num_pages: 320
description: San Francisco Chronicle Bestseller From the speedy rise of the Big Three to their stunning breakup Urban's book says it all. John Shea National baseball Writer San Francisco Chronicle During the 2004 season each of Oakland's Big Three aces had something to prove. Tim Hudson was determined to demonstrate his recovery from a recurring injury. Barry Zito had to show the world that after a ho-hum 2003 his 2002 Cy Young Award was not a fluke. Mark Mulder missed the 203 playoffs entirely with a stress fracture but the way he saw it he simply needed to be himselfthe natural-born pitcher. Given unprecedented access to the Big Three Mychael Urban recreates their tumultuous season through their eyes. he explores the nuts and bolts of major league pitching examining each player's unique approach to this craft while revealing how three very different personalities cope with the demands rewards and challenges of sports stardom. Now with a new afterword on the 2005 season Urban traces the fortunes of the Big Three after Hudson was sent to Atlanta and Mulder to St. Louis trades which held the dramatic promise of them being reunited again-as opponents-in the playoffs. Written with great color style humor and grace Aces takes readers on a captivating ride. Mike Silver Sports IllustratedMychael Urban's book is a fabulous read... This is hardly just a baseball book. It's about life and he tremendous burden each pitcher carried while trying to lead the Oakland A's to the playoffs. I absolutely loved it. Bob Nightengale Senor Writer/Columnist USA Today Sports WeeklyFrom the southern fried heat of Tim Hudson to Mark Mulder's cool aloofness to Barry Zito's cerebral wanderings Urban captures the engine of Oakland's Little Engine That Could of a team with grace and aplomb. Scott Miller National Baseball Columnist CBS.SportsLine.com
language: English
title: Aces : The Last Season on the Mound with the Oakland A's Big Three: Tim Hudson, Mark Mulder, and Barry Zito
publisher: Wiley