What do you think?
Rate this book
The Real McCoy: My Half-century with the Cincinnati Reds
In a near-unprecedented sportswriting career covering half a century (and more than 25,000 bylines), Hal McCoy crowns his own Hall of Fame career with a memoir of the Cincinnati Reds that is, by turns, brash, hilarious, and behind-the-scenes unusual. His is the storied franchise with an accent on the story.
McCoy gives fans an inside-the-dugout look that never made the daily press: the politics, the personalities, the hi-jinks, the x-rated scenes—all the classic ballpark happenings known only to those on the field.
There’s the dismantling of The Big Red Machine—and what really happened to Sparky. There’s George Foster’s story of his Riverfront long ball off Cubs pitcher Willie Hernandez, which he described by saying, “I hit that ball so hard that Willie moved to the American League and changed his name.” The reader learns exactly where Pete Harnisch hid his toothbrush, visits the scene of Sweet Lou Piniella and his gumball machine, and suffers with Pokey Reese his worst day ever.
In short, it’s the complete scoop from a sportswriter who led a charmed life and, even when faced with his own failing eyesight, managed to keep his life intact and still see more than the rest of us. The Real McCoy is one of the most readable—and revealing—books about baseball ever written.
McCoy gives fans an inside-the-dugout look that never made the daily press: the politics, the personalities, the hi-jinks, the x-rated scenes—all the classic ballpark happenings known only to those on the field.
There’s the dismantling of The Big Red Machine—and what really happened to Sparky. There’s George Foster’s story of his Riverfront long ball off Cubs pitcher Willie Hernandez, which he described by saying, “I hit that ball so hard that Willie moved to the American League and changed his name.” The reader learns exactly where Pete Harnisch hid his toothbrush, visits the scene of Sweet Lou Piniella and his gumball machine, and suffers with Pokey Reese his worst day ever.
In short, it’s the complete scoop from a sportswriter who led a charmed life and, even when faced with his own failing eyesight, managed to keep his life intact and still see more than the rest of us. The Real McCoy is one of the most readable—and revealing—books about baseball ever written.
224 pages, Paperback
First published March 16, 2015
3 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 7, 2015
This book is well written and full of fascinating and fun stories. Perfect time to read it at the beginning of the season, when all teams are contenders.
February 2, 2018
Great book for any Red’s fan with insights and stories about the team going back almost fifty years. I am a big fan of Mr. McCoy’s column in the Hamilton Journal-News and I am sorry that I could not follow his column before I retired.
January 24, 2018
This is a wonderful book by a interesting writer who has followed my favorite team for years. Very enjoyable and easy to read. Highly recommend it.
July 15, 2020
Really quick read, finished it in a couple of hours. I always like reading Hal McCoy's writing, so it was fun to get a sense of his hall-of-fame career and the people he covered. Great for Reds fans.
July 9, 2015
If you are over 50, grew up a Cincinnati Reds fan and loved baseball; if you spent most of your free time playing baseball, collecting baseball cards, reading about your sports heroes and going to baseball games you will most likely enjoy this book. I meet all of these the criteria and I read the book enthusiastically. As a result of reading this book I was able to relive and remember the many memories, hopes, heroes and the nostalgia of my youth. Thanks Katie
August 3, 2015
Hal McCoy's memoir of his Hall of Fame career writing about the Cincinnati. Reds is a fantastic book for all baseball fans but it is an absolute must read for all REDS Fans. Hal started covering the Reds back when I first started following the team known as the Big Red Machine. He has covered them ever since through good times (1975 & 1976 & 1990) and bad. He has great stories to tell and it was a joy to read his book.
February 14, 2016
Being a Reds fan of many years, I enjoyed much of this book. There are many great stories of players, managers, owners,etc. that help you see the real people behind the players. His chapters on Griffey Jr and Eric Davis were especially loved. I do feel that I missed out because I never read McCoy during his years with the Dayton Daily News, being a Cincinnati Enquirer subscriber. My loss! I could have done without his own sports accomplishment stories. Otherwise, very enjoyable.
April 28, 2015
I grew up during the Big Red Machine era. I read Hal McCoy for years until I moved away from the Cincinnati area. If you are a Red's fan from the 70's until now you will enjoy this book, as I did. However, since I am such a huge fan, there really wasn't too much in this book that I didn't already know.
April 13, 2016
I am really enjoying the stories and the lesser known facts about some of the Reds players. Hal is a walking encyclopedia of Reds facts & stories and baseball in general. Good job!
March 28, 2015
A wonderful look back on Hal's career covering the Reds. A must have for any Reds fan.
July 8, 2015
The always fascinating memoirs of the one of the greatest writers in baseball.
July 18, 2015
I enjoyed the anecdotes and the insight into players' and staff members personalities.
March 13, 2016
What a great book. But, I'm still not sure who Gordy is?
May 4, 2016
Enjoyable, yet scattershot, telling of anecdotes. Was hoping for something a bit more cohesive and insightful, but enjoyed it for what it was.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews