Extra Innings

by Frank Robinson, Berry Stainback

One of baseball's finest players offers frank and outspoken commentary on the prejudice he has suffered as a black athlete, the continuing problem of racial tension off the field, serious drug and alcohol abuse problems in his sport, and unfair spending and training practices

Genres: Baseball, Sports

270 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1988

Reviews

[Beth Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grew up loving Frank Robinson as manager of the Orioles when I first became a fan in the late 80s, so many parts of this book were a fun trip down memory lane. I loved learning more about Frank as a player; I related so much to his desire to win, his dedication to always give 110%, to play his hardest and expect that of others. Frank was the first black manager in both the American and National leagues, but even then he was given sub-.500 teams with little help from the front office to develop his teams, and in both situations was fired part way through a season (once in the middle of the night during a road series which felt very unprofessional).

Frank’s experience with racism throughout his career shone a light on the continued issues in baseball, specifically in regards to management and the unequal/unfair hiring practices associated with black players. So many stories about black former players willing to coach or manage for small salaries who were told they needed more experience, while white former players were hired with no experience at all. The saddest story was Elrod Hendricks, a Baltimore hero in my eyes. He was the cornerstone of the Orioles bullpen for my entire childhood. But I didn’t know the whole story — how he wanted to coach 3rd or manage for the O’s but was never given an interview (ever), and was repeatedly told he would best serve the club in the bullpen. He should have had a chance.

Parts of this book were not nearly as engaging as others. A book for baseball fans, especially of Robinson himself, but not a book is recommend to anyone like Jackie Robinson’s or Hank Aaron’s autobiographies. Still a great stepping stone for me as I make my way through baseball history.

[Chris Dean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much of the early portions of this book is nearly identical to Robinson’s earlier book “My Life is Baseball” with some deeper analysis and reflection. Later chapter focus on his managerial stints in Cleveland and San Francisco and the book concludes shortly before Robinson taking over the woeful 1988 Orioles. Most of Robinson’s opinions haven’t changed from his first book, but the passage of time allows him to be more specific and name names. Baseball fans would enjoy this fairly quick read.

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a powerful book that shines a bright light on the problem of racism in America in general and in Major League Baseball specifically. Written in 1988 its message resonates loudly today. Robinson traces his time in baseball from being drafted through his playing career in Cincy and Balt through his groundbreaking as the first black manager in Baseball history. A must read for every baseball fan and should be forced on every child who is 11 years old as America must find it in itself to put an end to this systemic injustice.

The only caveat I have in this being 5 stars is that there is a chapter on pitching that is dropped in the middle of the story of Robinson's life and it seems really out of place.

My Rating: 4.5 stars.

[Calvin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Worthwhile read. He discusses a lot of the racial issues that he encountered during his career. Robinson came to an Arlington bookstore to sign copies when the Orioles were visiting the Rangers, and he was the manager. I bought my copy at that time, and got the author's signature.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the story. It stuck to the plot pretty much all the way through, until the ending. (In my opinion) Besides that, it was really cool. Probably the favorite of baseball books.