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The Captain & Me: On and Off the Field with Thurman Munson
The deeply personal story of a friendship between two teammates, and of a human bond which ultimately transcends the game itself.
As back-to-back No. 1 draft picks for the New York Yankees, Ron Blomberg and Thurman Munson made for an odd couple. One was a good-looking, gregarious kid from Atlanta who cheerfully talked anyone’s ear off at the slightest provocation; the other was a dumpy, grumpy dude from the Midwest rust belt who was about as fond of making idle chit-chat as he was of shaving.
Despite the surface differences, the two men would form a close attachment as they ignited a youth movement with the 1970s Yankees. Now, over 40 years after Munson's shocking death in a plane crash at age 32, Blomberg opens up to author Dan Epstein about the beloved Yankees captain in an extraordinary memoir that reaches far beyond baseball.
By turns hilarious and heartbreaking, The Captain & Me shares tales of clubhouse hijinks during the infamous Bronx Zoo era, adventures on the road, and even rubbing shoulders with mobsters. Blomberg also offers a fascinating glimpse into baseball history, including the first-ever strike and lockout, the escalation of the Yankees–Red Sox rivalry, and the start of full-scale free agency.
This illuminating remembrance of Munson is filled with untold stories about his analytical-yet-hard-nosed approach to baseball, as well as his kindness and generosity off the field.
As back-to-back No. 1 draft picks for the New York Yankees, Ron Blomberg and Thurman Munson made for an odd couple. One was a good-looking, gregarious kid from Atlanta who cheerfully talked anyone’s ear off at the slightest provocation; the other was a dumpy, grumpy dude from the Midwest rust belt who was about as fond of making idle chit-chat as he was of shaving.
Despite the surface differences, the two men would form a close attachment as they ignited a youth movement with the 1970s Yankees. Now, over 40 years after Munson's shocking death in a plane crash at age 32, Blomberg opens up to author Dan Epstein about the beloved Yankees captain in an extraordinary memoir that reaches far beyond baseball.
By turns hilarious and heartbreaking, The Captain & Me shares tales of clubhouse hijinks during the infamous Bronx Zoo era, adventures on the road, and even rubbing shoulders with mobsters. Blomberg also offers a fascinating glimpse into baseball history, including the first-ever strike and lockout, the escalation of the Yankees–Red Sox rivalry, and the start of full-scale free agency.
This illuminating remembrance of Munson is filled with untold stories about his analytical-yet-hard-nosed approach to baseball, as well as his kindness and generosity off the field.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published April 20, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 31, 2022
The 1970s were the greatest decade in MLB history. The New York Yankees were one of the most dominant teams of that decade. And Thurman Munson was the hard nosed catcher and team captain who spark those Yankee teams to greatness.
Ron Bloomberg, like Munson, was a first round draft pick, though injuries and circumstances held him back from being a breakout star like his friend. As a Jewish player in New York he was a genuine celebrity in that city. He was as affable and gregarious as Munson was gruff and taciturn, yet they became great friends.
The Captain and Me is Bloomberg’s valentine to that friendship, to the the summers spent playing baseball together, and to New York City. With a casual, chatty style he tells stories of their playing days in the early ‘70s when the Yankees were struggling to come back to relevances, and of their off field friendship haunting Jewish delis where Bloomberg was the star (he had a sandwich named for him) and hanging with shady, eccentric music industry guys. He relates the bittersweet stories of watching Munson lead the Yankees back to post season dominance while Bloomberg was sidelined by injuries, unable to participate.
If, like me, you remember the 1970s as the greatest decade of baseball and love to hear tales of that storied time then you need to read this book. It will not disappoint.
Ron Bloomberg, like Munson, was a first round draft pick, though injuries and circumstances held him back from being a breakout star like his friend. As a Jewish player in New York he was a genuine celebrity in that city. He was as affable and gregarious as Munson was gruff and taciturn, yet they became great friends.
