Career: After signing with the Cubs he spent his early career switching back and forth between a starting role and the bullpen. He was traded in 1959 to the Cards and the following year to the Reds and became strictly a reliever. By any measure his five seasons with Cincinnati were his best. He helped them reach the 1960 World Series. He is now remembered as much for his writing as his playing.
In 1960: In his first full season with the Reds he went 7-2 with 12 saves and posted his best WHIP, best ERA and best k/w ratio.
WikiFacts: "A fine major league pitcher for several years, Jim Brosnan wrote the first honest portrayal of the life of a baseball player. The Long Season and subsequent works have earned him continued praise ever since. His writings paved the way for many other players’ “autobiographies,” usually written with considerable help, and filled with more tawdriness but less humor and heart. Fifty years on, Brosnan’s books remain the gold standard for baseball memoirs." - his SABR bio
The Card: Hard to tell but this has the feel of another Wrigley Field card photo. Brosnan had a reputation as a 'nerd' (or whatever term was popular back then.... egghead?) and one look at the card shows you why. The cartoon points out he was most effective versus his two former clubs. Some research is in order.
He looks like Eddie Kasko.
ReplyDeleteThat he does now that you mention it. I hadn't planned to post them back-to-back but but when my scanner decided to revolt they were then last two I had in my queue.
DeleteIf you haven't read his books, they are definitely worth reading. I re-read them this year, and it's interesting how much has changed about how baseball works -- and how much those changes come through in the book.
ReplyDeleteI read his first one a long time ago. I remember it was quite revealing but I've forgotten the details. I need to go back and read it again.
DeleteHis books are excellent and highly recommended for a look at the game in the late 50s-early 60s. Also, he helped Cincinnati win the pennant in 1961, not 1960.
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