Koufax

by Edward Gruver

Overview

Hall of Fame pitcher Sandy Koufax may have had the best consecutive years of any pitcher ever from 1961 through 1966, winning 149 games while losing just forty-seven with a miniscule earned run average and more than one strikeout per inning. He retired at age thirty because of severe arthritis in his pitching arm. This book chronicles his turbulent life and focuses on the reverential mystique enveloping Koufax even to this day-based in equal parts on his magnificence; his retirement, caused by a tragic condition; and his subsequent Garboesque public persona.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781493049325
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	02/24/2020
Pages:	272
Sales rank:	1,120,354
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Edward Gruver, author of Nitschke (available from Taylor Trade Publishing) is an award winning sportswriter who has contributed to nearly every major sports periodical. He lives in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Editorial Reviews

...a must for any longtime Dodger follower...

|Los Angeles Times

Gruver makes a laliant attempt to pierce that armor shell Koufax wore...

Cincinnati Enquirer

This is a detailed biography of Sandy Koufax, regarded by many as the pitcher of the twentieth century. This book should be included in any collection of famous Jewish athletes, as well as other Baseball-Hall-Of-Famers.

AJL Newsletter

This is the biography of legendary L.A. Dodgers pitcher Sandy Koufax, who for half a decade mesmerized hitters as few have ever done. Described by many as the greatest left-handed pitcher of all time, Koufax dominated batters in the National League, establishing a benchmark that most hurlers only dream about. Consider these stats: from 1962 to 1966, he won 111 games, lost only 34, tossed a no hitter, and also pitched a perfect game. His 1963 season was brilliant--an impressive 25-5 record with a 1.88 ERA, a world series championship, and an MVP award. It's too bad arthritis ended Koufax's playing days prematurely, at age 30. Award-winning sports writer Gruver (The Ice Bowl) has compiled what the publisher touts as the first book on Koufax in 30 years. Drawing on childhood friends, teammates, opponents, journalists, and Dodger management, Gruver has written a compelling story, complete with appendix of notable statistics. Recommended for all libraries. (Index not seen.)--Larry R. Little, Penticton P.L., BC Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.\

Library Journal

Gruver attempts to better understand one of the most charismatic yet secretive of public personalities through interviews with teammates, opponents and executives who knew but might never have fully understood the makeup of this complex superstar.

USA Today Baseball Weekly

The best part of the book is Gruver's quotes of former players, managers and sports-writers, painting a picture of Koufax's sheer mastery.

J. The Jewish News Weekly of Northern California

It's rich in notes and anecdotes about his upbringing, all-too-brief playing career and his commitment to his Jewish beliefs.

Woodland Hills Daily News

... nicely structured ...

The Philadelphia Inquirer

The sports-writer Edward Gruver interviewed many of Koufax's teammates and opponents, but even as they sing the tributes in personality and achievement of the reclusive Koufax, he remains an enigma.

The New York Times Book Review

Gruver's portrayal of the reclusive Koufax sheds light on one of baseball's most mysterious personalities.

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

... a must for any longtime Dodger follower ....

Los Angeles Times

Gruver makes a laliant attempt to pierce that armor shell Koufax wore...

Cincinnatti Enquirer