Jim Bouton
As a Guest
Remembering Major League Pitcher Jim Bouton, Author Of 'Ball Four'
Bouton, who died Wednesday, spoke to Fresh Air in 1986 about his 1970 tell-all memoir, in which he drew on his seven years with the New York Yankees to offer an insider's guide to baseball.
A Seedy, Behind-the-Scenes Look at America's Pasttime
A 1986 interview with former Yankees pitcher Jim Bouton. In 1970, his 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.
Jim Bouton Destroys Illusions about 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)