Play Book Tag discussion

Game 7, 1986: Failure and Triumph in the Biggest Game of My Life by Ron Darling - 4* - My Review

The title accurately describes the content – this is a book about Ron Darling’s personal experience of Game 7 of the 1986 World Series. He was the starting pitcher for the Mets against the Red Sox in the deciding game. The “failure” has to do with giving up three earned runs and six hits in three and two-thirds innings. The triumph has to do with the overall outcome. Darling writes in a straightforward, colloquial, and lively manner. He inserts side stories about teammates and his family, and these stories are often humorous.

Darling vividly describes the pressures he felt at the time. In my opinion, he is overly hard on himself, but I am sure many athletes are so competitive that even performances some of us (fans) might think are not that bad, the person in question feels is much worse, especially with the weight of the “world” on his shoulders. Darling provides great insight into the psychological aspects of both pitching and the game of baseball in general. Though the Mets are not “my team,” I enjoyed it immensely and recommend it to baseball fans of any team.

PBT September BWF Extra D - fits letter not tag

Great review. I cannot imagine the immense pressure of pitching game 7 of the World Series and feeling like a failure and imagining you let your team down…and then they win despite your performance (in Darlings opinion).

Thanks, Jason. I love baseball and have been a fan of the game my entire life. My team is the SF Giants. Which team do you follow?

Atlanta Braves. But I love baseball. I don’t care who is playing.

I went to school with Buster Posey so I enjoyed the Giants even-year World Series. Look forward to some books from that era.

Very cool that you went to school with Buster Posey! What an amazing player (and future hall of famer). I was a Braves fan for a while when I was attending Georgia Tech. It doesn't matter to me, either, what teams are playing. I just love the game.

He is a great person too. Definitely has the accolades for Hall of Fame. I realize I’m biased, but I say put him in.

I agree!