The Captain and Me is Bloomberg’s valentine to that friendship, to the the summers spent playing baseball together, and to New York City. With a casual, chatty style he tells stories of their playing days in the early ‘70s when the Yankees were struggling to come back to relevances, and of their off field friendship haunting Jewish delis where Bloomberg was the star (he had a sandwich named for him) and hanging with shady, eccentric music industry guys. He relates the bittersweet stories of watching Munson lead the Yankees back to post season dominance while Bloomberg was sidelined by injuries, unable to participate.
If, like me, you remember the 1970s as the greatest decade of baseball and love to hear tales of that storied time then you need to read this book. It will not disappoint.
June 2, 2021
Loved This Book!!
I just wanted to say that as I have told Ron Blomberg on his official Facebook page and on some of the Yankee Facebook pages that we are both on, Thurman Munson was always my favorite Yankee and my sports idol as a teenager and even pretty much to this day (I turned 60 just this past April) and I’ve cherished my Munson Yankee home and away jerseys always (and every softball jersey I’ve ever had proudly bore #15 on the backs); Ron, you and Dan Epstein put together a fantastic book about the seemingly unlikely friendship and bond between you and Thurman, as teammates and brothers-in-arms and I thoroughly enjoyed and loved every minute of it (and I would recommend it to any Yankees fan and fan of you and Thurman as well) 😁⚾️⚾️⚾️⚾️ (Review by Steve London—account is under my wife’s name)
I just wanted to say that as I have told Ron Blomberg on his official Facebook page and on some of the Yankee Facebook pages that we are both on, Thurman Munson was always my favorite Yankee and my sports idol as a teenager and even pretty much to this day (I turned 60 just this past April) and I’ve cherished my Munson Yankee home and away jerseys always (and every softball jersey I’ve ever had proudly bore #15 on the backs); Ron, you and Dan Epstein put together a fantastic book about the seemingly unlikely friendship and bond between you and Thurman, as teammates and brothers-in-arms and I thoroughly enjoyed and loved every minute of it (and I would recommend it to any Yankees fan and fan of you and Thurman as well) 😁⚾️⚾️⚾️⚾️ (Review by Steve London—account is under my wife’s name)
April 26, 2022
This is a fast and easy read. It is essentially an homage to Thurmon Munson by Ron Blomberg, his good friend and teammate for much of the 70's in a Yankee uniform. There are some cute stories, a couple of cautionary stories involving some prominent mobsters or "celebrities" that could have landed them suspensions from the commissioner. It wasn't that Munson or Blomberg did anything criminal, but they were lucky they weren't compromised. Blomberg must have said a hundred times that he and Munson were like brothers and that Munson was really a teddy bear underneath his grumpy and tough exterior. Still, I wasn't convinced that the guy I remember was any different than the one I saw play ball. (I have no doubt that he was kind to children and that he loved and devoted himself to his wife and children.) Maybe I'm biased because I was always a Carlton Fisk guy. But it is clear that Blomberg loved Munson and that Blomberg held a special place in Munson's heart. The Bronx Zoo years were the most interesting for me. Blomberg makes a case for Munson's induction to Cooperstown. Munson was a seven-time all-star, winner of the ROY award, and MVP, a two-time World Series champion, and a Yankee team captain who was clearly the team leader. So, it is an enjoyable read, but not one that will always be imprinted in my mind.
June 19, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this book as it took me back to a period of Yankee history that I vividly remembered. I have been a Yankee fan since 1956 and was a big fan of Thurman Munson. I still remember the day that he died as I was in the Air Force and stationed at Ramstein AB, West Germany. I lived on base with my wife in base housing which was a series of apartments than ran up four stories. I lived on the 3rd floor and would go downstairs each morning to get the morning paper which was the military publication "Stars and Stripes". I remembered looking at the front page and the headline blared out "Munson killed in plane crash". A sad day in the sport world.
August 6, 2021
Outstanding
I would recommend this book to all Yankee fans who would like to learn more about the man and legend Thurman Munson. I think anybody interested in a heart warming story about a fantastic friendship would like this book. Bought back many memories to this lifelong Yankee fan who idolized and strived to play like Thurman. God bless ad RIP. Oh yeah F Fisk.
I would recommend this book to all Yankee fans who would like to learn more about the man and legend Thurman Munson. I think anybody interested in a heart warming story about a fantastic friendship would like this book. Bought back many memories to this lifelong Yankee fan who idolized and strived to play like Thurman. God bless ad RIP. Oh yeah F Fisk.
December 27, 2022
A quick read with some great anecdotes and baseball nostalgia. Thanks to Thom for letting me borrow it!
April 23, 2021
THE CAPTAIN AND ME: ON AND OFF THE FIELD WITH THURMAN MUNSON is a MUST READ book for any Thurman Munson fan. For any baseball fan, it is an intimate view of baseball and a great player told from the aspect of a close friend and teammate Ron Blomberg. Co-author Dan Epstein - an astute baseball chronologist - intertwined his observations and research, enabling the reader to imagine oneself like a fly on the wall.
Beginning with a beautiful Forward by Diana Munson, the human view of The Captain is first unwrapped for what is to come in the following pages. Some fans are already aware of this side of Thurman, but Ron's perspective adds incredible depth and nuance.
Dan Epstein in his Introduction describes what it is like to see baseball greatness in a player for the first time. This primes the historical perspectives to come.
The table is set - literally - in Chapter 1, Deviled Eggs. Smiles will begin to appear as the many flavors of each chapter seep into your mind.
The book flows in a chronological lane, starting with their first spring training up until their last phone call two weeks before the fateful crash. Besides the intimate view of Thurman the player and human being, Ron also provides his own struggle of wanting to play baseball so bad, but, being betrayed by injuries that sapped away his natural baseball gift. Wish Yankee fans got to witness Ron's hitting prowess.
I found myself dancing delightedly as Ron talks about Thurman's greatness at handling pitching staffs and calling the game. Fan club members have heard me say Thurman made mediocre pitchers good, good pitchers great and great pitchers Hall-worthy. Ron states just that and includes how pitchers responded.
The other gem was Thurman mentoring Rick Dempsey and how it contributed to Rick's success. Thurman's team first/pay it forward resonates on his leadership and his approach to catching.
There are so many examples of Thurman's leadership and baseball exceptionalism. The reader will easily gain a fresh perspective.
The crash and funeral are handled with class and sensitivity. I shared Ron's remorse regarding the inability to attend his best friend's funeral.
As Ron concludes, Thurman Munson belongs in the Hall of Fame, as many agree. Voters and former voters have voiced newfound perspective and are reevaluating. Come December 2023, let's hope we hear "The Newest Member to the National Baseball Hall of Fame - Thurman Lee Munson."
James Beemer
Beginning with a beautiful Forward by Diana Munson, the human view of The Captain is first unwrapped for what is to come in the following pages. Some fans are already aware of this side of Thurman, but Ron's perspective adds incredible depth and nuance.
Dan Epstein in his Introduction describes what it is like to see baseball greatness in a player for the first time. This primes the historical perspectives to come.
The table is set - literally - in Chapter 1, Deviled Eggs. Smiles will begin to appear as the many flavors of each chapter seep into your mind.
The book flows in a chronological lane, starting with their first spring training up until their last phone call two weeks before the fateful crash. Besides the intimate view of Thurman the player and human being, Ron also provides his own struggle of wanting to play baseball so bad, but, being betrayed by injuries that sapped away his natural baseball gift. Wish Yankee fans got to witness Ron's hitting prowess.
I found myself dancing delightedly as Ron talks about Thurman's greatness at handling pitching staffs and calling the game. Fan club members have heard me say Thurman made mediocre pitchers good, good pitchers great and great pitchers Hall-worthy. Ron states just that and includes how pitchers responded.
The other gem was Thurman mentoring Rick Dempsey and how it contributed to Rick's success. Thurman's team first/pay it forward resonates on his leadership and his approach to catching.
There are so many examples of Thurman's leadership and baseball exceptionalism. The reader will easily gain a fresh perspective.
The crash and funeral are handled with class and sensitivity. I shared Ron's remorse regarding the inability to attend his best friend's funeral.
