When legendary Chicago Cubs' broadcaster Harry Caray passed away in February of 1998, thousands of baseball fans mourned the loss. In Where's Harry?, Steve Stone pays tribute to one of baseball's biggest legends never to take the field, remembering the unique baseball commentator who was also the game's biggest fan.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Kirkus Reviews
Innocuous anecdotes and remembrances abound in this valentine to the legendary sports broadcaster Harry Caray. Stone worked alongside Caray for 15 years, offering color commentary for Chicago Cubs baseball games, until Caray's death in February 1998. Stone obviously enjoyed the experience, deferring to Caray's antics and malapropisms the way one would an eccentric uncle or spoiledbut talentedchild. Stone claims in the introduction that he wanted to give a clearer picture of Caray the man, rather than Caray the broadcaster, but the book, co-written with Rozner (a sports columnist and co-author of Ryne Sandberg's autobiography Second to Home, not reviewed) avoids deep insight or controversy by offering sketchy biographic facts about Caray: he was born Harry Christopher Carabina, was orphaned at a young age, grew up impoverished, and had an active nightlife, three marriages, and health problems. The books focus is on snapshots of Caray at work and at play (often with stars, from Mickey Mantle to Elvis). The most amusing stories demonstrate Caray's abilities as master showman and promoter in the broadcast booth (he mentioned as many fans' names as possible in order to ``make some friends and sell more tickets and get better ratings''). And while Caray-isms (such as ``There's danger here Cheri!'' or ``The big possum walks late'') may not be as famous as Yogi Berra-isms (although Caray is credited here with originating the ``Holy Cow'' cry), they do demonstrate Caray's charm and help explain his enormous popularity. Where's Harry? (the often-asked question Stone would get from fans), though not a definitive biography, will appeal to fans of Caray and baseball who want to relax one last time with a genuine character of the game, and perhaps hum Caray's signature song, ``Take Me Out to the Ball Game,'' after they're done. The foreword is by Bob Costas. (photos, not seen) -- Copyright ©1999, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
Review
...without question a book worth reading. (Chicago Sun Times )
Caray's sidekick cuts loose with dozens of hilarious and incredible tales of Chicago's most popular sports personality. (Usa Today Baseball Weekly )
...captures the fun, nostalgia, and occasional plain silliness that baseball is all about...qualifies as a great baseball book. If you loved Harry, or if you love baseball, read it. (Chicago Tribune )
...will appeal to fans of Caray and baseball who want to relax one last time with a genuine character of the game, and perhaps hum Caray's signature song, 'Take Me Out to the Ball Game,' after they're done. (Kirkus Reviews )
'Life with Harry was certainly never dull,' Steve Stone writes, and he proves the point in his anecdotal biography of the legendary sportscaster Harry Caray. (Peggy Constantine The New York Times Book Review )
I hate to use an old cliche, but you can't put it down. (Jim Riggs Jamestown Post-Journal )
Caray's sidekick cuts loose with dozens of hilarious and incredible tales of Chicago's most popular sports personality. (Usa Today Baseball Weekly )
...captures the fun, nostalgia, and occasional plain silliness that baseball is all about...qualifies as a great baseball book. If you loved Harry, or if you love baseball, read it. (Chicago Tribune )
...will appeal to fans of Caray and baseball who want to relax one last time with a genuine character of the game, and perhaps hum Caray's signature song, 'Take Me Out to the Ball Game,' after they're done. (Kirkus Reviews )
'Life with Harry was certainly never dull,' Steve Stone writes, and he proves the point in his anecdotal biography of the legendary sportscaster Harry Caray. (Peggy Constantine The New York Times Book Review )
I hate to use an old cliche, but you can't put it down. (Jim Riggs Jamestown Post-Journal )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Steve Stone Remembers a Legend,
By
This review is from: Where's Harry?: Steve Stone Remembers 25 Years with Harry Caray (Hardcover)
I wasn't a Cub fan growing up, but I watched the WGN games almost everyday in the summer and I came to enjoy the broadcast team of Harry and Steve. Steve Stone is one of the most underrated broadcasters on television and the anecdotes he provides for the book are truly gems. Steve loved Harry quite a bit, and blasts former Cub play by play man Milo Hamilton who was particularly ugly to Harry before and after his death. But the subtext of the early chapters is that Harry had some flaws, and Harry and Steve had their ups and downs during their career together. It would have been easy to gloss over that reality, but it's a credit to Stone that he paints a very human picture of a baseball legend.
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Understanding Harry,
By Dennis Dimond (Peoria, Illinois) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Where's Harry?: Steve Stone Remembers 25 Years with Harry Caray (Hardcover)
Steve Stone's book helps the average Cubs fan better understand where Harry came from. There were great stories I never heard (Michael Jordon at Wrigley refusing to go up to the booth: "I don't want Harry introducing me as Michael Jackson") and great insights into why Harry acted as he did. He was human but always respected and revered the game of baseball, even when the Cubs had bad years. I don't think Harry will ever be forgotten.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A fitting and real tribute,
By
This review is from: Where's Harry?: Steve Stone Remembers 25 Years with Harry Caray (Hardcover)
Steve Stone was Harry Carey's straight man for many years. In a sense, he was Harry's Norton. In this book, he tells the shadow's story, including the ups and down.On the humorous side, Steve discusses Harry's struggle to remember names, and how he tormented Arnie (the producer) with his requests. Steve also paints the image of Harry the promoter, explaining how in his way, Harry promoted the character that Steve was to play on the air. Stone also admits that he owes his job in many ways to Harry. That they stayed together for 15 years is a tribute to a partnership that in many ways seemed like a marriage. Some of the things you may not know... With only a very rare exception, he didn't drink on TV, but kept the Bud glass a plug for his sponsors. That he always paid when we went out, even though he'd plug his favorite watering holes. Steve also covers the dark side of Harry - how he handled grudges. How he'd insist on being the prima donna. Their petty fights, and how they'd get over them. His ostracism and eventual reconciliation with his family. In the end, you're left with both a fitting and realistic picture of the icon.
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