Playing for Paterno: One Coach, Two Eras . . . a Father and Son's Recollections of Playing for Joepa

by Charlie Pittman, Tony Pittman, Ana Huang

Book Overview

Penn State football icon Joe Paterno has presided over five undefeated seasons in his storied career as a head coach. Charlie and Tony Pittman played in three of those seasons. The Pittmans are the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1600780008
• ISBN13: 9781600780004
• Release Date: September 2007
• Publisher: Triumph Books (IL)
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 1.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.3" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

BIG FAN!--goldies14k@aol.com

Charlie's book is a treat for all readers, even folks not interested in football. I was most impressed that his powerful desire for teamwork on the field led him to become such an accomplished businessman! He is a very classy guy who I was fortunate enough to befriend as a freshman at Penn State! It is just awesome that he passed on his passion for integrity to his son, Tony, and the rest of his family.

The Pittmans

An excellent book---I remember seeing Charlie and Jim at the table in the cafeteria at North Halls of Penn State. Charlie was friendly and did not behave like a prima donna football player. He was humble and truly enjoyed being around other students. He was just a nice guy! He has grown into a wonderful man and his influence is obvious in Tony. Not only is Penn State fortunate to have had a great father-son combination but a father-son combo that continues to contribute to society in a very positive way. Thank you both.

It's the diploma, stupid

There's a lot to like in this book about two great athletes and people and about the legendary coach that nurtured both of them. My personal history makes me biased: I grew up in Brooklyn, NY and when I was in high school, idolized Penn State and the powerful team Charlie Pittman played on. I also have had the great privilege of being one of Tony Pittman's high school coaches at Phillips Academy. What stands out for me in the book is the way Paterno has created a top level football program whose athletes actually go to college to learn and who earn their diplomas. Charlie and Tony are prime examples of the many wonderful student-athletes who have been a part of PSU football. This father and son duo have not been successful in their athletic and professional lives, they have been successful in life. Their intelligence and integrity are inspiring...ditto for Joe Paterno. The book gives us a glimpse into the minds and hearts of three people who have made the world a better place to live in.

Playing for Paterno review

Sir Charles, as some of us who have had the privilege of working for Charlie Pittman call him, is always imparting business wisdom and sharing quotes, so I was eager to read his book and I wasn't disappointed. There are a lot of interesting facets to this book: - The fact that both father and son were undefeated and played for the same school and coach (and wore the same number - 24) - Insight into what it was like to play for Paterno - The Grand Experiment - What America was like in the 60's - What it was like to be an African American athlete in turbulent times - The drawing of business lessons from the game of football - And of course, the recounting of games that made history by two players that were there Some of the practical concepts you will learn how to apply to your career are, the importance of Punctuality, Details, Consistency, Practice, Preparation and Goal setting. One of my favorite take aways was the part about focusing when crossing the "Blue Line" onto the field. To watch a related video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7YnkqGEyzY All in all a great book!