Still Throwing Heat: Strikeouts, the Streets, and a Second Chance

by J.R. Richard, Lew Freedman, Nolan Ryan (Foreword)

A flame-throwing star with the Houston Astros, J. R. Richard was at the top of his profession when he inexplicably began complaining of arm weakness in 1980. Initially scoffed at because he continued approaching 100 mph on the radar gun, everything changed when Richard collapsed while playing catch with a teammate—later diagnosed as a life-threatening stroke. The shocking development ended Richard’s major league career and set off a chain of events that led to the former All-Star being homeless by the mid-1990s. This rapid rise and sudden, tragic fall define the unusual, moving, and inspirational life of a Houston icon who has endured many hardships but has become an admired figure in his adopted hometown. J. R. Richard tells that story now in his own words, including the highs and the lows of his brilliant athletic career, the difficulties that befell him on and off the field, abandonment by those he counted on after his stroke, the despair of losing everything, and his ultimate redemption and giving back to the community.

Genres: Baseball, Sports

256 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2015

Reviews

[Rob Neyer · Rating 2 out of 5]

There's just very little of substance here, aside from a few poignant thoughts about his family, and the fleeting nature of fame and success. For a guy who was one of the best pitchers on earth and later homeless for a spell, I expected more.

[Tom Gase · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of Lew Freedman's best that I've read. I don't really agree with the format of Freedman writing a little bit and then Richard writing a little bit, often repeating the same things in chapters, but a nice epic story. J.R. Richard was one of the top pitchers in baseball - he started the All-Star game in 1980 before he suffered a stroke that year that ended his MLB career. This book talks about his time pitching with the Astros in the 1970's and 1980, along with the stroke, his attempted comeback and then his days living as an unsheltered resident in Houston. I learned a lot in this book and it covers every aspect of his life. Not bad.

[Jessica Fellows · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was hesitant to right a review because I didn’t want to be critical of a book but honestly it wasn’t well written. You want to like the book, it is a good story to tell but there just is not much to the book. Many times you find yourself reading something you have already read anything from a sentiment to a repetitive story. And not just once or twice on the same topic but almost every chapter the same thing is said. The book could be written in 5 chapters: High school Career, Majors, The Stroke, Depression and Rising from it all.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although the story sometimes becomes repetitive, this is a story in baseball that certainly transcends the sport. I say repetitive only because it alternates between the journalist and Richard himself. I believe they did not always do a good job of preventing overlap between the two. Anyone interested in great comeback stories will most assuredly enjoy this book.

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't know why the rating on this book was so poor. I enjoyed reading about the life of J.R. Richard - his achievements both in baseball; his difficulties dealing with a stroke that ended his baseball career, a bout with being homeless and eventually coming out on top.

[Colleen J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hard luck and bad choices

JR Richard was a fantastic albeit often wild pitcher with Astros. However, his first two marriages and the money he lost due to them were simply poor selection. The story has a happy ending when he marries his third wife and they both put God first.

[Tim Timberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned much about Richard's life and his baseball career. The book would have been more engaging if it included more stories from his career, but his stroke might have made remembering those stories difficult.

[Matt Kratz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great autobiography by a great pitcher.

[Kek · Rating 2 out of 5]

Probably only recommended if you're a big Astros' fan. The author and JR trade writing selections chapter by chapter and it makes for an awkwardly written biography. They often tell the same stories. I prefer biographies fully written by the biographer.

That all being said, JR's story is definitely one of perseverance.

[Paul Miller · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very little done w/what could be a great story. Rural Louisiana guy, stars at Houston, has a stroke at 30, ends up homeless under a bridge. All you need to know. Skip this disappointedly colorless retelling.

[Josh Lile · Rating 2 out of 5]

Who edited this?

[Adamdaigle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice read, but I could have read more.

[Jackchristopherhill · Rating 1 out of 5]

extremely boring. felt like I was reading a book written by a 5th grader