The ‘30-YOC’ Bookstore Is Closed For The Summer!!!

For those of you that enjoyed one of my newest features on this blog titled ‘Now That’s A Book I’d Read’, I wanted to let you know that our printing press has been overworked a bit and will require a little maintenance to get back into working order.

I am estimating that we will be able to get back on track in a few short months and am expecting another of handful of releases by ‘30-YOC’ in the fall.

In the meantime, here is a list of the ‘First Editions’ that have been published for your enjoyment.  Please feel free to peruse the books as you wish!!!

Book #1 – ‘The 4th Wheel’

Book #2 – ‘Both Sides Of The Fence’

Book #3 – ‘Class Of ‘86′

Book #4 – ‘Tales From The Trainer’s Table’

Book #5 – ‘Rule #1: Mascots Cannot Talk’

Book #6 – ‘My Windy City’

Thank you for reading.  See you soon!!!

‘Now That’s A Book I’d Read’ – Book #6 – ‘My Windy City’

This book is the 6th book in this new feature at ‘30-Year Old Cardboard’.

Title – ‘My Windy City’

Synopsis - Here are the tales from the guys that played for both major league baseball teams in Chicago. 

Jacket  Content – Chicago is a legendary city in the United States.  Known for it’s beautiful skyline, it’s stuffed pizza, and of course it’s baseball teams. 

The Cubs and White Sox are two of the most legendary teams in the major leagues.  And while sharing the same city, their fans and history are certainly different.  From the ‘Bleacher Bums’ at Wrigley Field to the ‘White Collar Fans’ from Comiskey Park, each group is fiercely loyal to their club, and their passion never crosses to the other side of the city.

In this book we will share the stories of the players that suited up for both teams.  We’ll hear their tales about their involvement with these very clearly different fans.  We’ll also get to hear some stories about their experiences in 2 of the most legendary baseball stadiums ever built.  While writing this book, one thing was certain – these players love the city of Chicago and were very eager to speak with us about the city and how it felt to play for these two franchises during their professional careers.

Chapters

1- Paul Assenmacher : Cubs(1989-93) White Sox (1994)

2 – George Bell : Cubs(1991) White Sox(1992-93)

3 – Bobby Bonds : (1981) White Sox(1978)

4 – Tom Gordon : Cubs(2001-02) White Sox(2003)

5 – Rich ‘Goose’ Gossage : Cubs(1988) White Sox(1972-76)

6 – Ken Henderson : Cubs(1979-80) White Sox(1973-75)

7 – Lance Johnson : Cubs(1997-99) White Sox(1988-95)

8 – Don Larsen : Cubs(1967) White Sox(1961)

9 – Vance Law : Cubs(1988-89) White Sox(1982-84)

10 – Kenny Lofton : Cubs(2003) White Sox (2002)

11 – Scott Sanderson : Cubs(1984-89) White Sox(1994)

12 – Ron Santo : Cubs(1960-73) White Sox(1974)

13 – Steve Stone : Cubs(1974-76) White Sox(1973-78)

14 – Kevin Tapani : Cubs(1997-2001) White Sox(1996)

15 – Jose Vizcaino : Cubs(2009) White Sox(2005)

16 – Hoyt Wilhelm : Cubs(1970) White Sox(1963-68)

‘Now That’s A Book I’d Read’ – Book #5 – ‘Rule #1 : Mascots Cannot Talk’

This book is the 5th book in this new feature at ‘30-Year Old Cardboard’.

Title – ‘Rule #1 : Mascots Cannot Talk’

Synopsis – It is a written rule that while in  costume team mascots are not allowed to speak.  We have pulled the tape off of their mouths to hear their hilarious stories first-hand.

Jacket  Content – For 3-4 hours during each home game the team mascot is the most active employee in the stadium.  A paid entertainer, the job’s philosophy is simple – Make them laugh at all costs.  And do it without speaking 1 word.

In essence, the team mascot is a mime.  A person dressed in character playing a role that is designed to bring out emotions from the people watching.  And in most cases that emotion is humor.

We have spoken to dozens of current and former mascots for this story.  We’ve taken the tape off of their mouths and let them share their sides of this famously, fun job.

With a ton of laughs, some resulting in tears, this book shares their stories.  From wearing 40-pound costumes in 90 degree heat, to humiliating celebrities in the name of fun, and to cheering up ill children at hospitals, the people that do these jobs have shared their experiences with all of us.

Finally, the mascot gets to talk!!!!

