Dewayne Staats is the TV voice of the Rays. He has done play by play for the Astros, Cubs and Yankees in a career of some 40 years. A smile, a kind word and professionalism are always there.
We have been friends for so many years that have flown by in this never-ending game of baseball. This book is about his time in the game: the memories, the people and the lessons.
In this book, you will visit with Harry Caray, Tony Kubek, Joe Madden and so many more with whom Staats shares a baseball life.
More importantly, there is the heartbreak shared in the loss of his loving wife to cancer, his agony in trying to go on with his job and the measure of his family in making that possible.
Here, too, are the ugly politics of this broadcast business, one in which the broadcasters are subject to the whims and favoritisms of owners and network and local broadcast suits.
This book is real. The good and bad times are laid out in the context of a business that has little empathy from on high, but great solidarity from those on the front line.
Thanks to Dewayne for the time and insights. For those of us in the business, the truth rings out. For those outside, have a peek inside.
From Ned Courtemanche, vice-chair of the Enoch Pratt Free Library Contemporaries, this recommendation on a book to level the concept of ideas: "Where Good Ideas Come From: The Natural History of Innovation" by Steven Johnson.
"In our digital age, there is so much buzz around startups and building 'cultures of innovation.' But where do revolutionary ideas really come from?" Courtmanche asks. "Johnson cuts through the noise with this refreshing history of big ideas, bringing to life the work of Charles Darwin and Miles Davis along the way."
Thanks, Ned. As a Miles Davis fan, I really like this reference.
Gary Thorne is the play-by-play voice of the Orioles on MASN, and the 2016 season is his 10th with the club and 31st covering Major League Baseball. His blog will appear regularly throughout the season. Join the Enoch Pratt Free Library for "Soul Food," an exhibit showcasing the origins of soul food through Sept. 30 at the Central Branch, 400 Cathedral St.
* Hitting the Books with Gary Thorne. © Copyright 2016 Gary F. Thorne. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog's author is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Gary F. Thorne and MASNsports.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.