Synopses & Reviews
Baseball in the 1970s--remember how awesome it was? It was a decade of heroes and upsets and dramatic freeze-frame moments. Never had the game been more exciting. Never did it change so radically. In this wonderful oral history, veteran sportswriter Phil Pepe brings one incredible baseball decade back to life in the words of the guys who played--and lived--the game.
Hear union leader Marvin Miller recount St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Curt Flood's monumental challenge of the iron-clad reserve clause, and the dawning of the age of free agency. Ron Blomberg recalls his time at bat as the game's first Designated Hitter. Earl Weaver and Brooks Robinson describe the Orioles dismantling of The Big Red Machine. Ralph Houk and Rusty Staub relive the actions and antics of Tigers rookie sensation Mark "The Bird" Fidrych. And Diane Munson shares her heart about her husband, Yankee captain Thurman Munson, after he died in a tragic plane crash.
It was the first time a player ever earned a million bucks. Hank Aaron became the all-time home run king. Electronic scoreboards blazed against the night sky. Fans screamed "Ya gotta believe" and sang "We Are Family." All this happened in one amazing decade--and it's all right here in one stupendous book. The memories and the marvels of more than forty voices, from Bernie Carbo, Rennie Stennett, and Mike Torrez, to Tom Seaver, George Steinbrenner, and Reggie Jackson--Phil Pepe weaves their recollections into one of the most enjoyable baseball books ever written.
Synopsis
Baseball in the 1970s -- remember how fabulous it was? It was a decade of heroes and upsets and dramatic freeze-frame moments. Never had the game been more exciting. Never did it change so radically. In this wonderful oral history featuring interviews with more than thirty-five players, managers, coaches, scouts, announcers, and owners, veteran sportswriter Phil Pepe brings one incredible baseball decade back to life in the words of the guys who played -- and lived -- the game.
The decade was only sixteen days old when St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Curt Hood initiated what may prove to be the most important legal action in baseball history -- his challenge of the iron-clad reserve clause. On the lighter side, the 1970s ushered in wife-swapping pitchers, fu manchus, and Disco Demolition night; it was the first time a player ever earned a million bucks. Fans were screaming "Ya gotta believe" and "We are family", while terms like designated hitter, free agent, and night World Series game entered the lexicon of the game.
Ron Blomberg became the first DH. The Big Red Machine dominated the National League. Reggie Jackson had a candy bar named after him. Hank Aaron became the all-time home-run king. And Yankee captain Thurman Munson died in a tragic plane crash. It all happened in one amazing decade -- and it's all here in one stupendous book.
About the Author
Longtime New York sportswriter Phil Pepe currently broadcasts a radio sports column called "Pep Talk on New York's CBS-FM (America's #1 radio station). Over the years he has written numerous books about baseball and famous ball players. He also organizes the annual Baseball Writers of America Awards Dinner. Mr. Pepe makes his home in Englewood, New Jersey.