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Alou: My Baseball Journey
Growing up in a tiny shack in the Dominican Republic, Felipe Alou never dreamed he would be the first man born and raised in his country to play and manage in Major League Baseball—and also the first to play in the World Series. In this extraordinary autobiography, Alou tells of his real dream to become a doctor, and an improbable turn of events that led to the pro contract. Battling racism in the United States and political turmoil in his home country, Alou persevered, paving the way for his brothers and scores of other Dominicans, including his son Moisés. Alou played seventeen years in the Major Leagues, accumulating more than two thousand hits and two hundred home runs, and then managed for another fourteen years—four with the San Francisco Giants and ten with the Montreal Expos, where he became the winningest manager in franchise history. Alou’s pioneering journey is embedded in the history of baseball, the Dominican Republic, and a remarkable family. Purchase the audio edition.
315 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2018
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87 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 10, 2018
Usually a man who became a major league baseball player and manager will share that he always dreamed of making it to the majors. Not so for Felipe Alou. The man who became the first player from the Dominican Republic to play in the major leagues, to play in the World Series and to manage in the major leagues, originally was going to be a doctor. Then through a strange turn of events in the 1955 Pan American games, a young Alou found himself on the baseball team, where he caught the eye of scouts. The rest is history – and told by Alou in this memoir of his life both in his homeland and in the United States.
Alou was often portrayed as a gentleman during his playing days with the San Francisco Giants and Atlanta Braves and even more so during his managerial career, mostly with the Montreal Expos but also his last two years back in San Francisco. The stories he shares are told in that manner with one notable exception: his recollections of the racism he faced while being a pioneer for Latin American ballplayers.
While there are many stories about the racism directed at black players in the early days of integration in baseball, the plight of the Latin American player is not as well known. However, it is was just as humiliating and degrading and reading about someone experiencing this firsthand, as Alou did, is very powerful. He talks about Latin players going through this even worse than black players, as the latter players were able to stick together and retreat to friendly neighborhoods. When they were doing this, the black players, according to Alou, would exclude their Latin American teammates, making them feel even more isolated.
When approached by Sport magazine in 1963 to talk about these experiences, Alou had also been fined by commissioner Ford Frick for playing in an exhibition series in his homeland. Incensed by this and wanted to tell everyone about the racism Latin players faced, he wrote an article for the magazine’s November edition, which is shared verbatim in the book and certainly the most powerful passage in the entire volume.
This isn’t to say that the book is all about this topic Indeed, Alou spends a great deal of time talking about his two brothers who also played in the major leagues, Matty and Jesus. The three brothers made history when they appeared in a game together in all three outfield positions and also were the three batters who came to bat in one inning – both firsts for the major leagues. Alou speaks with some pride about his accomplishments on the field with the Giants and Braves, but downplays it much of the time.
Then he talks about his experience with the Montreal Expos as both a coach and later the manager of the team, becoming the first man from the Dominican Republic to manage in the major leagues. Here Alou looks back fondly at his time in Montreal as it is very clear that he has a special place in his heart for the city and it broke when the Expos left. He blames the ownership for this. He also looks back warmly at the Expos team that is still talked about today, the 1994 team with so many young stars whose season of glory was cut short by a strike that wiped out the season and the World Series that year. I do wish there was more in the book about that team, but at least Alou shared some great memories of that group.
Finally, Alou shares much about his homeland, not just his family life but also about the political strife of the Dominican Republic in the 1960’s. While interesting, this section took a little bit away from the rest of the book for me as it seemed to be more a statement about his political beliefs in his homeland than simply background information. This fits with his writing in the rest of the book where he shared his opinions of what he felt strongly about (including his belief that the National League should adopt the designated hitter) but I believe it could have been shortened.
Nonetheless, this was a very good book that fans of the Giants, Expos and baseball in general will enjoy. If a reader is interested in the history of Latin American players in the game, Alou’s experiences will certainly be of interest to that person.
I wish to thank University of Nebraska Press for providing a copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
http://sportsbookguy.blogspot.com/201...
