Douglas J. Gladstone, the author of A Bitter Cup of Coffee; How MLB & The Players Association Threw 874 Retirees A Curve, will read excerpts from his book at Talking Leaves Books on Friday, August 20, 2010 beginning at 5 P.M. Mr. Gladstone will also take questions from the audience and sign copies of the book for all those individuals who purchase it that afternoon.
With a foreword written by the Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist, Dave Marash, A Bitter Cup of Coffee tells the true story of a group of former big-league ballplayers denied pensions as a result of the failure of both the league and the union to retroactively amend the vesting requirement change that granted instant pension eligibility to ballplayers in 1980. Prior to that year, ballplayers had to have four years service credit to earn an annuity and medical benefits. Since 1980, however, all you have needed is one day of service credit for health insurance and 43 days of service credit for a pension.
Here’s, in part, what the Midwest Book Review had to say about the book in its official review, which was published nine weeks ago:
“A wealth of interviews with former players, including heart-touching stories of the hard times some of them have endured, peppers this thoughtful and timely account, which gains especial relevance in light of the current debate about the state of health care in America.”
Two former players who hail from Buffalo are affected by this situation: pitchers Ray Smith and Werner Joseph “Babe” Birrer.
Set to turn 64 on August 27th, Ray J. Peters was a pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers in 1970 who gave up seven earned runs in a total of two innings pitched. Currently a resident of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, the Harvard University graduate posted a lifetime Earned Run Average of 31.50.
A pitcher who appeared in 56 games over parts of three seasons with the Tigers, Orioles and Dodgers, in 1955, 1956 and 1958, respectively, Birrer had a 4-3 won-loss record and a 4.36 Earned Run Average. However, he is perhaps best known for his nickname, “Babe”, because just like one George Herman “Babe” Ruth, he was a pitcher who was also a prodigious hitter. Famously, in one game in 1955, he homered twice, had one double and drove in six runs. Now 81, Mr. Birrer was last a resident at the Our Brothers of Mercy facility in Clarence up until June.
Attached are two releases about the book, as well as a front cover image, for your information. I am also sending you a link to the book’s official website. It can be accessed at: http://www.abittercupofcoffee.com.
The book was published on April 14, 2010. If you are interested in contacting Mr. Gladstone directly, please call 518-817-8253. Mr. Peters is available to be interviewed as well, if you’re amenable to the idea.
Talking Leaves is located at 3158 Main Street in Buffalo. If you need more information about the event, please feel free to contact Mr. Jonathon Welch at the bookstore at 716-837-8554.
