The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly: Philadelphia Phillies: Heart-Pounding, Jaw-Dropping, and Gut-Wrenching Moments from Philadelphia Phillies History [Paperback]

Todd Zolecki (Author), Scott Franzke (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2010 | Series: The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly

Genuine fans take the best team moments with the less than great, and know that the games that are best forgotten make the good moments truly shine. This monumental book of the Philadelphia Phillies documents all the best moments and personalities in the history of the team, but also unmasks the regrettably awful and the unflinchingly ugly. In entertaining—and unsparing—fashion, this book sparkles with Phillies highlights and lowlights, from wonderful and wacky memories to the famous and infamous. Such moments include the rapturous season of the “Whiz Kids” and the magical 2008 run to the World Series, as well as the lows of the historically inept Phillies of the 1930s and the equally historic collapse of 1964. Whether providing fond memories, goose bumps, or laughs, this portrait of the team is sure to appeal to the fan who has been through it all.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Todd Zolecki writes for MLB.com and is formerly a writer for the Philadelphia Inquirer, with a focus on Phillies coverage with both. Scott Franzke is a play-by-play broadcaster for the Philadelphia Phillies. He has been a broadcast host with the Texas Rangers and Kane County Cougars. He also covered the 2000 Olympics for Sporting News Radio. They both live in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Triumph Books; Original edition (February 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1600781640
• ISBN-13: 978-1600781643
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #419,754 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #42 in Books > Travel > United States > Pennsylvania > Philadelphia

More About the Author

Todd Zolecki is the Phillies beat writer for MLB.com. Born in Milwaukee, he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Minnesota. He joined The Philadelphia Inquirer in Oct. 1999, and became The Inquirer's Phillies beat writer in April 2003. The National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association & Hall of Fame named him Pennsylvania's Sportswriter of the Year in 2008. The Associated Press Sports Editors recognized him in 2003 (in the game story category) and 2008 (in a collaborative effort for The Inquirer's World Series preview.) Zolecki, who joined MLB.com in Feb. 2009, lives in Philadelphia.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Todd understands us! February 19, 2010

By S. Weller

Format:Paperback

More then a great summary for new fans, but a reminder for long time fans. New stories from the players, some that happened before many of us were old enough to remember. Many sports writers don't get the Phillies fans' mentality, but Todd has taken a trip in our footsteps and become one of us. So much heartbreak over the years has evolved into so much joy. We cherish the team of '07, '08, '09 and '10 because we starved for so long, and now we really want to savor what winning tastes like.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Grand Slam for Todd Zolecki June 9, 2010

By L. Charles Wimer III

Format:Paperback

MUST READ for any Phillies fan. If you are a diehard fan -- you've got to get your hands on this book. It is absolutely one of the finest books about the Fightin' Phils that has ever been written. From the evaluation of former players at each position, to the Dream Team, the Dream Lineup, Managers, Trades -- this book has it all and is told in such way that the reader can't wait to read the next chapter. It is short, detailed oriented and thought provoking. Todd clearly did his homework. Even the forward by Scott Franzke was outstanding.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Good book for any Phillies fan October 28, 2010

By Gregory P. Hart

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Just finished this, as the Phillies were losing to the SF Giants in the 2010 playoffs, so bad timing. This is an easy read and good addition to any Phillies fan library.

The book is split into several sections:
1. The good, bad, and ugly in Phillies history (as the title implies). Several of these I was too young for like the 1964 collapse and the commentary and quotes around that collapse were great.
2. All time Phillies lineup. Seems a bit weighted towards current Phillies, which he backs up with stats and data. Pretty convincing, but I would have liked to have seen a bit more here (maybe several peoples views). The all-time team is primarily from the two World Series teams (which kinda makes sense).
3. Lineup using above all time team. This was well done as he had each manager set their lineup with reasoning.
4. Trades the made (both good and bad). Good collection, but few notable left out like Von Hayes trade.

Good book, quick read, and most people will learn something or hear a new view.