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Off-Topic, But Jim Bouton's New Book Is A MUST Read!

MachodocMachodoc Posts: 541 ✭
in PSA Set Registry Forum
Yes, I know this is waaay off topic, but I simply could not put down Jim Bouton's new book, "Foul Ball". Without giving away too much, it's essentially his diary of his and his partner's struggle to save the old stadium in Pittsfield, Massachusetts in 2001. It's a morality play with all the usuall villans: a large corporation, venal, stupid and semi-corrupt politicians (maybe some fullly corrupt ones as well), a local newspaper and bank out to keep the town in check, and a host of good people who want to save the park. It's a hoot to read and is well worth the effort. Finally, did I mention it is self-published? That's yet another story....

Comments

  • DavinoDavino Posts: 333 ✭
    I'm gonna pick it up. Thanks!
  • GriffinsGriffins Posts: 6,076 ✭✭✭
    I had this on my list as well, Ball Four was one of my favorite books as a kid, and thought this would be worth considering. Top of the list now.
    Any one else have any baseball books that are musts?
    Summer of '49 (Halberstam) is one of my favorites, along with The Glory of Their Times (Ritterband), and Nice Guys Finish Last (Durocher)
    Just got The Teammates (Halberstam again, one of my favorite writers) the story about Pesky, Doerr and Dom DiMaggio going down to Florida to say goodbye to a dying Ted Williams.

    Always looking for Topps Salesman Samples, pre '51 unopened packs, E90-2, E91a, N690 Kalamazoo Bats, and T204 Square Frame Ramly's

  • DavinoDavino Posts: 333 ✭
    I have "A Season In The Sun" in my office, (where I am sitting) , waiting to be re-read. That is a great book. I remember reading the other book(in addition to "Ball Four"), that Jim Bouton wrote, forget the name right now "Ball Five"?
  • GriffinsGriffins Posts: 6,076 ✭✭✭
    The sequel to Ball Four was called "I'm Glad You didn't take it personally" Ball Five was the updated version of Ball Four.
    I'm Glad.... wasn't that great, just dealt with reaction to Ball Four and his getting demoted to the minors and quitting baseball.

    Always looking for Topps Salesman Samples, pre '51 unopened packs, E90-2, E91a, N690 Kalamazoo Bats, and T204 Square Frame Ramly's

  • liffeystynxliffeystynx Posts: 206
    As a long-time Bouton devotee, I'm delighted to say my copy of "Foul Ball" arrived from Amazon yesterday (along with "Moneyball" - my Christmas presents to myself!). I'm really looking forward to it.

    For any of you who haven't read it "Ball Four - The Final Pitch" which was published in 2000 is essential, especially if, like me, you grew up on "Ball Four" as a kid. Something about reaching middle-age, parenthood etc. make this edition all the more affecting. The death of his daughter, Laurie, his son Michael's open letter to George Steinbrenner in the New York Times on Father's Day and the Yankees' subsequent decision to invite the Bulldog back for Old Timers' Day for the first time are all deeply moving. Even if you already have a copy of Ball Four, buy this too.

    And for more:
    Jim Bouton's Website
    Baseball HOF Autographs
    Topps Baseball 1967
    Mike Payne's 300 Great Cards
    MVPs in their MVP years
    and T206???
  • reliefpitcherreliefpitcher Posts: 1
    I didn't think The Teammates was anywhere near Halberstam's best work, but I did enjoy Moneyball and Cup of Coffee this year.

    Charlie
  • goodriddance189goodriddance189 Posts: 2,388 ✭✭
    while we're on the subject of good books, Michael Lewis Moneyball: The Art of Winning An Unfair Game is the best book i've read in ages.
  • MachodocMachodoc Posts: 541 ✭
    Just a suggestion to anyone thinking about buying a copy of Bouton's book that it is available directly from him through his website since he self-published the book. Autographed copies are also available at a pretty reasonable price (no, I don't get a commission for these posts image ). Buying it through Jim is cheaper and eliminates the middleman.
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