Book excerpt: Mainers are known to be fiercely loyal, to their culture, history, and heritage, and to their favorite hometown sports heroes. Many of these heroes have gone on to have legendary careers on the national stage from Louis Sockalexis, the first Native American to play professional baseball, to Joan Benoit Samuelson, the first woman to win gold in an Olympic marathon. There’s Seth Wescott, Olympic gold medal snowboarder; Joey Gamache, junior lightweight world champion boxer, and "Fly Rod" Crosby, Maine's first Registered Maine Guide. For every household name, there are countless local legends that are just as revered. Journalist Nancy Griffin presents a surprising range of athletes in this collection of short profiles and achievements. You’ll find superstars in everything from baseball and hockey to golf, shooting, and harness racing.