1960: When the Pittsburgh Pirates Had Them All the Way

This book takes an in depth, behind-the-scenes look at the wildest, most lopsided World Series ever and relates how the Pirates were put together to form a team that could stun a team straight out of the Yankee Dynasty. A ton of the information in the book comes directly from the mouths of those who played the game. Exclusive interviews came from most of the living Pirates, two key Yankees (Bobby Richardson and Ralph Terry) and many other major leaguers from the 1960 era. Pirate players who share their insights include: 1960 MVP Dick Groat, the ’60 Cy Young Award winner Vern Law, relief specialist Elroy Face, the man who hit a vital homer–Hal Smith, Bob Skinner, Bill Virdon, Bob Friend, Dick Schofield, and Bob Oldis. You’ll read about the controversy concerning the MVP voting for both the regular season and for the Series MVP– why did a player from the losing team get that award rather than Maz? You’ll learn that many Pirates and Yankees believe legendary manager Casey Stengel blew the Series with some terrible decisions. And did you know that initially Roberto Clemente was not always considered to be a good teammate and that he was irate that Groat won the MVP Award? Read why Vern Law said, “We got to feeling it didn’t make any difference how far down we were, we’re still going to win this thing.” The season and the World Series come alive again for the 60th anniversary of a wild year, some call it baseball’s last pure season. You’ll also read about amazing comebacks by the Bucs, how they were drilled during their three losses in the Series yet prevailed. Many of the stories have never before been in print. PRAISE FOR 1960: WHEN THE PITTSBURGH PIRATES HAD ‘EM ALL THE WAY: ** “Wayne Stewart has captured the magic of the Pittsburgh Pirates and their fantastic 1960 World Championship. Through exclusive interviews with players and deep research, this book covers it all—from the preseason through the glory of winning it all in baseball’s most dramatic World Series. It’s a must read for every baseball fan.”—Vernon Law, Pirates ace, a 20-game winner and the Cy Young Award winner in 1960. ** “My high school classmate Wayne Stewart has captured what the 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates were all about, making this an enjoyable book that baseball fans will like.”—Ken Griffey, All-Star MVP, member of two World Series champion teams with The Big Red Machine In short, new insights and great old stories from the players themselves makes this the definitive, top book on an amazing season, an incredible team, and the craziest World Series of all-time!