

Good book

I really enjoyed this book!

I’ve honestly never cared for Jim Gray’s style. But when I saw this book and looked at all the people he’d interviewed or met, it sounded interesting—and it is! Some great insights and I must say I never knew so many athletes had close relationships with Jim Gray. If you like sports in general you will probably enjoy this book. I don’t care for boxing or golf much but even those parts were well-written and entertaining.

This book was awesome. It taught me a lot about sports history and important sporting events. Jim is truly a sports historian. It was written excellently. Whether you love sports, or wish you knew more about big moments in sports (since Jim has clearly and impressively been a part of them all)... this book is for you. It taught me a great deal about sportscasting as well. What an incredible collection of stories Jim has put together. A++

What a great book for sports fans. Jim Gray has had close relationships with some true legends and provides an interesting perspective on them with many great stories. Highly recommended.

Not a bad read for a sports fan but the book seems to be more about Jim Gray and how well connected he is/was with a few anecdotes about the athletes. A few good stories and insight into the lives of some star athletes but a little disappointed in how much he talked about himself.

Great read. If you enjoy the historical moments in sports, Jim Gray was there interviewing the sports figures. Behind the scenes look at some of the more memorable interviews in sports history.

Any sports fan would love this book. It covers the greats of various sports.

The book I received looks like a book that i’ve read and borrowing it to a friend. Not ideal if i’m paying for a new book.