Some Holiday Gift Suggestions for Readers or Watchers

If you are thinking of extra gifts this holiday season, as a reader, I must suggest a couple of books written by a couple of early Astro-era players--Norm Miller, and Jimmy Wynn (with Bill McCurdy.)

Both books are full of great behind the scenes strories of players who had colorful if different careers.  Both Jimmy, who was the first big power hitter in the history of Houston major league baseball, and Norm who was not have some great stories.

Jimmy's book, "Toy Cannon" is published by McFarland Press.  Norm's book, "To All My Fans...from Norm Who?" was self published.  To order either:  http://www.normwho.com/   or http://www.mcfarlandpub.com/   

Now why should you?  Well, for one thing there have not been that many books written about the Houston Colt 45s or Astros.  It is not like the team has been one of baseball's big winners in a major media market.  So when icons like Wynn, Miller (and earlier Larry Dierker) put things on the record it makes for good reading and insight.

I have a pretty good library but can count only 12 books that I can rely on to dig up historical notes from Houston baseball in the major leagues.  Coming up in the 2011 season every piece I write and narrate on "Astros Insider" will originate from one of those books.  I am very happy that Norm, Jimmy (and Bill) have added to my sources.  You will be happy too.

The relationship between the players and manager Harry Walker is a continuing theme through any book ever written by former players.  He and GM Spec Richardson are by far the most reviled pair of leaders the franchise has ever had.  Even so, there is some humor in their transgressions.  Norm and Jimmy--like authors before them, Joe Morgan and Dierker--have some of the same stories from different angles or new ones never published before.

Astro fans will enjoy both books.   But I must also add another item to the holiday gift basket which barely mentions Houston.  It is Ken Burns' "Baseball" DVD series.  You can buy it through PBS.com.  It includes the original series plus the update that was recently aired on PBS and the MLB Network.  How much do I enjoy it?  I had the original offer on VHS and just bought the DVD version with update, too.

I had not watched it for more than ten years, but started again and am as transfixed as ever.  The photos and video are entrancing.  The story encapsulates baseball's long history.  It is a true baseball history class in a box.

So, as my suggestions I heartily endorse both books and if you are feeling a bit mor expansive and have a larger budget, the DVD series as well.  Whatever you decide on...have a happy holiday season.