Holiday cheer: gift ideas for the people on your list whose ideas of diamonds and hoops don't involve jewelry

Sporting News, The, Nov 29, 2004

For the page-turning sports fan

America's Game: The Epic Story of How Pro Football Captured a Nation, by Michael MacCambridge, $27.95

This isn't a book for the casual NFL fan--or for the casual reader. This 458-page tome details the meteoric rise of professional football after World War II and provides an all-encompassing look at the game. MacCambridge's portraits of the key characters in football are riveting and the details overwhelming. The perfect pick for the die-hard NFL enthusiast.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Wrigley Blues: The Year the Cubs Played Hardball With the Curse (But Lost Anyway), by William J. Wagner, $16.95

Wagner calls the Cubs "a symbol of eternal hope in the face of constant, blistering defeat." The former truth shines through in this wonderful book, and so, sadly and hilariously, does the latter truth--which, like any lifelong fan, Wagner has suffered vividly.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

The Last Season: A Team in Search of its Soul, by Phil Jackson, $24.95

You've got to read it--if only to satisfy your curiosity. Phil Jackson's diary of his last season with the Lakers--a season in which he hired a shrink with a specialty in narcissistic personality disorders and wrestled with the egos of two megastars--provides a glimpse inside the Zen master's mind. If nothing else, it will make choosing which guy to root for in the Lakers-Heat Christmas Day matchup that much easier.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

For the virtual sports fan

Gretzky NHL 2005 (PlayStation 2), $39.99

Tired of being locked out by the NHL? Salvage the season by icing the opposition. Using the EyeToy camera (sold separately), you can paste your smiling mug on a player, then skate toward a Stanley Cup victory or settle scores online. Voice chat capabilities even let you levy low blows at rivals while high-sticking 'em.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

ESPN College Hoops 2K5 (PlayStation 2, Xbox), $19.99

Go ahead, cut classes--just don't skip this crash course in virtual b-ball that includes 320-plus Division I teams and an exhaustive legacy mode (balance budgets, recruit players, etc.). The TV-style presentation is a slam dunk.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

NASCAR 2005: Chase for the Cup (GameCube, PlayStation 2, Xbox), $49.99

Seek sponsorships and smoke rivals while pursuing the Nextel Cup trophy. You can intimidate opponents, but be warned--intelligent adversaries develop lasting grudges. Added bonus: Story mode makes you feel like an actual pro, right down to authentically annoying autograph sessions.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

For the fun-loving sports fan

NERF Dart Blaster Pen, $3.99

A writing utensil and rubber-dart launcher, all in one. Everyone has a co-worker he wants to shoot from time to time.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Pit Boss Texas Hold 'Em Ultimate Dealer Kit, $139.99

Everything you need for poker night. The set includes 500 weighted chips, two card decks and an aluminum carrying case. Shook up by the cost? Many sporting goods stores are selling the set at $20 to 30 below the list price.

For beginning poker players, try Cardinal's Professional Texas Hold 'Em Poker Set, $29.99, which includes 200 chips and a deck of cards.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Swing by usaopoly.com for some twists on our favorite board games. The Yankees Collector's Edition of Monopoly lets you buy, trade and sell Yankees players from the past and present (other versions include the Cowboys, Red Sox, Patriots, Packers and Cubs). Monopoly not your thing? Try NASCAR checkers or NFL chess. Prices range from $14.95 to $35.95.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

For the nostalgic sports fan

Ultimate Jordan: 20th Anniversary Collector's Edition DVD, $29.98

Even if you hated Michael Jordan for the way he lit up your team, you'll love this three-disc set. It includes five of Jordan's best games in their entireties, including his 63-point performance against the Celtics in the 1986 playoffs and Game 6 of the 1998 Finals, plus highlights from slam dunk contests and Jordan's greatest moves.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

NBA Dynasty Series: The Complete History of the Lakers DVD, $64.92

Relive the good old days with this five-disc set that's packed with highlights from the franchise's greatest seasons. The set includes clips from nine memorable Lakers playoff games.

NHL Original Six DVD Series: Detroit Red Wings, $49.98

This four-disc set offers highlights from the team's three Stanley Cup championship seasons, as well as the five greatest games in Red Wings history as voted on by fans.

NFL Films Super Bowl DVD Collection, $64.92 each set

Highlights from the first 30 Super Bowls are broken up into three five-disc sets. Each set includes game footage and interviews.

The Official 2004 World Series DVD, $19.95

Narrated by Denis Leary, this collectible DVD from MLB Productions chronicles the Red Sox's road to their first World Series win in 86 years with interviews, highlights and more.

From the Sporting News bookstore

You can stop pinching yourselves, Red Sox fans--it really did happen. But who can blame you if it all seems a little hazy? Have no fear--every key detail of Boston's historic season is chronicled in Curse Reversed. The book features hundreds of stunning photos and expert commentary. Soft cover: $16.95 Commemorative hardcover: $24.95