Remembering John Feinstein
Prolific sports writer John Feinstein died at the age of 69
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The world of sports journalism lost a giant with the passing of John Feinstein. A prolific writer with 48 books to his name—including A Season on the Brink, one of the best-selling basketball books of all time—Feinstein's impact on sports media is undeniable. His ability to weave deeply researched, compelling narratives about athletes, coaches, and the human side of competition set a standard for sports writing that few could match.
In this episode of The Chicago Smokehouse, John Howell is joined by Chicago Sun-Times columnist and Sports Writers Hall of Fame member Rick Telander to reflect on Feinstein’s legacy, his uncompromising approach to journalism, and the impact he left on those who knew him.
John Feinstein’s Approach to Journalism
Feinstein wasn’t just a storyteller—he was a journalist with an unrelenting drive to uncover the truth. He didn’t chase controversy, but he never shied away from it. He embedded himself within the stories he told, most famously spending an entire season with Bobby Knight and the Indiana Hoosiers to write A Season on the Brink.
“Bobby Knight hated it,” Rick Telander recalls. “But his outrage only made the book explode in popularity.”
That tension between Feinstein and his subjects was a recurring theme throughout his career. He didn’t write to please people—he wrote to tell their stories, warts and all.
A Lifelong Passion for Sports and Writing
Feinstein’s love for sports wasn’t limited to basketball. He wrote about everything from minor league baseball (Where Nobody Knows Your Name) to professional golf (A Good Walk Spoiled). His ability to capture the struggles of lesser-known athletes made his books stand out.
“I read his book on minor league baseball years ago,” Howell says. “And Tales from Q-School—his book on the brutal process of making the PGA Tour—was just fantastic.”
Feinstein had an eye for the overlooked and an instinct for drama. He gave readers a glimpse into the pressure, sacrifices, and heartbreak that defined the lives of athletes, whether they were fighting for a roster spot or coaching on the biggest stages.
A Personal Connection: Telander on Feinstein
Telander and Feinstein weren’t close friends, but as two longtime sportswriters, they crossed paths often. Telander remembers Feinstein as intelligent, opinionated, and deeply committed to his work.
“Sportswriters are guys who like to talk, like to meet up and share in our misery,” Telander jokes. “And John was no exception. We had great conversations.”
Feinstein’s dedication to his craft was unmatched. He was writing columns and working on books up until the very end.
“Did he work himself to death?” Telander wonders. “I don’t know. But working was John Feinstein. That was his life.”
The Art of Sportswriting in the Digital Age
Howell and Telander also touch on how sportswriting has changed in an era of recorded interviews and digital fact-checking. The days of crafting an iconic quote from memory—like the famous “Joe, you’ve never heard such cheering.” / “Yes, I have.” exchange between Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio—are largely over.
“There’s an art to sportswriting that’s been lost,” Telander laments. “Now, everything is recorded, transcribed, and fact-checked to death. It takes some of the magic out of it.”
Feinstein, however, managed to keep that magic alive, blending deep research with compelling storytelling.
Rooting for the Underdog
One of Feinstein’s trademarks was his love for the underdog. Whether it was struggling golfers, overlooked college athletes, or the harsh reality of minor league baseball, he always found the drama in the pursuit, not just the victory.
“Who roots for Goliath?” Telander asks. “Nobody. That’s why Feinstein’s stories worked. He made us care about the little guy.”
Feinstein’s Legacy
Feinstein’s death at 69 was a shock to many in the sports world. His passing serves as a reminder of how much he contributed to sports journalism—not just in the number of books he wrote, but in the stories he preserved for future generations.
“He never slowed down,” Telander says. “And that’s what made him great.”
Feinstein’s work remains essential reading for anyone who loves sports, storytelling, and the pursuit of truth. Whether you’re revisiting A Season on the Brink or discovering his lesser-known works, his writing continues to inspire.