Wow! eBook
Fireman: The Evolution of the Closer in Baseball
Author(s): Fran Zimniuch (Author), Lee Smith (Author)
- Publisher: Triumph Books
- Publication Date: 1 Feb. 2010
- Language: English
- Print length: 288 pages
- ISBN-10: 1600783120
- ISBN-13: 9781600783128
Book Description
Revealing how the pitching roles in baseball have been redefined over the years, this book uses statistics, trend analysis, and interviews with front office personnel, managers, coaches, and pitchers past and present, to discuss the changing nature of the bullpen and how the current, specialized role of the closer came into being. Goose Gossage, Dennis Eckersley, Fergie Jenkins and All-Star closer Lee Smith all share their insights and own experiences as pitchers and why they were instrumental in helping to change the role of relievers during their careers. Fireman provides a true understanding of how relief pitching got to where it is today and how the closers role has been able to reshape America’s pastime. Baseball fans from every generation will not want to be with out this book.
Editorial Reviews
From the Back Cover
Baseball is in a constant state of flux and change. Whether the developments are as obvious as the advent of the designated hitter or as subtle as the time limit between pitches, changes continue to occur that shape and reshape America’s Pastime. One of the most discernable changes has been the specialization of the pitching staff. There was a time when the typical relief pitcher was either a washed-up veteran trying to hold on, an underachieving starter sent to bullpen Siberia by the manager, or a pitcher with good stuff but without the mojo to pitch deep into games. How things have changed. Fireman will bridge the gap between those days and today’s game by reviewing the history of relief pitching and examining the influence and changes in the game that have brought bullpens to their present state. Using statistics, tend analysis, and interviews with front-office personnel, managers, coaches, and pitchers past and present, author Fran Zimniuch delves into the changing nature of the bullpen in baseball and how the current, specialized role of the closer came into being.
About the Author
Fran Zimniuch is an award-winning sports journalist, columnist, and author who has written for various newspapers and magazines for more than 25 years. He is the author of seven other books, including Ph-ANTASTIC! The 2008 World Champion Philadelphia Phillies. He lives in southern New Jersey. Lee Smith is a former Major League closer who was one of the most dominate players of his time. He retired with 478 saves, which is currently third all-time.
