One Pitch from Glory

One strike away is a painful reminder to Red Sox Nation of the 1986 Red Sox team that, until the 2004 World Series champions, came the closest to delivering that elusive trophy back to Boston for the first time since 1918. It was a team constructed by Lou Gorman, who was in the early stages of a 10-year run that produced three playoff teams, plenty of excitement, and more than its share of controversy. In Lou Gorman: One Pitch from Glory, he shares rare and private stories about constructing a team in one of the most demanding markets in the world. Fans can read about the deals made (and the ones tantalizingly close to being made) as the Red Sox tried to take things one step further than the American League champions of 1986. Gorman even traded two future Hall of Famers in an attempt to win it all during those seasons. One Pitch from Glory offers his unique insider take on owner collusion, Roger Clemens's infamous spring training holdout, the Wade Boggs sex scandal, the firings of managers, and his dealing with the wolves of the Boston media. Gorman also shares his thoughts on the "Moneyball" philosophy and the Red Sox team that finally broke the 86-yearold "curse." His stories show that there are no off-days for the front office.