None but the Braves: A Pitcher, a Team, a Champion

by Tom Glavine

In a city that had almost given up on the idea of a world championship, pitcher Tom Glavine turned dreams into reality when he pitched one of the greatest games in World Series History. The 1-0 victory over the Cleveland Indians in game six of the 1995 World Series clinched Atlanta's first world championship and made Glavine a hero. In None But the Braves, Glavine tells the story that led up to this moment of glory, giving readers an insight into what it takes to build a championship team. As the winningest pitcher in baseball in the last five years, he also describes what makes an exceptional pitching staff. He offers an in-depth look at many of the personalities on the team, including Greg Maddux, his fellow pitcher and four-time Cy Young award-winner; former teammate Deion Sanders; and, of course, owner Ted Turner. He also tells his own story from growing up in a working-class family, pushing himself to succeed and his decision to turn down a chance to play pro hockey, opting for baseball instead.

Fans of the Braves, and of baseball, will love Glavine's book. It is filled with all the drama and inspiration that make the game America's passion.

Genres: Sports, Baseball, Nonfiction, Biography

226 pages, Hardcover

First published September 25, 1996

Reviews

[DonnaJo Pallini · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting to read Tom Glavine’s point of view of the Braves organization. I also learned a few things about the players strike that took place in the early 90’s.

[Tye · Rating 2 out of 5]

So, the writing contained a lot more baseball statistics and focused primarily on career information. It didn't have much info on the life of the player or what the pitcher is like outside of baseball. So, it was okay. It was a slow read for me.

[Lucas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading the thoughts of Tom Glavine from 15+ years ago, especially knowing how the rest of his career would pan out.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing up in South Georgia as a child in the 1990s, all of us were Braves fans. After school I would pitch to the net in the backyard trying to mimic the styles of Maddux, Smoltz and Glavine not thinking they would one day all be in the Hall-of-Fame.

I enjoyed this book by Tom Glavine. It is easy to see how down-to-earth he is. He is a selfless guy who approaches the game with common sense. As a pitcher, the best thing you can do is be consistent. If you can hit the spot, you can get the call. Leo Mazzone was all about 1) Location, location, location and 2) change of speeds.

I was 6 years old in 1991, so the Worst to First season was just out of my understanding back then. I appreciate Glavine covering the late 80s and the players brought up from the farm system (Lemke, Blauser, Justice, Gant), followed by players traded (Pendleton and Smoltz).

As far as the rest of the book, it seems a little soon to write this after the '95 World Series when they would go on to play in two more WS and Glavine would pitch through (I think) 2003 before traded to Mets. I think the reason Glavine wrote this book was mostly for his time representing the player's union during the '94 strike. That was not fun for Glavine and the others and perception always wins the day. There is no one who would represent the players better than Glav and do it the right way. It was right for him to write this and tell his side of that story.

This is the 4th player/coach from the Braves I've read. It is clear to see how different the Braves organization is compared to others. It is understandable why Chipper wanted to play only for Bobby Cox, and how him and Scherholtz were able to keep the guys they had for a long time. For me, it was the team in Atlanta we cheered for. For them, it was great people building something incredible.

[Matthew Rowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got this book as a kid when Tommy was just making the hated move over to the NYM. I couldn't believe I got a book called None but the Braves and he jumped ship before my Christmas present was even unwrapped. I read part of it and couldn't finish because it felt wrong, but the main thing that stands out was the story of him losing so much weight (wanna say 7 pounds) by sweating on a hot weather start. He talked a lot about having the right amount of clothing to get the right amount of perspiration which leads to the right amount of grip and the perfect control over the pitch. I returned to the book as an adult and loved what Glav had to say. Thanks to the man for truly being a forever Brave because we let go of him but he came back home.

[Tim Chavel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good book about one of the great pitchers of the game. The book details Glavine's life as a youngster through his time with the Braves. Some of it deals with his mechanics of pitching but most is about his team, teammates, coaches, mangers, owners, etc. If you are a Tom Glavine fan or a Braves fan you will enjoy this book!

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am obsessed with the Braves, so naturally I bought and read this book immediately. I thoroughly enjoyed it at the time. However, Glavine has since crossed over to other side (NY Mets), so reading this now is pointless.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic read written in a true first person voice. Tom Glavine shares his stories of growing up playing baseball, decisions on picking a sport to pursue professionally, and on being a Brave. As a huge Tom Glavine and Braves fan, I really enjoyed reading this.

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun book to read after his Induction to the Hall of Fame. It is most definately not a tell all like Ball Four. However, it was interesting to hear Glavine's stories behind his choice between hockey and baseball and his role in the 1994 Strike. Obviously, a good read for Braves fans!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definite read for any Tom Glavine fan. Cool insight on Tom - his life growing up, getting into the pros and of course the World Series win in 1995.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was pretty slow reading with all the stats but interesting to read behind the scenes of baseball.

[Drake · Rating 4 out of 5]

it was a good book