Simply put, a great biography. I came away from it feeling like I knew as much about Sandy Koufax as I could possibly know without knowing him personally, like I knew where he came from and how he got where he got to, and how he felt about the journey. With (generally) stylish writing as part of the mix, a better achievement in biography seems difficult to imagine, particularly for a subject as elusive as Koufax. This is a splendid book. ( )

Non-fiction about the legendary Dodgers’ pitcher Sandy Koufax. It is told in alternating chapters of one of his best pitching performances and biographical insights. The author sets the record straight regarding several myths. It harkens back to an earlier age in baseball, prior to free agency, when “bonus babies” were required to remain on the major league team even if it would have served everyone better to go through the learning experiences in the minor leagues. It covers a wide range of topics, including his Jewish faith, friendships with other players, integrity, and accomplishments. It raises questions of how much better he could have been if not mishandled by the Dodgers early in his career. It sheds light on decisions such as the joint hold-out with Don Drysdale and why he retired when he did. I was astounded at the extremes he endured to deal with the pain in his arm, near the end of his career, while still managing to attain spectacular results.

The author weaves together many interviews from players, fans, and management to provide a fascinating picture of an interesting man. This is not a typical biography, as in it does not follow a linear progression through his life, but instead contains social commentary about the times and stories from his life that highlight his personal qualities. Overall, I found it an enjoyable read. Recommended to baseball fans interested in learning more about the life of Sandy Koufax. ( )

A well-written book that reminds us - in this era of Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens - that ballplayers can lead lives of integrity on and off the field.

( )

Assiduous interviewing, resourceful reporting, attention to good writing, but what struck me most about the book was its structure: interlacing an inning-by-inning account of his fourth (!) no-hitter with chapters featuring the biography. My rating of five-stars reflects my conviction that this portrait of one of the most enigmatic public figures of post-war America would interest fans of good writing with no special affinity for baseball. ( )

Less a biography and something more resembling a memorial. Still good. Finished 12.04.2021. ( )