Customer Reviews

Mike Schmidt: Philadelphia's Hall of Fame Third Baseman

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

There have been many players to grace the hot corner, Arky Vaughan, Pie Traynor, George Brett, Wade Boggs, George Kell, however none of them hold a candle to Michael Jack Schmidt and this book tells why.

From his days at Ohio State to his glory years in Philadelphia, Mike Schmidt is the standard by which all other third basemen are measured. He set a record for most home runs in a season by a third baseman.

He also holds the record for most home runs in a career, and on magical day in Chicago he belted 4 home runs on consecutive at bats. The reading of this book was truly a pleasure.

Ranking tied for second on the best of 1999 in my reviews, you'll be hard pressed to find another book like this. The true book for the serious Phillies fan and for those true baseball purists. I can't say enough great things about this book!

"Although I have not personally attended a game in well over 35 years, I can appreciate the personal heroism and character attributed to Schmidt by Dr. Kashatus.

The author does a nice job recounting Schmidt's career -- that is to say, his research was good. That being said, there's a temptation when someone writes about his boyhood hero (and the author expresses his admiration for Schmidt in the introduction) to put the subject on a pedestal no matter what, to apologize for perceived problems, or, worse, both. Unfortunately, the author falls victim to both temptations, and the book suffers because of it. The book will serve those who don't know much about Schmidt fairly well. For those who know more about him, you won't learn much that is new. The book also lacks meaningful analysis about Schmidt's career. In summary, I expected more on this subject and from this author, and I was disappointed.

The danger when someone writes about a childhood hero (which the author admits in his introduction) is that the author can idolize the subject without question, apologize for certain aspects of his baseball life, or worse, both. Kashatus' book is well-researched, but it falls prey to both temptations. The result is a somewhat saccharine effort whose goal is to lionize Schmidt without much critical analysis regarding Schmidt's approach to the game and the fans. If you don't know much about Schmidt, then the book might be helpful, but if you do, you'll be disappointed.

As far as the book itself goes, it is a very factual, general account of Michael Jack and his career. Mostly gleaned from old newpaper clippings and quotes, it reads more like a history book than anything. (although I was able to skim through it in just an hour at the library). Not being a fan of baseball whatsoever, this biography actually did nothing for me. So why the 4 stars?

I'll tell you why. I am from the Philadelphia area and am very familiar with our reputation as fans. I am a Flyers, Sixers, Eagles and Phillies fan, I will never sell out no matter how bad those clowns are and no matter where I live. Schmitty always whined and cried about the treatment he received there and there's one little passage in this book thats worth your time to read.

One snowy morning, Michael "2 Bad knees and a dream" Jack was chasing after his daughter when 2 kids saw him and excitedly started yelling his name. Turning to happily acknowledge the tykes, he was then proclaimed a, "choker." He cried. Now thats funny stuff.