Sparky!

The outspoken major league manager discusses his abrupt dismissal from the Cincinnati Reds in the 1970s, the managers he admires and the players he respects, and his absence from the early 1989 season

In his 20 years as a manager with the Cincinnati and Detroit ball clubs, Anderson became the only leader to win World Series in both major leagues--as he set all manner of other records. Manager of the Big Red Machine in the 1970s, he reveals here that his refusal to fire some coaches led to his own dismissal in 1978. Even more engrossing is his account of the bout of exhaustion, both mental and physical, that made him take a leave from the Tigers in 1989--when the team was on the way to a last-place finish. Writing with freelancer Ewald, Anderson discusses great managers, singling out Casey Stengel for particular praise, and great players, with especially kind words for Pete Rose, Johnny Bench and Joe Morgan. His comments about the star players of the last two decades are generous in this warmhearted if occasionally repetitious autobiography.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

"I'm a winaholic" is Anderson's response to why he suddenly took leave from his Detroit Tigers' managerial post during a miserable 1989 season. In retrospect he views it as a case of success not only breeding success but an obsession with winning as well. Consequently, when faced with defeat, he decided on a respite. What follows this opening bit of soul-searching is an extended commentary on teams, players, fans, owners, etc., that is noteworthy for its consistently praiseworthy tone. As a manager, Anderson avoids public belittlement of his players, a practice he extends to almost everyone in the business. Fans should find this state-of-the-manager report reassuring, coming from one of the most respected men in the game.
- William H. Hoffman, Ft. Meyers-Lee Cty. P.L., Fla.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.