Customer Reviews

Tim McCarver's Diamond Gems

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Tim McCarver's "Diamond Gems" is a comprehensive collection of anecdotes and stories from the legends of the baseball diamond. These stories, gleaned from McCarver's internationally syndicated, talk show, weave an almost mythological tapestry of the mindset of the greats of baseball. Stan Musial claims he was a "low ball hitter and a highball drinker." These stories divulge amazing and often profound revelations. Don Mattingly credits Lou Piniella as the person who taught him how to hit for power in the majors; Mike Schmidt, with sadness that oozes off the page, regrets that he didn't have a friendlier relationship with the Philly fans; and Alex Rodriguez and Cal Ripken relate the same story of how Ripken was pushed into playing shortstop for one last time during his last all star game appearance. This gem of a story is told from the point of view from Ripken and Rodriguez and neatly juxtaposed in the book. With stories like these how can you lose? "Diamond Gems" is a must-read for all baseball fans and sports enthusiasts alike. Everyone will have their favorite stories, their favorite gems from the baseball diamond.

When I first read this book I saw that this was simply not a book about the sport of Baseball but about the history and of the names that come to mind whenever we relate a great moment to a parrallel in our own lives. Tim McCarver in his own right as a former player and now broadcaster is one to respect with his interviewing methods as more like sitting with these respected individuals on a Sunday in your living room just letting these stories flow and though sometimes you feel that you've heard all this before, this book brings it straight and to the point.

Tim McCarver is one of the best baseball analyst out there. Out of nowhere, he can relate anything he sees on the field with an anecdote he fishes out of his enormous baseball knowledge.

However, Diamonds Gems left me unsatisfied. The book is divided by position, each position starring players or managers who shares something out of his bag of experiences. Some of the stories are of moderate interest, some others features events any baseball fan knows about (like A-Rod letting Ripken Jr handling short-stop duties at the all-star game).

Some baseball critics compared Diamond Gems with "The Glory of their Times", but believe me, those same critics will find Juan Pierre as good a player as Ty Cobb... Pierre isn't bad, but he isn't Cobb either. Same with Diamond Gems.

In reading Diamond Gems you are very personable with your guests and it's a delight hearing stories from baseball players. One thing that I wanted to know is are you going to have Pete Rose on your show and maybe talk about his stories.

I personally like reading about different baseball players A-Z and hear their experiences from them whether it is a veteran or just players throughout the years on a team that has a 25 man roster or a 40 man roster.

A wonderfully hilarious view of the past age of baseball. Love the direct insight.

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading it and recommend it to all lovers of the game.

And I mean the real game of baseball of the past. Not so much todays game of codiling players and wiping their noses for every little itch and discomfort and then pay $zillions.

Pitching a complete game nowadays is BIG DEAL. When McCarver played -- it was a given and well earned.

very entertaining, Exciting just to think about being in the same room with these people.