The Greatest Moments in Sports Upsets and Underdogs

This inspiring chapter book compiles true stories of legendary sports upsets and underdog triumphs, from ancient tales like David and Goliath to modern "Miracle" teams. Author Len Berman highlights moments where athletes and teams overcame immense odds, offering powerful lessons in resilience, self-belief, and perseverance. It's perfect for young sports enthusiasts or any child who needs a boost of confidence, showing them that even when you feel like the underdog, success is within reach.

<p><b>Introduction</b></p><p>In sports, everybody roots for the underdog. They want to see the athlete or the team with no chance overcome long odds to emerge victorious. This isn't something new. It goes back thousands of years. It's right there in the Bible. Was the first upset David versus Goliath? It might have been. A small boy with a slingshot slew a mighty giant. And now, all these centuries later, when an underdog takes the field against a mighty opponent, it's still referred to as David versus Goliath.</p><p>That's what this book is all about-the little guy, the underdog, the team with no shot pulling a major upset against all odds. In fact, one story is about a horse named Upset. Upset pulled off one of the greatest upsets in horse-racing history-so great that some people mistakenly think his name is where the term upset comes from.</p><p>If the underdogs are not Davids, they might be Cinderellas. You know the story. Cinderella is treated poorly by her wicked stepmother and stepsisters. Thanks to her fairy godmother, she winds up at a beautiful ball but has to get home before midnight, when the spell will be broken. Stories of sports teams that far exceed expectations are often referred to as Cinderella stories. Their fans hope they can become champions before midnight strikes and the magic wears off.</p><p>In the following pages, you will read story after story of Davids and Cinderellas. Many of them read like fairy tales. And that's the best part about these events. They are not made-up Hollywood movies, although some of these stories served as the source of inspiration for great sports films. They are all true amazing stories of upsets and underdogs.</p><p>How amazing? Several of them are described using the word miracle. There's the Miracle on Ice, the Miracle of Coogan's Bluff, the Miracle Mets-and that's just for starters. Yup, many of these upsets are considered miraculous.</p><p>Maybe you feel like an underdog-either in sports or otherwise. Perhaps you think you won't be able to succeed. Well, don't give up. After reading this book, you just might believe that anything is possible.</p><p>And if you find yourself rooting for the underdog, you are not alone. Everyone does.</p><p>I'd love to know which is your favorite chapter. You can email me at www.ThatsSports.com and let me know why. I look forward to hearing from you.</p>