Synopses & Reviews
A hilarious, fascinating, and revealing view of the national pastime from the 1930's to the present, Pouring Six Beers at a Time offers a treasure trove of stories by a man once dubbed the P. T. Barnum of Major League Baseball, current Philadelphia Phillies Chairman Bill Giles. His 70 plus years of behind-the-scenes stories are an invaluable treat that no baseball fan will want to miss. From sound effects man for the radio broadcasts of the Cincinnati Reds as a teenager to owner of the Philadelphia Phillies, Bill Giles has been involved in virtually every aspect of the game of baseball. Highlights from his fascinating life include taking overnight train rides with the Reds as a young boy, witnessing the birth of indoor baseball in Houston, bringing the marketing of baseball into the modern eraand#8212;helping to establish traditions and promotions that are now standard, and signing some of the greatest players in modern history with names such as Mike Schmidt, Steve Carlton, Joe Morgan, and Curt Schilling.
Synopsis
Once dubbed the P.T. Barnum of Major League Baseball, Bill Giles has brought more joy and laughter to more people than any other man in the history of the game. The treasure trove of stories in Pouring Six Beers at a Time offers a hilarious, fascinating, and revealing view of the national pastime from the 1930s to the present. Born into a baseball family (his father was president of the Cincinnati Reds and later of the National League, and his godfather was Branch Rickey), Bill was literally raised in Crosley Field in Cincinnati. Ballparks were his home as a child, and he has never left. Having served in nearly every front office position you can name, from the depths of the minor leagues to Houston during the first days of the Astrodome, and on to the Philadelphia Phillies--a team he eventually "bought for $50,000"--there is no better tour guide to baseball's backstage than Bill Giles. You'll laugh out loud at the behind-the-scenes stories of pregame promotional efforts--some that worked and a few that went very much awry. You'll be fascinated by a unique perspective on players, owners, and commissioners. And you'll learn more about the business of baseball than you ever thought a fan could know. Through it all, you'll grow to appreciate this man's deep love and respect for the game that has been the Giles "family business" for nearly a century.
Synopsis
Once dubbed the P.T. Barnum of Major League Baseball, Bill Giles has brought more joy and laughter to more people than any other man in the history of the game. The treasure trove of stories in Pouring Six Beers at a Time offers a hilarious, fascinating, and revealing view of the national pastime from the 1930's to the present. You'll learn more about the business of baseball than you ever thought a fan could know. Through it all, you'll grow to appreciated this man's deep love and respect for the game that has been the Giles family business” for nearly a century.
About the Author
Bill Giles is the former business manager of the Nashville Vols minor League baseball team before moving on to be publicist and marketing director of the Houston Colt .45s and the Astrodome for ten years. In late 1969 he joined the Philadelphia Phillies becoming director of Business operations. In 1981 he put a group together to purchase the Phillies and became CEO until late 1997 when he semi-retired and became chairman of the Phillies. He is still a part owner of the Phillies and Chairman. Giles is the son of former National League president Warren Giles. Doug Myers is the author of several baseball books, including Essential Cubs and Louisville Slugger Complete Book of Pitching.