For Dodger fans, the years 1977 to 1981 mark the team’s glory days, and High Fives, Pennant Drives, and Fernandomania chronicles the highlights and disappointments that marked those four tumultuous seasons.
Told from lifelong fan Paul Haddad’s perspective, the story of the Dodgers during this time period is enhanced by transcripts of radio and TV calls that are woven into his personal recollections, capturing famed Dodgers sportscaster Vin Scully at the top of his game.
From Jerry Ruess’s no-hitter and Rick Monday’s epic homer against Montreal to the magical rookie year of Fernando Valenzuela and the 1981 World Series, all of the famous Dodger moments are commemorated in great detail.
In addition to the chronological narrative, each chapter contains lists, trivia, sidebars, and interesting statistics that make the exciting culture and fan frenzy that surrounded the Dodgers’ last great dynasty come to life.
Paul Haddad is an Emmy-winning television writer and executive producer who has worked on shows for Discovery Networks, Fox Sports, Travel Channel, National Geographic and AMC, among others. His articles have appeared in magazines such as Filmmaker, LA Sports & Fitness, and the Los Angeles Times Magazine. He was featured in ESPN Films' 30 for 30 documentary series in an episode recapping the phenomenon of Fernandomania. He lives in Los Angeles.
Jon Weisman, who wrote the Foreword, is the former proprietor of
Dodger Thoughts, a popular weblog about the Los Angeles Dodgers. He current oversees Digital and Print Content for the Los Angeles Dodgers.