Alou was often portrayed as a gentleman during his playing days with the San Francisco Giants and Atlanta Braves and even more so during his managerial career, mostly with the Montreal Expos but also his last two years back in San Francisco. The stories he shares are told in that manner with one notable exception: his recollections of the racism he faced while being a pioneer for Latin American ballplayers.
While there are many stories about the racism directed at black players in the early days of integration in baseball, the plight of the Latin American player is not as well known. However, it is was just as humiliating and degrading and reading about someone experiencing this firsthand, as Alou did, is very powerful. He talks about Latin players going through this even worse than black players, as the latter players were able to stick together and retreat to friendly neighborhoods. When they were doing this, the black players, according to Alou, would exclude their Latin American teammates, making them feel even more isolated.
When approached by Sport magazine in 1963 to talk about these experiences, Alou had also been fined by commissioner Ford Frick for playing in an exhibition series in his homeland. Incensed by this and wanted to tell everyone about the racism Latin players faced, he wrote an article for the magazine’s November edition, which is shared verbatim in the book and certainly the most powerful passage in the entire volume.
This isn’t to say that the book is all about this topic Indeed, Alou spends a great deal of time talking about his two brothers who also played in the major leagues, Matty and Jesus. The three brothers made history when they appeared in a game together in all three outfield positions and also were the three batters who came to bat in one inning – both firsts for the major leagues. Alou speaks with some pride about his accomplishments on the field with the Giants and Braves, but downplays it much of the time.
Then he talks about his experience with the Montreal Expos as both a coach and later the manager of the team, becoming the first man from the Dominican Republic to manage in the major leagues. Here Alou looks back fondly at his time in Montreal as it is very clear that he has a special place in his heart for the city and it broke when the Expos left. He blames the ownership for this. He also looks back warmly at the Expos team that is still talked about today, the 1994 team with so many young stars whose season of glory was cut short by a strike that wiped out the season and the World Series that year. I do wish there was more in the book about that team, but at least Alou shared some great memories of that group.
Finally, Alou shares much about his homeland, not just his family life but also about the political strife of the Dominican Republic in the 1960’s. While interesting, this section took a little bit away from the rest of the book for me as it seemed to be more a statement about his political beliefs in his homeland than simply background information. This fits with his writing in the rest of the book where he shared his opinions of what he felt strongly about (including his belief that the National League should adopt the designated hitter) but I believe it could have been shortened.
Nonetheless, this was a very good book that fans of the Giants, Expos and baseball in general will enjoy. If a reader is interested in the history of Latin American players in the game, Alou’s experiences will certainly be of interest to that person.
I wish to thank University of Nebraska Press for providing a copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
http://sportsbookguy.blogspot.com/201...
November 27, 2023
Well-written (thanks, ghostwriter) and seemingly fair to everyone involved, this one left me wanting a lot more. I mean, Alou spent more than 50 years in professional baseball. Which means there are entire years that essentially go without any mention at all, in the book. Leave 'em wanting more, I guess, but I was once again reminded that it's essentially impossible to tell a longtime baseball man's story in just one book. Still, kudos to everyone involved with this one.
February 28, 2018
What an amazing life Felipe Alou has had. In ALOU, it is a treat to hear about his life as a baseball player, baseball manager, and proud brother, father and uncle to his family's lineage in baseball. Such a cherished baseball entity, Felipe takes the reader though his upbringing and career where Alou is constantly proud and honored to be a pioneer in representing the Dominican Republic in baseball. As his accomplishments pile up into the 1970's, Felipe Alou ends one facet of his baseball life as a player and jumps right into the next chapter; managing in baseball that carries him into the 21st century. He has met countless baseball personalities and as a successful player and manager has been a part of so many unique and fantastic experiences.
The way Alou writes about his life comes from a place of honor and humbleness in that he was the one that got to experience so many great things. Being human, Alou doesn't shy away from describing his miscues, like having been married four times and creating a rift with one of his brothers the he admits was his fault and he was too proud to admit it for a long time. Alou also has some great stories about certain players and games that might have otherwise time might have forgotten. Another thing Alou heads right into are topics that others might shy away from, but Alou isn't afraid to be controversial and by doing so, enlightens and educated the reader. He touches on racism in baseball in the 50's, 60's and even 70's. He also spends time discussing the inner workings of franchises, particularly the Montreal Expos, and some of the questionable dealings he had and shady choices that the franchises made. Those topics and others aren't avoided or tiptoed around by Alou, who seems more that happy to show what's behind the curtain and yet does it with minimal bias and anger; its just how he perceived it.
Felipe Alou is a rare person, and in ALOU, the reader is reminded of that. Through all of his accomplishments, of which there are many, what makes Felipe Alou stand above so many others is his gutsy, proud and passionate approach to life.
Thank you to University of Nebraska Press, Felipe Alou, and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
The way Alou writes about his life comes from a place of honor and humbleness in that he was the one that got to experience so many great things. Being human, Alou doesn't shy away from describing his miscues, like having been married four times and creating a rift with one of his brothers the he admits was his fault and he was too proud to admit it for a long time. Alou also has some great stories about certain players and games that might have otherwise time might have forgotten. Another thing Alou heads right into are topics that others might shy away from, but Alou isn't afraid to be controversial and by doing so, enlightens and educated the reader. He touches on racism in baseball in the 50's, 60's and even 70's. He also spends time discussing the inner workings of franchises, particularly the Montreal Expos, and some of the questionable dealings he had and shady choices that the franchises made. Those topics and others aren't avoided or tiptoed around by Alou, who seems more that happy to show what's behind the curtain and yet does it with minimal bias and anger; its just how he perceived it.
Felipe Alou is a rare person, and in ALOU, the reader is reminded of that. Through all of his accomplishments, of which there are many, what makes Felipe Alou stand above so many others is his gutsy, proud and passionate approach to life.
Thank you to University of Nebraska Press, Felipe Alou, and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
March 9, 2019
Legendary Major League Baseball player and manger Felipe Alou teamed up with longtime sports writer Peter Kerasotis to write this fabulous biography by the same name. As one might expect from the biography of someone of Alou’s caliber it is filled with stories starring the likes of Willie Mays, Roberto Clemente, and even Björn Borg. If you are not a sport fan don’t worry the book teach you all the terminology you need to know.
At its core this is story of a man battling through poverty, tyranny, and racism to chase his dream. In so doing Felipe charted a course for not only his brothers to famously follow him, but also for the thousands Latin American players who come to transform Major League Baseball over the next half century. As inspiring that is this is not one of those fluffy feel good stories. Alou makes no attempt to portray himself as a saint. Rather he discusses candidly his flaws, taking responsibility for the failure of his first three marriage as well as host of other personal issues. It is impossible not to feel an overwhelming sense of respect for this man.
The only criticism, which I can level at this book is the structure of the book itself. It is sectioned off in such a way that the thread of the story can be lost for chapter or two before doubling back on itself. One example of this is the chapter on Alou’s managerial philosophy. It is wedge awkwardly after his time in Montreal and before his return to San Francisco. If instead the managerial philosophy had been placed after his time managing in the leagues before his time with the Expos the story of Alou’s managerial career would have flow far more smoothly.
Overall, Alou: My Baseball Journey is insanely charming with the feeling Alou is just siting in your kitchen talking to you over a nice warm cup of coffee. I would highly recommend it for anyone who still wants to believe there is good people in the world.
At its core this is story of a man battling through poverty, tyranny, and racism to chase his dream. In so doing Felipe charted a course for not only his brothers to famously follow him, but also for the thousands Latin American players who come to transform Major League Baseball over the next half century. As inspiring that is this is not one of those fluffy feel good stories. Alou makes no attempt to portray himself as a saint. Rather he discusses candidly his flaws, taking responsibility for the failure of his first three marriage as well as host of other personal issues. It is impossible not to feel an overwhelming sense of respect for this man.
The only criticism, which I can level at this book is the structure of the book itself. It is sectioned off in such a way that the thread of the story can be lost for chapter or two before doubling back on itself. One example of this is the chapter on Alou’s managerial philosophy. It is wedge awkwardly after his time in Montreal and before his return to San Francisco. If instead the managerial philosophy had been placed after his time managing in the leagues before his time with the Expos the story of Alou’s managerial career would have flow far more smoothly.
Overall, Alou: My Baseball Journey is insanely charming with the feeling Alou is just siting in your kitchen talking to you over a nice warm cup of coffee. I would highly recommend it for anyone who still wants to believe there is good people in the world.
March 27, 2018
I received a free Kindle copy of Alou: My Baseball Journey by Felipe Alou and Peter Kerasotis courtesy of Net Galley and University of Nebraska Press, the publisher. It was with the understanding that I would post a review on Net Galley, Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes and Noble and my fiction book review blog. I also posted it to my Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google Plus pages.
I requested this book as I have read a number of biographies on baseball players, but this is the first devoted to Felipe Alou that I have read. It is the first book by Felipe Alou and Peter Kerasotis that I have read.
I found this book to be somewhat interesting, but not as dynamic as I hoped it would be. The choice of a different collaborator by Alou may have helped in this regard.
Felipe Alou has had a long and stories baseball career. Starting out as a child in the Dominican Republic, playing for several major league teams including one game where he started with his two brothers Matty and Manny in the outfield, to becoming one of the most respected managers in baseball. The book describes many of the highlights of his career, but not in a captivating way.
I recommend this book in particular if you are a San Franciso Giant or were a Montreal Expo fan. For others, it may not be worth the time to read.
I requested this book as I have read a number of biographies on baseball players, but this is the first devoted to Felipe Alou that I have read. It is the first book by Felipe Alou and Peter Kerasotis that I have read.
I found this book to be somewhat interesting, but not as dynamic as I hoped it would be. The choice of a different collaborator by Alou may have helped in this regard.
Felipe Alou has had a long and stories baseball career. Starting out as a child in the Dominican Republic, playing for several major league teams including one game where he started with his two brothers Matty and Manny in the outfield, to becoming one of the most respected managers in baseball. The book describes many of the highlights of his career, but not in a captivating way.
I recommend this book in particular if you are a San Franciso Giant or were a Montreal Expo fan. For others, it may not be worth the time to read.
November 28, 2021
This book is full of great insight in many areas. Alou had a long distinguished playing career collecting more than 2000 hits over 16 MLB seasons. He discusses his time playing with Willie Mays, Juan Marichal, Orlando Cepeda, Hank Aaron, and the time he and his 2 brothers formed an all Alou outfield. The part I found most insightful was his discussion of the challenges and racism he faced at the minor and major league levels. A lot of justified attention is placed on Jackie Robinson and Larry Doby, but Latino players in the '50s and '60s faced issues of prejudice as well. One of the most striking examples is that MLB essentially changed Alou's name - having him play as Felipe Alou rather than Felipe Rojas. Latinos were also complicated by the impact of international politics on baseball. Alou, as a Dominican had to navigate both the Trujillo regime and the politics surrounding Cuba.
Alou also discusses his time as a manager and opens up about his personal life - his failed marriages, the tragic death of his oldest son, and his journey to the Christian faith.
Baseball memoirs are often uneven in their quality, but this one is well written and has some great insight.
Alou also discusses his time as a manager and opens up about his personal life - his failed marriages, the tragic death of his oldest son, and his journey to the Christian faith.
Baseball memoirs are often uneven in their quality, but this one is well written and has some great insight.
December 6, 2018
I grew up watching Felipe Alou and then his two brothers playing baseball during the 60’s and 70’. I also remember him as the manager of the Montreal Expos. I did not know about his life from or on the Dominic Republic. That was very informative, along with the racism he faced in the 50’s and then after talking about the experiences he had as a Latin player. A 1963 article in Sport magazine would talk about what he saw and what he felt, he would also be fined by then Baseball Commissioner Ford Frick. He would devote an entire chapter to this. He goes into the loss of his son, the time he spent with Willie McCovey, Roberto Clemente, Orlando Cepeda and others. I really liked how he went into talking about the 1994 Expos team and the player from that team. He also gives his opinion on the DH rule and how he thinks that the National League should adapt the rule. I found this to be a very good book and really enjoyed the read. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 5 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
April 21, 2019
I knew some of Mr. Alou's story from being a lifelong baseball fan and having read about him for class. What I didn't realize was how rich his story is--not only as an amazing baseball man, but as a man who has faced intense trials with grace and class. From living under Trujillo's dictatorship to living in Jim Crow south US, from confronting language barriers to being torn between profession and family, Alou recounts his life with candor and the perspective gained from living a full life. Growing up, my dad used to tell me stories about the great players back in the day--Clemente, Mays, and so many more, and these players came to life through Alou's memories. Kerasotis' writing is strong and weaves the stories together into a book that is equal parts memoir, history book, and baseball almanac--a combination that is fascinating and compelling to read. Sports fans will appreciate it for the baseball; readers who enjoy personal narratives will laugh and cry along with Mr. Alou's ups and downs throughout his life.
August 23, 2018
I'm not usually big on autobiographies, but Alou is an excellent book which I had a hard time putting down. Well worth the read. The book is essentially divided into three parts. First, Alou's upbringing in the Dominican Republic, which was an eye-opening look into the poverty from which Alou and his brother rose. Second, his playing career, including the racism he encountered especially earlier on being BOTH black and Latino. Third, his managerial career. Being an Expos fan, I thoroughly enjoyed this peek behind the scenes at the Expos of the 90s, including an entire chapter on the heartbreaking 1994 season. It also provided some answers as to why it took 16 years of managing in the minors before Alou finally became a major league manager. Alou also shares some of his personal life, including some areas he felt where he failed, an honesty that is always refreshing. An interesting look at a classy and well-respected baseball man.
January 9, 2018
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
A glimpse into the life of Felipe Alou, both inside and outside of baseball. Alou discusses his career in the majors as a player, life growing up in the Dominican Republic, insight into his favorite players, personal demons he faced throughout his life, his managerial philosophy, and his outlook an events that have occurred throughout his time in baseball. The most interesting aspect of the book is his brief discussion about the demise of the Montreal Expos. Alou could have focused several more pages to 1994 season through his unceremonious termination in 2001. This book will especially appeal to fans of Dominican born players, the Montreal Expos, San Francisco Giants, and to a lesser extent, the Atlanta Braves.
A glimpse into the life of Felipe Alou, both inside and outside of baseball. Alou discusses his career in the majors as a player, life growing up in the Dominican Republic, insight into his favorite players, personal demons he faced throughout his life, his managerial philosophy, and his outlook an events that have occurred throughout his time in baseball. The most interesting aspect of the book is his brief discussion about the demise of the Montreal Expos. Alou could have focused several more pages to 1994 season through his unceremonious termination in 2001. This book will especially appeal to fans of Dominican born players, the Montreal Expos, San Francisco Giants, and to a lesser extent, the Atlanta Braves.
June 3, 2018
Baseball memoir is not typically the kind of book I read, but I am a Spanish teacher and my class is currently reading Carol Gaab's Felipe Alou: Desde los valles a las montañas, and I was curious to read this book, thinking it may fill in some gaps. It does, but it isn't very well-written. The baseball stats don't really interest me, nor do the lists of players Felipe has played eight or coached. Other than the discrimination Felipe faced, anything negative is glossed over -- his three divorces, the Barry Bonds/steroids issue, etc. Disappointing.
October 2, 2020
A great read with much more detail on Alou's playing career and the racism he encountered throughout the 1950s and '60s than I had anticipated, having known him primarily as a manager. I would have loved more detail on that but the reality is that his brief account of his career with the Expos is covered in other books.
The puzzling thing is how this ended up published by University of Nebraska Press.
The puzzling thing is how this ended up published by University of Nebraska Press.
January 11, 2021
A powerful story of a baseball pioneer, through whose story we learn a bit about America, the Dominican, leadership, and maybe even ourselves. Not overwrought writing, very honest.
Imagine growing up with 5 siblings in a 15x15 shack. Breaking rocks all night, then going to school. Being a Black Latino thrust into 1956 Louisiana.
Imagine then managing Barry Bonds.
Well — now, you can read about it. Felipe and The Alous are greats.
Imagine growing up with 5 siblings in a 15x15 shack. Breaking rocks all night, then going to school. Being a Black Latino thrust into 1956 Louisiana.
Imagine then managing Barry Bonds.
Well — now, you can read about it. Felipe and The Alous are greats.
June 29, 2018
A baseball book from one of the game's authentic geniuses, with a story to tell that spans the breadth of the Latino experience in Major League Baseball. Felipe Alou tells his life story with a candor that makes this book an engaging read.
November 18, 2018
Very entertaining and informative ADULT biography of a baseball legend with a great background about his Dominican/Latin American origins and experiences. Felipe Alou was a the Gentleman of Baseball.
May 3, 2019
A book to remember
Felipe Alou brings back years of stubbornness against a system based on discrimination. This is a story of courage, of firm standing in front of adversity. As a baseball player, he excelled. As a human being, he is an example to be followed.
Felipe Alou brings back years of stubbornness against a system based on discrimination. This is a story of courage, of firm standing in front of adversity. As a baseball player, he excelled. As a human being, he is an example to be followed.
October 8, 2018
You won’t find a better baseball autobiography than Alou. Interesting, honest, and intelligent reflections on a fascinating life in baseball.
June 25, 2020
Excellent book about baseball some history of the Dominican Republic. Great description about life in minor league culture and racial
July 27, 2020
I enjoyed Felipe's story very much. An interesting read for sure. I'm not always a fan of the autobiography, but this story was one that overcame those obstacles (personal). A recommended read.
October 12, 2020
A 3.75 although that might include a little bump up as an Expos fans before the MLB helped them be stolen to Washington. Some fine insights into a more than fine career.
August 29, 2021
This is good book
I enjoying this book I read all the way was fantastic I enjoyed it Felipe alou was good manger. Thank you
I enjoying this book I read all the way was fantastic I enjoyed it Felipe alou was good manger. Thank you
February 5, 2025
The fact that he never gave up is outstanding. What a human.
May 10, 2025
Excellen baseball biography. History of my childhood both inside sports and outside sports.
March 16, 2022
A lot of baseball history but it was slow in some places.
April 20, 2018
Felipe Alou has quite the story to tell spanning more than half a century of involvement in professional baseball. Alou was the first player to go straight from the Dominican Republic to the major leagues, as well as the first native of the Dominican Republic to manage in the major leagues. He's also the patriarch of one of the most prominent baseball families the sport has seen, playing with two brothers in the majors, and managing his own son and nephew. Alou's book covers his whole story, from a poor young boy in the Dominican who wanted to become a doctor, to a young player in the United States, to a major league manager and elder statesman of the game. Whether as a player or manager, Alou's career path has brought him into contact with many of the greats of the game, including Willie Mays, Roberto Clemente, and Barry Bonds, and these and many others make appearances in Alou's enjoyable memoir.
The book is not just about baseball though. There is much to learn about Dominican dictator Rafael Trujillo and his reign of terror, as well as the realities of confronting segregation in the US in the 1950s.
Felipe Alou's is a baseball trailblazer for the people of the Dominican Republic, and his memoir is sure to be enjoyed by baseball fans everywhere.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
The book is not just about baseball though. There is much to learn about Dominican dictator Rafael Trujillo and his reign of terror, as well as the realities of confronting segregation in the US in the 1950s.
Felipe Alou's is a baseball trailblazer for the people of the Dominican Republic, and his memoir is sure to be enjoyed by baseball fans everywhere.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews