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Ernie’s Bleachers
Eddy Pareti is a street-smart kid who does things his own way. He ditches school and dodges duties at the family’s tavern, Ernie’s Bleachers (now Murphy’s Bleachers), which is just across from Wrigley Field. World War II is ending, the Cubs are heading to the World Series, and Eddy sneaks into games and brushes up against baseball legends, including stars of the Negro League.
From behind his family’s bar, Eddy pours beer for soldiers, ball players, and rodeo clowns, runs bets for a bookie who wants him to shoot a deadbeat gambler and—hold your horses—crashes a stagecoach on State Street.
Eddy’s Italian-American family—already battling Chicago’s machine politics and the Mafia— think he’s going astray. Fed up, his parents make a decision that will change Eddy’s life—and Eddy’s not going to like it. But he just might have something really bad up his sleeve…
Based on a true story, Ernie’s Bleachers is a vintage tale of baseball, family, and the American spirit that intersects on the corner of Sheffield and Waveland avenues—a tale that explores the classic era of our National Pastime, the ravages of war, the end of the Depression, and the city of big bets and big shoulders
From behind his family’s bar, Eddy pours beer for soldiers, ball players, and rodeo clowns, runs bets for a bookie who wants him to shoot a deadbeat gambler and—hold your horses—crashes a stagecoach on State Street.
Eddy’s Italian-American family—already battling Chicago’s machine politics and the Mafia— think he’s going astray. Fed up, his parents make a decision that will change Eddy’s life—and Eddy’s not going to like it. But he just might have something really bad up his sleeve…
Based on a true story, Ernie’s Bleachers is a vintage tale of baseball, family, and the American spirit that intersects on the corner of Sheffield and Waveland avenues—a tale that explores the classic era of our National Pastime, the ravages of war, the end of the Depression, and the city of big bets and big shoulders
376 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 19, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 16, 2023
From the first page to the last I was enthralled by the shenanigans of the local legend, Eddy Pareti. As a youngster, he ran the streets near Wrigley Field as though he owned them. Every situation he got himself into, he managed to finagle his way out. Kudos to Tim Pareti (author) for developing the fantasy mind of a teenager. If you love baseball, you won’t be disappointed.
July 19, 2025
“Ernie’s Bleachers” is a fantastic work of historical fiction that kept me interested, intrigued, and excited to see what was going to happen next. I loved the history of Ernie’s, which is now Murphy’s, and the stories told about the happenings in and out of the bar as well as all the trouble Eddy caused, eventually winding him up in military school. Super fun book and any Cubs fan would enjoy and appreciate this book!
May 3, 2023
Ernie’s Bleachers by Tim Pareti is a superbly written book that fits several genres of literature—historical fiction, a coming-of-age story, memoir, and even political commentary. The focal point of the action is a famous bar, Ernie’s Bleachers, which stands across the street from Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs baseball team. The place is still there, now known as Murphy’s Bleachers.
As a coming-of-age novel we follow the life of Eddy Pareti. Eddy is growing up in a tough, multi-ethnic, northside Chicago neighborhood in tough times. Many of the residents are eking their way out of the poverty of the Great Depression. Eddy is a young teenager in love with “America’s game.” Because his family owns the tavern across the street Eddy gets to spend hours of his life with his friends exploring Wrigley Field and actually visiting with some of the players in the bar. This is the highlight of his young life. Unfortunately, Eddy becomes quite the scamp, a constant worry to his mother. School is not high on his priority list, and Eddy gets involved in light crime and worse, gets involved in the numbers racket with the local mafia and various other misadventures. He eventually has to skip town to avoid punishment. Credit his mother to figure out how to straighten him out! Through all, though, Eddy is never depicted as evil or stupid. Author Pareti skillfully allows the reader to sense that under Eddy’s willful spirit and poor choices is a good person just waiting to find his place in life.
Eddy is loosely based on the life of Author Pareti’s father. As a memoir the reader steps into the life and times of the Pareti family in their friendly tavern called Ernie’s Bleachers. The name is so appropriate because it is as though the reader is sitting on the bleachers enjoying the gatherings and conversations in the tavern as well as the field across the street. Not all the tavern guests are athletes, the local aldermen and mafia enforcers also belly up. The frequent inclusion of Eddy’s parents and other relatives and re-enactments of their home life add a wonderful memoir dimension to the book.
