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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
Some very funny stories, and some that are serious, too., September 10, 2003
When I first bought this book, I wasn't quite sure what to think. I had heard a few negative things about it, and kind of had a prejudice against it. Boy, was that wrong! I found this to be a very funny, lighthearted read (for the most part). There's some really wonderful insights into what it takes to become a big league umpire - never quite realized all they went through in "Umpire boot camp" (my term). It's not all fun and games, there's a few stories about how an umpire friend of his was attacked and crippled on the streets of Dallas, and the latter part talks a lot about his charity works.A great book - funny, light, and to be honest, something that surprised me in a very good way. What was personally annoying was that after I read this (during the last month of the 99 season), I wanted to watch Durwood, and then he up and retires during the playoffs (and then died a short time later). Damn. Really wanted to see him after reading his book. Oh well. Check it out, a good light read.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
RIP Durwood, January 13, 2003
Durwood Merrill just passed away today, after suffering a heart attack last Sunday. Godspeed, Durwood.
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1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
More than a Game, August 27, 2000
Durwood (Darewood) Merrill gives the fans of baseball a unigue look at the total game of baseball. Baseball is more than high priced players with attitudes. Durwood describes good and bad managers, owners, and umpires who together with the players, all make up the game once known as good as "Mom's Apple Pie."Durwood gives a new appreciation for those serving as judge and jury of the game. Early day struggles of umpires and todays changes are set forth with humor and sadness. Durwood's stories offers a refreshing way to look and appreciate those men fans have come to "hate." They have a tough job which very few can or would consider doing. My hat is off to them for the job they do and to Durwood for taking the time and chance to write. Ending his book writing about his charity was heart warming and inspirational, but I felt it took too much from what I expected the book to be about.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
You'll hesitate the next time you "boo" an umpire......., August 15, 2002
It's a light read, but Durwood is very colorful and sincere in his writing. I felt as if he was my Grandpa sitting next to me telling me these wonderfull stories. You'll enjoy it even if you're not a baseball fan. If you ARE a baseball fan. You'll hesitate the next time you "boo" an umpire at a game. (but only for a second or two) :)
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
A must read for any and all who love the game of Baseball, July 22, 1998
Durwood's Book is without a doubt probably the one of the best books I've read in a long time. His insight on the game of Baseball and the perspective that he gives is truly unique. Being graduate of the same Umpire School that Durwood went to, and Umpiring at the High School and College Level, I know what all Umpires face while trying to do their best. His stories about situations with players and managers made me laugh. He has drawn a lot of heat for what he has written, about the players, managers, and owners, "The Baseball Lords." Why you might ask? Because someone needs to tell the "Real Fans" of baseball what happens behind the scenes. He has such a way to tell his story that is unreal, he fires right back at all umpire attackers that truly don't know their head from a donkey's butt(like Tim MacCarver), and in one moment he'll make you laugh (like his story about his grandson and Nolan Ryan), and the next he'll make you cry (when he talk! s about the death of fellow Umps, Lou DiMuro, Nick Bremigan, & John McSherry, or the untimely loss of truly one of the Greatest Umpires of Baseball Steve Pallermo, or even his work with his home town at Christmas time). You feel for him and everyone around him when he tells the story, you feel the emotion as he prepares to the plate for tonights game. I think it would be a total shame if you don't read this book because you will miss out on the story of one of Baseball's Greatest Ambassadors.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
Merrill is hilarious. Jim Dent's BEST BOOK so far!, June 13, 1998
This is the funniest sports/life books I have ever read. Durwood Merrill is extremely funny and Jim Dent crafts this work so well that you feel like your sitting at the ballpark and you grandpa is telling you stories. A MUST read for ALL sports fans. I got my book signed and got the opportunity to meet both men and I can say that they are two of the nicest out there. If you get the chance to get your book signed, do it. I can't wait for Mr. Dent's next book.
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1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
Pathetic editing, May 22, 2000
This book MIGHT be good if the author didn't mention the same stories over and over. By page, 200, I had heard about Roberto Alomar's spitting incident, Steve Palermo, and Merrill's hand gestures entirely too many times. This book is by far the most choppy piece of writing I've ever read. I hope Merrill puts more effort into his umpiring than he does his spelling and grammar...
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A Must Read Book!!, September 20, 2001
By A Customer
His stories are so descriptive and colorful you feel like you're right there. I would like to see him umpire a game sometime in person. One of the best sports books I have ever read. It gives you a different outlook on the game of baseball. When is his next book coming out?
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The most entertianing book ever!, September 17, 2001
By A Customer
I loved this book, its full of the history of the game. It has everything from growing up in Texas, to umpiring games in Puerto Rico, to umpiring in the Majors. This book is so fun, I've owned it for 4 years and I read it completly once but I've kept picking it up and rereading parts, that I must have read each page about 15 times. Some of the information is slightly outdated but he did make the prediction that if Mark McGuire ever had an injury free year he would break Roger Maris's 61 home run record! He is a very smart man.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
From the Heart, April 30, 2000
By A Customer
Durwoods book is from the heart. There are some typo's but, his book shows the real side of umpiring. I am an ump on the non pro end of baseball. He is the type of person he says he is in the book. I read the book and wrote him. He did write back and told me to stay in touch. This book is highly recommended for all to read. It is funny and sad but you do get a good feeling while reading it.
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