There is always a sense of anticipation in this exhilarating game-winning moment, as the intensity of the game has been matched by both teams’ determination. Although initially outplayed by their opponents, the New Canaan Rebels now find themselves at the free-throw line with only one shot left, which will secure their victory and serve as redemption for their earlier loss. Surpassing expectations, despite being considered underdogs, the Rebels have achieved this last-minute shot and inspired those involved – parents, players, and coaches – to achieve victory. This inspiring story of the New Canaan Rebels motivated Mike Lupica to start writing sports-themed stories since his son was part of the team.
Lupica’s inspiration for his first book, Travel Team, came from his son and his friends who were cut from their 7th grade traveling basketball team because they were considered too short. Lupica took it upon himself to form a team for these boys and their experience with the New Canaan Rebels became the basis for his story. Recognizing the potential in the story of his son’s basketball team, Lupica contacted his agent.
The author’s agent requested a three-page synopsis of the story, resulting in its sale the next day. Initially, the novel had an expected sales figure of twenty thousand copies. However, Travel Team surpassed expectations by selling half a million copies and reaching the top spot on the New York Times Young Adult List. This achievement led to the author writing several other popular sports-themed novels. Lupica considers writing these novels as a hobby in addition to his day job as a sports writer and various involvements in the sports industry.
Lupica’s passion for sports was sparked in his childhood when he accompanied his father to witness the induction of baseball legends Bob Feller and Jackie Robinson into the esteemed baseball hall of fame in Cooperstown. This remarkable occasion, occurring at a mere age of ten, had a profound impact on Lupica’s life. Feller gained renown as the inaugural player to throw a fastball exceeding one hundred miles per hour, while Robinson etched his name in history as the first African-American to participate in Major League Baseball. Observing these incredible accomplishments only intensified Lupica’s aspiration to pursue a sports-related career. Nonetheless, his diminutive stature during high school seemed to shatter his dreams of becoming a professional athlete.
During his time in school, he developed a passion for writing about the excitement of sports. He contributed articles to both the school newspaper and a local paper, with a focus on high school sports.
After graduating from Boston College, he continued his writing journey by becoming a writer for the newspaper at his alma mater.
In the summer before his final year of college, The Globe offered him an opportunity to cover the New England Patriots and travel with the team. Despite this tempting offer, Lupica declined so that he could finish his senior year.
After graduating from college, he was recruited to cover the New York Knicks and subsequently joined the New York Daily News, where he became the youngest sports columnist in the city. For over thirty-five years, he has been writing columns for the same newspaper while also hosting a Sunday morning television show on ESPN.
Lupica’s passion for sports shaped his life, drawing from his personal experiences, occupations, and pastimes. Despite not achieving his ultimate goal of becoming a professional athlete, he emerged as a renowned sports columnist and highly successful author, especially known for his popular young adult novels. His upcoming book, QB1, slated to launch on September 13, 2013, delves into the world of sports and is inspired by the celebrated Manning family of quarterbacks. It is anticipated to replicate his previous achievements and become yet another top seller.
