15 December 2010 by Published in: Research and Writing 11 comments

My co-author, Michael Aubrecht, and I learned some great news today that I want to share with you.

When I was 13 years old, I came up with the idea of doing a book about the worst teams in the history of major league baseball. The problem is that I knew nothing about how to research or write such a book, and the idea was shelved. Several years ago, I described my idea to Michael, and he loved it. We decided to tackle the project, and completed the manuscript about 18 months ago. The project is titled YOU STINK! Major League Baseball’s Terrible Teams and Pathetic Players. It’s a lighthearted but respectful look at just what the title suggests–terrible teams and pathetic players.

We had trouble locating a publisher for it for a variety of reasons, and the process has dragged on for far longer than either one of us might have liked. However, today, we learned that one of my prior publishers, The Kent State University Press, will be publishing YOU STINK! in 2012, and hopefully in time for the 2012 baseball season. Michael and I have some revisions to make, but we’re thrilled that it’s going to be in print.

The coolest part is knowing that this idea I had 36 years ago is going to finally and fully come to fruition and that my idea will end up in print. To say I’m tickled doesn’t do it justice.

I will keep you posted as to the progress of the project.

Scridb filter

Comments

  1. Tom Brennan
    Wed 15th Dec 2010 at 11:30 pm

    The Cubs should have their own chapter as the worst team of all time. There may have been individual teams that were worse this or that year but no team matches the Cub’s history of overall year after year futility. For over 100 years.

  2. Chris Evans
    Thu 16th Dec 2010 at 12:59 am

    Looking forward to it.

    I agree about the Cubs. They are one of the most depressing franchises of all time.

    Chris

  3. Mike Peters
    Thu 16th Dec 2010 at 11:59 am

    Maybe. But the Cubs have won a World Series. My beloved Astros have not.

    Mike

  4. Brian Dembinski
    Thu 16th Dec 2010 at 12:12 pm

    Unfortunately, I’m sure the Indians will have alot of material also. Even so, I do look forward to the book.

  5. Chris Van Blargan
    Thu 16th Dec 2010 at 1:32 pm

    Brian, the Indians would only qualify for the 70s, 80s and early 90s. They were pretty good for the remainder of the 90s, and for the last ten years, they have to be considered one of the best farm teams in the league (see Thome, Ramirez, Sabathia, Lee, et al.)

    Chris

  6. dan
    Thu 16th Dec 2010 at 3:10 pm

    >The coolest part is knowing that this idea I had 36 years ago

    Uhh… Doesn’t your “official” bio state: Eric is 29 years old, and has been for at least 12 years.

    8^>

    Congratulations on the book! I hope you have great success with it.

  7. John Foskett
    Fri 17th Dec 2010 at 7:29 pm

    Eric: This should be worth the wait. My first baseball memories are dragooning my Dad into going down to NYC multiple times in 1962 to watch the Dodgers I rooted for but had never actually seen. And best of all it was against possibly the lousiest baseball team you could imagine – the 40-120 Amazin’s. Complete with Marv Throneberry, Choo Choo Coleman, two pitchers named Bob (Lefty) and Bob (Righty) Miller, etc. “Best” because I never saw the Dodgers lose once, and often scoring in double figures. Who thought that anybody could finish with 80 fewer wins than losses. Looking forward to that chapter….

  8. Sat 18th Dec 2010 at 12:19 am

    That is great, Eric! I have been looking forward to that book since you first wrote about possibly writing it. It will make a great gift for my dad.

  9. Lyle Smith
    Sat 18th Dec 2010 at 9:05 pm

    Awesome. Congratulations! As a baseball history fanatic, childhood Civil War buff, and attorney… I’m impressed.

    Can’t wait to read about those god awful Cleveland Spiders!

  10. Hugh
    Tue 04th Jan 2011 at 7:49 pm

    This sounds like a great book. I saw my first game at the Polo Grounds….the Mets vs. somebody. I don’t remember the outcome but I bet the Mets stunk up the place. When they tore the Polo Grounds down my father took me out there so we each could buy a couple of seats. My wife doesn’t appreciate the seats….so, they’re hidden away in the bedroom but those seats witnessed a lot of history….now, you’re writing about the worst of it. Great!

  11. Tue 04th Jan 2011 at 7:54 pm

    I neglected to include with the above –
    There is nothing more American than baseball. What you and Michael are doing is a public service. Seriously. It is in the American character to love baseball at all levels. And,…..to scream “Let’s Go Mets!!” in the bottom of the 9th with two outs, nobody on base and the Mets behind 13 to 1.
    I can’t wait for 2012!

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