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Lefty: An American Odyssey
Slight damage to bottom edge of DJ only, Lefty Gomez, New York Yankees as a pitcher with a blazing fastball.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 16, 2012
Vernon Gomez, nicknamed 'Lefty' (for obvious reasons) pitched for the NY Yankees from 1930-1942. This is rather amazing as this was the time when pitchers were in the game till their arms fell off. They virtually pitched themselves out of their careers. Vernon was the type of pitcher that would pitch everyday if asked, he had a fierce drive to compete and to win.
This is the account of his life from the beginning to the end. We follow along through the early years of baseball, the good and the bad, we are introduced to other greats such as Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, Bill Dickey and Phil Rizzuto. Other players who were well known and stars at the time but whose names are not familiar to me. Even after his baseball career was over he stayed connected to the game. He had a reputation as a man you could trust and his work ethic on the baseball diamond carried on, it was a legacy left to him by his parents. He did a lot to help break down the race barriers in baseball, along with establishing baseball clinics for young players.
Much of the account is related in stories from people that were there or heard of it, where there is a conflict that is brought out too, in one event of his life, where not much is known the author simply states, "He never said why he did what he did."
This was an easy to read book, the narrative was flowing and while not compelling, was not boring or tedious. It had the background information of Lefty and June's life that you expect from a biography making it a well rounded account.
This is the account of his life from the beginning to the end. We follow along through the early years of baseball, the good and the bad, we are introduced to other greats such as Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, Bill Dickey and Phil Rizzuto. Other players who were well known and stars at the time but whose names are not familiar to me. Even after his baseball career was over he stayed connected to the game. He had a reputation as a man you could trust and his work ethic on the baseball diamond carried on, it was a legacy left to him by his parents. He did a lot to help break down the race barriers in baseball, along with establishing baseball clinics for young players.
Much of the account is related in stories from people that were there or heard of it, where there is a conflict that is brought out too, in one event of his life, where not much is known the author simply states, "He never said why he did what he did."
This was an easy to read book, the narrative was flowing and while not compelling, was not boring or tedious. It had the background information of Lefty and June's life that you expect from a biography making it a well rounded account.
February 26, 2013
Even my love of baseball purely for baseball's sake couldn't propel me all the way through this book. It has some great stories and information but is poorly organized and has the feel of a book that was left without an objective editor for cutting the snippets that didn't matter. For instance, there were entire chapters on the history of this baseball player's wife and her family and childhood. I simply didn't care about that stuff, but obviously it's meaningful to the author - who is the subject-in-question's daughter. Yes, I can see why she would think it important to talk about her mother's background as well as her father's, but when you're titling a book as a baseball biography, it is unfair to go on a tangent that lasts multiple chapters on your mother's childhood and work history, chapters that don't mention baseball even one time. I renewed this book at the library my full limit of three times and still couldn't get to the end, so I gave up and took it back.
Not recommended for general baseball lovers. I would recommend it to Yankees fans and that's about it.
Not recommended for general baseball lovers. I would recommend it to Yankees fans and that's about it.
December 18, 2015
Excellent biography one of baseball's more colorful characters. Lefty Gomez pitched before my time but this book sheds much light on little known facts about the N Y Yankees in the 20's and 30's....the team that dominated that era.
Gomez was married to June O'Dea, a Broadway star, and was close friends of players like Ruth, Gehrig and Lazzeri. He was a wit loved by the media and everyone that knew him.
I met Lefty Gomez in 1966 when he visited the ballpark where I was employed in Asheville NC. He signed a ball for me which I kept until my two little brothers played with it so much the signature wore off and was subsequently lost and gone forever. Since then, Gomez was inducted into the Hall of Fame and, now that I know more bout him, really wish I still had that ball.
The book was co-written by Left's daughter, Vernona Gomez, and nothing is left out inclding Lefty's later battles with alcohol.
I give it 5 stars.
Gomez was married to June O'Dea, a Broadway star, and was close friends of players like Ruth, Gehrig and Lazzeri. He was a wit loved by the media and everyone that knew him.
I met Lefty Gomez in 1966 when he visited the ballpark where I was employed in Asheville NC. He signed a ball for me which I kept until my two little brothers played with it so much the signature wore off and was subsequently lost and gone forever. Since then, Gomez was inducted into the Hall of Fame and, now that I know more bout him, really wish I still had that ball.
