Throwing Hard Easy - by Robin Roberts & C Paul Rogers (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

With a seemingly effortless motion, pinpoint control, a blazing, dancing fastball, and an unequaled competitive spirit, Robin Roberts enjoyed one of the most celebrated careers in baseball history. He made his Major League debut in the summer of 1948 and became one of the most notable sports figures of the fifties. His many accomplishments on the mound helped to make him one of the more distinguished residents of Cooperstown, and he will always be remembered as the most dominant National League pitcher of his time.

In addition, Roberts was as impressive a storyteller as he was an athlete, and his experiences and encounters leading up to, throughout, and following his incredible nineteen-year career made for an extraordinary life. Throwing Hard Easy is Roberts's own account, recalling his childhood, his playing days, and life after baseball. This edition features new photographs and a new foreword by his son, James Roberts, as well as a new introduction by his coauthor and lifelong fan, C. Paul Rogers III.

Review Quotes

"C. Paul Rogers' effort has produced a solid and admirable record of the career and life of an enduringly good man who earned the respect of both his colleagues and fans through his honesty, loyalty, tireless work ethic, professionalism, personal integrity and simple decency."--Robert Ciaffa, AETHLON: The Journal of Sport Literature

"Named to the Hall of Fame in 1976, the great Phillies pitcher tosses an appealing matter-of-fact autobiography, a kind of all-American tale."--Library Journal-- (9/23/2013 12:00:00 AM)

"Only a handful of pitchers in baseball history have won 20 games six years in a row. You can't do that without possessing a great arm, some smarts, and terrific athleticism. I can't attest to Robin's arm because back when it was strong, I was too young to judge it. But I do have the privilege of knowing him now, 40 years after his last pitch. His intellect is rare--he's as bright and curious as a 20-year-old rookie and as wise as Solomon. As for his athletic ability, I played golf with him a few years ago in Arizona; he shot a legitimate 79 at the age of 73. Enough said."--Dale Petroskey, former executive vice president of marketing for the Texas Rangers and former executive of the National Baseball Hall of Fame

"Robin Roberts has written one of the best baseball books I've ever read, and I've read a ton of them. . . . Roberts is the best storyteller in sports. This book is packed with all of Robin's best stories. You are going to love it. You'll read this in one sitting."--Pat Williams, senior vice president of the Orlando Magic

-- (9/23/2013 12:00:00 AM)

"Robin Roberts is one of the greatest competitors that I have ever had an opportunity to watch play in any sport. I greatly appreciate him sharing his experiences with fans like me."--Bob Knight-- (9/23/2013 12:00:00 AM)

About the Author

Robin Roberts (1926-2010) was a Major League pitcher who spent most of his career with the Phillies and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1976. He is the coauthor of The Whiz Kids and the 1950 Pennant (with C. Paul Rogers III). C. Paul Rogers III is the coauthor of several books, including Lucky Me: My Sixty-Five Years in Baseball (with Eddie Robinson).