1 comments about Ken Griffey Jr..

1. This book is a great way to learn about ken griffey jr. i think it is kool b/c baseball legends coaches, and anaylists such reggie jackson, rickey henderson, tony LaRusa, tim McCarver and kens griffey sr(kens dad)tell what hes like and about his work ethnics. so when u want to learn about ken griffey jr, choose this book.

3 comments about Conquering Life's Curves: Baseball, Battles & Beyond.

1. As an avid K.C. Royals fan, I too jumped on the 'Why did we trade David Cone for Ed Hearn' bandwagon back in 1987. After reading Ed's book and meeting him in person, I realize how shallow I was. Ed's story is a must read for all sports enthusiasts and everyone who has overcome and is need of overcoming their own 'curves' in life. God bless Ed on touching lives through this book and his many speaking engagements. His signed copy will always be at the front of my bookcase



2. Mr. Hearn's story is terrific! He courageously talks about the ups and downs of professional baseball playing, and ties these to the ups and downs of kidney disease. His story is one of winning, and meeting the challenges, despite being asked to "catch some real foul balls" in his struggle to overcome the limitations of chronic kidney failure and dialysis. I would recommend every professional who works with people who suffer from debilitating, chronic disease to read Mr. Hearn's book!



3. On the surface, Ed Hearn had a brief and undistinguished career as a catcher in the major leagues. However, there is so much below the surface that needed to be told, and Hearn tells it all, the good and bad.
   Hearn had a promising career as a catcher. He gives an excellent look into his life throughout school as a star athlete. He does not hold back as he tells his story, blemishes and all.
   Tragically, Hearn was stricken with kidney problems, requiring a transplant. Once again, Hearn tackles this part of the story with brutal honesty. Sometimes it is painful. Sometimes it is heart-wrenching. At all times, it is inspirational.
   Hearn never made a major league All-Star team, but he is truly an All-Star in life.

5 comments about In the Ballpark: The Working Lives of Baseball People.

1. The fact that the subject is baseball is beside the point. The authors have shown skill, humour, and insight in their ability to identify and highlight all the areas that go into making the game what it is. Some of the people are likable, some you even feel sorry for, but the tact, taste, and even the occasional lack of objectivity serve to make this an enjoyable read. (Coming from a family with many anthropoligists, I can say I've never read anything as fun to read as this.)



2. Best baseball book ever



3. Beneath all the publicity, the stories of superstars signing for mega-bucks and of those who blow it all, this book gives us a look at the people who try to make a career in baseball just because they love the game. Some of them succeed, others fail. But they all seem to have an undying love for the game and what it means to the American way of life.

   This book was certainly well worth the time. I recommend it to any baseball fan.




4. I have been a baseball fan for over 40 years, and after reading this fascinating book I will never look at a baseball game, a ballpark or baseball in general the same way ever again. I could not put this book down. It's like a full body CAT scan of something most of us have never seen beneath the skin, or, if we are baseball readers, perhaps at best a few x-rays. Thank you Gmelch and Weiner for writing it. I have been recommending this book to every serious baseball fan I know and I am adding it to my gifts list.



5. Yes, the material is compelling. But beware. The Smithsonian Institution hardback edition is as sloppily edited as any book ever released by a major publisher, with dozens of lazy transcriptions. The names of Tony LaRussa and Lou Piniella are among those misspelled. The Reds broadcaster Joe Nuxhall becomes Joe Mecksaw. Perhaps those errors have been corrected in later editions. If not, you may have a hard time getting past them.

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1 comments about Voices from the Pastime: Oral Histories of Surviving Major Leaguers, Negro Leaguers, Cuban Leaguers and Writers, 1920-1934.

1. Mr. Wilson has done a wonderful job of researching and writing this book. The stories are written very well, using colorful and illustrative language. This book makes a tremendous gift for the baseball fan.

No comments about Batboys and the World of Baseball (Studies in Popular Culture).

No comments about Future Stars: The Rookies of 2003-2004 (Future Stars: The Rookies).

5 comments about Out at Home.

1. not only a mans book but a womens book. the book pulls at your heart strings. the trails and tribulations of milts life on the field and off the field. and what the players had to go through that era and how they paved the way for the players of today to reap the benefits that they recieve today.the players of today dont give a dam about old ballplayers and what milt and the ballplayers did for them. all they care is about themselves. would be an excellent movie.



2. I just finished this book last night. I am a lifelong baseball fan- esp of pitchers. Very good, some gramatical errors, and publishing flaws, but very, very good. I really enjoyed it. Milt Pappas was a fine pitcher nicknamed "Gimpy", who got a bad rap as a guy who did'nt finish games. By the 1960's standards prob true, by todays standards he'd be a great complete game pitcher (about 1 complete game for every 3 starts).



3. Milt Pappas, a largely forgotten player, has written a fascinating account of how a baseball career can affect a young family and a deadly account of nearly every game he appeared in from 1957-1973. Unless you are anxious to relive the frustrations of the early sixties Oriole clubs or get some vicarioius kick out of how a talent was often minimized by management, then only a few chapters will be of interest.

   This book could also lead to disillusion for the juvenile reader, as it is clear that management and playing personnel are not often pulling together, and that marriage vows are discarded for convenience and the thrill of the chase. Readers will also learn how neglect and boredom can lead to alcoholism and family tragedy. The author would have benefitted from a strong editor and greater self-control.




4. I REALLY ENJOYED THIS BOOK. MILT PAPPAS IS BRUTELY HONEST AND VERY REALISTIC. THIS BOOK HELD MY INTEREST FROM PAGE 1 TO THE FINISH. HE COVERS HIS PRIVATE LIFE, CAREER, TEAMMATES, AND MANAGERS. HIS EXTRA FLINGS AND AFFAIRS ARE VERY CANDID AND DONE IN GOOD TASTE. HIS LIFE WAS VERY STORMY OFF THE FIELD. HIS DETAILED RELATIONSHIP WITH HIS FIRST WIFE IS VERY SAD AND VOLATILE. HE HAD MANY HARDSHIPS, SOME SELF MADE. HE IS HUMAN AND HE DOES A GREAT JOB WITH THIS MUST READ BOOK. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.



5. I stumbled upon this book recently and read it in about 2 1/2 nights. Milt Pappas was my favorite Oriole pitcher as a kid growing up in Baltimore. The book was very interesting, brought back memories and also filled in a lot of gaps for me. Even though he touched on subjects that were difficult, he presented them in a careful and classy way. I've read other books by ball players like Pepitone's and I didn't much go for the bragging. His book was convincing and made some compelling arguments as to why things happened during his career. I think the book could have used the help of a better editing team. He had a habit of setting the stage for a story and put it off to later in the book which I didn't like, but it didn't deter me from pushing ahead. He was very open about his career and his problems on and off the field. I enjoyed the honesty and glad I had the chance to learn a little more about one of my childhood stars. Thanks Milt!

No comments about Beckett Great Sports Heroes: Mickey Mantle (Beckett Great Sports Heroes).

No comments about Beckett Great Sports Heroes: Ken Griffey Jr. (Beckett Sport Stars).