Out of Left Field

Major League Baseball has always been a refuge for eccentrics and determinedly odd players. Their oddness and colorful behavior has not only been tolerated but also enjoyed. Fans love it, and players relish the opportunity to encourage their oddball teammates and managers. "Out of Left Field" is the first book to present baseball's most endearing eccentrics. Take, for example, slugging center fielder Ken Griffey Jr., who got rid of a Mercedes because he failed to get hits whenever he drove it to games. Jimmy Piersall once played a game in a Beatles wig. Pitcher Mark Fidrych talked to the ball. Here also is pitcher Rube Waddell, perhaps the oddest major leaguer of all time. Waddell was prone to running off the mound (and out of the stadium!), mid-windup, in pursuit of passing fire engines. "Out of Left Field" is eminently entertaining, enjoyably readable, and just plain fun.