|
BOOK REVIEW -- Tremendous! |
This a must read for...
ODD MAN OUT -- by Matt McCarthy
HARD COVER -- 294 pages
PUBLISHER -- Viking
**** stars out of five
It's not a secret that Pat Jordan is one of my favorite writers, and there's no doubt in my mind if I hadn't seen Matt McCarthy's name as the author I would've bet Jordan authored this. Pat Jordan has a gift as a story teller regarding sports, McCarthy, a Yale grad, is not far behind.
His style of writing is so close to Jordan's that Jim Collins, author of The Last Best League, wrote in a review, "Odd Man Out should find a place on the shelf next to Pat Jordan's A False Spring -- both tell it like it is."
Odd Man Out is hilarious, informative and extremely entertaining. This is a must-read for anyone (mostly males) that was ever on a team. His insight into all facets of being on a minor league baseball team is fantastic.
As in most looks at athletic teams from a an insider, McCarthy shows an irreverent style that must be a necessity for a successful effort.
He points out this book is, "A year on the mound with a minor league misfit." It should be added that this is, "A year on the mound with an extremely funny guy. The kind of guy I would definitely want to hang out with."
The only difference between Jim Bouton's Ball Four and Odd Man Out is the fact Bouton was writing about the major leagues and McCarthy was spinning tales from the bushes.
Again, let me repeat, "This a is a must read for baseball fans -- and sports fans of all types."
|
Book Review 