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The Twins: A Journey of a Lifetime: Twin brothers' journey through Chicago Sports History and their recollections of a bygone era
The authors developed a fondness for Chicago sports and its heroes by the time they reached six years of age. They managed to forge lifelong friendships with many sport legends ranging from George Halas, founder of the National Football League and owner/coach of the Chicago Bears for whom the twins served as clubhouse boys during their high school years of 1963 through 1967; to Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita, Hockey Hall of Fame members of the Chicago Blackhawks; and to Yosh Kawano, legendary Chicago Cub clubhouse manager. They also forged a friendship with Frank Shorter, Gold and Silver medals winner in the 1972 and 1976 Olympic marathons. These friendships led to interactions with countless celebrities in the sports, entertainment, and political arenas. Combined with a caring and supportive family, the friendships set the authors out on an unexpected journey. The authors intersperse their stories with discussions of familial, educational, and vocational experiences. They provide a narrative of an era when neighbors seemed more connected to each other and Chicago's professional athletes seemed more connected to their fans.
242 pages, Paperback
Published August 12, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
October 14, 2020
An unforgettable memoir of two extraordinary lives.
Tony and Carl, “the twins,” have written an inspiring and poignant book of their lives during a period in history which will probably never be repeated again. Technology and other innovations after the great war had begun to improve the lives of most people, and the world would experience some of the most extraordinary changes. Although the twins have related their story primarily from the reference of their love of sports, their story is also compelling as they appeared to have had an infectious overall enthusiasm for life.
This spirit is reflected in the style of writing which makes this book fascinating and compelling to read. The authors appeared to be able to identify and embrace incidents which changed their lives and allowed them opportunities to meet celebrities, from sports stars, to astronauts and wealthy businessmen. Apart from being crammed with photographs and descriptions of events that will bring back memories to anyone who also formed a part of that generation, this book will also be an inspiration to younger readers who are just beginning their lives. It is not necessary to be a lover of sport to enjoy reading this, as it also provides a glimpse of a period in time where celebrities were not motivated purely by money and when, quite honestly, I feel that most people were far more humane, and celebrities such as sports stars valued their fans. The world of the period that these authors lived through, and have described so eloquently, also had many serious challenges and I believe that reading their story will inspire today's generation to overcome present difficulties and create a world, and individuals that will be just as fascinating as these two author's, and the people that they knew.
Tony and Carl, “the twins,” have written an inspiring and poignant book of their lives during a period in history which will probably never be repeated again. Technology and other innovations after the great war had begun to improve the lives of most people, and the world would experience some of the most extraordinary changes. Although the twins have related their story primarily from the reference of their love of sports, their story is also compelling as they appeared to have had an infectious overall enthusiasm for life.
This spirit is reflected in the style of writing which makes this book fascinating and compelling to read. The authors appeared to be able to identify and embrace incidents which changed their lives and allowed them opportunities to meet celebrities, from sports stars, to astronauts and wealthy businessmen. Apart from being crammed with photographs and descriptions of events that will bring back memories to anyone who also formed a part of that generation, this book will also be an inspiration to younger readers who are just beginning their lives. It is not necessary to be a lover of sport to enjoy reading this, as it also provides a glimpse of a period in time where celebrities were not motivated purely by money and when, quite honestly, I feel that most people were far more humane, and celebrities such as sports stars valued their fans. The world of the period that these authors lived through, and have described so eloquently, also had many serious challenges and I believe that reading their story will inspire today's generation to overcome present difficulties and create a world, and individuals that will be just as fascinating as these two author's, and the people that they knew.
October 21, 2020
Sports Biographies are always a pleasure to read when done well, and this book is no exception. The Twins: A Journey of a Lifetime dives deep into the world of professional Sports in the Chicago area. From the Chicago Bears to the Chicago Blackhawks, the Authors bring us well known facts, but also lesser known tidbits about your favorite players. Behind the scene information about some famous plays and how the friendships between themselves and athletes they met over their lives have shaped their own lives, relationships and friendships.
This was a great book in that it reminded us that the famous athletes are simply human too. They err and they can make mistakes, but they can also triumph, and they can bring meaning to peoples lives by breaking barriers and being good human beings. The book was really well written and drew me in quickly. I would certainly recommend it if you like sports, but also if you like to read about inspiring human stories.
This was a great book in that it reminded us that the famous athletes are simply human too. They err and they can make mistakes, but they can also triumph, and they can bring meaning to peoples lives by breaking barriers and being good human beings. The book was really well written and drew me in quickly. I would certainly recommend it if you like sports, but also if you like to read about inspiring human stories.
October 13, 2020
Amazing history of Chicago sports through the eyes of real fans
This book is a great collection of stories experienced by twins Tony and Carl Ruzicka growing up in Chicago as sports fans. From the start of the journey, these two fans met and idolized many of the legends of the times while collecting autograph and phots along the way. If you love sports, this is a great collection of stories about some of the greats in sports history along with an amazing learning experience of these two avid fans. Check this one out folks, the life and times in sports back in the 60’s was so much different that it is today.
This book is a great collection of stories experienced by twins Tony and Carl Ruzicka growing up in Chicago as sports fans. From the start of the journey, these two fans met and idolized many of the legends of the times while collecting autograph and phots along the way. If you love sports, this is a great collection of stories about some of the greats in sports history along with an amazing learning experience of these two avid fans. Check this one out folks, the life and times in sports back in the 60’s was so much different that it is today.
November 14, 2020
A must for any Chicago sports fan, of course, but also for any Chicagoan. There's so much history here and so much joy. Two remarkable boys who became remarkable men and wrote a great book about it all.
December 29, 2020
My good friends since 1991, Tony and Carl are the most generous people I know and here they’ve written their story; it’s that curiosity, genuine kindness, hard work, and having your twin by your side brings you great adventure, a great life and life-long friendships.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews