HOT CORNER

What: “America’s Athletes.”

Authors: 52 sports celebrities.

Photography: Sandra Tenuto.

Price: Hardcover, $39.95; softcover: $29.95.

Picture this: An energetic freelance photographer decides to put together a book of photos and patriotic essays by sports stars, with proceeds to go to the stars’ favorite charities.

Sandra Tenuto, a former team photographer for the Arizona Diamondbacks and Phoenix Coyotes who now shoots photos for major magazines, has pulled it off big time.

The photography is excellent, and the essays are heartwarming.

The timing of the release of the book, which was more than two years in the making, couldn’t be better, what with patriotic feelings running high during this holiday season.

Typical of the essays is one by Holly McPeak, beach volleyball star and the wife of Leonard Armato, commissioner of the Assn. of Volleyball Professionals.

Next to a striking photo of McPeak are her words, which read in part:

“Through sports we learn teamwork, discipline, goal-setting and unity, the same values that make a strong nation.”

From Roger Clemens:

“The pride and freedom that comes from being an American is what opens our hearts to dreams that can come true.”

From Tracy McGrady:

“I hope never to see such a horrible event again ... but I hope I never lose the feeling of gratitude for my country and our way of life that Sept. 11 solidified in me.”

From Curt Schilling, in the book’s foreword:

“Sept. 11, 2001, a day that will conjure memories in much the same way Dec. 7, 1941, has. Initially, there is anger, pain and resentment. Then comes the pride and honor displayed by Americans around the world following those horribly tragic days.”

-- Larry Stewart