Terrific Tomes from Triumph and
other Interesting Reads
Out of Chicago Triumph Books is
a purveyor of all kinds of sports books – especially baseball. Out
this spring is a collection of worthies for all interests and all
kinds of fans.
“Of Mikes and Men” by Pete Van
Wieren with Jack Wilkinson (Triumph,$24.95, 224 pages) is as its
sub-title proclaims all about his lifetime of Braves baseball.
Anecdotal, enjoyable, insightful – this book is a must for Braves
fans and others will like it, too.
“Straight Talk from Wild Thing”
by Mitch Williams with Darrell Berger (Triumph, $19.95, 208 pages)
is an outspoken read by one of the more outspoken hurlers in
baseball history, one of the more enjoyable current day
broadcasters. The former fireballing lefty lets it all hang out.
“Stan the Man” by Wayne Stewart
(Triumph, $24.95, 256 pages) is a bouquet of red roses to Stan
Musial, Cardinal legend, one of the great players of all time. From
the cloth-covered rock that was his first baseball to the Brooklyn
Dodger fans who hung the name “the Man” on him through many
interviews providing insights into “Stash,” this is a winning read.
“Al Kaline: the Biography of a
Tigers Icon” by Jim Hawkins (Triumph, $24.95, 288 pages) is all
about the Hall of Famer written by the scribe who in 1970 as a
25-year-old first began covering his subject. We are there through
the many triumphs on and off the baseball field including Kaline’s
career as Tiger commentator from 1975 to 2002.
“Scooter” by Carlo DeVito
(Triumph, @4.95, 384 pages) is all about the wonderful Phil Rizzuto.
Lengthy, detailed, created with loving devotion for the late and
great Yankee shortstop and announcer – this book has a lot to offer.
From Penguin/Gotham comes “Homer
Kelley’s Golfing Machine” (paper, $16.00) a title that is full of
secrets revealed behind the art and science of the perfect swing.
“The Game From Where I Stand” by
Doug Glanville (Henry Holt/Times Books, $25.00, 304 pages) is quick
reading but also an unsatisfying work by this ex MLB outfielder and
multi-featured media figure on many outlets. He set out to offer
insights into the human side of the game. Sophomoric stuff.
“Swinging from My Heels” by Christina Kim and Alan
Shipnuck (Bloomsbury, $25.00, 240 pages) is the tale with all kinds
of behind the scenes gossip and insight of Kim, one of the most
popular LPGA players since she was a 19-year-old in 2003. Warts and
all - this is a moving read.
MOST NOTABLE: "JEWISH MAJOR LEAGUERS, 2000-2009,"
Deck of the Decade, produced by Jewish Major Leaguers, Inc.("JML"),
a not-for-profit organization. You don't have to even be Jewish to
want to buy these cards available at $36 via the JML web-site
www.jewishmajorleaguers.org.
