February 1, 2012
This book is about more than baseball. Gullo, who has written for Sports Illustrated and other publications, gives us a funny, heartbreaking, and thought-provoking story about baseball, the steroid scandal, and his son Joe, who grows here from age seven to 11. Joe had worshipped the baseball players who became involved in the steroid scandal brought to light by the Mitchell Report of 2007. He had considered them heroes capable of superhuman feats. Gullo writes of striving to be a good father while explaining hard truths to Joe and maintaining his own love for the game. He explores allegations against specific players (including Manny Ramirez, Joe's favorite before the scandal named him a juicer), but this is primarily the story of Gullo and his son as they travelled around the majors over a few summers, redefining their relationship and rediscovering their love of baseball in the post-Mitchell Report era. A book that will be enjoyed and appreciated by even the most jaded of baseball fans.--M.M.
Copyright 2012 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.