The historical presentation of life in Chicago in the late 30’s to the mid 40’s fits exactly what most of us imagine. It’s Capone’s Chicago: minimal policing (kids could run pretty wild), mafia influence, political corruption, racketeering, Major League Baseball, the Negro Leagues and the rise of Jacky Robinson, and of course, World War II. The loss of loved ones in the war hit the neighborhood hard and Author Paretti shares this with us.
Ernie’s Bleachers is a book for baseball lovers and particularly Cubs fans. Baseball enthusiasts will especially enjoy Author Pareti’s clever use of baseball jargon in his chapter titles like “Top of the First” and “Bottom of the Third.” In fact, baseball lingo infuses much of the conversation in the book. Tom Pareti’s knowledge of the game and his love for Chicago shine throughout the book. Chicago lovers will enjoy stepping into the Northside and Wrigley field in a time gone by.
As a coming-of-age novel we follow the life of Eddy Pareti. Eddy is growing up in a tough, multi-ethnic, northside Chicago neighborhood in tough times. Many of the residents are eking their way out of the poverty of the Great Depression. Eddy is a young teenager in love with “America’s game.” Because his family owns the tavern across the street Eddy gets to spend hours of his life with his friends exploring Wrigley Field and actually visiting with some of the players in the bar. This is the highlight of his young life. Unfortunately, Eddy becomes quite the scamp, a constant worry to his mother. School is not high on his priority list, and Eddy gets involved in light crime and worse, gets involved in the numbers racket with the local mafia and various other misadventures. He eventually has to skip town to avoid punishment. Credit his mother to figure out how to straighten him out! Through all, though, Eddy is never depicted as evil or stupid. Author Pareti skillfully allows the reader to sense that under Eddy’s willful spirit and poor choices is a good person just waiting to find his place in life.
Eddy is loosely based on the life of Author Pareti’s father. As a memoir the reader steps into the life and times of the Pareti family in their friendly tavern called Ernie’s Bleachers. The name is so appropriate because it is as though the reader is sitting on the bleachers enjoying the gatherings and conversations in the tavern as well as the field across the street. Not all the tavern guests are athletes, the local aldermen and mafia enforcers also belly up. The frequent inclusion of Eddy’s parents and other relatives and re-enactments of their home life add a wonderful memoir dimension to the book.
The historical presentation of life in Chicago in the late 30’s to the mid 40’s fits exactly what most of us imagine. It’s Capone’s Chicago: minimal policing (kids could run pretty wild), mafia influence, political corruption, racketeering, Major League Baseball, the Negro Leagues and the rise of Jacky Robinson, and of course, World War II. The loss of loved ones in the war hit the neighborhood hard and Author Paretti shares this with us.
Ernie’s Bleachers is a book for baseball lovers and particularly Cubs fans. Baseball enthusiasts will especially enjoy Author Pareti’s clever use of baseball jargon in his chapter titles like “Top of the First” and “Bottom of the Third.” In fact, baseball lingo infuses much of the conversation in the book. Tom Pareti’s knowledge of the game and his love for Chicago shine throughout the book. Chicago lovers will enjoy stepping into the Northside and Wrigley field in a time gone by.
November 11, 2022
“Ernie’s Bleachers” written by Author Tim Pareti, is a walk back in time – a historical journey about a well-known “hang out” spot! Set between 1930-1945 (mainly the 40’s) it’s about an old time pub called Ernie’s Bleachers. The pub is currently a place on Chicago’s North side, in the old Italian neighborhood (Now call Murphy’s Bleachers). It’s conveniently located right across the street from the well-known Wrigley’s Field, a renowned Baseball Stadium; home of the Chicago Cubs Baseball Team.
Eddy Pareti is the central character in the book. A young teenager around 16, who in the 1940s was a wild, know it all youth. He smokes, steals, lies, and is known for doing things his own way. In addition, when he feels like it, he also serves beer behind his father’s counter to the locals. His love for baseball is so great that he oftentimes sneaks through Wrigley’s Field “secret passages” to watch the Cubs and see some of its stars. Of course, his family business, being just across to street, allows him to actually speak and meet many of them.
“Ernie’s Bleachers” is essentially a testament and memorial to a different era. The times when everything was much simpler. Eddy could hang out with mob figures and was even hired to run the “numbers” game as a side hustle. His mother was very worried about where all this would lead her teenager; and she worried all the time. Chicago in the 1940s, along with new immigrants, mob interest and brutal crimes were not ideal for a rambunctious kid. How will it all end for him?