As Ron concludes, Thurman Munson belongs in the Hall of Fame, as many agree. Voters and former voters have voiced newfound perspective and are reevaluating. Come December 2023, let's hope we hear "The Newest Member to the National Baseball Hall of Fame - Thurman Lee Munson."
James Beemer
August 7, 2021
I don't believe I can write an unbiased review of Ron Blomberg's wonderful book, because it is set in the most cherished time of my life--the 1970s; It revolves around my favorite past-time--baseball; and it is about my all-time favorite player--Thurman Munson, whose untimely death in 1979 hurt me in so many ways.
The story is basically about the friendship, on and off the field, between Munson and Blomberg. The writing is better than most books of its genre. The majority of the narrative consists of Blomberg telling the story as if he's sitting in your living room, talking just to you. I could almost hear his Southern accent as I read. His co-author, Dan Epstein, adds short, historical perspectives throughout, which is a nice touch.
I learned quite a bit about Munson and Blomberg, and was pleased with what I learned. There are also tidbits about other players from the 70s, which I found surprising and intriguing.
This is probably not a book that will appeal to a non-baseball fan, especially if you are too young to remember 1970s baseball. But, if you were a fan in that era, and particularly a Yankee fan, it is a must read.
One of the main reasons Blomberg wrote this book, (according to recent interviews with the author)
is to try to persuade baseball writers to put Munson in the baseball Hall of Fame. The new formulation and use of Modern Day Advanced Metrics proves that Munson was the best over-all catcher of the 1970s. Yes, better than Bench and Fisk, both of whom are in the HOF. Blomberg asserts that Munson has beeen snubbed by the writers because he snubbed a lot of them during his playing days. Now, with a new crop of writers doing the voting, it is the hope of Blomberg and the rest of us Munson fans, that they will look at Thurman's numbers seriously, and elect him to Cooperstown where he belongs.
I wish Blomberg and Epstein would have provided readers a breakdown of Munson's numbers compared to other HOF catchers. This would have been a nice addition as an appendix perhaps, in stating their case for the HOF. This information can be found at munsonhof.com, if you're interested. If the numbers surprised me, a life-long Munson fan, they will really open the eyes of the skeptics.
The story is basically about the friendship, on and off the field, between Munson and Blomberg. The writing is better than most books of its genre. The majority of the narrative consists of Blomberg telling the story as if he's sitting in your living room, talking just to you. I could almost hear his Southern accent as I read. His co-author, Dan Epstein, adds short, historical perspectives throughout, which is a nice touch.
I learned quite a bit about Munson and Blomberg, and was pleased with what I learned. There are also tidbits about other players from the 70s, which I found surprising and intriguing.
This is probably not a book that will appeal to a non-baseball fan, especially if you are too young to remember 1970s baseball. But, if you were a fan in that era, and particularly a Yankee fan, it is a must read.
One of the main reasons Blomberg wrote this book, (according to recent interviews with the author)
is to try to persuade baseball writers to put Munson in the baseball Hall of Fame. The new formulation and use of Modern Day Advanced Metrics proves that Munson was the best over-all catcher of the 1970s. Yes, better than Bench and Fisk, both of whom are in the HOF. Blomberg asserts that Munson has beeen snubbed by the writers because he snubbed a lot of them during his playing days. Now, with a new crop of writers doing the voting, it is the hope of Blomberg and the rest of us Munson fans, that they will look at Thurman's numbers seriously, and elect him to Cooperstown where he belongs.
I wish Blomberg and Epstein would have provided readers a breakdown of Munson's numbers compared to other HOF catchers. This would have been a nice addition as an appendix perhaps, in stating their case for the HOF. This information can be found at munsonhof.com, if you're interested. If the numbers surprised me, a life-long Munson fan, they will really open the eyes of the skeptics.
November 24, 2021
When the previews of this title came out just about a year ago, I could not wait to read it based on the cover alone; a depiction early 70's Topps baseball cards; the pictures of the two Yankees from that period that are the basis of the book made it just as appealing - and I am a Mets fan!