Chapters

1 – Ace – Toronto Blue Jays

2 – Bernie Brewer – Milwaukee Brewers

3 – Billy The Marlin – Florida Marlins

4 – The Bird – Baltimore Orioles

5 – Captain Jolly Roger – Pittsburgh Pirates

6 – Baxter the Bobcat – Arizona Diamondbacks

7 – Dinger – Colorado Rockies

8 – Freebird – St. Louis Cardinals

9 – Gapper – Cincinnati Reds

10 – Homer – Atlanta Braves

11 – Junction Jack – Houston Astros

12 – Lefty & Right – Boston Red Sox

13 – Lou Seal – San Francisco Giants

14 - Mariner Moose – Seattle Mariners

15 – Mr. Met - New York Mets

16 - Paws – Detroit Tigers

17 – Phillie Phanatic – Philadelphia Phillies

18 – Raymond – Tampa Rays

19 – Screech – Washington Nationals

20 – Slider – Cleveland Indians

21 – Sluggerrr – Kansas City Royals

22 – Southpaw – Chicago White Sox

23 – Swinger – Oakland A’s

24 – Friar – San Diego Padres

25 – TC Bear – Minnesota Twins

‘Now That’s A Book I’d Read’ – Book #4 – ‘Tales From The Trainer’s Table’

This book is the 4th book in this new feature at ‘30-Year Old Cardboard’.

Title – ‘Tales From The Trainer’s Table’

Synopsis – Athletic trainers from around the world of major league baseball share their stories of interaction with the sport’s stars.

Jacket  Content – Someone has to keep these guys in tip-top shape, and that job goes to the athletic trainer.  At any one time, the trainer is taking care of 20+ bodies and has the responsibility of keeping them all in playing condition.

This book goes right to the source and lets the trainer tell his story of working on these highly-tuned athletes.  From funny to sad to awkward, these stories are real and the laughter, tears, and chills come with the job.  These trainers spend hours upon hours with the team and get to see players in a light that very few do. 

What players are tough??  Which ones are babies??  Which ones are afraid of needles???  Read on as this book answers all of those questions and so many more.

Over 200 professional baseball trainers were interviewed for this book spanning the years of 1970-2009.  These are their stories – Enjoy!!!

Chapters

1 – Arizona Diamondbacks

2 – Atlanta Braves

3 – Baltimore Orioles

4 – Boston Red Sox

5 – Chicago Cubs

6 – Chicago White Sox

7 – Cincinnati Reds

8 – Cleveland Indians

9 – Colorado Rockies

10 – Detroit Tigers

11 – Florida Marlins

12 – Houston Astros

13 – Kansas City Royals

14 – Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

15 – Los Angeles Dodgers

16 – Milwaukee Brewers

17 - Minnesota Twins

18 – New York Mets

19 – New York Yankees

20 – Oakland Athletics

21 – Philadelphia Phillies

22 – Pittsburgh Pirates

23 – San Diego Padres

24 – San Francisco Giants

25 – Seattle Mariners

26 – St. Louis Cardinals

27 – Tampa Bay Rays

28 – Texas Rangers

29 – Toronto Blue Jays

30 – Washington Nationals

‘Now That’s A Book I’d Read’ – Book #3 – ‘Class Of ‘86’

This book is the 3rd book in this new feature at ‘30-Year Old Cardboard’.

Title – ‘Class of ‘86′

Synopsis – Taking a in-depth look at the baseball rookie class of 1986. 

Jacket  Content – This book will look at the rookies that impacted the game during the 1986 baseball season.  We will dig in deep to review each player’s adjustment to the big leagues, their introduction to new managers and teammates, taking on life in a new city, their impact on the world of baseball card collecting, and will also provide a glimpse into their lives 23 years later.

‘The Class of ‘86′ had some wild characters.  Here are their stories…

Chapters

1 – Fred McGriff – Toronto Blue Jays

2 – Andres Galarraga – Montreal Expos

3 – Paul O’Neil – Cincinnati Reds

4 – Jose Canseco - Oakland A’s

5 – Ozzie Guillen – Chicago White Sox

6 – Lenny Dykstra – New York Mets

7 – Harold Reynolds – Seattle Mariners

8 – Cecil Fielder – Toronto Blue Jays

9 – Barry Bonds – Pittsburgh Pirates

10 – Will Clark – San Francisco Giants

11 – Bo Jackson – Kansas City Royals

12 – John Kruk – San Diego Padres

13 – Ruben Sierra – Texas Rangers

14 – Benito Santiago – San Diego Padres

15 – Vince Coleman - St. Louis Cardinals

16 – Darren Daulton – Philadelphia Phillies

17 – Bobby Bonilla – Chicago White Sox

18 - Danny Tartabull - Seattle Mariners

Congratulations to ‘The Class Of 1986′!!!

‘Now That’s A Book I’d Read’ – Book #2 – ‘Both Sides Of The Fence’

This book is the 2nd book in this new feature at ‘30-Year Old Cardboard’.

Title – ‘Both Sides Of The Fence ’

Synopsis – The most heated rivalry in all of professional sports – The New York Yankees and The Boston Red Sox.  Dating back to the early 1900’s the games and rivalry established between these two franchises is legendary.  And with the rivalry comes stories of laughter mixed with tears as well as the thrill of victory and the heartbreak of defeat.

