Book Review:Pete Rose An American Dilemma

BLUEJAYWAY

Authored by Kostya Kennedy,2014. I've never read a "complete" accounting of the "Hit King" before this book. I was enlightened to the many facets of his life. There are details on his growing up,his wives,family (especially his relationship with his brother,a ballplayer and Vietnam vet),interactions with fellow ballplayers. And yes it covers the gambling aspects as well, but spares us of many of the details of the Dowd report. But Mr.Dowd is often quoted in the book in regard to his thoughts about Pete the man. His jump to the Phillies and the staunch supporting there of Pete by Mike Schmidt is detailed as well. The hit streak and the night he broke Cobbs record. I particulally liked the chapters denoting Petes trips to Cooperstown during induction ceremony day. Many details here and I felt like I was in Cooperstown. There are references to Pete by the inductees in their speeches on that day. Also are a few chapters to Pete Jr. and his relationship with his Father. As I said before having never read a book on Pete I learned much and you may learn a few things as well, which is never a bad thing.

esquiresports

Thanks for the review. I had a chance to sit down and speak with him for quite a while last year (in Vegas, of course), and I was really impressed with his baseball knowledge and memory. I walked away a much bigger fan than I expected.