Lefty: An American Odyssey

Advance praise for Lefty

"In the darkest decade of the American Century, the 1930s, 'Lefty' Gomez gave baseball fans--which is to say, sensible Americans--something to cheer for and to admire. His story transcends sports and gives us a much-needed lesson in grit and grace."—Jon Meacham
 
“In a loving and beautifully written tribute to her parents, Vernona Gomez and Lawrence Goldstone recapture the magic of a time when baseball and Broadway were our true national pastimes. Be prepared to be transformed, and to discover stars who were stars in an age when that word really meant something.”--Mike Greenberg, New York Times bestselling author and co-host of ESPN’s “Mike and Mike in the Morning”

“The authors brought back great memories to me in this book. I always loved the way Lefty made my dad laugh, and I loved listening to the stories about Bing hanging out with the baseball gods in their prime. These stories allowed me to see my father as he was long before I was ever born. My sisters and I loved it when Lefty came to visit—we got to watch TV because Lefty would turn it on for us. My dad always deferred to Lefty and house rules flew out the window! Thanks for such a nostalgic and entertaining book.”—Kurt Russell
 
“An absolutely great read and not just for baseball fans. This book brings the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s, in particular, alive in such a fun and exciting way. I loved it.”—Louise Russell
 
“Baseball fans everywhere will appreciate the book. Here was a man who wagered with Ruth, laughed with Gehrig, and roomed with DiMaggio. He was known as the fire-throwing left-hander of the successful Yankees teams of the 1930s and as the man that made clowning around the diamond famous. Lefty’s adventurous stories both on and off the diamond will have readers talking about this book for many years to come.”—Steven Tellefsen, president and CEO, Babe Ruth League, Inc.