The narration from Ron Bloomberg is relaxed and like a conversation. It is joined by coauthor Dan Epstein (known for two other baseball books from the same period) gives background details of the then state of baseball and particularly the mostly pre-Steinbrenner Yankees. It is truly a slice baseball and being a ballplayer in New York when the Yankees were a second-place team; competitive, but average at best. I knew quite a bit about Thurman Munson - a tough and no-nonsense competitor who did not care for the intensity of the NY press, but had a heart of gold for most teammates and particularly fans. Yes, Ron Bloomberg is the answer to a trivia question (he was the first DH in MLB).But what many of us may not remember was that after a great rookie season, he struggled to avoid injury and did not play too often (maybe that's why I don't recall him as a player). We learn that both payers were the best of friends - and despite the oft-injured Bloomberg struggles with getting back on the field, he was supported constantly by his friend up until the day he was traded to the Chicago White Sox. The book is also a great chronicle of daily life of a ballplayer in the early 70's and the old ballparks of the day - there are also details about the many celebrities who befriended both Bloomberg and Munson and the many restaurants, delis, and watering holes visited regularly by both players - in no way scandalous at all. I highly recommend this book to fans of both Bloomberg and Munson as well as the Yankees, or like me a baseball fan.
The narration from Ron Bloomberg is relaxed and like a conversation. It is joined by coauthor Dan Epstein (known for two other baseball books from the same period) gives background details of the then state of baseball and particularly the mostly pre-Steinbrenner Yankees. It is truly a slice baseball and being a ballplayer in New York when the Yankees were a second-place team; competitive, but average at best. I knew quite a bit about Thurman Munson - a tough and no-nonsense competitor who did not care for the intensity of the NY press, but had a heart of gold for most teammates and particularly fans. Yes, Ron Bloomberg is the answer to a trivia question (he was the first DH in MLB).But what many of us may not remember was that after a great rookie season, he struggled to avoid injury and did not play too often (maybe that's why I don't recall him as a player). We learn that both payers were the best of friends - and despite the oft-injured Bloomberg struggles with getting back on the field, he was supported constantly by his friend up until the day he was traded to the Chicago White Sox. The book is also a great chronicle of daily life of a ballplayer in the early 70's and the old ballparks of the day - there are also details about the many celebrities who befriended both Bloomberg and Munson and the many restaurants, delis, and watering holes visited regularly by both players - in no way scandalous at all. I highly recommend this book to fans of both Bloomberg and Munson as well as the Yankees, or like me a baseball fan.
July 7, 2021
I really enjoyed this look at Thurman Munson from teammate and friend, Ron Blomberg. I've read so many books about and by Yankees of the 1970s and the Bronx Zoo era, so I thought I'd seen it all. Gladly, I was wrong.
First I have to say that growing up in that era, I knew almost nothing about Ron Blomberg. He peaked just before I started watching and learning baseball, and it was because of a Topps baseball card I learned he was the first designated hitter in Major League Baseball. Later I learned he is Jewish, and as a kid (and as an adult) it's always neat to see someone with your cultural background represented in sports because of the small population of Jews and it is a cultural outlier. That said, I never really knew that he broke into the majors he was a top-flight hitter before injuries derailed his career.
The book also presented a side of Munson that most never got to see. Yes, we knew he was a gruff competitor, all business on the field and a great catcher. Blomberg shares his experiences of coming to the majors practically alongside Thurm, introducing him to Jewish deli food, and the bonds they shared as teammates and close friends.
The book is breezy and a good, light summer read that doesn't take long to get through. Blomberg worked well with Dan Epstein to collect and contextualize his reminiscences and anecdotes. I am thus encouraged to look for more of Epstein's work as a result.
If you're a Yankees fan or a fan of baseball in the 1970s, The Captain and Me will find a nice place on the shelf next to The Bronx Zoo and other similar histories.
August 1, 2021
Talk about your odd couples.
