Durwood's Book is without a doubt probably the one of the best books I've read in a long time. His insight on the game of Baseball and the perspective that he gives is truly unique. Being graduate of the same Umpire School that Durwood went to, and Umpiring at the High School and College Level, I know what all Umpires face while trying to do their best. His stories about situations with players and managers made me laugh. He has drawn a lot of heat for what he has written, about the players, managers, and owners, "The Baseball Lords." Why you might ask? Because someone needs to tell the "Real Fans" of baseball what happens behind the scenes. He has such a way to tell his story that is unreal, he fires right back at all umpire attackers that truly don't know their head from a donkey's butt(like Tim MacCarver), and in one moment he'll make you laugh (like his story about his grandson and Nolan Ryan), and the next he'll make you cry (when he talk! s about the death of fellow Umps, Lou DiMuro, Nick Bremigan, & John McSherry, or the untimely loss of truly one of the Greatest Umpires of Baseball Steve Pallermo, or even his work with his home town at Christmas time). You feel for him and everyone around him when he tells the story, you feel the emotion as he prepares to the plate for tonights game. I think it would be a total shame if you don't read this book because you will miss out on the story of one of Baseball's Greatest Ambassadors.
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It's a light read, but Durwood is very colorful and sincere in his writing. I felt as if he was my Grandpa sitting next to me telling me these wonderfull stories. You'll enjoy it even if you're not a baseball fan.
If you ARE a baseball fan. You'll hesitate the next time you "boo" an umpire at a game. (but only for a second or two)
:)
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Please someone take the editor out back and...., August 19, 1999
By A Customer
Durwood Merrill has had some interesting experiences, and crossed paths with some of the more intriguing people behind the scenes of baseball. For that, it may be worth struggling through this poorly written manuscript.
Mr Merrill is not expected to be much of an author, and should rely heavily on his editor to tighten up his anecdotes into a readable, coherent, flowing manuscript. Mr. Dent has failed him miserably here. It's as if the editor read each anecdote separately, and forgot about it once he turned the page. Spelling and typos were ATROCIOUS.
In short, this book would have been much better if it were edited down to about 2/3rds its size, and nothing of value would have been lost.
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When I first bought this book, I wasn't quite sure what to think. I had heard a few negative things about it, and kind of had a prejudice against it. Boy, was that wrong! I found this to be a very funny, lighthearted read (for the most part). There's some really wonderful insights into what it takes to become a big league umpire - never quite realized all they went through in "Umpire boot camp" (my term). It's not all fun and games, there's a few stories about how an umpire friend of his was attacked and crippled on the streets of Dallas, and the latter part talks a lot about his charity works.
A great book - funny, light, and to be honest, something that surprised me in a very good way. What was personally annoying was that after I read this (during the last month of the 99 season), I wanted to watch Durwood, and then he up and retires during the playoffs (and then died a short time later). Damn. Really wanted to see him after reading his book. Oh well. Check it out, a good light read.
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Durwoods book is from the heart. There are some typo's but, his book shows the real side of umpiring. I am an ump on the non pro end of baseball. He is the type of person he says he is in the book. I read the book and wrote him. He did write back and told me to stay in touch. This book is highly recommended for all to read. It is funny and sad but you do get a good feeling while reading it.
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I read maybe 1 book a year, but, I guess, because of the subject, it took me about 2 days!
A real life look into what it takes to make it to the BIGS and still remain humble. I only wish that the last chapter was moved to the front of the book, thus ending the book on an upbeat note that was prevalent throughout the rest of the book.
A must read book for any umpire!
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It was interesting and a change of pace to read a book from an umpire's perspective. I enjoyed Merrill's insights and stories.
However, this book is in need of heavy editing. Did anyone proofread the manuscript? On countless occassions, Merrill repeats something he mentioned in an earlier chapter. There are also quite a few spelling errors and typos. Editing would have made this book a hundred times better.
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An insiders view of baseball is something I am interested in and attracted me to purchase the book. However, poor writing makes the book frustrating, and extremely tedious to read. Merrills self infatuation and his overblown efforts at promoting a good ol boy image makes the book unbearable.
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Durwood Merril shows in this book that he is certainly not afraid of sharing his opinions! The biggest problem I found with the book is that Durwood repeats stories or perhaps talks about something as if you didnt already hear about it, although the preceding chapter was devoted to the subject (Steve Palermo's story is a great example of what I mean). But overall the book is interesting and funny, and it pulls no punches. A must-read for aspiring umps; most casual fans will like the inside info and anecdotes.
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