There are a lot of good books out there if you are already familiar with C++. "Mastering MFC development using Visual C++" comes to mind. If you are new to programming, taking some classes just to get your wits about you on 1) Programming in general and 2) Object Oriented programming is probably needed.
Also, if you are preparing to do a large project, good luck. Games like OOTP and Front Office Football are HUGE undertakings. As one of the developers for <a href="http://www.land-sports.com" target="_blank">Faceoff! Hockey</a>, I can tell you that it is VERY difficult to juggle a job, your life and development on the side. Makes me appreciate people like Marcus, Jim Gindin, Clay Dreslaugh and the other independent developers out there even more.
Ryan