Book Review: Got Your Number – The Greatest Sports Legends

Note: We may earn an affiliate commission when you purchase through links on our site. Learn more.
Go Your Number Book Review
Spread the love

Got Your Number: The Greatest Sports Legends and the Numbers They Own is a book that has been generating a lot of buzz in the sports world. Written by Mike Greenberg and Paul “Hembo” Hembekides, the book is a compilation of fascinating statistics that aim to settle once and for all which sports legends own which numbers. With Greenberg’s experience as an ESPN personality and Hembo’s expertise in sports analytics, the book promises to be an entertaining and informative read for sports fans.

The book is not just a collection of numbers and statistics, but it also provides an overview of the significance of numbers in sports. The authors delve into the history of numbers in sports and how they have become iconic symbols associated with legendary athletes. They also explore the impact of numbers on fans and how they can become a source of inspiration and motivation for athletes.

The book covers major sports legends and their numbers, from Michael Jordan’s iconic number 23 to Wayne Gretzky’s number 99. The authors provide critical analysis of each athlete’s performance and how their numbers have become synonymous with their legacy. The book has been well-received by critics and sports fans alike, and is a must-read for anyone interested in the history and significance of numbers in sports.

Key Takeaways

  • Got Your Number explores the significance of numbers in sports and how they have become iconic symbols associated with legendary athletes.
  • The book covers major sports legends and their numbers, providing critical analysis of each athlete’s performance and how their numbers have become synonymous with their legacy.
  • Written by Mike Greenberg and Paul “Hembo” Hembekides, the book is a compilation of fascinating statistics that aim to settle once and for all which sports legends own which numbers.

Author’s Background

Mike Greenberg is a well-known American television personality and sports journalist who has worked for ESPN for more than two decades. He is the co-host of ESPN’s morning show Get Up and the host of ESPN Radio’s Mike Greenberg Show. In addition, he has written several books, including the New York Times bestsellers Why My Wife Thinks I’m An Idiot and My Father’s Wives.

Greenberg was born on August 6, 1967, in New York City. He graduated from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism in 1989. After graduation, he worked as a sports reporter for several local newspapers before joining ESPN in 1996.

Greenberg’s co-author on Got Your Number is Paul “Hembo” Hembekides, who is a producer and researcher for ESPN. Hembekides has worked on several popular ESPN shows, including SportsCenter and Get Up. He is known for his deep knowledge of sports statistics and his ability to find interesting and obscure facts about athletes and teams.

Together, Greenberg and Hembekides have created a fun and informative book that is sure to appeal to sports fans of all ages. Got Your Number explores the relationship between sports legends and the numbers they wore on their jerseys. The book is filled with fascinating stories and statistics that will make readers think about their favorite athletes in a new way.

got your number Overview

“Got Your Number: The Greatest Sports Legends and the Numbers They Own” is a non-fiction book written by Mike Greenberg and researched by Paul Hembekides. The book was released on April 4, 2023, and is published by William Morrow.

The book is a comprehensive guide to the most iconic numbers in sports history. In short essays, Greenberg uses his lifetime of sports knowledge to spin yarns of the legends among the legends and tells readers why some have become synonymous with specific numbers. The book provides a fascinating look at how numbers have become forever linked to the athletes who wore them.

The book is divided into chapters, each dedicated to a specific number. The chapters cover the history of the number in sports, the athletes who made it famous, and the records associated with it. The book also includes a foreword by Harlan Coben, a #1 New York Times bestselling author, and a blurb by Seth Wickersham, an ESPN Senior Writer.

The book is an entertaining and informative read for sports fans of all ages. It is sure to provoke debate between and amongst all generations and settle once and for all which legends flat-out own which numbers. With its deluge of fascinating statistics, the book is a guide to winning every sports debate for the rest of your life.

Significance of Numbers in Sports

Numbers have become an integral part of sports culture and have significant meaning to athletes and fans alike. Uniform numbers are a way to identify players and differentiate them from one another. It is not uncommon for fans to remember a player’s number as frequently as their name. Coaches, teammates, opponents, and commentators regularly refer to players by their number. Worn correctly, the numbers themselves often become an essential piece of a player’s identity.

In addition to identifying players, numbers can also hold symbolic significance. For example, the number 23 is synonymous with Michael Jordan, and the number 42 is associated with Jackie Robinson. These numbers have become iconic in their respective sports and are often retired by teams to honor the player’s legacy.

Furthermore, numbers can also hold statistical significance. Certain players have been known to perform exceptionally well while wearing a specific number. For instance, Wayne Gretzky wore the number 99, which has since been retired league-wide in his honor. Similarly, Derek Jeter wore the number 2 throughout his career, and it has become synonymous with his success.

Overall, numbers have become a vital aspect of sports culture, representing both individual and team identity. They hold symbolic and statistical significance and are often used to honor the legacies of great players.

Major Sports Legends and Their Numbers

When it comes to sports, numbers hold a special significance. From Michael Jordan’s iconic number 23 to Wayne Gretzky’s number 99, certain numbers have become synonymous with legendary athletes. In “Got Your Number: The Greatest Sports Legends and the Numbers They Own,” Mike Greenberg and Paul “Hembo” Hembekides delve into the history behind these numbers and the athletes who made them famous.

