Making the Big Red Machine
Bob Howsam and the Cincinnati Reds of the 1970s
Published on 18. May 2009
Book
Paperback/Softback
360 pages
978-0-7864-3980-5 (ISBN)
Description
With a line-up that included future Hall of Famers Johnny Bench, Joe Morgan, Tony Perez and Pete Rose, Cincinnati's "Big Red Machine" powered its way in the 1970s to six division titles, four pennants, and two World Series. Three other times in that decade they finished second in their division to the eventual pennant winner.
While much has been written about the players and manager Sparky Anderson, no book until now has given adequate attention to the man behind the Machine, general manager Bob Howsam. From his hire in 1967 through the end of his first stint with the Reds in 1978, Howsam brought about a remarkable change in fortune for the Reds, who had claimed only one pennant in the 26 years before his arrival. This detailed history of baseball's last dynasty shows not only how the team performed but why, delving into the off-field strategy and moves behind the Reds' success.
While much has been written about the players and manager Sparky Anderson, no book until now has given adequate attention to the man behind the Machine, general manager Bob Howsam. From his hire in 1967 through the end of his first stint with the Reds in 1978, Howsam brought about a remarkable change in fortune for the Reds, who had claimed only one pennant in the 26 years before his arrival. This detailed history of baseball's last dynasty shows not only how the team performed but why, delving into the off-field strategy and moves behind the Reds' success.
Reviews / Votes
"gives the reader a new take on well known events and situations...definitely a book for every Reds collection"-Reds Report.More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Jefferson, NC
United States
Target group
Interest Age: From 18 years
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
78 photos, appendix, notes, bibliography, index
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 21 mm
Weight
584 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-7864-3980-5 (9780786439805)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Daryl Smith is the Dean of the School of Business at Cincinnati Christian University where he teaches leadership in for profit (to include sports) as well as non-profits organizations. He is a lifelong Reds fan, who attended the first game at Riverfront Stadium and World Series games in 1970, 1972, and 1975.
Content
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments
Foreword by Lee May
Preface
Introduction
1. A New Beginning
2. Entering the Big Time
3. The New Era Begins: January-April 1967
4. More Talent, Little Improvement: 1967-1969
5. A New Captain: October 1969
6. The Big Red Machine: April-September 1970
7. The First Series: October 1970
8. The Dismal Year: 1971
9. The Trade: December 1971
10. Rolling Again: April-September 1972
11. A Second Series: October 1972
12. Adversity: November 1972-August 1973
13. Trying Again: August 1973-October 1973
14. The NL West: October 1973-September 1974
15. The Missing Piece: October 1974-September 1975
16. The Greatest Series Ever Played: October 1975
17. The Greatest Game Ever Played: October 1975
18. A Machine in Motion: December 1975-October 1976
19. Complete and Total Domination: October 1976
20. Two Trades, One Year: December 1976-September 1977
21. Time to Move On: December 1977-February 1978
22. A New Sheriff in Town: March 1978-September 1978
23. The Machine Stops Running: Fall 1978-October 1979
Epilogue
Appendix. Where Are They Now?
Chapter Notes
Bibliography
Index
Acknowledgments
Foreword by Lee May
Preface
Introduction
1. A New Beginning
2. Entering the Big Time
3. The New Era Begins: January-April 1967
4. More Talent, Little Improvement: 1967-1969
5. A New Captain: October 1969
6. The Big Red Machine: April-September 1970
7. The First Series: October 1970
8. The Dismal Year: 1971
9. The Trade: December 1971
10. Rolling Again: April-September 1972
11. A Second Series: October 1972
12. Adversity: November 1972-August 1973
13. Trying Again: August 1973-October 1973
14. The NL West: October 1973-September 1974
15. The Missing Piece: October 1974-September 1975
16. The Greatest Series Ever Played: October 1975
17. The Greatest Game Ever Played: October 1975
18. A Machine in Motion: December 1975-October 1976
19. Complete and Total Domination: October 1976
20. Two Trades, One Year: December 1976-September 1977
21. Time to Move On: December 1977-February 1978
22. A New Sheriff in Town: March 1978-September 1978
23. The Machine Stops Running: Fall 1978-October 1979
Epilogue
Appendix. Where Are They Now?
Chapter Notes
Bibliography
Index