Eric Vickrey

Among other things, I write books about baseball.

[Eric Vickrey @eric_vickrey]

As we near the 80th anniversary of the
@spokaneindians tragic bus accident, I wrote about an overlooked aspect of the story. Two players, Joe Faria and Milt Cadinha, avoided the catastrophe by riding separately in Faria's convertible.

https://t.co/IWFTqmjxty

[Ballpark Digest @ballparkdigest]

Dyersville Ghosts? We have the five finalists in the “Name the Team” contest for the new summer-collegiate Northwoods League team at the iconic Field of Dreams site, launching play in 2027. #ballparksbiz #sportsbiz https://t.co/cAGAKys5Fo

[Ballpark Digest @ballparkdigest]

Whether you’re searching for some great summer reads or shopping early for a Father’s Day gift, we have a deal for you: a 25 percent discount on August Publications paperbacks. Click here for the details: https://t.co/CotgdV299Z

[Eric Vickrey @eric_vickrey]

@DavidEckstein22 Hi David, I'm writing your bio for the Society for American Baseball Research. I'd love to ask you a couple of questions about your forthcoming book and post-baseball endeavors.

[Clint Hurdle @ClintHurdle13]

I kept this story in my pocket for a long time....

In Pittsburgh, September 15th is Roberto Clemente Day.

Every year the whole organization fans out across the city. It's like Christmas. Roberto's family is there, Vera and the boys.

My first year as manager was 2011. We celebrated. We shook hands and moved on.
We didn't win.

19 consecutive losing seasons.

2012 rolls around. Same day, same celebration. We had another losing season, our 20th consecutive.

After the ceremony, Roberto Jr. walked over.

"My mom wants to talk to you."

We went into the dugout. Me, Vera, and her three sons.

She spoke in Spanish. I played four years of winter ball so I understood enough. She wasn't angry, but she was passionate. And I kept hearing Roberto's number come up.

Roberto Jr. translated.

"My mother wants you to know that there cannot be a 21st losing season. That was Roberto's number. It would be a disgrace to his legacy."

She was staring right at me.

Before I could even think about what to say, words came out of my mouth:
"I promise you, Vera. That won't happen."

Roberto Jr. looked at me and said, "You made my mom a promise. I hope you can keep it."

I said, "I hope I can keep it too."

I didn't tell my coaches. I didn't tell the players. I told my wife. That was it.

The next year, 2013, we broke the consecutive seasons losing streak. Ended it at 20.

On Roberto Clemente Day that September, Vera came walking across that field.

And I probably got one of the most meaningful hugs I've ever received in my life.

The players did all the heavy lifting. I just got the hug.

Some promises are worth making before you know if you can keep them.

@Pirates

[August Publications @AugustPubs]

We know many of you were first exposed to August Publications thanks to Andy Strasberg and his books, My 1961 and Home Runs: Tales of Tonks, Taters, Contests and Derbies. If you're a fan of Andy's writing, we have two bits of big news for you.

[Zak Ford @zakford]

⚾️📖 “BEYOND THE LAST INNING” IS AVAILABLE FOR PREORDERS AND SHOULD BE OUT BY JUNE! 📖⚾️

For former professional ballplayers, career transitions aren't as simple as switching jobs. Imagine excelling at something since you were a child, having it become your job, and reaching great professional heights as a young adult - then, often within just a few years, having to accept everything you've worked toward is over, and likely not on your terms. What follows is not just the challenge of finding a new profession but of forging a new identity. Through 49 first-person stories of major and minor leaguers, this book gives readers a greater understanding of what ballplayers face when they hang up their spikes.

[Benjamin Hill @bensbiz]

Eric's book tells the story of the 1968 Dodgers Draft class. Many of those players were on the 1970 @spokaneindians, and a whole section of the book is dedicated to that memorable season.

[Eric Vickrey @eric_vickrey]

It's Independent Bookstore Day! I'll be at @auntiesbooks in Spokane signing copies of "Before They Wore Dodger Blue" today from noon to 3pm. Support your local indy bookstores!

[August Publications @AugustPubs]

Check out this interview with Eric Vickrey on https://t.co/gDOk5ezJCc, and catch him tomorrow as he signs as part of Independent Bookstore Day: https://t.co/9lp1j46PTx

[Eric Vickrey @eric_vickrey]

Check out @bensbiz's piece on "Before They Wore Dodger Blue."

https://t.co/Cf6DOtZkkF

[Eric Vickrey @eric_vickrey]

My latest post looks at the life and career of Davey Lopes, who died last week at the age of 80.
https://t.co/rep1SHuyKh

[Minor League Baseball @MiLB]

New podcast!

🔹Author Eric Vickrey discusses his book on the Dodgers' legendary 1968 Draft class
🔹Ben shares an all-Orioles Minor League road trip itinerary
🔹Sam, Tyler break down Kevin McGonigle's extension, early prospect standouts

Download, listen: https://t.co/3FN934Pi2C

[Eric Vickrey @eric_vickrey]

Dodgers News: New Book Explores Tommy and the Dodgers' "Greatest Draft Class Ever" https://t.co/tiLT5mhQ9e

[Ballpark Digest @ballparkdigest]

TOMORROW! Check out Eric Vickrey and Steve Dittmore in a joint reading of their Dodgers works Saturday, 2-3:30 p.m., at the Los Angeles Central Library! The appearance (details here: https://t.co/ubqMBqUD06) to be moderated by author Tom Hoffarth. Available for purchase/signing.

[Jim Callis @jimcallisMLB]

I really enjoyed "Before They Wore Dodger Blue: Tommy Lasorda and the Greatest Draft Class in Baseball History" by Eric Vickrey. Details how the Draft came about, how the @Dodgers assembled their 1968 class & how those players & Lasorda rose together. Lots of great anecdotes.

[Eric Vickrey @eric_vickrey]

@mikeobs

[Eric Vickrey @eric_vickrey]

‘Before They Wore Dodger Blue’ traces PNW link to Dodgers https://t.co/AEF5stPkej

[Steve Hudson @steve_hudson63]

Great read!

[Eric Vickrey @eric_vickrey]

With spring training about to get underway, it's a great time to check out my new book, "Before They Wore Dodger Blue." It chronicles MLB's adoption of an amateur draft, the Dodgers' franchise-altering class of 1968, and the rise of a HOF manager.