“Ernie’s Bleachers” is a fascinating read! To be honest, if you take a quick glance at the cover picture you’ll probably have witnessed a time like this in your life if you’re over 60. Prohibition, mobsters, speak-easies, rampant crime, open prostitution, open drunkenness, and everything in between was common. If you’ve not witnessed this firsthand, just think about all the mobster type films; The Untouchables would be a good match.
Eddy Pareti, the main subject in the book, is a nostalgic teenager. Knows everything without thinking, does everything without a care for the consequence, and says anything without thought! The book is a masterpiece of storytelling, which brings one back to the way things were “back in the days”. I really wish there were actual photos that were included in the book because I was so curious. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I would also add that we will all find some of an Eddy in all of us as you read. The only thing holding us back now are new laws and social norms. But boy, everyone can recall those years, those exciting teenage years! Five stars!
Eddy Pareti is the central character in the book. A young teenager around 16, who in the 1940s was a wild, know it all youth. He smokes, steals, lies, and is known for doing things his own way. In addition, when he feels like it, he also serves beer behind his father’s counter to the locals. His love for baseball is so great that he oftentimes sneaks through Wrigley’s Field “secret passages” to watch the Cubs and see some of its stars. Of course, his family business, being just across to street, allows him to actually speak and meet many of them.
“Ernie’s Bleachers” is essentially a testament and memorial to a different era. The times when everything was much simpler. Eddy could hang out with mob figures and was even hired to run the “numbers” game as a side hustle. His mother was very worried about where all this would lead her teenager; and she worried all the time. Chicago in the 1940s, along with new immigrants, mob interest and brutal crimes were not ideal for a rambunctious kid. How will it all end for him?
“Ernie’s Bleachers” is a fascinating read! To be honest, if you take a quick glance at the cover picture you’ll probably have witnessed a time like this in your life if you’re over 60. Prohibition, mobsters, speak-easies, rampant crime, open prostitution, open drunkenness, and everything in between was common. If you’ve not witnessed this firsthand, just think about all the mobster type films; The Untouchables would be a good match.
Eddy Pareti, the main subject in the book, is a nostalgic teenager. Knows everything without thinking, does everything without a care for the consequence, and says anything without thought! The book is a masterpiece of storytelling, which brings one back to the way things were “back in the days”. I really wish there were actual photos that were included in the book because I was so curious. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I would also add that we will all find some of an Eddy in all of us as you read. The only thing holding us back now are new laws and social norms. But boy, everyone can recall those years, those exciting teenage years! Five stars!
September 22, 2024
Tim Pareti’s Ernie’s Bleachers is a beautifully crafted novel that seamlessly blends multiple genres—historical fiction, coming-of-age, memoir, and political commentary. The story revolves around the iconic bar, Ernie’s Bleachers, located directly across from Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs. While the original bar still exists today as Murphy’s Bleachers, Pareti captures its rich history.
At the heart of the narrative is Eddy Pareti, a teenager navigating the challenges of a tough, multi-ethnic neighborhood in northside Chicago during the Great Depression. Many of the residents are struggling to overcome the poverty of the era. Eddy, enamored with baseball, finds joy in the tavern his family owns, spending countless hours exploring Wrigley Field and mingling with players. These moments are the highlights of his youth. However, Eddy’s mischievous nature often worries his mother, as school takes a backseat to his escapades, which include minor crimes and involvement with the local mafia's numbers racket. Ultimately, he finds himself needing to flee to escape the consequences of his actions, though his mother is determined to guide him back on the right path. Despite his missteps, Eddy is portrayed with empathy; Pareti skillfully reveals a good heart beneath his rebellious exterior.
The character of Eddy is loosely inspired by the author’s father, adding a personal touch to the memoir aspect of the story. Readers are invited into the vibrant life of the Pareti family at their beloved tavern, where the atmosphere feels lively and engaging, as if one were seated in the bleachers, soaking in the conversations and camaraderie both inside the bar and across the street.
Pareti vividly depicts Chicago from the late 1930s to the mid-1940s, capturing the essence of Capone’s era with its minimal policing, mafia presence, political corruption, and the impact of World War II on the community. The loss felt by families during the war resonates deeply, offering a poignant reflection on that time.
