Rounding the Bases

La Russa joins Fresh Air to talk about how he leads his team through success and failure. His managerial style boils down to just a few rules: show up on time and do your best.

Baseball Hall-of-Fame pitcher Bob Feller. Some call him the fastest pitcher in history---taking the mound for the Cleveland Indians when just a teenager, Feller racked up 266 wins, struck out over 2500 batters, and pitched the only opening day no-hitter in major league history. In his new book, "Now Pitching, Bob Feller: A Baseball Memoir," he recounts his more 50 years in the game. (The book is co-authored with writer Bill Gilbert and published by Birch Lane Press).

Frank Robinson, Assistant General Manager of the Baltimore Orioles. In 1975, he became the first black manager in baseball, As a player, Robinson was legendary -- he is the only person to ever to win the Most Valuable Player award in both leagues. (Rebroadcast)

Baseball great Willie Mays, one of the most potent all-round players in the history of baseball. In his 22 seasons in the major leagues, Mays played in 21 All-Star Games, batted over .300 and hit 660 home runs. His autobiography, Say Hey, has just been published. (Interview by Marty Moss-Coane)

The athlete is proud of his career as a second baseman, as well as a well-rounded player. He has a new memoir called "Joe Morgan: A Life in Baseball."

Seaver was recently voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame by the largest vote in baseball history. His most recent book is "Great Moments in Baseball."

A 1986 interview with former Yankees pitcher Jim Bouton. In 1970, Bouton's memoir "Ball Four" was published. Those who wanted to maintain major league baseball's image as the home of heroes were scandalized by the book; others thought it was about time someone revealed that baseball is full of real people and real problems. "Ball Four" made an enemy for Bouton of baseball legend Mickey Mantle by reminiscing about Mantle's on and off-field drunkenness. (Rebroadcast of 12/8/1986)