Baseball's Best Kept Secret

BASEBALL'S BEST KEPT SECRET , written by native Pittsburgher Andy O'Toole, covers the ups and downs of Al Oliver's life before, during and after his remarkable 18-year career with the Pirates, Rangers, Expos, Giants, Phillies, Dodgers and Blue Jays. The book reveals many intimate insights into life in the big leagues as Al interacted with greats such as Roberto Clemente, Willie Stargell, Andre Dawson and many others. He candidly discusses the strengths and weaknesses of his various teams, racism, Cooperstown and the many unique happenings in the baseball world during his playing years. Al's book first appeared last year during the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Jackie Robinson's first season, leading the publisher to appropriately comment, "Al Oliver examines racism in baseball, beginning with the upper management of the game.. to the media covering the sport...down to the fans of the National Pastime. Al has seen and experienced the biting hand of racism." This story stands as "the story of the second generation of African-American baseball players and the hurdles he and his peers encountered."