Catcher in Wry

I'm not even a big baseball fan but I still loved Uecker's pranks and hijinks while he played and even after. He is self demeaning and can laugh at himself in this book. If you like sports and humor you should buy this book.

If you only read one baseball book before you die, this must be the one. You'll pass on with a huge grin on your face.

Bob Uecker was not a great baseball player, but he is an entertaining man. Still doing play by play for his hometown Brewers, Uecker is still a recognizable member of the baseball landscape. He is recognizable for his sense of self-deprecating humor, not his baseball talent. From growing up in Milwaukee to breaking-in with his hometown team on the field than in the booth, Uecker collected some entertaining stories until this book's publication in 1983. The stories of the guy who makes it big are quite common. But this book is great not because Uecker became a great ball player, but because he adapted to the chances life gave him. His talent wasn't playing baseball, it was his wit and understanding of the game. Rather that recount each of the humorous stories Uecker told, I would encourage baseball fans to give this book a look. I only hope Uecker updates his book in the future with more entertaining tales.

I recently heard Bob Uecker speak with Vin Scully in the booth during a ball game. He told his signing bonus story and I determined then and there to find out if he'd written a book and if so, to read it. I'm very glad I did. I don't think I've ever had so much fun just reading a book. Uecker talks about his life in baseball and broadcasting. Pictures are included. You don't want to read this book when you are alone. You are going to need another person close by to whom you can read passages aloud. A book for sharing.

Althought it has been many years since I read it, this book recounts the career of Bob Uecker. From his struggles in the minor leagues to his appearance in "The Show", it's an insider's look at the game from a practical joker's point of view. Uecker's tongue-in-cheek style of self-effacing humor is hillarious. The book is filled with accounts of his friendships with many hall of fame players and the the antics they came up with to pass the time. Be warned, however...Uecker himself says the book is full of half-truths, and outright lies...but only the true baseball fan will know which is which! An outstanding effort!