Wingo: The Remarkable Life of an Unremarkable Man

by Mike Vance

When 116-year old Rube Wingo reflects back on the start of his life, he remembers a dirt-poor Southern boy who lived baseball and dreamed of future diamond greatness. His positivity landed him in the game all right, but not in the role he envisioned. When happenstance then brings Rube to the Polo Grounds in New York City in 1922, he jumps at the chance for a piece of the big leagues. One of his first assignments is the daunting task of keeping the great Babe Ruth on the straight and narrow.

Outside the confines of rowdy, odiferous locker rooms, Rube and his friends make the world their oyster despite Prohibition and moth-eaten pocketbooks. As he valiantly tries to hang on to his dream job while simultaneously coming to grips with the broad injustice of America, Rube struggles to find his own place beyond the game he loves.

From consummate history storyteller Mike Vance comes a captivating and hysterical romp through an American century of life, love, race and baseball.

293 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 13, 2024

About the author

Mike Vance is the author of 3 novels and 10 non-fiction books on Texas history, historic true crime, comedy, and sports history. That non-fiction work informs his historical novels. He has produced well over 150 award-winning videos including feature length documentaries, short films and television shows on a variety of Texas history stories. Mike also traveled the English speaking world for 16 years doing stand-up comedy and fronting a band for which he wrote original music. He sometimes teaches Texas history at Rice University’s Glasscock School of Continuing Studies.

Reviews

[James Humphrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this baseball book - Character so believable, I thought he was a "real" historical person told by a skilled author with a flair for intoxicating storytelling. Good read!

[Jay Trotsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love good stories and I sure love baseball. That’s why Wingo: The Remarkable Life of an Unremarkable Man caught my attention. Written by Mike Vance, this is his first foray into fiction after authoring 10 non-fiction books, being a stand-up comedian, historian and a musician with the PC Cowboys among other things.

The story is the reminiscence of 116 year old Rube Wingo; about his life, his love of baseball and his escapades working in baseball. Aficionados of the game will recognize the names of many of the players that have worked their way into the story by being a part of the teams or opponents where Wingo worked.

What makes this story special is not only the intermingling of this fictional character with real ballplayers, but also the fact that Wingo was not a player but a clubhouse guy. Wingo is there because he loves the game, and he loves being around the players.

The story moves through the years with a blend of humor and emotion. Most importantly, you can identify with Rube Wingo, and you can picture yourself being there with him. This story comes to life and draws you in. You will find it hard to put the book down.

Whether you are a fan of baseball or just looking for a well written story to distract for a few hours, I recommend you read this book.

[Dicky Palmer]

Not being much of a baseball historian, I wasn't sure how much of this story I could relate to, BUT IT IS SO MUCH MORE. Wingo's stories are chock full of irony, hilarious colloquial dialog, and a realistic portrayal of the social fabric of the 20th century. It's a fun, entertaining and educational read.