In 'Play Their Hearts Out,' George Dohrmann explores the intense world of youth basketball, revealing the dreams and pressures faced by talented kids and their families. Through compelling narratives, he unveils the often harsh realities behind the glittering facade of the sport, spotlighting the relentless pursuit of success. As he chronicles the lives of aspiring athletes, Dohrmann raises questions about ambition, exploitation, and the real cost of chasing glory. This gripping tale uncovers the darker side of youth athletics while celebrating the resilience of young players. Will they soar to greatness, or will the system break their spirits?
By George Dohrmann
Published: 2012
"In the world of youth basketball, where dreams collide with harsh realities, every layup and every loss tells a story of ambition, sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of glory."
“A tour de force of reporting” (The Washington Post) from a Pulitzer–prize winning journalist that examines the often-corrupt machine producing America’s basketball stars “Indispensable.”—The Wall Street Journal “Often heart-breaking, always riveting.”—The New York Times Book Review “Tremendous.”—The Plain Dealer Winner of the PEN/ESPN Award for Literary Sportswriting• Winner of the Award for Excellence in the Coverage of Youth Sports Using eight years of unfettered access and a keen sense of a story’s deepest truths, journalist George Dohrmann reveals a cutthroat world where boys as young as eight or nine are subjected to a dizzying torrent of scrutiny and exploitation. At the book’s heart are the personal stories of two compelling figures: Joe Keller, an ambitious coach with a master plan to find and promote “the next LeBron,” and Demetrius Walker, a fatherless latchkey kid who falls under Keller’s sway and struggles to live up to unrealistic expectations. Complete with a new “where-are-they-now” epilogue by the author, Play Their Hearts Out is a thoroughly compelling narrative exposing the gritty reality that lies beneath so many dreams of fame and glory. One of GQ’S 50 Best Books of Literary Journalism of the 21st Century • One of the Best Books of the Year: Los Angeles Times, The Christian Science Monitor, Kirkus Reviews This edition includes an exclusive conversation between George Dohrmann and bestselling author Seth Davis.
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“In the world of youth basketball, where dreams collide with harsh realities, every layup and every loss tells a story of ambition, sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of glory.”
Play Their Hearts Out
By George Dohrmann
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George Dohrmann is an accomplished American journalist and author, renowned for his compelling narratives and in-depth reporting on sports and culture. A former staff writer for Sports Illustrated, Dohrmann's notable works include the critically acclaimed book 'Play Their Hearts Out,' which provides a profound examination of youth basketball and the pressures faced by aspiring athletes. His writing style is characterized by rich detail, a keen sense of observation, and a commitment to uncovering the underlying truths of his subjects. His work has earned him both the George Polk Award and the Associated Press Sports Editors' Award, establishing him as a prominent voice in sports journalism.
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