Ball Four by Jim Bouton Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Ball Four
Book Review: The Original and still the BEST "inside baseball" book.
Summary: 5 Stars
I have probably read this book cover to cover 20 times, and leafed through it to read passages another 50 more. Jim Bouton blew the lid off baseball with this truly inside view of baseball's salary negotions, horny players, "annies", etc. His timing was socially relevent as well, as this was written during the infancy of the black power movement, the players union and free angency. No other baseball book has ever approached this one in terms of inside poop on stars, political insight, out and out laughs, and historical perspective. This book has given more references to myself and my friends' lexicons than any other.Book Review: You Will Read This Book More Than Once
Summary: 5 Stars
This is not a 'sports book'. It is a people book. It is about struggling pitchers trying to make a living back before million dollar salaries. This book never fails to make me laugh, no matter how many times I read it.Book Review: It doesn't get much better than this
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is still selling almost thirty years after it was originally published. That ought to tell you something.I first read it in 1975 as a rebellious teenager. I found, and continue to find, Bouton's independent streak and courage to be admirable. He refused to play along with the Neanderthals; he mouthed off to bosses; he loved the game and wanted to win and play well. The type of person who could hold the above against him is the sort that is currently being parodied in _Dilbert_ books.
One thing about this book is that it is hilariously funny. His account of his time with the old Portland Mavericks is as funny as his accounts of bullpen and locker-room humour. His style is highly readable and never boring.
And goddess, how he loves the game of baseball. And if you do, as well, and haven't read this book, you have a real treat ahead of you.
Book Review: Need a 90's Version
Summary: 5 Stars
It's a diary about playing baseball in 1980 for an expansion team (the Seattle Pilots) and a contending team (Houston Astros). It has such character and depth that I'd love to see someone do a similar diary today.Nah, it'd probably just be players talking about their investments. . .
Book Review: Hilariously eye-opening look at baseball in 60's and 70's
Summary: 5 Stars
When I first read ball four I would have to put down the book every few pages because I was laughing so hard. I have read it four times now (during spring training) to get me ready for the upcoming season. Its a classic book that not only explains a season in the life of an knuckleball pitcher with a blownout arm but it developes interesting characters that you get to know and love (ex. Hovley, Goosen, Minchner, O'Brien, Schultz) I urge you to read this book, even if you're not a baseball fan, it is great.