Customer Reviews

Out at Home

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I stumbled upon this book recently and read it in about 2 1/2 nights. Milt Pappas was my favorite Oriole pitcher as a kid growing up in Baltimore. The book was very interesting, brought back memories and also filled in a lot of gaps for me. Even though he touched on subjects that were difficult, he presented them in a careful and classy way. I've read other books by ball players like Pepitone's and I didn't much go for the bragging. His book was convincing and made some compelling arguments as to why things happened during his career. I think the book could have used the help of a better editing team. He had a habit of setting the stage for a story and put it off to later in the book which I didn't like, but it didn't deter me from pushing ahead. He was very open about his career and his problems on and off the field. I enjoyed the honesty and glad I had the chance to learn a little more about one of my childhood stars. Thanks Milt!

I REALLY ENJOYED THIS BOOK. MILT PAPPAS IS BRUTELY HONEST AND VERY REALISTIC. THIS BOOK HELD MY INTEREST FROM PAGE 1 TO THE FINISH. HE COVERS HIS PRIVATE LIFE, CAREER, TEAMMATES, AND MANAGERS. HIS EXTRA FLINGS AND AFFAIRS ARE VERY CANDID AND DONE IN GOOD TASTE. HIS LIFE WAS VERY STORMY OFF THE FIELD. HIS DETAILED RELATIONSHIP WITH HIS FIRST WIFE IS VERY SAD AND VOLATILE. HE HAD MANY HARDSHIPS, SOME SELF MADE. HE IS HUMAN AND HE DOES A GREAT JOB WITH THIS MUST READ BOOK. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

not only a mans book but a womens book. the book pulls at your heart strings. the trails and tribulations of milts life on the field and off the field. and what the players had to go through that era and how they paved the way for the players of today to reap the benefits that they recieve today.the players of today dont give a dam about old ballplayers and what milt and the ballplayers did for them. all they care is about themselves. would be an excellent movie.

Milt Pappas, a largely forgotten player, has written a fascinating account of how a baseball career can affect a young family and a deadly account of nearly every game he appeared in from 1957-1973. Unless you are anxious to relive the frustrations of the early sixties Oriole clubs or get some vicarioius kick out of how a talent was often minimized by management, then only a few chapters will be of interest.

This book could also lead to disillusion for the juvenile reader, as it is clear that management and playing personnel are not often pulling together, and that marriage vows are discarded for convenience and the thrill of the chase. Readers will also learn how neglect and boredom can lead to alcoholism and family tragedy. The author would have benefitted from a strong editor and greater self-control.

I just finished this book last night. I am a lifelong baseball fan- esp of pitchers. Very good, some gramatical errors, and publishing flaws, but very, very good. I really enjoyed it. Milt Pappas was a fine pitcher nicknamed "Gimpy", who got a bad rap as a guy who did'nt finish games. By the 1960's standards prob true, by todays standards he'd be a great complete game pitcher (about 1 complete game for every 3 starts).

The book was very good as baseball books go. It was no Ball Four. But it did present Milt's career on and off the field very well. Nearly all of his games were documented. Man he threw a lot of shutouts. What about that near perfect game, probably the first time a no-hitter came as a letdown. I really enjoyed his confrontations with Maris and F. Robinson and the Jim Barr incident (I remember that game!). I still can't believe he grooved Maris' 59th. Oh well. I really didn't know how integral a part he played in the major league baseball player's union during his time. I feel he would have had greater success if he weren't involved in the negiotiations. But somebody had to do it. The book also has a well-written history of baseball's labor union. The circumstances surrounding the tragic loss of his wife were horrible to say the least. About the one-nighters, well, he's no "Milt" Chamberlain. Out At Home is a must read, if you're a true baseball fan of the 60's and early 70's. By the way, the unknown Washington Senators pitcher, in the photograph section, was Russ Kemmerer.

Whether you are an avid baseball follower or a casual observer of the game and its players, this book will appeal to your emotions. "Out At Home", the autobiography of major league baseball player Milt Pappas, chronicles a life of incredible highs and heart wrenching lows. Although Milt's rise to stardom on the field would seem to complete a perfect picture of success, his personal life bore the brunt of his career demands. Accolades and professional status did not compensate for the loss of his wife, and subsequent estrangement of his children and loss of self esteem. Major league players today owe Milt a debt of gratitude for his commitment to players rights, salaries and negotiating power. In his book, Milt deals candidly with his own demons while rising from personal defeat.

REVIEW This book really surprised me. I'm not really into baseball, but I do like biographies. This one made me laugh a lot, but it also made me cry. The pain this poor man went through when his wife disappeared was very real. The writing was excellent, and for once, a sports biography followed the subject's life chronologically. It was a great read.

I loved this book. It was a great book. I love you dad!