Fred Claire, the former general manager who spent 30 years in the Los Angeles Dodgers front office, offers a look into the inner-workings of one of baseball's most storied franchises.
Fred Claire
and over one million other books are available for Amazon Kindle. Learn more
| |||||||||||||||
Book Description
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
Product Description
About the Author
Dr. Kimberly Persiani-Becker is an assistant professor of curriculum and instruction at Cal State University.
Steve Springer has taught and developed training programs in the Los Angeles school district for twelve years.
Brandy Alexander has taught in both public and private schools; he is the recipient of a Golden Apple award for classroom excellence.
Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
Format:Hardcover
This is an excellent book. I think all baseball fans will enjoy it, but it will appeal especially to Dodger fans. I've been a Dodger fan all my life, and this book brought back a lot of memories some good and some not so great. I must admit that I remembered Fred mostly for his trading away Pedro Martinez and John Wettland,but this book reminded me of all the good decisions he made such as putting together the team that won the championship in 1988, getting Mickey Hatcher,Alfredo Griffin,John Shelby Kirk Gibson and others. He talks of his early years as a writer then goes into how he started with the Dodgers, and his years as General Manager, then goes into Fox buying the team. I learned alot about Fred Claire and others in the organization this book was a very easy and enjoyable read and made me realize how much class Fred has and how he really seemed to care about those who worked for him, and for the Dodger organization.
Format:Hardcover
This is one of the best books for fans of the Dodgers or baseball. If you watched baseball in the 1980's and 1990's, you probably remember Fred Claire as Mr. Dodger. He was the figure of class and dignity that became the face of the Dodgers. From pre-Curt Flood to post 1994 strike and beyond, Claire was a part of the Dodgers organization.
The book details how Claire got his start in baseball. He began working as a beat writer before taking the position of Director of Publicity with the Dodgers. In 1987, long-time general manager Al Campanis's gave some unfortunate remarks on ABC's Nightline. Within days, Campanis's hand picked successor was Claire. The book gives many fascinating details about long-time Dodger managers Walt Alston and Tommy Lasorda. There are a couple great sections on trades and free agent signings by the Dodgers during Claire's tenure. Needless to say once I started the book, I could not put it down.
The one thing I noticed throughout the book was how Claire handled every situation good or bad with class. Things ran smoothly for so many years for the Dodgers organization. Trade and contract negotiations were held behind closed doors instead of in the media. From the man who drove Claire to the airport to Mr. O'Malley, everyone was treated the same.
The latter fourth of the book details the events leading up to Claire's dismissal from the new Fox Dodgers. The Mike Piazza trade and his final trade involving Hideo Nomo. From working as a beat reporter to General Manager of the Dodgers to working for the new Dodger owners Fox. Claire handled every situation with humility and grace.
Claire's story is a must read for anyone looking to get into the game or simply wanting to know more about the inner workings of a Major League Baseball team. By the end of the book, you will feel like you know Fred Claire. And, if that's the closest you get to the man than you are a lucky person.
By T E Simmons
Format:Hardcover
I had the privilege of working in the Dodger organization for 12 years, all during Fred Claire's reign. This book was so very interesting. I recall Fred Claire as very focused, just as he illustrates in the book.
I could not put the book down and have actually read it cover to cover twice in the month since purchase. If you like baseball, and especially if you like the Dodgers, BUY THIS BOOK!
Want to see more reviews on this item?
›
Go to Amazon.com to see all 45 reviews
4.9 out of 5 stars
Most recent customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Must Have for LA Dodgers Fans
Just finished Fred Claire's book and will read it again. The reader gains an insider's perspective on the goings-on within the LA Dodgers organization from 1969 thru the Piazza... Read more
Published on May 14 2004 by Brian
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fred Claire Shares His Incredible Story
If you love baseball and would like to know the inside story of one of the greatest franchises in the history of Major League Baseball, Fred Claire's wonderful book, 'My 30 Years... Read more
Published on May 10 2004
5.0 out of 5 stars
True Blue
Fred Claire's autobiography "My 30 Years in Dodger Blue" fits so perfectly among my sports collection because it covers every important phase of Major League baseball in... Read more
Published on May 10 2004 by Henry Burke
5.0 out of 5 stars
NEVER A DAY SO BLUE
Fred Claire lays down the honest truth about the saddest days in Dodger History, the day Fox took over. This is a must for any Dodger fan. Read more
Published on May 3 2004 by hermie boy
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fred Claire, Class Individual
Fred Claire is a class individual who was treated in a very unclassy manner by the powers that were in the Los Angeles Dodgers ownership. Read more
Published on May 3 2004 by Goldy Norton
5.0 out of 5 stars
Solid, candid facts..
Fred Claire writes in detail and is very candid about what went on for 30 years behind the scenes of a successful professional baseball organization. Read more
Published on April 14 2004 by soul scents
5.0 out of 5 stars
Behind the Scenes Look At Dodger Business
If you are looking for a book that describes the business side of baseball with lots of personal experiences and honesty, this is one of the best. Read more
Published on April 11 2004 by Stephen L. Ball
5.0 out of 5 stars
Memories, Memories
For those Dodger fans that attended games at Dodger Stadium during the period Fred recollects, it is a poignant reminder of the family tradition that slipped into history when Fox... Read more
Published on April 11 2004 by mike wada
5.0 out of 5 stars
A journey back 30 years in Dodger history
As a baseball fan, I found Fred Claire''s book very enlightening. As a Dodger fan, I found this book a must read! Read more
Published on Mar 26 2004 by David Mancini
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book, excellent history, honest, dramatic and fun
Unlike the typical self-aggrandizing sports memoir, this one puts a very honest face on a remarkable 30-year career that spanned enormous changes in baseball, for better and worse. Read more
Published on Mar 24 2004 by Preston Bealle
Listmania!
Look for similar items by category
Feedback
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
