In this episode we're rejoined by Al Pickett, a well-traveled and long-time sports journalist who's been a fixture on the West Texas sports scene in Abilene for decades.

Al first joined Conversations during a special bonus episode (S:3, E:54) in conjunction with host Doug Hill's Around the World in 80 Sporting Events visit to Texas to experience football at all three levels in one epic weekend.

Today we speak with Al about his latest book, It Must Be a Big Game: 50 Years of Covering Sports. This is his sixth published work and the first that's pseudo-autobiographical as he takes readers along to many of the memorable events he's covered through the years. The book also includes brief bios of all 251 inductees to The Big Country Athletic Hall of Fame, of which Al serves as the Chairman.

Other books by Al:

• The Greatest Texas Sports Stories You've Never Heard
• Wishbone Wisdom: Emory Bellard - Texas Football Visionary
• Team of the Century: The Greatest High School Football Team in Texas
• Mighty, Mighty Matadors: Estacado High School, Integration, and a Championship Season
• Brother's Keeper: The Story of the 2009 Abilene High State Championship

Want to Win a Signed Copy?

• If you'd like to enter a drawing to win a signed copy of Al's latest, It Must be a Big Game, pass along your name and email address to [email protected] by 11:59 p.m. EST Sunday, January 25. I'll conduct a random drawing from all entrants and get it out post-haste.
• Or, if you'd prefer to support Al, email him directly at [email protected] to get a personalized copy (or half dozen!) shipped directly to you.

If you're enjoying Conversations with Sports Fans please consider supporting our work ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠he⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠e⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. For as little as 99 cents a month, generous supporters such as you are able to keep these episodes coming commercial and sponsor free.