Home Game: Big-League Stories from My Life in Baseball's First Family

by Bret Boone, Kevin Cook Narrated by Bret Boone

Overview

From the first third-generation baseball player in Major League Baseball history, a sometimes moving, always candid look at his family's 70 years in the world of professional baseball.

Bret Boone made history in 1992 as the first third-generation major leaguer in baseball history. A five-foot-ten firecracker who was spurned by scouts for his small size, supposed lack of power, and temper tantrums (one scout called him a “helmet-throwing terror”), Bret didn't care about family legacy; he wanted to make his own way. He did just that, building a 14-year career that included three all-star appearances, four Gold Gloves, a bout with alcoholism, and the ignominy of being traded for the infamous “player to be named later.” Now that he's coaching minor leaguers half his age, and his 15-year-old son has the potential to be a fourth-generation major leaguer, Bret is ready to reflect on and tell the story of baseball from the perspective of his family's 70-year history in the sport.

Combining the brashness and candor of Ball Four with a dollop of Big Russ and Me sentiment, this book will trace the evolution of the game-on the field and behind the scenes-from Ray Boone's era in the 1950s to Bret and Aaron's era in the 90s and 2000s, when players made millions, dined on lobster in the clubhouse, injected themselves with PEDs, and had their choice of “Annies”-female clingers-on, or as today's players call them, “road beef.” Along the way, the book will touch on pieces of Boone family lore, including Bret hitting zero dingers in a home run derby and Aaron's home run (if you don't know what this is referring to, then consult the nearest Red Sox fan). Blending nostalgia, behind-the-scenes profanity, close analysis of the game that only players can offer, and insight into baseball's ongoing evolution as a sport and a business, Bret Boone will offer a one-of-a-kind look at America's favorite pastime from a family who has seen it all.

Editorial Reviews

JUNE 2016 - AudioFile

The youngest member of the first three-generation Major League family, Bret Boone, narrates his own story of following in the footsteps of his father, Bob, and grandfather, Ray. It’s a story worth telling, though the athlete author doesn’t sound like seasoned narrator. While ill-timed pauses mar the reading in places, the audiobook shines when Boone is discussing specific points of the game—nuances and baseball’s code, in particular—from a player’s perspective. In the end, the book makes up for its weakness in narration with honest and interesting anecdotes. M.B. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine

From the Publisher

“[An] entertaining read…. Baseball and sports lovers will want to find out about Boone's take on steroids, the unwritten rules of baseball, and his immense knowledge of the game.” —Library Journal

 
“A lively and at times poignant recounting by one of most charismatic Mariners ever.” –Seattle Times
 

“There is a noble and surprising tender side to [Boone’s] story…. When he talks about his father, grandfather, and brother, it’s impossible to miss his evident pride and love.” —Bookreporter.com

Library Journal

05/01/2016
Boone is likely remembered as the slugging second baseman for the Seattle Mariners during their epic 2001 season. Known for his trademark bat flip, the player isn't shy about sharing his opinions or displaying his temper. In this memoir, he collaborates with Cook (The Dad Report: Fathers, Sons, and Baseball Families) to tell his story. Boone is the first third-generation player in major league baseball after his grandfather Ray and father, Bob, both of whom won a World Series, while Bret and his brother Aaron have each played in (and lost) a World Series. Boone is brash, confident, and unapologetic about his life and view of the sport. That attitude made him a talented athlete and helps create this entertaining read. He openly discusses his short stature (he is under six feet), his complete flop in the Home Run Derby at his own stadium, and his aggressive demeanor vs. the calmer personalities of his brothers and father. VERDICT Baseball and sports lovers will want to find out about Boone's take on steroids, the unwritten rules of baseball, and his immense knowledge of the game.—Jason L. Steagall, Gateway Technical Coll. Lib., Elkhorn, WI

JUNE 2016 - AudioFile

The youngest member of the first three-generation Major League family, Bret Boone, narrates his own story of following in the footsteps of his father, Bob, and grandfather, Ray. It’s a story worth telling, though the athlete author doesn’t sound like seasoned narrator. While ill-timed pauses mar the reading in places, the audiobook shines when Boone is discussing specific points of the game—nuances and baseball’s code, in particular—from a player’s perspective. In the end, the book makes up for its weakness in narration with honest and interesting anecdotes. M.B. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940173692023
Publisher:	Brilliance Audio
Publication date:	05/10/2016
Edition description:	Unabridged

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