BALLS

by Graig & Peter Golenbock Nettles ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 30, 1984

Lots of cracks at George Steinbrenner, sure--but Nettles' recap of his eleven years with the Yankees is written (or scripted) with as much relish as reproach. ""The crazy time really began when Reggie announced he was the straw that stirred the drink, and of course Billy right away wanted Reggie to know that he, Billy was the straw. And all the while, there was George, sitting in the front office, thinking he was stirring the drinks. I'll tell you, for a couple of years there, there was a lot of stirring going on."" Nettles gibes at Steinbrenner for thinking, he, Nettles, was too old to play at 38 because Steinbrenner was fat at 25: ""He doesn't realize that as an athlete, I know how to refuse a hot fudge sundae."" He dumps on Steinbrenner for dumping on the players, thinking he can get them to win that way. He has a lot to say about Steinbrenner overloading the team with talent, then letting that talent sit on the bench; about the turnover, the insecurity. But he salutes Steinbrenner for getting the talent, spending the money. And while Steinbrenner is mocked for turning the game into show biz--""People don't come out unless there is controversy. George knows that."" There are kudos straight through for Billy Martin: for his confidence in his players, for standing up to Steinbrenner--along with unhappiness when ""it looks like Billy is going to start platooning me."" And there are good words for most of Nettles' teammates (even Reggie). Only the press gets a thorough lambasting. On recent uproars, Nettles says he was the one who spotted the illegal pine tar on George Brett's bat; and he has a full explanation (the only one around) for Oscar Robertson's early-hours auto accident last year. Froth the looks of things--""All we need from George is a fighting chance""--Nettles didn't think his sallies would be taken all-that-seriously. Well, he learned better--meanwhile adding a snappy volume to the Steinbrenner/Yankee saga.

Pub Date: April 30, 1984

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Putnam

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 1984

Categories: NONFICTION