Diamonds & Dugouts 2nd Edition

Triumphs and Heartaches With the Texas Rangers

By: Jim Reeves

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

Updated with the historic 2023 World Series victory, this deep dive on the Texas Rangers captures all the drama, humor, craziness and pathos. And tells how Jim Reeves, an award-winning, ex-sports columnist for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, got his riveting stories. Reeves brings forth all the drama, heartbreak and sheer craziness that filled more than 50 years of Texas Rangers baseball. Starting when sportswriters embedded themselves with a team, Reeves experienced behind-the-scenes access most journalists likely will never see again. Not only from the press box but from the dugout and the clubhouse, the locker rooms and the front office; at the dives and the discos ― from spring training to victory celebrations, he saw it all. DUGOUTS & DEADLINES discloses among other things how Nolan Ryan came to make peace with Robin Ventura, the player who had charged the mound and launched a bloody (and losing) attack on the legendary pitcher.

''Great book! Brings back fond memories of Rangers baseball'' --Nolan Ryan, Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher

‘’Jim Reeves proves that a sportswriter's memoir of decades spent covering a major league baseball team (in this case, the Texas Rangers) can be insightful without being invasive, revealing without stooping to salaciousness, and entertaining beyond the most optimistic reader's expectations. Like baseball itself, this book is enthralling and fun, and a must-read for any fan.’’ --Jeff Guinn, best-selling author of You Can't Hit the Ball with the Bat on Your Shoulder: The Baseball Life and Times of Bobby Bragan, Go Down Together: The True Untold Story of Bonnie and Clyde and Manson

''Few writers know baseball and people like Reeves, who has produced an intimate and entertaining recollection far removed from other grinding sports franchise histories. The Texas Rangers he portrays are humorous, heroic, and, quite often, heartbreakers. It's all here, from front office wheeling and dealing to zany clubhouse and press box moments; serious superstars to whimsical wannabes. In a word: Delightful.'' --Carlton Stowers, three-time Edgar Award winner and author of "Oh Brother How They Played the Game''