Rhubarb in the Catbird Seat

by Red Barber, Robert W. Creamer, Bob Edwards (Introduction)

For more than fifty years Red Barber was the voice of baseball. The game was broadcast sporadically until the late 1930s, when Barber burst into prominence by bringing it home to radio listeners, play by play. More than half a century later, he could still be heard, broadcasting over National Public Radio from his retirement home in Tallahassee. Announcing for the Brooklyn Dodgers and later for the New York Yankees, he became a legend long before his death in 1992. Red’s story reveals the growth and changes in baseball over the years, the demands of sportscasting, and the difference between radio and television reporting. Here is Red giving major play-by-plays of his own life and career with characteristic wit and integrity.

Genres: Sports, Baseball, Nonfiction, Biography, Autobiography, History

338 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1968

Reviews

[Don Wentworth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative, behind the scenes (and the man) account of the beloved announcer for the Brooklyn Dodgers and NY Yankees. At times a bit of a one-note song (can someone really espouse how great and humble they are simultaneously); still, baseball fans will delight in a number of anecdotes from a bygone era.

There are some disconcerting moments, too, though it is Barber's honesty which brings them to the fore. Race and his deep southern upbringing are sometimes at odds here. His recounting of his turns in minstrel shows in his youth are jarring and, though he initially thought integrating baseball was not a good idea, Barber's religious convictions and ability to take each man by his character, by who they, ultimately win the day.

There is, too, a dullness and repetition to the prose and story that may also not be for everyone.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the three and a half star range, but closer to four than three so that’s where we’ll go. Interesting, but never really took off for me – in this book at least Barber sticks closer to his own life and career than to the sports and athletes that he covered, and they probably would have made for better stories.

[Joe Spoto · Rating 5 out of 5]

After listening to Fridays with Red on NPR for many years, I came across this book. Although Red Barber was before my time as far as a sportscaster, It is a great memoir of a very interesting character. What made it even more interesting to me was that Red attended my alma mater, the University of Florida.

[Tom · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed hearing Red on NPR. He was a character, and he knew baseball intimately. Here he tells stories about the famous players and owners who were his friends and enemies. A quick read. Deepens your knowledge of the game.

[Alan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh how I miss Red's call with Bob Edwards on morning NPR. A great American voice. I remember his comments on spring and the flowers in Tallahassee.