October 2, 2015 at 1:38 p.m.
Library to host baseball expert Oct. 5
Library to host baseball expert Oct. 5
Niese will discuss his two books, "Burleigh Grimes: Baseball's Last Legal Spitballer" and "Handy Andy: The Andy Pafko Story."
The event is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m.
Though they were born and raised on farms just miles apart in western Wisconsin, Burleigh Grimes and Andy Pafko couldn't have been any more different, the release states. Grimes was a combative, spitballing pitcher, who was quick to quarrel or even throw a punch. A 270-game winner, he played for seven
teams over his 19-year career and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1964.
The likable Pafko was a five-time All-Star, and part of several memorable moments as a member of the Cubs, Dodgers and Braves, the release notes.
Both played in the World Series for three different teams, the first two ballplayers to do so. Each won one of four trips.
Niese's website (joeniese.com) explains the differences between the two players: "Burleigh Grimes...the ill-tempered spitballer with the perpetual five o'clock shadow. For nearly two decades, he brought his surly disposition to the pitcher's mound. His life-or-death mentality resulted in a reputation as one of the game's great competitors and a spot in the Baseball Hall of Fame."
"Andy Pafko was a quiet, faith-filled man, who was extremely proud of his Slovak heritage. He also happened to play the game of baseball exceptionally well. Called up to the Chicago Cubs in September 1943, Pafko helped give hope to a club in turmoil. He...blossomed into a five-time All-Star as both an outfielder and a third baseman."
Joe Niese is a librarian and member of the Society for American Baseball Research. His articles on baseball have appeared in baseball publications and his two books have received positive reviews.
Refreshments will be served and there will be a book signing after the presentation.
Funding for this event is provided by Northern Arts Council.
Call Rhinelander Library at (715) 365-1070 with any questions.
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