num_pages: 304
description: An authoritative must-read (Keith Hernandez) biography of Hall of Fame pitching legend Tom Seaver still the greatest player ever to wear a Mets jersey by a journalist who knew him well.He was called Tom Terrific for a reason. Tom Seaver is among the greatest pitchers of all time (Bob Costas). He is one of only two pitchers with 300 wins 3000 strikeouts and an ERA under 3.00. He was a three-time Cy Young award winner twelve-time All Star and was elected to baseballs Hall of Fame with the highest percentage ever at the time. Popular among players and fans Seaver was fiercely competitive but always put team success ahead of personal glory.Born in Fresno California Seaver signed with the New York Mets in 1967 leading them to their stunning 1969 World Series victory. After a legendarily lopsided trade he joined the Cincinnati Reds then later played for the White Sox and the Red Sox before ending his career following the 1986 season. After his playing days Seaver retired back to California to establish a successful vineyard. The in 2013 a recurrence of Lyme disease severely affected his memory which Madden was the first to report. In 2019 Seavers family announced that he had been diagnosed with dementia and was withdrawing from public life. Tom Seaver died on August 31 2021.Madden began following Seavers career in the 1980s. Seaver came to trust Madden so completely that eager to return to New York from Chicago he asked Madden to explore a possible trade to the Yankees which never materialized. Drawing in part on their long relationship Madden has crafted a biography as terrific as the subject (Jane Leavy New York Times bestselling author of Sandy A Leftys Legacy).
language: English
title: Tom Seaver: A Terrific Life
publisher: Simon & Schuster