The Corporal Was a Pitcher

February 15, 2009
"Doc, I'll take my chances." With those words, Lou Brissie turned down what was described as the only way of saving his life, the amputation of his leg after a World War II artillery barrage. This is the moving story of a veteran's determination to pursue his dream of pitching in the big leagues, no matter how difficult the rehabilitation and how slim his chances. For all school and public libraries.

Copyright 2009 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 15, 2009
On December 7, 1944, a young army corporal from South Carolina was riding in a transport in northern Italy when an enemy shell hit the vehicle. Five of the 11 riders survived, including Lou Brissie, a promising Major League pitching prospect. Doctors wanted to amputate. Brissie implored them to save the leg. They did, and Brissie made the climb to the majors while wearing a knee-to-ankle, steel-and-aluminum brace. Called up to the majors by the Philadelphia Athletics on the last day of the 1947 season, he pitched through 1953 for the As and Indians, compiling a journeymans 4448 record. Berkow, a Pulitzer Prizewinning journalist and author of 18 books, profiles Brissies courage in overcoming his injuries and realizing his dream, but he also details the mans post-baseball career, in which he inspired injured vets and sick children with his calming presence, sincerity, and history of overcoming the odds. A deeply empathetic and moving chronicle of a life well lived.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)