AMERICANS LOVE SPORTS and hail athletic achievement. They admire the strength of a boxer like Riddick Bowe, marvel at the speed of a football player like Deion Sanders, treasure the grace of a basketball player like Michael Jordan, wonder at the versatility of a heptathlete like Jackie Joyner-Kersee, and prize the dedication and endurance of a baseball player like Cal Ripken Jr. They revel in the excitement of competition and the thrill of victory. Even in the face of defeat, Americans take satisfaction in knowing the competitors have done their absolute best.

Americans by the millions show their appreciation for sports as both participants and devoted fans. At any time of year, weekend or weekday, parks and gymnasiums across the nation teem with youth and adult sports leagues and individuals playing pickup games. Fans fill stadiums, arenas, tracks, courts, and greens or pile up in front of television...