Off the Record
Bavasi began his career in baseball management with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1938 and retired in 1985; here, with sportwriter Strege, he relives his six decades on the field. He had a major role in making the Brooklyn team a force in the National League and in helping the franchise adjust to life in L.A. Next he moved to the San Diego Padres and ended his career with the California Angels. We read about owners like unpredictable Ray Kroc, of McDonald's fame, and lovable Gene Autry, also managers like Walter Alston and Tommy Lasorda (whom Barvasi does not esteem as a field general), and players from Leo Durocher to Reggie Jackson. The memoir is a colorful and generally candid panorama. Photos not seen by PW.Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.