Sports Fact and Book Rec of the Day 7/23/2007

7/23/1989:
Mark Calcavecchia birdies the par-4 18th hole twice in roughly one hour's time at Royal Troon, first to force a playoff and then to win the British Open, his first major championship. Calcavecchia defeats Australians Wayne Grady and Greg Norman in the first four-hole playoff ever staged at the Open. It's another galling loss for Norman in a major after shooting a Troon-record 64 in the final round to come from seven shots behind to gain a tie after regulation play.

Birthdays:
Pee Wee Reese b. 1918
Don Drysdale b. 1936
Gary Payton b. 1968
Nomar Garciaparra b. 1973
Terry Glenn b. 1974

HISTORIES

The people of Maine are as rugged as their coastline, native son Woodard proves in this informal and deeply personal history of the state. Occupied by Indians, settled by English, exploited by Bostonians, dominated by fishermen, and invaded by tourists—Maine is a rich chowder bubbling with diverse interests and cultures. Woodard tuckers in and savors its rich history and soul.

THE LOBSTER COAST: REBELS, RUSTICATORS, AND THE STRUGGLE FOR A FORGOTTEN FRONTIER, by Colin Woodard (Penguin, 2005)