The book was co-written by Left's daughter, Vernona Gomez, and nothing is left out inclding Lefty's later battles with alcohol.
I give it 5 stars.
July 19, 2017
I really enjoyed the format of this book, presenting a story of a man in a way that made me feel like I knew him. The quotes and commentary from various sources made for a true to life feel. It's also a great book for those who enjoy baseball and are interested in what life is like for baseball players both before, during and after their MLB careers.
November 25, 2019
A loving biography written by a loving daughter. Not a book for one looking for hard nosed inside baseball. What I will say is the authors had access to amazing source material. Lefty Gomez's career spanned a unique period in baseball...an easy and worthwhile read.
July 19, 2018
Good story about a great player, and an even better person.
June 19, 2020
A look into the Life of Lefty Gomez, the New York Yanks and baseball in the 1930's and 1940's.
Very entertaining book.
Lefty was what all ballplayers should be to the fans.
Very entertaining book.
Lefty was what all ballplayers should be to the fans.
June 12, 2025
Good book about a life well lived.
May 6, 2012
It was once said that rooting for the New York Yankees was like rooting for U.S. Steel. The retort to that statement was comparing a team that, through the decades, has produced the likes of Babe Ruth, Lefty Gomez and Yogi Berra, to U.S. Steel is simple-minded. Vernon “Lefty” Gomez was indeed one of the more colorful characters in baseball history, and he receives his due in this biography co-authored by his daughter Verona and longtime writer Lawrence Goldstone.
This is a classic cradle-to-grave biography, and it does a great job of telling the story of Gomez’ memorable life and putting it in the context of the times in which he lived. Born to a poor farming family in California, Vernon Gomez followed the same cross-country path to fame and fortune at Yankee Stadium that would be followed a few years later by another Yankee Hall-of-Famer to be, Joe DiMaggio. The shy DiMaggio and the ebullient Gomez became roommates and lifelong friends. That relationship is explored in-depth in these pages, along with the most significant pairing of his life: his half-century-plus marriage to Broadway star June O’Dea.
Gomez had a native gift for humor; the tale of him stepping off the pitcher’s mound during a World Series Game to watch a plane flying overhead is the stuff of baseball legend. That moment, and many more great stories of his Yankee days, are captured in his own voice. Gomez wasn’t done with baseball when his pitching arm gave out; he spent his remaining decades as one of the game’s best roving ambassadors, both as a salesman for Wilson Sporting Goods and as a board member for Babe Ruth Baseball.
Anyone who loves the Yankees, and the golden era of baseball, will enjoy this book.
This is a classic cradle-to-grave biography, and it does a great job of telling the story of Gomez’ memorable life and putting it in the context of the times in which he lived. Born to a poor farming family in California, Vernon Gomez followed the same cross-country path to fame and fortune at Yankee Stadium that would be followed a few years later by another Yankee Hall-of-Famer to be, Joe DiMaggio. The shy DiMaggio and the ebullient Gomez became roommates and lifelong friends. That relationship is explored in-depth in these pages, along with the most significant pairing of his life: his half-century-plus marriage to Broadway star June O’Dea.
Gomez had a native gift for humor; the tale of him stepping off the pitcher’s mound during a World Series Game to watch a plane flying overhead is the stuff of baseball legend. That moment, and many more great stories of his Yankee days, are captured in his own voice. Gomez wasn’t done with baseball when his pitching arm gave out; he spent his remaining decades as one of the game’s best roving ambassadors, both as a salesman for Wilson Sporting Goods and as a board member for Babe Ruth Baseball.
Anyone who loves the Yankees, and the golden era of baseball, will enjoy this book.
May 8, 2012
I recieved an advanced copy through goodreads first read program.
I am a big baseball fan and I enjoy reading about history. You get great baseball history in this book on the life of Vernon "Lefty" Gomez who was a pitcher for the New York Yankess in the 1930s. Lefty's daughter is one of the authors and she gives you an in depth look at her father who was known for being goofy. I really enjoyed the footnotes which often contained the story behind the story. I learned some things about the Yankees and their stars such as Ruth Gehrig and DiMaggio that made me go "wow". Learned the reason that the Indians declined their option on Lefty which was suprising. Gives the book an R rating. Also learned that DiMaggio was planning on remarrying Marilyn Monroe right before she took her own life. The author/daughter even covers Lefty and June's marital seperation which I am sure wasn't easy to write about. Great read. Enjoyed it.
I am a big baseball fan and I enjoy reading about history. You get great baseball history in this book on the life of Vernon "Lefty" Gomez who was a pitcher for the New York Yankess in the 1930s. Lefty's daughter is one of the authors and she gives you an in depth look at her father who was known for being goofy. I really enjoyed the footnotes which often contained the story behind the story. I learned some things about the Yankees and their stars such as Ruth Gehrig and DiMaggio that made me go "wow". Learned the reason that the Indians declined their option on Lefty which was suprising. Gives the book an R rating. Also learned that DiMaggio was planning on remarrying Marilyn Monroe right before she took her own life. The author/daughter even covers Lefty and June's marital seperation which I am sure wasn't easy to write about. Great read. Enjoyed it.
January 21, 2013
A very enjoyable read by Vernona Gomez with Lawrence Goldstone on Vernon "Lefty" Gomez, a great pitcher in the 1930s for the Yankees and a great character. Loved reading about his Yankee days with Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig and Joe DiMaggio to name a few. Thought Gomez was a great character and loved how this book wasn't just about baseball (although the better portion of it is) but also his wife in the theater business and Vernon's love of aviation. The book is also great for me because it talked a lot about his childhood growing up around San Francisco, mostly Rodeo, which is close to where I work. Any Yankee fan should read this and most baseball fans will also enjoy. My only fault I saw in this book was that I thought they could have possibly sped through his post-baseball playing days a little quicker and the book seemed to drag a little the last 100 pages or so. Other than that, a very solid read, glad I picked it up.
September 13, 2012
I received this book throught the Goodreads First Read program.
Great book about Vernon 'Lefty' Gomez, a pitcher for the Yankees in the 30's. Written by his daughter this book offers insights into his life that no one else would be able to offer. Lefty was a riot a minute as well as one the all time great baseball players. He played during the era when many other baseball greats whose names are still known by all played.
These were the days when ball players actually played the game. Competitive and dedicated. This book offers many stories and the circumstances leading up to and thru the stories.
Great book!!!
Great book about Vernon 'Lefty' Gomez, a pitcher for the Yankees in the 30's. Written by his daughter this book offers insights into his life that no one else would be able to offer. Lefty was a riot a minute as well as one the all time great baseball players. He played during the era when many other baseball greats whose names are still known by all played.
These were the days when ball players actually played the game. Competitive and dedicated. This book offers many stories and the circumstances leading up to and thru the stories.
Great book!!!
December 28, 2012
I grew up in Novato, and was one of the lucky kids who got to meet this wonderful man and look at all the memorabilia in his home! This story is an amazing look at a man who's life spanned the depression to the first President Bush, and who's playing career spanned from Babe Ruth to Joe D. And along the way he seemed to rub shoulders with a who's-who of everyone else in that era! Fidel Castro, Papa Hemingway, Kurt Russell, James Michener and too many others to mention here! Read this book to learn more, just like I did! I just wish I knew then, what I know now about him!
July 22, 2012
I recieved an advanced copy through goodreads first read program.
I'm not a big baseball fan, but i found the book to be very informative and intertaining. You get great baseball history in this book on the life of Vernon "Lefty" Gomez who was a pitcher for the New York Yankess in 1930s. Lefty's daughter is an author that gives her insight on how her dad was; funny, goofy, and lovable. I also like the behing the story, story. It was very in sitful knowing what happened with the team itself.
I would recommend this book to anyone that loves baseball history.
I'm not a big baseball fan, but i found the book to be very informative and intertaining. You get great baseball history in this book on the life of Vernon "Lefty" Gomez who was a pitcher for the New York Yankess in 1930s. Lefty's daughter is an author that gives her insight on how her dad was; funny, goofy, and lovable. I also like the behing the story, story. It was very in sitful knowing what happened with the team itself.
I would recommend this book to anyone that loves baseball history.
January 16, 2014
The archetype of what a southpaw should be (well, Rube Waddell was there first), when they made Vernon Gomez, they broke the mold. A fierce competitor, a lightning quick wit, a bon vivant, and a loyal friend and teammate, Lefty was also capable of screwing up big time (his brief furlough from his storybook wedding to Broadway actress June O'Dea, his attempt to quit booze cold turkey and unaided). Amazingly, his career basically started as a teenager, pitching semi-pro ball for a team in Point Reyes Station, which I'm still having a hard time wrapping my brain around.
February 25, 2013
The compelling, dramatic, and often laugh-outloud story of one of the greatest pitchers to ever play the game, Lefty Gomez. His life story is remarkable, starting in poverty in a small town in Northern California, and ending up in the bright lights of New York City, playing baseball on its biggest stage, and having great success. It's a very well-written biography, co-authored by the pitcher's daughter, and comes across as a very honest telling of Lefty's life-story, warts and all.
June 14, 2013
I enjoyed this book but thought it had more biographical material than actual baseball commentary. It is a biography, of course, so some may enjoy reading the details of Lefty's life more than summaries of his baseball seasons. This account truly has the personal touch since it is co-authored by Lefty's daughter. I would probably actually give it a 3.5 but it wasn't a 4 star book for me. If you want to share the life of one of baseball's great characters, you will enjoy this book.
August 9, 2012
This was a very interesting story of a pitcher who was much more than his "flake" persona. He did say some very funny things, but he was also a pilot, as well as an accomplished sax player. Playing with the Yankees in the 30's an 40's, he was connected with some very famous players. Through his marriage to a Broadway star, he also knew a lot of show folk. All in all, a good read.
February 26, 2013
Great stories of Lefty Gomez life in baseball and his personal life. Meeting stars Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio and his wife's friends in the entertainment world. Lefty's life from growing up to baseball player, coach, his life after baseball as a public speaker and his battles with alcohol. Very interesting.
August 17, 2013
My father lived across the street from Lefty's mother-in-law, Nellie Schwartz and I grew up hearing Lefty stories from both my parents. I even had the pleasure of meeting him back in the mid-80's. So reading about his baseball career & family was especially interesting to me.
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June 8, 2013I try to read one baseball biography a year, during the season. This one was lent to me by my father....I bought it for him when it came out because as a kid he once got to shake Lefty Gomez's hand at Yankee Stadium. Dad liked the book, mailed it to me to read, and I liked it too...
May 2, 2014
A good baseball book about a great picther. His life was very, very interisting when not playing baseball. A good story.
July 1, 2012
Full of many details about early baseball and what it took to saty in the game. Lefty is a very interesting and dedicated player. Nice read.
August 5, 2012
I love baseball, old time baseball that is. They played for the love of the game way back in the early 1900's. This is a wonderfully written book, not just about Lefty Gomez, but many other greats.
September 30, 2012
Entertaining book on Vernon Gomez also known as Lefty or Goofy. I enjoy in depth books about significant baseball players and this was a good one.
April 15, 2017
I tried to love this book.... I really did. I'll probably even try to re-read it later, but I just could NOT enjoy this book.
A bit of background on me and the Yankees... I LOVE the Yankees. I've loved them as long as I can remember. My grandfather was a Yankees fan, I lived in NYC, my friend's father WAS on the Yankees... I LOVE them. I've read a lot about the history of them and baseball as a whole and enjoyed it.
But, I could NOT get into this book. It was just too dry. The writing style is just not for me. The others who read it so far loved it, so if you love the Yankees, give it a shot. I just wasn't impressed. I felt like I wasted my time. Thankfully, I read quickly, but I felt that time could have been spent enjoying the next book I read instead.
A bit of background on me and the Yankees... I LOVE the Yankees. I've loved them as long as I can remember. My grandfather was a Yankees fan, I lived in NYC, my friend's father WAS on the Yankees... I LOVE them. I've read a lot about the history of them and baseball as a whole and enjoyed it.
But, I could NOT get into this book. It was just too dry. The writing style is just not for me. The others who read it so far loved it, so if you love the Yankees, give it a shot. I just wasn't impressed. I felt like I wasted my time. Thankfully, I read quickly, but I felt that time could have been spent enjoying the next book I read instead.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews