Willie Stargell: An Autobiography

by Willie Stargell, Tom Bird

The twenty-year veteran of the Pittsburgh Pirates recounts his life, explains how he became involved in baseball, and describes memorable games and fellow players

Genres: Baseball, Sports

247 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 1984

Reviews

[Theo Logos · Rating 3 out of 5]

Willie Stargell was an extraordinary baseball player. His autobiography is not an extraordinary book. Stargell was one of my childhood heroes — the cementing force of my hometown Pittsburgh Pirates, the man who hit more towering home runs than any other player in the 1970s, and a first ballot Hall of Famer. More than forty years after he hung up his spikes for the last time, and over twenty since his too early death, Stargell is still beloved to many fans of his era. But, unlike Stargell the player, or Stargell the man, there is really nothing memorable about his co-written autobiography.

Not that the book is without value. Stargell tells of his hard scrabble childhood, of the racism he endured coming up playing minor league ball in the South — information that those who only knew him from the baseball diamond wouldn’t know. But there is no real flare to the writing, and little to set this book apart from standard fare sports biographies. Fans of the man and the amazing, 1970s Pirates teams that he played on may be interested in it, but should not expect it to be much more than serviceable.

For those who wish to read more exciting or memorable books about Stargell, I highly recommend Out of Left Field: Willie Stargell and the Pittsburgh Pirates, by Bob Adelman and Susan Hall. This book was a project Stargell worked on in the mid ‘70s when his career was still in full swing, and while centered around him, also has much information and many interesting photos of his teammates, both on and off the field. Also, Richard ‘Pete’ Peterson’s biography of Stargell, Pops: The Willie Stargell Story is recommended above Stargell’s autobiography.

[Lew · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must for any Pirate Fan.

[Jerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willie Stargell was the leading home run hitter of the 70's. He was also a classy guy and great leader. Book tells about growing up with very humble beginnings, to the days of the Pirates.'Family" Great book, I read this book over one weekend.

[Chris Dean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairly standard athlete autobiography. Nice to have a record of Stargell in his own words. A must for Pirates and 1970s baseball fans.