Paul Molitor: Good Timing: The Paul Molitor Story

by Stuart Broomer

Runner-up in the 1993 American League batting race, 37-year-old Paul Molitor became the oldest player in major league history to drive in 100 runs for the first time in his career. Signed as a free agent by the Toronto Blue Jays in 1993, “The Ignitor” became a crucial factor in the Jays' second consecutive World Series Championship. Author Stuart Broomer chronicles Molitor's upbringing in St. Paul, Minnesota. Broomer also looks at Molitor's successful battle with cocaine addition in the early 1980s, his tireless community work, and his emergence as a team leader and a fan favorite in Toronto.

Genres: Baseball

217 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Joel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A biography of Hall of Fame baseball player Paul Molitor, written while he was still active, right after Molitor starred in the 1993 World Series. It has the feel of a book written and published in a hurry to capitalize on its subject's sudden notoriety; sloppy fact-checking and editing, questionable interpretations of events. Sports-star biographies, at their worst, sometimes lionize their subjects to a nauseating degree, and that tendency is in full force here. Broomer makes little pretense of being an unbiased, balanced biographer.

I enjoyed the book anyway, because Molitor starred for the 1980s Milwaukee Brewers teams I grew up cheering for. The best parts of the book- behind-the-scenes quotes and observations from Molitor, his teammates and family- were enjoyable and illuminating for me. But I can't pretend that it's among the better books of its type. The 3-star rating I've given it is strictly for people with a particular interest in Paul Molitor. Anyone else won't read this book anyway, and isn't missing anything.

[Jason Parke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written after his World Series win with the Toronto Blue Jays, this biography about baseball Hall of Famer Paul Molitor describes his rise to leadership and fame. His personal life is uncovered, starting with being drafted by the Minnesota Twins. Half the book is dedicated to his 15 years with the Milwaukee Brewers, with the final half about his time with the Blue Jays.

Discussing everything from his love for the Brewers and their city, as well as his successful recovery from cocain addiction, to his igniting personality with an already verteran-laden Blue Jays team, the author discusses how Molitor successfully transitioned from Milwaukee to Toronto. He was a leader within a classy, financially secure Toronto baseball club which led him to become World Series MVP, as well as one providing contributions off the field, ensuring his popularity within Toronto and Canada will always be remembered.