Man Versus Ball by Jon Hart

Recently I was sent a copy of author Jon Hart's book Man Versus Ball published by Potomac Books in 2013. I had heard of the book in a post by ballhawk Zack Hample and had been curious to give it a read so I was happy to obtain a copy for a review.

What I got when I sat down to read it was not what I had expected. I'd been anticipating blurbs about random sports adventures and what I got was much more. Instead of a series of short stories covering the same sports and the same articles we've all read, I got a chance to essentially sit at a bar rail and listen to one of the more eccentric personalities in New York talk about his meandering through the back alleys of amateur, semi-pro and professional sports. It takes a certain kind of guy to go to mascot school, play roller-basketball and be a concessions vendor in New York City all in one lifetime and Jon Hart is most definitely that guy.

Hart's book captures something every sports fan has had at some point or another, the "I wonder…" moment. Not everyone has the chance to fly across the country to play in the World Cup of roller-soccer or to spend summer afternoons in the stands of Citi Field hawking beer, but Hart took the chance and lets us take a peek at what life on the other side is like. The endless summer we all wish we could've gone wild and knocked off our craziest bucket lists is his reality. It's rarely done, not often talked about but it's all enjoyably accessible in his book.

So do yourself a favor, pull a stool up to the rail, order yourself something tasty to drink, get a copy of Man Versus Ball and enjoy the ride.

RBI (136) Imperfect by Jim Abbott

This post is a bit of a combination book review, player profile, and autograph highlight.

Angel stadium held signing for former pitcher Jim Abbott after he released his book "Imperfect: An Improbable Life" in 2012. I hadn't been able to get Abbott's autograph previously so I jumped at the chance when I heard he would be at the stadium signing. I had been under the impression that with purchase of the book one outside item would be allowed to get signed, but when the signing actually began that wasn't held to be true. I was semi disappointed but I understand that Abbott was there as more than a former ball player and was there as a writer so wanting to get books signed is very understandable.

Abbott was taken by the California Angels 8th overall in the 1988 MLB draft and debuted in the majors without having played any rookie ball. His previous playing experience ranged from high school, Michigan, the Pan American Games and helping to win a "gold" during the demonstration sport debut of baseball in the 1988 Summer Olympics. His career lasted from the 1989 season till 1999 with Abbott spending different stints with the Angels, Yankees, White Sox, and Brewers. He'd retire with 87 Wins, a 4.25 ERA and 888 Strikeouts. He threw a gem for the Yankees pitching a no-hitter against the Indians on September 4, 1993.

Abbott's co-author Tim Brown helped spin his own gem when crafting Imperfect. It's a book that I honestly had a hard time putting down as I was drawn deeper into the narrative. Stories from Abbott's past growing up, playing amateur ball, and thoughts on life and those who inspired him to overcome adversity are intermixed with the story of his no-hitter inning by inning. It's an enthralling read when you begin to see the genuine heart and true grit he maintained to become not only the pitcher he was, but the man. I'm glad to have been able to get Mr. Abbott's autograph for an unusual reason. I'm glad I got his signature because it made me read a book I might have otherwise declined to purchase and read. I'm very happy to have met him and add a Jim Abbott autographed book to my collection.

Ironically the previous autographed books I highlighted were signed by author Ray Bradbury. Bradbury's most well known work Fahrenheit 451 was also published by Imperfect's publisher Ballantine books. If you're looking for a good summer read I highly recommend picking up a copy of Abbott's book. I'm very pleased to have this on my shelf next to my other signed books and think it's a nice change of pace for a Jim Abbott autograph.

RBI (134) Ray Bradbury...

A few years ago I had the opportunity to see distinguished author Ray Bradbury speak about his career.  Bradbury is best known for his works Fahrenheit 451 and the Martian Chronicles, but he was a prolific short story writer and produced many great works and collections beyond those two novels. It was an enlightening experience to hear him talk and I walked away with the idea that literature needed to be protected and helped to grow by people not afraid to write what they believed in.

Interestingly not many people know that Fahrenheit 451 was written on a rental typewriter in the basement of UCLA's Powell library. Not only is it's birth place a little known fact, but it's also not well known that the book was serialized and published in the March, April and May issues of Playboy in 1954 after the magazine was launched in December 1953.

Unfortunately Bradbury has since passed away and one of America's most celebrated authors is no longer with us. I was able however to have the pleasure to meet Mr. Bradbury after his talk and have him sign a pair of his books for me that I will always treasure.

One of my favorite pieces is this Ray Bradbury autographed Martian Chronicles copy.

Also Ray Bradbury autographed "One More For the Road" for me.

Though lately its been difficult to find the time, throughout my life I've always been a reader with a book around for me to work through when I have a few minutes so I've privately enjoyed slowly building an private library of autographed books on my shelf. I know these Ray Bradbury autographed books will forever be a strong cornerstone to continue to build my collection around as not just works of literature but also to me as pieces of Americana.