Although both men played for the New York Yankees starting in the late 1960s, one was a swarthy, outwardly gruff MVP and potential Hall of Famer from mid-America. The other was a “Li'l Abner”-built Jew from the South whose main claim to fame was as Major League Baseball’s first designated hitter. Yet Thurman Munson and Ron Blomberg became fast friends and remained close even after Blomberg signed with the Chicago White Sox as a free agent in 1977.
Blomberg, who previously wrote about his experiences in DESIGNATED HEBREW: The Ron Blomberg Story (2012, with a revised edition published in 2020), picks up the pen once again with the nimble assistance of Dan Epstein to share that special bond in THE CAPTAIN & ME: On and Off the Field with Thurman Munson.
It’s a sweet book, one not often associated with the macho world of professional athletes. Sports fans might compare it to Brian’s Song, a 1971 made-for-TV movie about Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers of the Chicago Bears. The main difference is that Piccolo died after a long battle with cancer, while Munson was killed when the small plane he was piloting crashed on August 2, 1979.
Blomberg focuses on the back-and-forth with Munson, who had a reputation for being somewhat cantankerous with outsiders but extremely warm and loving towards those closest to him. The adventures they shared are relatively mild, given that Munson was more of a family man, married to his high school sweetheart, with no interest in the kind of behavior that is often the basis for celebrity tell-alls. Readers will not find tales of infidelity or substance abuse here, although Blomberg admits that they liked their post-game beers.
Blomberg --- the Yankees’ first pick in the 1967 draft --- was supposed to be the next Mickey Mantle, coming up just as the Yankee icon was retiring. And indeed, the Atlanta-born strong man did have some initial success, batting over .300 in three of his first four full seasons. But a series of injuries derailed what might have been a career comparable to Munson’s, and Blomberg was through before his 30th birthday. Since then, he’s been an ambassador for the game, a larger-than-life figure especially popular with Jewish fans.
Epstein, whose previous baseball books include BIG HAIR AND PLASTIC GRASS: A Funky Ride Through Baseball and America in the Swinging '70s (2010) and STARS AND STRIKES: Baseball and America in the Bicentennial Summer of ‘76 (2014), does an excellent job of reigning in Blomberg, whose gregarious nature can sometimes go off on numerous tangents (“that reminds me of another story…”). There’s also the issue of fact-checking; sometimes those stories get a bit exaggerated --- not in any effort to mislead, but just due to the passage of time.
The result of this collaboration is a portrait of rare friendship that can get lost in the “me first” professional sports world, where athletes move around frequently (Jerry Seinfeld has compared following a team to “rooting for laundry”) and relationships are fleeting.
Reviewed by Ron Kaplan
Although both men played for the New York Yankees starting in the late 1960s, one was a swarthy, outwardly gruff MVP and potential Hall of Famer from mid-America. The other was a “Li'l Abner”-built Jew from the South whose main claim to fame was as Major League Baseball’s first designated hitter. Yet Thurman Munson and Ron Blomberg became fast friends and remained close even after Blomberg signed with the Chicago White Sox as a free agent in 1977.
Blomberg, who previously wrote about his experiences in DESIGNATED HEBREW: The Ron Blomberg Story (2012, with a revised edition published in 2020), picks up the pen once again with the nimble assistance of Dan Epstein to share that special bond in THE CAPTAIN & ME: On and Off the Field with Thurman Munson.
It’s a sweet book, one not often associated with the macho world of professional athletes. Sports fans might compare it to Brian’s Song, a 1971 made-for-TV movie about Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers of the Chicago Bears. The main difference is that Piccolo died after a long battle with cancer, while Munson was killed when the small plane he was piloting crashed on August 2, 1979.
Blomberg focuses on the back-and-forth with Munson, who had a reputation for being somewhat cantankerous with outsiders but extremely warm and loving towards those closest to him. The adventures they shared are relatively mild, given that Munson was more of a family man, married to his high school sweetheart, with no interest in the kind of behavior that is often the basis for celebrity tell-alls. Readers will not find tales of infidelity or substance abuse here, although Blomberg admits that they liked their post-game beers.
