Paul Dickson is one of the most prolific writers I know. He has written over sixty books. His most recent one, "Leo Durocher - Baseball's Prodigal Son," is the biography of one of the most colorful and controversial baseball personalities of the 20th century.
Leo Durocher was a star shortstop for a number of teams. He played for the Yankees, the Reds, the Cardinals, the Dodgers, and the Giants. When he was nearing the end of his playing career he became a player/manager as he made the transition to becoming one of the legendary managers of his era. Dickson captures Durocher's abrasive and obnoxious personality. He loved to bait umpires. Durocher's on-field antics became the model for a number of successful baseball managers who were to follow him.
Off the field Durocher was a flashy dresser, a gambler, a big spender, and eventually he became a Hollywood celebrity. He had a huge presence.
I'm grateful to the Antioch Writer's Workshop for having had the opportunity to meet Paul Dickson. One summer when the AWW was underway here in Yellow Springs I noticed a distinguished looking gentleman working away at a table in the Underdog Cafe downtown. That particular coffee house is a well known refuge and enclave for writers. I asked him if he was a writer? Little did I know. He was a member of the AWW faculty that year and we have stayed in touch ever since. I look forward to his books and the chance to have yet another radio conversation with this erudite and voluble man. Thanks, Paul.
The Book Nook on WYSO is made possible by five local library systems in southwest Ohio: the Greene County Public Library, Washington-Centerville Public Library, Clark County Public Library, Dayton Metro Library, and Wright Memorial Public Library.
