Dynastic, Bombastic, Fantastic

January 9, 2017
One of the most unusual dynasties in baseball, the Oakland A’s of the 1970s, gets close scrutiny by veteran sportswriter Turbow, author of The Baseball Codes, who details how the team was cleverly assembled and peaked during a turbulent American era. Following a move from Kansas City to the Bay Area in 1967, Finley seizes control of a lackluster squad, stocking it with a roster of talented rogues and rebels including Reggie Jackson, Catfish Hunter, Vida Blue, Sal Bando, Rollie Fingers, and Blue Moon Odom in his quest to achieve postseason honors. Turbow challenges the myth of Finley as a con man and huckster, portraying him as a visionary and promotional genius for his team’s mascot mule, uniform changes, half-price games, and facial hair on players. Conflicts between players in the clubhouse and in the press only propel the team to win five straight division titles, three American League pennants, and three World Series. As the 1970s close, the ailing Finley surrenders to free agency and fire sales of his stars, ending his team’s reign. Turbow’s scholarly account offers a chance to relive a period of outlandish moments in America’s pastime.

December 1, 2016
The history of a fascinating franchise during professional baseball's colorful 1970s era.Sports journalist Turbow (co-author: The Baseball Codes: Beanballs, Sign Stealing, and Bench-Clearing Brawls--the Unwritten Rules of America's Pastime, 2010) focuses on Charlie Finley (1918-1996), the owner of the Oakland Athletics franchise, and the key players on his flamboyant championship teams of the early 1970s. Finley, who earned his fortune in the insurance industry, never won acceptance in the club of wealthy, white male owners of Major League Baseball teams. He was irreverent about the rules and traditions of the game, and, perhaps as shocking to the baseball establishment, he openly exhibited his control-freak nature, narcissism, "hard-edged attitude," illogical penny-pinching, and a host of other unpleasant traits. Despite his larger-than-life character, Finley often made wise decisions about corralling talented players for his rosters. For a few glory years, the players, many of a rebellious nature, meshed well on and off the field. (Turbow quotes pitcher Blue Moon Odom that to join Finley's roster, "you have to pass the crazy test. You fill out that application--are you crazy? If the answer is no, we don't want you.") The narrative benefits immensely from Turbow's many interviews with the long-retired players from the Athletics' dominant stretch. A cast of characters section provides information about the post-baseball careers of the members of this particular dynasty, including such well-known names as Reggie Jackson, Catfish Hunter, and Rollie Fingers (Reggie Jackson: "We call him 'buzzard' because he's off in his own world. Nothing bothers him. Him and that handlebar mustache of his--he's cool"). The dismantling of the team by the mercurial and seemingly illogical Finley introduces a down note to this rollicking sports adventure. When Finley died at age 77, few people from professional baseball attended the funeral. A pleasing slice of baseball nostalgia that offers relevance to today's game.

COPYRIGHT(2016) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Starred review from February 15, 2017

In the early 1970s, baseball team owner Charles O. Finley (1918-96) of the Oakland Athletics established a phenomenal team that is still regarded as one of the best in baseball history. Some say it catapulted baseball into the modern era. This latest work by Turbow (The Baseball Codes) captures that glorious time period, brilliantly weaving fascinating tales of the team's colorful cast of characters while offering a behind-the-scenes look at a great time in sports history. Readers will learn more about pitchers Vida Blue, Catfish Hunter, and Rollie Fingers; right fielder Reggie Jackson; and third baseman Sal Bando, to name but a few. Finley, nicknamed Charlie O, was quite the character, and Turbow vividly captures the ups and downs of his team through interviews with former players. VERDICT An exciting and engrossing book with stories that are worth telling. This work will engage fans of Charlie O. Finley and the Oakland Athletics, along with anyone captivated by baseball history.--Gus Palas, Ela Area P.L., Lake Zurich, IL

Copyright 2017 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.