Join 2006 Reds Hall of Famer Tom Browning for legendary tales of festivity (1990 World Series Championship), immortality (a perfect game in 1988), and a bit of eccentricity (life with Marge Schott). What was his reaction to the lifetime suspension of his manager and friend, Pete Rose? How did a ragtag group of Cincinnati ballplayers topple the mighty Oakland A's in the 1990 Fall Classic? And was that really Browning on a Sheffield Avenue rooftop--in uniform--during a 1993 Reds-Cubs game at Wrigley Field?
After growing up a devoted Reds fan in Casper, Wyoming, Browning was drafted by the team in 1982. Two years later, he was in the majors and sharing a clubhouse with his childhood heroes, including Pete Rose, Davey Concepcion, and Tony Perez. And in no time, he was raising hell with other Reds legends such as Eric Davis, Barry Larkin, Dave Parker, Jose Rijo, Chris Sabo, Ronnie Oester, and Lou Piniella.
He devotes an entire chapter to the crazy events surrounding his 1988 perfect game, considered one of the greatest moments in Reds history. Browning explains how Kirk Gibson stole his celebration move and used it in the 1988 World Series, why Reds broadcaster Joe Nuxhall nearly knocked himself unconscious to get the postgame interview, and how Browning's kids shocked memorabilia dealers everywhere by eventually losing the ball from the last out of the perfect game.
Browning also recounts why he went AWOL during Game 2 of the 1990 World Series, the reasoning behind Marge slapping him while on their way to the White House, and how breaking his arm--while delivering a pitch--ultimately ended his career.
The former All-Star and newest member of the Reds Hall of Fame shares these gems and many more in the much-anticipated Tom Browning's Tales from the Reds Dugout.
Tom Browning (born April 28, 1960 in Casper, Wyoming) broke into Major League Baseball with 20 wins for the Reds in 1985, becoming the first rookie to win 20 since the Yankees' Bob Grim in 1954. He pitched a perfect game on September 16, 1988 against the Los Angeles Dodgers. He suffered a career-ending injury in 1994 when he broke his left arm while delivering a pitch. He attempted to return from his injury in 1995 with the Kansas City Royals, but he retired after pitching only two games.
Dann Stupp, a member of the Society for American Baseball Research, is currently consumer marketing manager for the Cincinnati Reds. He graduated from the University of Missouri School of Journalism with honors, and in 2003, published his first book, Opening Day at Great American Ball Park. He previously covered baseball for the San Francisco Chronicle's "Giants Today" section and has been providing play-by-play for MLB.com's Gameday coverage since 2002.
