Beyond the Box Score: A Columnist’s Chronicles of Heroes, History and Hot Takes From St. Louis to the East Side

Veteran Illinois journalist Todd Eschman has always viewed sports writing as a low-risk, high-reward proposition. Scores and outcomes may fade in memory, but sports present such powerful metaphors for life that a well-told story can produce profound inspirational impact. Here, Eschman has collected his favorite columns and feature stories from his time as sports editor of the Belleville News-Democrat in southwest Illinois. They include tributes to professional athletes from the St. Louis Metro-East region and their unique accomplishments; a deep look back at historic sports moments that have ties to the region; tributes to legends and characters; and the touching stories of local athletes that capture the true spirit of sports. There are even a few hot takes on some of the sports issues of the day.