Blomberg --- the Yankees’ first pick in the 1967 draft --- was supposed to be the next Mickey Mantle, coming up just as the Yankee icon was retiring. And indeed, the Atlanta-born strong man did have some initial success, batting over .300 in three of his first four full seasons. But a series of injuries derailed what might have been a career comparable to Munson’s, and Blomberg was through before his 30th birthday. Since then, he’s been an ambassador for the game, a larger-than-life figure especially popular with Jewish fans.
Epstein, whose previous baseball books include BIG HAIR AND PLASTIC GRASS: A Funky Ride Through Baseball and America in the Swinging '70s (2010) and STARS AND STRIKES: Baseball and America in the Bicentennial Summer of ‘76 (2014), does an excellent job of reigning in Blomberg, whose gregarious nature can sometimes go off on numerous tangents (“that reminds me of another story…”). There’s also the issue of fact-checking; sometimes those stories get a bit exaggerated --- not in any effort to mislead, but just due to the passage of time.
The result of this collaboration is a portrait of rare friendship that can get lost in the “me first” professional sports world, where athletes move around frequently (Jerry Seinfeld has compared following a team to “rooting for laundry”) and relationships are fleeting.
Reviewed by Ron Kaplan
December 16, 2022
Told through anecdotal paragraphs and pages, interspersed with italicized notes from Dan Epstein on the stats and situations. Free Agency, the DH, and other early 70s topics are given a very personal perspective.
This was an interesting era in baseball, and has been written about before in Epstein's Big Hair and Plastic Grass: A Funky Ride Through Baseball and America in the Swinging '70s. Blomberg provides an insiders perspective. In addition, he covers what it was like in a Steinbrenner locker room and the rivalry between catchers Munson and Fisk - both great topics.
The book is written in a easy-going style and was a quick read. Recommended for baseball fans and Yankee fans alike.
This was an interesting era in baseball, and has been written about before in Epstein's Big Hair and Plastic Grass: A Funky Ride Through Baseball and America in the Swinging '70s. Blomberg provides an insiders perspective. In addition, he covers what it was like in a Steinbrenner locker room and the rivalry between catchers Munson and Fisk - both great topics.
The book is written in a easy-going style and was a quick read. Recommended for baseball fans and Yankee fans alike.
October 11, 2021
(2 1/2). I think I heard about this book from Hall of Fame columnist Hal McCoy. Ron Blomberg does a nice job of humanizing the Yankee captain, Thurman Munson. We get lots of inside scoop on the Yankee players, clubhouse and off campus antics. Lots of details about batting averages and stuff, and lots about the unfortunate injury history of Blomberg. You have to be a real baseball nut to enjoy this one, and being interested in the Yankees is important as well. Reasonable stuff.
January 3, 2022
A nice story about Thurman Munson & Ron Blomberg.I watched them play but never knew they where that close & after reading it I think Blomberg might have exaggerated little be be honest I knew Blomberg was the 1st ever DH but because he was always hurt I really don't remember him playing all that much.Now every thing he said about Thurman I believe because I remember watching him all the time & he was a great player who should be in Baseball's Hall Of Fame,but all together it was a good read
February 1, 2023
Outstanding book by one of Thurman My son's teammates
Thurman Munson was an outstanding catcher back in his day. He was a tough gruff competitor. Ron Blomberg was a very good player in his own right. He Blomberg brought a human touch to those 1970s New York Yankees. Some of those stories made me laugh. The comraderie on the Yankees is similar to the fellowship that I had with my shipmates on the USS Saratoga. Great read.
Thurman Munson was an outstanding catcher back in his day. He was a tough gruff competitor. Ron Blomberg was a very good player in his own right. He Blomberg brought a human touch to those 1970s New York Yankees. Some of those stories made me laugh. The comraderie on the Yankees is similar to the fellowship that I had with my shipmates on the USS Saratoga. Great read.
May 27, 2022
3.5 I got this book for Dad a few years ago and he finally finished it on vacation! Fast read, nice story about the Yankee years in the 70s and the tragic death of Thurman Munson- my Dad’s favorite player from back in the day. My Mom still swears that I cried when Munson died, I was 3 years old 🤷🏻♀️ The book was more about Bloomberg that I expected, I had never even heard of him before.
