Completely unexpurgated diary of a year in the life of a comeback pitcher, one of a squad for whom the mistaken draft strategy of the Seattle Pilots granted new life in the major leagues. This book is saved by its last epilogue (Ball Seven).

Jim Bouton and his editor [a:Leonard Shecter|244982|Leonard Shecter|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] put together the original edition from the author's notes and excellent recall of the season. Mixed with the facts are a roster of anecdotes, non-sequiturs and observations that overwhelm the narrative. Many of these angered his peers and led to Bouton's ostracism from baseball, even though most would be harmless in a memoir released much later. My complaint is that they don't add to the story.

This expanded (and Final) edition contains epilogues, reconciliations, and observations about the modern game. His thoughts on money and drugs are well written. The last epilogue describes his son's letter to the editor calling for Bouton's invitation to Old-Timers' Day at Yankee Stadium, and this (plus the reason for it) easily add a full star to my rating. If this book ends up on your reading list (as it did mine), make sure to pick up this version.