Includes index

"Whether it be Michael Jordan or Tiger Woods or Pat Riley or Urban Meyer, Wright Thompson strips the away the self-serving myths and fantasies to reveal his characters in full. There are fascinating common denominators: it may not be the case that every single great performer or coach had a complex relationship with his father, but it can sure seem that way. And there is much marvelous local knowledge: about specific sports, and times and places, and people. Ludicrously entertaining and often powerfully moving, The Cost of These Dreams is an ode to the reporter's art, and a celebration of true greatness and the high price that it exacts"--

Michael Jordan has not left the building -- The last days of Tony Harris -- Ghosts of Mississippi -- Shadow boxing -- Here and gone -- The last ride of Bear and Billy -- Urban Meyer will be home for dinner -- The losses of Dan Gable -- Beyond the breach -- The greatest hitter who ever lived on -- The secret history of Tiger Woods -- In Chicago, the final wait for a Cubs win mixes joy and sorrow -- Pat Riley's final test -- Holy ground