May 15, 2021
We learn about players today with daily Medical updates so we know what their status is. Ron Bloomberg all I ever knew was he was hurt. Ron Bloomberg so wanted to play, but couldn't. Ron Bloomberg tells a great story about Thurman Munson, not an easy one to befriend. A fairly quick read. Enjoy!
June 5, 2021
My 2 favorite Yankees
Great book. Two of my favorite Yankees growing up in New York. I never knew what great friends they were. Once I started reading it, I couldn’t put it down. It was great reading a story from Ron’s point of view. It makes me appreciate them even more.
Great book. Two of my favorite Yankees growing up in New York. I never knew what great friends they were. Once I started reading it, I couldn’t put it down. It was great reading a story from Ron’s point of view. It makes me appreciate them even more.
July 3, 2021
Read like a real life "Bang the Drum Slowly" about friendship and struggle in seventies baseball. This is Dan Epstein's third baseball book and he always helps bring this era to life for readers like myself who weren't around yet. Highly recommend it!
July 16, 2021
Excellent book for every Yankee fan!
Bloomie’s characterization of “ The Captain” is spot on. What a great relationship they had! Great job Bloomie! I loved fevers word and it brought back many great memories. Thank you. The Captain will always be in my heart too!
Bloomie’s characterization of “ The Captain” is spot on. What a great relationship they had! Great job Bloomie! I loved fevers word and it brought back many great memories. Thank you. The Captain will always be in my heart too!
August 9, 2021
One of the best of 2021! This book was so well-written and heartfelt. I learned a lot about Thurman Munson, Ron Blomberg, and their incredible friendship. The baseball stories from the 1970s were the icing on the cake. Well done.
October 25, 2021
Enjoyable easy read
A little sugar coated but you got a better feel for the players and their lives on the road. Ron did a nice job of humanizing and bringing a variety of stories back to life
A little sugar coated but you got a better feel for the players and their lives on the road. Ron did a nice job of humanizing and bringing a variety of stories back to life
November 12, 2021
Thanks Ron!
Thurman Munson was my favorite player as a kid and it was nice to hear stories from his close friend. His name has been brought up a lot lately with Posey retiring, comparing their numbers and talking about the Hall.
Thurman Munson was my favorite player as a kid and it was nice to hear stories from his close friend. His name has been brought up a lot lately with Posey retiring, comparing their numbers and talking about the Hall.
February 18, 2022
excellent ! a great read!
Brings back the memories of the Yankees of the 70s and their inspiring story. Thurman inspired the Team and I Hope this book, told by a loving and dedicated friend, finally gets Thurman into the Hall of Fame, which he so surely deserves.
Brings back the memories of the Yankees of the 70s and their inspiring story. Thurman inspired the Team and I Hope this book, told by a loving and dedicated friend, finally gets Thurman into the Hall of Fame, which he so surely deserves.
March 2, 2022
Must read for Yankees fan
Great insight on the first professional team I ever feel in love with. Thurnam will always be my#1 Athlete of all time and this just gave me a better look at the person not just the player. Thanks Ron for taking me back to my childhood.
Great insight on the first professional team I ever feel in love with. Thurnam will always be my#1 Athlete of all time and this just gave me a better look at the person not just the player. Thanks Ron for taking me back to my childhood.
April 25, 2021
Excellent
Great book about the team and the players I grew up with and Thurman Munson was my all time favorite
Great book about the team and the players I grew up with and Thurman Munson was my all time favorite
June 5, 2021
Very enjoyable and well written book with insider anecdotes.
October 17, 2021
Memories of a beautiful friendship between Yankees Ron Blomberg and Thurman Munson.
October 28, 2021
A must read for Yankee fans of a certain age.
January 12, 2022
This book is a personal favourite of mine. I loved reading about the personal relationship between Ron Blomberg and Thurman Munson. I wish it had a better ending though. Touching tribute to a friend.
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