George Brett: From Here To Cooperstown [Hardcover]

George Brett (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 1999

There was no blare of trumpet at the beginning. A document was signed on June 25, 1971, which read: "The Billings Baseball Club, herein called the Club, a member of the Pioneer League, and George Howard Brett, herein called the player, of 628 Penn Street, El Segundo, California, are parties to this contract." The agreement called for a signing bonus of $25,000 and a salary of $500 per month. Nearly 28 years later, on January 6, 1999, the player in question received another official notification, postmarked in Cooperstown, New York, which read: "Dear George: Please accept our heartiest congratulations upon your election to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, baseball's most singular honor ... (and) the world's most exclusive and best known fraternity." In between that first professional contract and the historic letter from the Hall, George Brett lived a dream—not to mention racking up 3,154 hits, three American League batting titles, a World Series ring with the 1985 Kansas City Royals, and assorted other records and awards too numerous to recount. Now at last, it is time for George to share his own thoughts, memories, recollections, and feelings about the long and exciting journey. For everyone who has thrilled to George's accomplishments and admired his blue-collar, head-first approach to the game he loves,From Here to Cooperstown is a joy indeed. This volume includes George's retrospective on everything from the childhood that molded him through his day-to-day battles on the field, and concludes with the genuine awe he feels at being given baseball's grandest compliment -- the Hall of Fame. George Brett touched millions of people in and out of the game itself, and they will treasure this collection of magnificent (and some never-before published) photographs, as well as quotes, anecdotes, and one-shot yarns about No. 5 from dozens of sources—family members, former teammates, friends, celebrities, and so many more whose respect for George remains rich and deep.

Editorial Reviews

Review

I'd like to be remembered as the guy who always played hard and ran out every ball. (George Brett )

About the Author

George Brett spent his entire 21-year career with the Kansas City Royals and established himself as one of the great baseball players of any generation. Now a Royals vice-president and businessman involved in several other ventures -- including part-ownership of minor-league baseball and hockey franchises -- Brett lives with his wife Leslie, and sons Jackson, Dylan, and Robin in Mission Hills, Kansas. Steve Cameron has been a sports journalist for three decades and was the first media member to interview George Brett as a major leaguer -- moments after the rookie's debut in 1973. Cameron has won numerous writing awards and counts 11 books in print, includingLast of a Breed, a biography of Brett completed in 1993. Cameron is a newspaper sports editor in suburban Salt Lake City and lives with his wife, Sylvia, and three children in Pleasant Grove, Utah.

George Brett spent his entire 21-year career with the Kansas City Royals and established himself as one of the great baseball players of any generation. Now a Royals vice-president and businessman involved in several other ventures -- including part-ownership of minor-league baseball and hockey franchises -- Brett lives with his wife Leslie, and sons Jackson, Dylan, and Robin in Mission Hills, Kansas.

Steve Cameron has been a sports journalist for three decades and was the first media member to interview George Brett as a major leaguer -- moments after the rookie's debut in 1973. Cameron has won numerous writing awards and counts 11 books in print, includingLast of a Breed, a biography of Brett completed in 1993. Cameron is a newspaper sports editor in suburban Salt Lake City and lives with his wife, Sylvia, and three children in Pleasant Grove, Utah.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 112 pages
• Publisher: Taylor Trade Publishing (May 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1886110794
• ISBN-13: 978-1886110793
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 8.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #999,134 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WOW, February 7, 2001

By 

Jason (Kansas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: George Brett: From Here To Cooperstown (Hardcover)

Steve Cameron's latest work with George Brett is a must for any fan of the greatest game. For everyone who has thrilled to George's accomplishments and admired his blue-collar, headfirst approach to the game he loves, "From Here to Cooperstown" is a joy indeed. This book captures the entire story of Brett's career where he had a lifetime average of .305, 3154 hits, and 1595 runs batted in. Great photos and layout compliment the authoring by Steve Cameron. It includes a great section that has quotes and comments from players, coaches, and writers, that have watched George Brett move from a shaky Single A player to the Hall of Famer that he is. Another feature in this book is that George Brett shares his thoughts, emotions, memories, his recollections, and his feelings about the long journey. It captures the entire story of Brett's career from childhood through his many years with the Kansas City Royals. It also does an outstanding job of building an understanding of why Brett is so passionate about the game of baseball. Here is a quote from George on how he would like to be remembered. "I'd like to be remembered as the guy who always played hard and ran out every ball." Although George has made it to the Hall of Fame he thanks many for his success. George would later add in his Hall of Fame speech a thought about his parents. George said," To my parents, Jack and Ethel. Thanks for the endless hours of support and love. You taught me the qualities of life that I will pass along to your grandchildren, Jackson, Dylan, and Robin. I would recommend this book to all players in high school, College, and the Minors because of the lessons it teaches about respect for the game and a personal commitment to excellence.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Welcome to the Hall of Fame George, July 29, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: George Brett: From Here To Cooperstown (Hardcover)

This book captures the entire story of Brett's career from childhood through his many years with the Kansas City Royals. Great photographs and layout compliment the authoring by Steve Cameron. Unlike other books on Brett, this book is an autobiography. A "must" for any baseball fan.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Love of the Game, January 20, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: George Brett: From Here To Cooperstown (Hardcover)

Steve Cameron's latest work with George Brett is a must for any fan of the greatest Game. It does an outstanding job of building an understanding of why Brett is so passionate about baseball.

There is a great section containing comments from players, coaches, writers that have watched George Brett move from a shaky Single A player to the Hall of Famer that he is.

I almost think this book should be required reading for all players in high school, college and the minors because of the lessons it teaches about respect for the game and personal commitment to excellence.

Until reading this book, I was sure that no one could love the game of baseball more than I did. George Brett is the one man that does.