Jim Bouton – Ball Four
Jim Bouton was born on March 8, 1939 best known for his transformation from a fastballer to a knuckleballer and for writing Ball Four, one of the most influential baseball books ever published.
After signing out of Western Michigan University, Bouton joined the New York Yankees in 1962. He had immediate success, winning 21 games in 1963 and 18 in 1964 while excelling in the World Series both years. However, arm issues diminished his fastball by the mid-1960s, and he reinvented himself as a knuckleball pitcher. He resurfaced in 1969 with the Seattle Pilots and later the Houston Astros before retiring. In 1978, he made a brief comeback with the Atlanta Braves at age 39, pitching surprisingly well in five starts.
Bouton’s Ball Four, published in 1970, was a groundbreaking, behind-the-scenes account of baseball life. Written as a diary of his 1969 season, it revealed players’ use of amphetamines, womanizing, and the economic exploitation of players by owners. Commissioner Bowie Kuhn tried to pressure Bouton into recanting, but he refused. The book enraged baseball’s establishment but became a bestseller, widely credited with changing how athletes and sports were covered.
Bouton followed with I’m Glad You Didn’t Take It Personally in 1971 and wrote several other books. He also worked as a sportscaster, acted in The Long Goodbye, and co-invented Big League Chew gum. Though baseball largely ostracized him for decades, the Yankees welcomed him back for Old-Timers’ Day in 1998 after a plea from his son.
Quotes From Jim Bouton
“There was a time, not too long ago, when school kids read Ball Four at night under the covers with a flashlight because their parents wouldn’t allow it in the house. It was not your typical sports book about the importance of clean living and inspired coaching. I was called Judas and a Benedict Arnold for having written it. The book was attacked in the media because among other things, it ‘used four-letter words and destroyed heroes.’ It was even banned in a few libraries because it was said to be ‘bad for the youth of America.’ ” — in his preface to a 1980 revised edition of Ball Four
Teams Jim Bouton Played For
New York Yankees (1962-1968)
Seattle Pilots (1969)
Houston Astros (1969-1970)
Atlanta Braves (1978)
Best Season: 1963
Bouton was 16th in American League MVP voting, and he was the fifth pitcher in that vote. He won 21 games, had a 2.53 ERA, and struck out 148. Away from Yankee Stadium he was deadly efficient: a 2.28 ERA. At home he won almost all the time: 10-1.
Excerpts from Ball Four
“Houk can look as sincere as hell with those big blue eyes of his and when he calls you ‘podner’ it’s hard to argue with him.” — on negotiating his contract with Yankee GM Ralph Houk
“Sal Maglie is the pitching coach – Sal the Barber of the New York Giants, my boyhood hero. He still looks like he’dknock down his grandmother. He’s got those big evil-looking black eyes. Looks something like Snoopy doing the vulture bit.” — on pitching coach Sal Maglie of the 1969 Pilots
“I once invested a dollar when [Mickey] Mantle raffled off a ham. I won, only there was no ham. That was one of the hazards of entering a game of chance, Mickey explained.”
“… I dont like the Mantle that refused to sign baseballs in the clubhouse before the games. Everybody else had to sign, but Little Pete forged Mantle’s signature. So there are thousands of baseballs around the country that have been signed not by Mickey Mantle, but by Pete Previte.”
Nine Other Players Who Debuted in 1962
Willie Stargell
Bob Bailey
Ed Kranepool
Cookie Rojas
Tony Oliva
Gaylord Perry
Bob Veale
Dick Radatz
Tommy Harper
Listen to Jim talk about Ball Four and his career!
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Show Notes & Featured Audio
Game of the Day – May 6, 1962 Washington Senators vs New York Yankees Jim Bouton makes his first start memorable.
Audio Vaults:
Post-Season Appearances
1963 World Series
1964 World Series
All-Star Selections
1963 AL
Team Audio Vaults
New York Yankees (1962-1968)
Seattle Pilots (1969)
Houston Astros (1969-1970)
Atlanta Braves (1978)