Basketball Legends

Basketball has seen its fair share of iconic numbers. Michael Jordan’s number 23 is perhaps the most famous, but other legends have made their mark as well. Kobe Bryant, who tragically passed away in 2020, wore numbers 8 and 24 during his career. LeBron James has worn number 23 for most of his career, but also briefly wore number 6 during his time with the Miami Heat.

Football Legends

In football, numbers are often tied to specific positions. Quarterbacks typically wear numbers in the single digits or teens, while linebackers and defensive linemen often wear numbers in the 50s and 90s. Despite this, certain players have still managed to make their numbers iconic. Joe Montana’s number 16 is one such example, as is Jerry Rice’s number 80.

Baseball Legends

Baseball is a sport steeped in tradition, and numbers are no exception. Babe Ruth’s number 3 and Lou Gehrig’s number 4 are both retired by the New York Yankees, and Jackie Robinson’s number 42 is retired across all of Major League Baseball. Other notable numbers include Hank Aaron’s number 44 and Derek Jeter’s number 2.

Hockey Legends

Hockey may not be as popular as some of the other sports on this list, but it still has its fair share of legendary numbers. Wayne Gretzky’s number 99 is perhaps the most famous, but other players have also made their numbers iconic. Bobby Orr’s number 4, Gordie Howe’s number 9, and Mario Lemieux’s number 66 are all examples of numbers that have become synonymous with greatness.

Overall, “Got Your Number” provides a fascinating look at the history behind some of the most iconic numbers in sports. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just a casual observer, this book is sure to provide plenty of interesting insights and trivia.

Impact of the Book

Got Your Number: The Greatest Sports Legends and the Numbers They Own, written by Mike Greenberg and researched by Paul Hembekides, has been making an impact on sports fans since its release on April 4, 2023. The book has been praised for its comprehensive and entertaining approach to sports history, as well as its ability to settle debates once and for all.

One of the book’s main impacts has been on sports debates. The book provides a wealth of statistics and information about the greatest sports legends and the numbers they own. This has made it a valuable resource for sports fans who want to settle arguments about who is the greatest athlete of all time or which athlete is most closely associated with a particular number.

Another impact of the book has been on sports history. The book provides a detailed look at the careers of some of the greatest athletes in history, as well as the impact they had on their respective sports. This has made it a valuable resource for sports historians and enthusiasts who want to learn more about the history of sports and the athletes who have shaped it.

The book has also had an impact on the sports media landscape. Mike Greenberg, one of the book’s authors, is a well-known sports personality and has been a fixture in sports media for years. The book has further cemented his status as a leading authority on sports history and has helped to establish him as one of the most knowledgeable and respected voices in the industry.

Overall, Got Your Number: The Greatest Sports Legends and the Numbers They Own has had a significant impact on the sports world since its release. Its comprehensive approach to sports history, its ability to settle debates, and its impact on the sports media landscape have made it a valuable resource for sports fans, historians, and enthusiasts alike.

got your number Critical Analysis

Got Your Number: The Greatest Sports Legends And The Numbers They Own by Mike Greenberg with Paul “Hembo” Hembekides is a book that aims to settle once and for all which legends own which numbers in sports. The book is a collection of quick-hit chapters, numbered one to 100, throughout which Greenberg starts and ostensibly ends an argument about who is most closely associated in sports fans’ minds with each individual figure.

The book has received mixed reviews from critics. While some have praised the book for its unique concept and interesting statistics, others have criticized it for its hyperextended prose. The following are some of the critical analysis of the book:

  • The book is an engaging read for sports fans who are interested in statistics and trivia. The authors have done an excellent job of compiling fascinating statistics and presenting them in an engaging manner.

  • The book is well-organized, with each chapter dedicated to a specific number and the legends associated with it. The authors have also included interesting anecdotes and stories about each legend, which adds to the book’s appeal.

  • However, some critics have pointed out that the book’s prose can be overly verbose and self-indulgent at times. The authors tend to repeat themselves and use unnecessary words, which can make the book feel bloated.

  • Another criticism of the book is that it can be repetitive at times. The authors tend to focus on the same legends repeatedly, which can make the book feel monotonous.

  • Overall, the book is a well-researched and engaging read for sports fans who are interested in statistics and trivia. However, the book’s prose can be overly verbose and repetitive at times, which can detract from the reading experience.

Got Your number Conclusion

In conclusion, “Got Your Number: The Greatest Sports Legends and the Numbers They Own” by Mike Greenberg with Paul “Hembo” Hembekides is a must-read for sports enthusiasts and fans alike. The book provides a fascinating insight into the world of sports statistics and the significance of numbers in sports.

Greenberg has done an excellent job of compiling a vast amount of data and presenting it in an engaging and accessible manner. The book is well-researched and well-written, making it easy to follow and understand. The anecdotes and stories about the athletes are interesting and add a personal touch to the book.

The book covers a wide range of sports, including basketball, football, baseball, and more. It provides a comprehensive look at the iconic athletes who have made their mark in each sport and the numbers that have become synonymous with them.

Overall, “Got Your Number” is an entertaining and informative read that will appeal to anyone interested in sports. It is a great addition to any sports fan’s collection and is sure to spark debates and discussions among friends and family.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *