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George Brett : Last of a Breed
George Brett is most certainly destined for the Baseball Hall of Fame. His career was filled with ups and downs, but through it all, Brett remained an old-fashioned ballplayer that is rapidly disappearing from America's national pastime. This book is a testimonial to a great athlete. 48+ color photos.
- GenresBaseball
190 pages, Hardcover
First published July 7, 1977
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
January 12, 2025
The stars are based on the terrific photos, which I've looked at several times in the decades I've owned this book. I decided to read the text and it's not good.
The author seems to be one of those sportswriting curmudgeons who thinks current (1994ish) players are mostly spoiled complainers who don't play the game the "right way." They play for themselves, not team victories.
Anyone looking can find this same line of BS from reporters, executives, managers, and veteran players going back decades and continuing in the decades since this book was published. In academia this is comparable to the constant complaints about "today's students."
George Brett was my favorite player from roughly 1976 to his retirement (and beyond). And it did seem like Brett was fully committed to giving his all, though he missed lots of games with injuries. In any case. I'm convinced that everyone who sets foot on a major league diamond is incredibly talented AND had to put tremendous work into their game. They just can't be slackers. I enjoy books explaining how players and analysts have worked hard to uncover new advantages or skills that can put them a step ahead -- until others catch on and copy.
The book is laden with contradictory claims in support of the central point. Cameron complains that players are now so rich that they won't be motivated to keep playing. Later he whines that players will stick around just to cash large paychecks.
On pp. 155-6, Cameron gripes about modern players unhappily complaining about everything. Then he favorably quotes selective (favored veteran) players complaining about the complainers among the players!
The book mentions some well-known highlights of Brett's career, but says nothing about interesting moments from Brett's career. For example, readers won't find any information about the week in May 1976 when Brett had at least 3 hits in 6 straight games. The book doesn't mention manager Whitey Herzog batting Brett leadoff in 1977 (and sometimes later) to maximize his plate appearances. I could go on. It's mostly a book filled with vapid quotes from people admiring Brett's career and/or complaining that contemporary players couldn't hold George Brett's jockstrap.
Enjoy the photos.
The author seems to be one of those sportswriting curmudgeons who thinks current (1994ish) players are mostly spoiled complainers who don't play the game the "right way." They play for themselves, not team victories.
Anyone looking can find this same line of BS from reporters, executives, managers, and veteran players going back decades and continuing in the decades since this book was published. In academia this is comparable to the constant complaints about "today's students."
George Brett was my favorite player from roughly 1976 to his retirement (and beyond). And it did seem like Brett was fully committed to giving his all, though he missed lots of games with injuries. In any case. I'm convinced that everyone who sets foot on a major league diamond is incredibly talented AND had to put tremendous work into their game. They just can't be slackers. I enjoy books explaining how players and analysts have worked hard to uncover new advantages or skills that can put them a step ahead -- until others catch on and copy.
The book is laden with contradictory claims in support of the central point. Cameron complains that players are now so rich that they won't be motivated to keep playing. Later he whines that players will stick around just to cash large paychecks.
On pp. 155-6, Cameron gripes about modern players unhappily complaining about everything. Then he favorably quotes selective (favored veteran) players complaining about the complainers among the players!
The book mentions some well-known highlights of Brett's career, but says nothing about interesting moments from Brett's career. For example, readers won't find any information about the week in May 1976 when Brett had at least 3 hits in 6 straight games. The book doesn't mention manager Whitey Herzog batting Brett leadoff in 1977 (and sometimes later) to maximize his plate appearances. I could go on. It's mostly a book filled with vapid quotes from people admiring Brett's career and/or complaining that contemporary players couldn't hold George Brett's jockstrap.
Enjoy the photos.
October 26, 2015
I am a huge George Brett and KC Royals fan so thoroughly enjoyed this book. Steve Cameron, the author had followed Brett from the time he first came into the league until he retired. Even if you are not a huge fan but like reading about people, it's a good one as the theme throughout is how Brett believed in always giving it his all, always hustling and never taking his position or honor of playing baseball for a living for granted. He was also just a regular guy and never expected to be treated differently. A good example is how nice he was to the clubhouse staff, being friendly with them instead of acting as though they were below them. In all, a fun and easy read!
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews