A Reevaluation of the Book Ball Four

Ball Four, a diary-book by Jim Bouton, a major-league pitcher from 1962 to 1970, (and five pitching appearances in 1978) revealed the “secrets and scandals” of major-league baseball during the 1969 season. The book was heralded as “funny,” honest,” and “groundbreaking.” I think, now, 55 years after I first read the book, that Ball Four did more harm than good for the game, and especially for the people Bouton exposes as drug users, sexual miscreants, and alcoholics — all from the inner sanctum of the major-league locker room, with neither knowledge nor consent from the parties involved. In my opinion, this book is a betrayal of the game, Bouton’s teammates, and even of their descendants. Bouton, in my opinion, abused the privilege of being a major-league player for his own personal gain. This podcast explains why. [email protected] www.byroncopley.com Music: “Field Grass,” by Sergei Pavkin