Finished the proof, waiting for the hard copy

[Bob]

I recently finished reading the proof on Doug Wilson's biography on Carlton Fisk, and I am waiting for a hard copy to arrive so I can check my notes against the finished product.

There is one line in this book that so encapsulates who Fisk was, and I can't wait to write it. No need to read the rest of the book (just kidding).

Hope to get my thoughts in print soon.

Bob

[Lance]

Working on that one right now...enjoying it enough that it just may take me away from tonight's game, especially if one sided.

[Lance]

My review is ready and will be posted tomorrow morning. No direct quotes but they are not needed to illustrate how Doug captured the spirit of Carlton Fisk. I really enjoyed reading this.

[Bob]

Did you work off the proof or the hard copy?

[Lance]

Proof. That version was sufficient for this review which covered more of the general topics and writing style, not too detailed or quotes. I will write that type of review when requested to have it ready for publication day.

[Lance]

Review is up..set it to be relaesed early this morning.

http://sportsbookguy.blogspot.com/201...

[Bob]

Very cool. PR guy is overnighting me the hard copy. I know what I want to write, I just like to be sure nothing was changed from the proof.

[Harold]

Bob wrote: "I recently finished reading the proof on Doug Wilson's biography on Carlton Fisk, and I am waiting for a hard copy to arrive so I can check my notes against the finished product.

There is one line..."
Was it the line that said he was a combination of Calvin Coolidge and John Wayne?

[Bob]

Very perceptive, Harold! And yes, that line.

[Harold]

It begins and ends with the same transformative moment; not only for Pudge, but also the sport for which he dedicated his life. That iconic moment of game six of the 1975 World Series when Red Sox fans would come so close to bliss but fall one game shy. That legendary camera shot that would garner an Emmy for the cameraman and change the way games would forever be covered has never faded from memory. Carlton Fisk jumping and hopping sideways towards first base and flailing his arms to keep the ball fair. It's been forty years and so much has changed in the game; perhaps in part because of that home run and the unprecedented television audience and interest in the game. In this fascinating biography the reader comes as close as perhaps anyone can come to understand what made Carlton Fisk a Hall OF Famer and one of the greatest catchers of all time during a twenty four year career.

The son of a demanding stoic New Englander from the independent breed of New Hampshire residents, Carlton inherited his father's quest for perfection, blue collar work habits, and an adherence to a principled and accountable life style. As Wilson suggests, neither he or his father would have countenanced trophies for little leaguers who merely showed up for the games. He was in Wilson's perception, John Wayne and Calvin Coolidge combined. And competition was in his DNA. Likely it was so because he needed praise from his dad even in his late adulthood. He admitted as much at his Hall of Fame induction. Carlton Fisk would not back down from a fight, a runner barreling into him from third base, or a matter of principle. He was the epitome of old school at a time when players were demanding to re-negotiate contracts. He disdained "bling" baseball players(Deion Sander) or anyone else who disrespected the game by flaunting or not giving 100% all of the time. And he didn't care if he alienated another player, a manager or ownership if they didn't play by the rules and by his standard of excellence. Here was a guy that rehabilitated a grossly torn up knee in 1974 by himself. Then imagine a player over 40 lifting weights until 1:00 A.M. after a game so that his body could endure twenty four years in a crouched position.( he won a silver slugger award at age 37 by virtue of his dedication to excellence and his physical well-being.)

Carlton "Pudge" Fisk played more games at his position than any man in history and when you read this captivating biography you will understand why he was able to do it. And you will marvel at just how underappreciated, undervalued, and exploited the man was by both Red Sox and White Sox ownership. Wilson does not portray Fisk as blameless. He could be difficult, blunt, stubborn, and fiercely independent, but he was accountable and dedicated to his team and his craft.

In full disclosure, I received this advanced copy from the publisher. Nevertheless, I simply can't say enough good things to depict how good of a biography it really is. The chapter about the 1975 World Series was exciting and vivid and I had seen it in real time. The animosity, okay hatred, between the Sox and Yankees during those years is covered. The famous brawls at the plate with Munson, and the Pinella- Michaels- Rivers- Bill Lee and Graig Nettles bout is also brought to life during the Red Sox years. The White Sox years, where Fisk helped build a division winner, made for great reading and fun. Those were happy years, and despite never having made a close friend in either clubhouse, they were fruitful times for Fisk.

As for the writing style, it's smart, humorous, and poignant-especially the final chapter. I came away with the distinct impression that the author Doug Wilson deeply admired his subject. After reading and loving this account, I too came away with a deep admiration for Fisk and Doug Wilson.

[Harold]

Bob wrote: "Very perceptive, Harold! And yes, that line."
That's what struck me too Bob. Nice to see you.

[Lance]

That was an awesome line. I also liked the comparison of the pelvic gear Fisk wore after an injury to the pelvic garments of a knight's wife in medieval times. I was laughing quite loudly at that one.

[Harold]

Doug has a very good sense of humor and he's quick as well.

[[deleted user]]

Thanks guys; you're making me feel better.

I realized last night a certain intense anxiety I used to get when I was a resident. That moment right before taking a patient's patch off the day after surgery--there was always the sudden terror that maybe they won't see.

That's the way it is right before a book comes out--maybe no one will like it.

You guys are great therapy.

[Bob]

That's a great analogy, Doug. Can I use that in my review? LOL.

[Bob]

Here is my review of "Pudge," as I got the hard copy this morning: http://bobdangelobooks.weebly.com/the...

Bob

[Harold]

Great job Bob. You captured all of the major parts of Pudge's life

[[deleted user]]

Nice job, Bob. Thanks for the good review. I love the second line (That's no joke pilgrim).

Harold already hammered me for the 1979 Phillies thing (tough crowd). I swear it was a typo. I don't know how I missed it; I went through that thing I don't know how many times. I guess you just can't catch everything.