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Tom Seaver: A Terrific Life

Tom Seaver: A Terrific Life

by Bill Madden

Simon & Schuster ·2020 ·304 pages
Best of 2020
Top of the Pile
Top of the Pile
I Index
77/99
Near the Top

68/99

Critics' Rating Index

Top of the Pile

86/99

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Scholars' Citation Index

51/99

Volume of Reviews

46/99

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About This Book

An authoritative, "must-read" (Keith Hernandez) biography of Hall of Fame pitching legend Tom Seaver, still the greatest player ever to wear a Mets jersey, by a journalist who knew him well. He was called Tom Terrific for a reason. Tom Seaver is "among the greatest pitchers of all time" (Bob Costas). He is one of only two pitchers with 300 wins, 3,000 strikeouts, and an ERA under 3.00. He was a three-time Cy Young award winner, twelve-time All Star, and was elected to baseball's Hall of Fame with the highest percentage ever at the time. Popular among players and fans, Seaver was fiercely competitive but always put team success ahead of personal glory. Born in Fresno, California, Seaver signed with the New York Mets in 1967, leading them to their stunning 1969 World Series victory. After a legendarily lopsided trade, he joined the Cincinnati Reds, then later played for the White Sox and the Red Sox before ending his career following the 1986 season. After his playing days, Seaver retired back to California to establish a successful vineyard. The in 2013, a recurrence of Lyme disease severely affected his memory, which Madden was the first to report. In 2019, Seaver's family announced that he had been diagnosed with dementia and was withdrawing from public life. Tom Seaver died on August 31, 2020. Madden began following Seaver's career in the 1980s. Seaver came to trust Madden so completely that, eager to return to New York from Chicago, he asked Madden to explore a possible trade to the Yankees which never materialized. Drawing in part on their long relationship, Madden "has crafted a biography as terrific as the subject" (Jane Leavy, New York Times bestselling author of Sandy A Lefty's Legacy).


Reviews

"A fitting tribute to a great, memorable pitcher."

Kirkus Read review ↗ Near the Top

"As in most sports books, there are many accounts of big games and critical and decisive parts of winning seasons."

Richard Crepeau· The New York Journal of Books Read review ↗ Near the Top

"Madden has brilliantly captured Seaver's career as well as giving us a look into his fascinating life ..."

Gus Palas· Library Journal Read review ↗ Top of the Pile

"Where Madden excels is in Seaver's pre- and post-Major League life ..."

Ron Kaplan· Bookreporter Read review ↗ Top of the Pile

"Madden delivers all the drama of the 1969 World Series ..."

Bryce Christensen· Booklist Read review ↗ Top of the Pile

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