pjkerrison's review against another edition
5.0
Just what I needed when what I needed were stories. Stories about a legend who helped me understand, a little better, a time I know so very little about but am working to learn all I can. The narrator was terrific. The writing, lovely. The subject matter, as good as it gets.
danchrist's review against another edition
4.0
Solid read with great insight into Buck O’Neil, his positive outlook on life, and his service in support of the Negro Leagues. If you love baseball and stories about the men and women who played it, you’ll enjoy this breakneck ride through the final days of this veteran player, manager, scout, and human being.
avisholkoff's review against another edition
4.0
A good book about an empathetic and optimistic baseball leader. Buck's attitude on life and kindheartedness toward everyone he meets is incredible to read. I also learned a great deal about the Negro Leagues and I appreciate Posnanski's emphasis on the on-field (and of course off-field) exploits of players like Satchel Paige and Josh Gibson.
I only gave it 4 stars (rather than 5) because I think I was expecting more of a coherent narrative rather than just a series of vignettes about O'Neil's life and travels across the country? That's probably why it took so long for me to finish an otherwise easy read.
I only gave it 4 stars (rather than 5) because I think I was expecting more of a coherent narrative rather than just a series of vignettes about O'Neil's life and travels across the country? That's probably why it took so long for me to finish an otherwise easy read.
amloyd's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
This is a great feel good story about a forgotten era of sports history that isn’t talked about enough!
wellhemay's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
One of the best books I've read. It reads like an oral history of the negro leagues from both Buck and his friends and former teammates. But the book truly has heart and soul; Buck is larger than life and wonderfully humble all at once. He's a good hugger, a grandson of a slave, one of the most determined men in his career, a charismatic speaker, a kind face to sad people and hopeful children. The sort of man anyone could call their hero.
The author does a fantastic job of never getting in the way of the story as he travels and talks with Buck. The book is a neutral ground where he and Buck meet, and what grows in the soil there is some of the most passionate storytelling I've ever read. The men of the Negro Leagues played damn good ball, and they were treated like shit, but Buck always made it clear they had a good time anyway. Baseball will do that for a person.
The author does a fantastic job of never getting in the way of the story as he travels and talks with Buck. The book is a neutral ground where he and Buck meet, and what grows in the soil there is some of the most passionate storytelling I've ever read. The men of the Negro Leagues played damn good ball, and they were treated like shit, but Buck always made it clear they had a good time anyway. Baseball will do that for a person.
sethmoko's review against another edition
4.0
Glad I finally got to this one. Some great stories. Perfect for audiobook format with the storytelling.