♦ The Oklahoman reviewed R.A. Dickey’s memoir. Upshot: “This isn’t just a book about baseball. It’s a book, as Dickey often said, about hope. Hope of attaining his dream. Hope of being happy. Hope of proving people wrong about being a knuckleball pitcher. How he reaches each point of hope is an incredible journey, and certainly one worth reading.”
♦ The Detroit Free Press published this on native son (Flint is close enough for jazz to this New Jerseyan) Jim Abbot’s Imperfect. Upshot: “While the book centers on that no-hitter, it is hardly a mere rundown of Abbott’s accomplishments.” The piece also features a Q&A with Abbot. Scroll to the end for a list of Abbot’s appearances in the area.
♦ According to this blogger/reviewer, The Art of Fielding“exceeded my expectations.” She also admits, “I’m not a big baseball fan…,” which goes to the continuing debate over whether this book is as good as the attention it’s received.
♦ The Deseret News published this one on Trading Manny. Upshot: “The biggest stars of “Trading Manny” are fatherhood and the relationship between a father who looks for lessons to share and a son who absorbs them from his greatest hero.”
♦ The aforementioned Deseret News also offers this Calico Joe review. Upshot: “To put it in baseball terms, “Calico Joe” is not a bottom-of-the-ninth, two outs, game-winning hit in the postseason, it’s more like the home team coming back to win after trailing by several runs in the fifth inning on a warm summer evening. It’s not the most dramatic performance in sports history, but it’s still heartwarming and powerful.”
♦ Speaking of pitchers’ memoirs, the Beaver (PA) County Times ran this on Steve Blass’ A Pirate For Life. Upshot: “Blass has produced a thoughtful and entertaining book, well worth the attention of any Pirates fan.”
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