Don Baylor: Nothing But the Truth: A Baseball Life

Filled with anecdotes and insights culled from on the field and clubhouse experience, a collection of reflections by a seasoned player chronicles his own hard-hitting career and presents an insider's view of famous baseball personalities

Baylor, one of the most respected figures in baseball, has played with six teams since 1970 and was named the American League's most valuable player in 1979. Assisted by Hartford Conn. Courant sportswriter Smith, he tells the story of his professional years with skill and the generosity of spirit that has made him so popular. He writes of his happy years at Baltimore under scrappy Earl Weaver, his years of frustration, triumph and then disappointment with Gene Autry's Angels. But his gentleness fails him when he talks about his two years with the Yankees under owner George Steinbrenner, whom he portrays as a meddler, and harried managers Billy Martin and Yogi Berra. He was warned that playing for the Bronx Bombers would be hell and he found it so. These particular chapters will almost certainly draw media attention in New York. Photos not seen by PW. 50,000 first printing; $50,000 ad/ promo; author tour.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

A refreshingly honest and unpretentious account of Baylor's long career with six different teams. A rookie with the Orioles in 1970, he played for the Yankees, Angels, and Athletics before finally making it to the World Series with the 1986 Red Sox. The World Series dream turned into a nightmare, as the Sox lost to the Mets in seven games, but was resurrected in 1987 with the Minnesota Twins. Moving again in 1988, he helped the Oakland A's to reach the Series, making him the only major leaguer to play in three consecutive World Series each time with a different team. With unusual candor, he talks about managers Earl Weaver, Gene Mauch, and Billy Martin and expresses his admiration for Angels' owner Gene Autry and disdain for the Yankees' George Steinbrenner. A welcome relief from the usual hackneyed sports biography.
- Jo DeLapo, Queens Lib., New York
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.