Mingling with Lions

Mingling with Lions: Eyewitness Recollections from the Renowned Cartoonist and Chronicler of Sports Greatest Stars 
Murray Olderman - 2004 Seven Locks Press

A very interesting book about Odlerman's experiences and views of the athletes he met or interviewed throughout the years. One of the benefits of this book is the variety of sports and the diversity of athletes and figures both from professional and college sports presented in this book. The interspersion of sketches and caricatures of these athletes and figures by Olderman further enhances the reading experience.

The greatest parts of this book are the broad spectrum Olderman covers and the frankness with which Olderman writes his about his experiences and opinions. 

Roger Maris: Baseball's Reluctant Hero

Baseball's Reluctant Hero 
Tom Clavin and Danny Peary - 2010 Simon & Shuster

Roger Maris is a familiar and controversial figure and the authors do a great job of revealing the Roger Maris the media didn't create or destroy.  Even with their help, it is hard to imagine the pressure Maris had to go through in the pursuit of Ruth's record, especially with a media and public praying that he fail.  This book portrays the real Roger Maris and affords him the respect he so deserved.

It is interesting to read about his shaky home life and real location of birth, his relationship with his teammates, and the drive and pride that made Maris the man and player he was. 

In truth, the picture on the book says it all: a man both proud and haunted, bewildered, reserved, and hurt.