Ernie’s Bleachers is a treasure for baseball fans, particularly Cubs supporters. The author cleverly incorporates baseball terminology into chapter titles like “Top of the First” and “Bottom of the Third,” infusing the dialogue with rich lingo that brings the game to life. Pareti’s deep knowledge of baseball and his affection for Chicago shine through every page, making it a delightful read for anyone interested in the history and culture of the Northside and Wrigley Field.
At the heart of the narrative is Eddy Pareti, a teenager navigating the challenges of a tough, multi-ethnic neighborhood in northside Chicago during the Great Depression. Many of the residents are struggling to overcome the poverty of the era. Eddy, enamored with baseball, finds joy in the tavern his family owns, spending countless hours exploring Wrigley Field and mingling with players. These moments are the highlights of his youth. However, Eddy’s mischievous nature often worries his mother, as school takes a backseat to his escapades, which include minor crimes and involvement with the local mafia's numbers racket. Ultimately, he finds himself needing to flee to escape the consequences of his actions, though his mother is determined to guide him back on the right path. Despite his missteps, Eddy is portrayed with empathy; Pareti skillfully reveals a good heart beneath his rebellious exterior.
The character of Eddy is loosely inspired by the author’s father, adding a personal touch to the memoir aspect of the story. Readers are invited into the vibrant life of the Pareti family at their beloved tavern, where the atmosphere feels lively and engaging, as if one were seated in the bleachers, soaking in the conversations and camaraderie both inside the bar and across the street.
Pareti vividly depicts Chicago from the late 1930s to the mid-1940s, capturing the essence of Capone’s era with its minimal policing, mafia presence, political corruption, and the impact of World War II on the community. The loss felt by families during the war resonates deeply, offering a poignant reflection on that time.
Ernie’s Bleachers is a treasure for baseball fans, particularly Cubs supporters. The author cleverly incorporates baseball terminology into chapter titles like “Top of the First” and “Bottom of the Third,” infusing the dialogue with rich lingo that brings the game to life. Pareti’s deep knowledge of baseball and his affection for Chicago shine through every page, making it a delightful read for anyone interested in the history and culture of the Northside and Wrigley Field.
March 5, 2025
Wonderful novel! A quick and fun read. It’s like walking back through a Time Machine to the 1940s. Written with heartfelt humor, you can feel the love the author expresses for his family, especially his father and grandparents, who seemed larger than life. His description of people and places put you “in the story” as an interested observer. You’d swear you’re on a barstool in Ernie’s Bleachers, listening to the customers’ conversations or in the stands at Wrigley Field watching the Cubs. I highly recommend it to any baseball fan, history buff, or anyone wanting to escape the brutal realities of 2025 and opt for a trip back to a simpler time and place!
April 21, 2024
A coming of age story set in Chicago at the tail end of WWII serves up a compelling dose of baseball, Italian family drama, and colorful characters. Young Eddy Pareti--based on the author's father--can't wait to shake off the confines of his father's bar, Ernie's Bleachers, and the drudge jobs that come with it. From the trials of neighborhood men who hang out at the bar to Eddy's run-ins with the law, attempt to run away, and turn at military school, the story reveals a bygone era.
September 2, 2024
From start to finish, I was captivated by the antics of local legend Eddy Pareti. As a young boy, he ruled the streets around Wrigley Field like they were his own. No matter what trouble he found himself in, he always managed to wiggle his way out. Credit to Tim Pareti (author) for capturing the imaginative mind of a teenager. If you're a baseball fan, you won't be let down.
October 23, 2024
Being a 3rd Generation Chicagoan and having been to that expect spot many time , it painted a vividly poignant picture of this time and place, the heart of a young man . I do not normally read much fiction and yet this was thoroughly enjoyable and quite memorable .
December 12, 2025
Being a die-hard Cubs fan, and having been to what is now called Murphy's Bleachers many times, this was a book I had to read. Though it is classified as fiction, it is filled with interesting Cubs history. The book is well written and easy to read. I would highly recommend this book.
September 11, 2024
2 thumbs up
September 17, 2024
Loved this book! Anyone who likes Chicago, the Cubs, baseball, Italian-Americans, and/or American history, this book is for you!
October 14, 2024
Good little novel.Well researched ,really enjoyed it!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews