Preamble Field of Dreams By Lewis H. Lapham Play is the making of civilization—how one plays the game more to the point than whether the game is won or lost. More
Essay The Comeback Kid By Terry McDonell The marvelous and true tale of Alex Rodriguez seemed an unlikely prospect for the role of the Comeback Kid. More
Essay The Best of It By Beth Raymer The key to winning money is knowing a good line when you see one. More
Essay Wordplay By Simon Apter Sportswriting is a language rich in slang that’s helped create our common culture. More
Essay The Great Game By Caroline Alexander For the British recruits of the Great War, war was sport and sport was war. More
Essay Blossom and Fade By John Crowley Hermann Hesse’s The Glass Bead Game is an experience with the pathos and wonder of all games—the game that is the universe. More
