Pull Up a Chair

The Vin Scully Story

By: Curt Smith

Narrated by: Don Leslie

Since 1950, the instantly recognizable voice of Vin Scully has invited listeners to “pull up a chair” for his peerless play-by-play sports reporting. Recruited and mentored by the legendary Red Barber, Scully has narrated NBC’s Game of the Week, 12 All-Star Games, 18 no-hitters, and 25 World Series, describing players from Duke Snider to Orel Hershiser to Manny Ramirez, with hundreds in between. Scully has made every sportscasting Hall of Fame, received an Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and been named Sportscaster of the 20th Century by the American Sportscasters Association. This long overdue biography of Vin Scully is written by Curt Smith, called “the voice of authority on baseball broadcasting” (USA Today).

©2009 Potomac Books, Inc. (P)2010 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Riveting and exquisitely reported” ( Washington Post)

B-Grade Story on Grade-A Broadcaster and American

Great detail, but a little disappointing after the Dodgers' move to LA. Mr. Scully is a True Legend, and more than deserving of the accolades he has earned.

Amazing tribute to the worlds most wholesome man

What a life and legacy Vin has left behind - well worth the read to know a little more about the voice I grew up with telling me all about dodger baseball

Almost perfect

Nice prose about Mr. Scully. Too bad it wasn’t perfect.
Dolph Camillii’s surname is mispronounced.
B’nai (as in B’nai Brith) is mispronounced. B’nai is B NAY..
Should have gotten Mr. Scully to read the book

this is a wonderful book recommended highly

this book was like going down memory lane minis the summer evening I listened to Vin Scully call a game there are a few such pleasures in the world as sweet

great story great person

loved hearing about the famous broadcasts and gsmes. vin scully is a national treasure all should listen to.

Vin is The Best

Fun listen. Too bad it wasn't written as Vin retired, but love hearing the old stories.

This book is more than disappointing. The tone is excellent, subject matter premium, delivery - choppy -

No, writer states. Unmanageable listening structure, sentence structure feels like ancient Greece, Homer. The books sentence structure does not work for listening at length, neat for a min or two. Beyond disappointing.

Disjointed

Navigating this story can be likened to finding oneself on a winding path, where the journey is as notable for its complications as for its scenic spots. Renowned for capturing the essence of baseball icon Vin Scully, this book, unfortunately, presents a narrative that may leave readers feeling as if they are deciphering an intricate code rather than indulging in the story of a legendary figure.

At first glance, the text appears disjointed, resembling a composite of notes rather than a cohesive story. This structure, or lack thereof, can make the flow difficult to follow. For a reader, especially one not ingrained deeply in the baseball culture, this presentation style borders on the inaccessible. The author has intricately woven a tapestry of baseball's fabric, but in doing so, has crafted a narrative that may alienate those not versed in the sport's inner dialogue.

One notable challenge is the liberal use of "inside baseball" references. These nod to the aficionados but leave casual fans grappling for understanding. Similarly, the introduction of figures without adequate context or background can prompt a sense of exclusion rather than inclusion in Scully's world. This storytelling choice, while perhaps aiming to immerse the reader directly into the thick of baseball lore, might necessitate a priori knowledge that not all possess.

Yet, amidst these hurdles, the book offers moments of brilliance. Scattered throughout its pages are vignettes that shine brightly, capturing the essence, wisdom, and warmth of Scully. These snippets are like gems in the rough - they draw readers back in, compelling them to navigate through the book's complexities. These engaging anecdotes and tales offer a glimpse into the heart of Vin Scully, reminding us why he remains an enduring figure in the world of sports.

In essence, "Pull Up a Chair, The Vin Scully Story" is a mixed bag. Its nonlinear narrative and specialized references may challenge the uninitiated, yet it houses within it pockets of profound insight and nostalgia that reward the persistent reader. Perhaps then, this book is best approached with the understanding that, much like baseball itself, it is a game of patience, appreciation, and moments of unexpected delight.

Like most everyone else, Vin is my best friend that I never met.

I wanted so badly to have” Vin “ himself read this story,.

But I finally gave in, and the narration of this story was wonderful.

Whether you listen to Vin for45 years or just one game, you will love this book.

Interesting

He was a great guy, and great announcer, but hearing more about him, and he certainly will be missed by many