Finley Ball

April 15, 2016

In June 1960, Chicago insurance salesman Charles Finley was an unlikely candidate to buy the St. Louis Athletics' baseball club. When he shockingly outbid legendary sportswriter and nemesis Ernie Mehl, nobody imagined that he would put together a good team--let alone a baseball dynasty. Finley wasn't afraid to make moves and his determination paid off. After making aggressive deals and bringing in his cousin Carl as his advisor, the Athletics won three consecutive World Series, between 1972 and 1974. Charles Finley was also the ultimate showman, being the first to introduce a petting zoo in his ballpark and indulge in state-of-the-art electronics, eventually moving the team to Oakland, CA. Author Finley (Charles's niece) gives the reader a behind-the-scenes look at the extraordinary age of baseball that included legends such as Rollie Fingers, Vida Blue, Reggie Jackson, Catfish Hunter, and more. Finley's impact on the sport is still legendary to this day. VERDICT This book will appeal to Oakland A's fans and anyone interested in baseball of the 1960s and 1970s.--Gus Palas, Ela Area P.L., Lake Zurich, IL

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