Jacket  Content – In the rivalry of the Yankees and Red Sox, there is a bold line separating the two teams.  The fans from ‘Beantown’ are as loyal as they come even though their overall team success is not on par with their counterparts.  And the Yankees team, armed with 26 World Championships, are the more decorated team and act as such.

This book will share the stories of the players that called both Fenway Park and Yankee Stadium home during their careers.  We will dig in deep to dissect the sport’s oldest and strongest rivalry by listening to the stories of the men that played for both teams.  In this book you will hear funny recounts of fan interaction, horror stories of players that have left one team to join their biggest enemy, and tales of the ultimate satisfaction – beating their arch nemesis(and former teams). 

207 players have done this.  Here are the stories of the most accomplished and famous men of that group.

Chapters

1 – Don Baylor : Yankees(1983-85) Red Sox(1986-87)

2 – Wade Boggs : Yankees(1993-97) Red Sox(1982-92)

3 – Jose Canseco : Yankees(2000) Red Sox(1995-96)

4 – Roger Clemens : Yankees(1999-07) Red Sox(1984-96)

5 – David Cone : Yankees(1995-00) Red Sox(2001)

6 – Johnny Damon : Yankees(2006-present) Red Sox(2002-05)

7 – Rickey Henderson : Yankees(1985-89) Red Sox(2002)

8 – Mike Lowell : Yankees(1998) Red Sox(2006-present)

9 – Sparky Lyle : Yankees(1972-78) Red Sox(1967-71)

10 –  John Olerud : Yankees(2004) Red Sox (2005)

11 – Jeff Reardon : Yankeed(1994) Red Sox (1990-92)

12 – George Herman ‘ Babe’ Ruth : Yankees(1920-34) Red Sox(1914-19)

13 – Lee Smith : Yankees(1993) Red Sox(1988-90)

14 – JT Snow : Yankees(1992) Red Sox(2006)

15 – Luis Tiant : Yankees(1979-80) Red Sox(1971-18)

16 – David Wells : Yankees(1997-03) Red Sox(2005-06)

 

‘Now That’s A Book I’d Read’ – Book #1 – ‘The 4th Wheel’

This book is the 1st book in this new feature at ‘30-Year Old Cardboard’.

Title – ‘The 4th Wheel’

Synopsis – A tell-all book featuring all of the pitchers that pitched in the 4th spot for the Atlanta Braves while playing in the shadows of Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz.

Jacket  Content – Being a major league pitcher is a tough job.  The team’s success depends on your performance each and every time you take the mound.  The pressure is enough to end careers.  Now imagine trying to perform when you have to follow the excellence of Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz.

‘The 4th Wheel’ tells the stories of those men with the un-enviable task of doing just that.  The 4th guy in the pitching staff that dominated baseball for more than a decade.  Some did well, while some floundered.  This is their story of how they dealt with playing under the magnifying glass as they tried to live up to the performances of their All-star playing, Cy Young Award winning, future Hall of Fame teammates.

Starting with the 1992 season, ‘The 4th Wheel’ allows the Braves’ ‘other guy’ to share how it felt to play alongside this talented trio.  Some of the stories are hilarious; some are gut-wrenching; and some are a roller coaster of both emotions.  The feelings you will emote as you read through this book will differ with each and every player you get re-introduced to.  But the ultimate feeling you will leave with is that the 3-headed monster of Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz may have made up the greatest pitching trio of all-time.

Chapters

1 - The 3-Headed Monster

2 - Steve Avery & Charlie Leibrandt

3 - Steve Avery & Pete Smith

4 - Steve Avery & Kent Mercker

5 - Steve Avery & Kent Mercker

6 - Steve Avery & Jason Schmidt

7 - Denny Neagle

8 - Denny Neagle & Kevin Millwood

9 - Kevin Millwood & Odalis Perez

10 - Kevin Millwood, John Burkett, & Andy Ashby

11 – Kevin Millwood, John Burkett, & Odalis Perez

12 – Kevin Millwood, Jason Marquis, & Damian Moss

13 – Hall of Fame Bound 

New Feature Coming To ‘30-Year Old Cardboard – ‘Now That’s A Book I’d Read’

As you have seen of late, I enjoy reading.  I’ll read almost anything but lately my focus has been our beloved past-time.  I am mid-way through a 600-page book called ‘Grand Slam Baseball’.  And I have 1 more book in my queue waiting for me.

I have read some great biographies, autobiographies, and accounts of baseball history.  But no matter how many books I find, I always wonder what certain books would be like if they were written and published for us to enjoy.  So, that is what this new feature on ‘30-Year Old Cardboard’ is about.  I will develop my own books, with appropriate titles, and offer them up to you for your critiques.  No, I will not be penning any of these any time soon, but I just want to test the interest of the readers of this blog to see if my thoughts gel with what you find entertaining about the sport of baseball.

I’ve got some great ideas, at least I think so, and I cannot wait to share them with you.  Look for the first book next week as I bring you ‘Now That’s A Book I’d Read’.