TALL MEN, SHORT SHORTS The 1969 NBA Finals: Wilt, Russ, Lakers, Celtics, and a Very Young Sports Reporter

The venerable sportswriter (THE BOSTON GLOBE, SPORTS ILLUSTRATED) narrates his own work--part memoir, part look back at basketball. Montville recounts the 1969 NBA Finals between Boston and Los Angeles and all their accompanying trappings--reporting, side stories, and biographies. He refers to himself as "the bright young man," a third-person approach that fits his style--never bragging and always taking a great perspective. With one exception, he doesn't imitate the many players, writers, and associates from the season, which includes a multitude of stars like Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain. The lone exception is Johnny Most, the late Boston announcer whose thick, gravelly voice begs to be imitated. Montville's honest, comfortable narration will help listeners understand sports journalism of the day and put them courtside for a classic championship. M.B. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2021]