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Through the years and across many genres, the hallmarks of Martin Dobrow’s writing are deep reporting, poignant personal storytelling, and a sharp eye for the bittersweet complexity of American life.

His forthcoming book, the biggest creative project of his life, is a riveting tale of forgotten heroes of the civil rights movement, set in the nation’s first city, St. Augustine, Florida.

Books

Going Bigtime

The transformation of UMass basketball from one of the worst in the country in the 1980s to a No. 1 ranking in the mid-’90s under coach John Calipari is an intimate account of the pros and cons of a rise to the top. It addresses issues that are still burningly relevant in college sports, while taking the reader behind the scenes and into the lives of an endearing group of unlikely near-champions.

Knocking On Heaven’s Door

“…a beautifully written, meticulously orchestrated account of the families, common agents, notable triumphs, and devastating failures of half a dozen talented young men who want to play in the Major Leagues…. Dobrow reveals an insider’s instinct, a high level of compassion, and finds the drama in the dream of ‘making it big.'” (Publisher’s Weekly)


Podcast

Liberty, Justice, and Ball began as a podcast on the intersection of basketball and social justice in October 2019 featuring Marty and one of his students, Kris Rhim. In 2021, the podcast was picked up by The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Sample episodes.


Videos

Check out some of the many fascinating interviews and presentations Martin has done on the topics of social justice and sports.