Customer Reviews

Tales from the Cubs Dugout

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

 

 

I was disappointed. The title says "Tales From the Cubs Dugout" and yet its obvious that the author didn't bother talking with any of the players. Where were the accounts in Ernie Banks' own words? Or Billy Williams? Or Ron Santo's? Or Andy Pafko's? Or Mark Grace? These players are all very accessible and are more than willing to talk about their days in a Cubs uniform.

Instead, the author has chosen to re-tell stories that have been told over and over again. And even that's being generous as most of the tales aren't even tales - but rather more like summaries from old Cubs media guides.

If this book had a different title - such as "Cubs Facts" or "The Players", etc., I would not have been as disappointed - that's why I give it two stars and not one. But when I see "Tales" in the title, I expect to read at least some narrative from the players themselves.

My son's the fan of the game, but we BOTH got such a kick out of this book. Pete Cava's easy style makes you feel like your rump's sitting right on the bench with some of baseball's most colorful boys of summer. Lots of human interest, which was what I liked, and lots of game trivia so the hardcore fan can wow his (or her) buddies.

The fact that the author balances the immortals with the amazing and compelling that've been almost lost in history keeps you saying "I didn't know that!" over and over. And if MY son said that so often while reading this, I'll bet there's plenty for other aficianados to discover, too.

Grover Alexander, Cap Anson, Ernie Banks, Lou Brock, Three-Finger Brown, Chuck Connors, Andre Dawson, Mark Grace, Stan Hack, Rogers Hornsby, Fergie Jenkins, Sammy Sosa, Bruce Sutter and Hack Wilson have something in common - they all played for the Chicago Cubs and they are all included in this book.

In fewer than 300 pages, Pete Cava captures the magic of one of baseball's most colorful and storied franchises in the history of the game. Putting together a series of short stories, one liners, quips and anecdotes this is one book that will inform and entertain the reader.

Spanning the decades and covering some of baseball's best, Cava is able to bring to life what sitting on the pine was really like. From Cap Anson's first day, to Rogers Hornsby .380 team record batting average, to Ron Santo's days at third, there is something in here for everyone.

Whether a Cubs fans or a fan of baseball this book is for you and priced to fit every budget. Also stop by Sports Publishing Inc.'s Web site and take a look at so many other books on baseball and other sports.

THIS IS A BUNCH OF SHORT FACTS AND STORIES PUT TOGETHER ABOUT MANY FORMER CUB PLAYERS. SOME ARE RHINO, BANKS, GRACE AND SOSA. EACH PLAYER HAS 2-5 PAGES DEDICATED TO THEM ALONG WITH A SKETCH OF THEM. THIS IS EASY AND BREEZY READING AND VERY ENJOYABLE. I RECOMMEND IT FOR A RAINY AFTERNOON OR COLD WINTER DAY TO MAKE THE DAY ENJOYABLE. THIS IS A VERY ENTERTAINING BOOK. FOR ALL CUB FANS.

I am not a Cubs fan, I am a Cardinal fan. I watch the Cubbies on WGN. Several players have played for both teams. Several trades have been made between the teams. Reading about Sandberg, Banks, Brock and Jenkins is very interesting, also makes for good arguments between the fans.