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Jim Bouton Destroys Illusions about Baseball.

A 1986 interview with former Yankees pitcher Jim Bouton. In 1970, Bouton's memoir "Ball Four" was published. Those who wanted to maintain major league baseball's image as the home of heroes were scandalized by the book; others thought it was about time someone revealed that baseball is full of real people and real problems. "Ball Four" made an enemy for Bouton of baseball legend Mickey Mantle by reminiscing about Mantle's on and off-field drunkenness. (Rebroadcast of 12/8/1986)

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Other segments from the episode on July 9, 1993

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, July 9, 1993: Interview with Joe Morgan; Review of the television show "Laurel Avenue"; Interview with Mickey Mantle; Interview with Jim Bouton.
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18:57

Baseball Great Joe Morgan.

There are fewer second basemen in the Baseball Hall of Fame than players in any of the other positions. Joe Morgan is one of the few. Today we rebroadcast an interview with the former Houston Astro and Cincinnati Red. Morgan was with the Reds in the 70's, along with Pete Rose, Johnny Bench, and Tony Perez, when the team was so successful it was known as the Big Red Machine. In 1975 and 76 Morgan was named most valuable player, leading the Reds to the world series championships both times. Altogether, Morgan spent 22 years in the major leagues. (REBROADCAST FROM 4/21/93)

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03:36

"Laurel Avenue" is Worth It.

TV critic David Bianculli reviews this weekend's HBO miniseries, "Laurel Avenue," about a large working class African American family in St. Paul, Minnesota.

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07:30

Getting to Know "The Mick."

Baseball legend Mickey Mantle. We'll hear a 1985 interview with the Yankees slugger, whose father had his career in pro baseball planned before he was born. Mantle played his entire 17-year career with one team, the New York Yankees. (Rebroadcast of 10/08/1985)

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Transcripts are created on a rush deadline, and accuracy and availability may vary. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Please be aware that the authoritative record of Fresh Air interviews and reviews are the audio recordings of each segment.

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