The Last Yankee: The Turbulent Life of Billy Martin

I just read this book this summer. I had been a huge Billy Martin fan and, with the ESPN show "The Bronx Is Burning," my interest was renewed. I went to the library and discovered this book. I own most of the ones written in the late 70s and early 80s, including Billy's own book, "Number One," but I found this one to be the best. Falkner begins the book with information on Billy's family as it existed when he was born and takes it to some of the turmoil that followed his death. Wonderfully comprehensive and, in my opinion, non-judgmental. Falkner uses quotes from Billy and his book to tell the story along side interviews with those who knew him best during the time period the author is writing about to present a well-balanced account of this man's life. Superb!

I also am sorry this book is out of print, because it was an excellent read. Let me say at once, I don't consider it as complete as Peter Golenbock's "Wild, High and Tight", but then I am very biased and consider Golenbock the best sport's writer alive. In any event, I was very surprised at how well this book was put together, an outstanding awareness by Mr. Falkner of Billy's psychodynamics and his acute alcoholism. There is no judgement from the author, just the facts and some very profound insights. If you are a Billy Martin fan, as I have been since boyhood, this is a must have for your library. Billy could have been the greatest manager ever, and maybe he was, even with his flaws, and perhaps those very flaws are what drove him. Buy the book while you still can.