JERRY REUSS
CONTINUED
Also, I found a format that I liked when reading Carl Erskine’s book, What I learned From Jackie Robinson. Once I wrote a couple of stories and found out that it was a lot of fun, I set out on a new adventure. It took three years out of my life as I devoted the necessary time when I wasn’t broadcasting or doing other things to write the book.
That was an experience in itself, because my publisher, the University of Nebraska Press, didn’t have much of a budget. So, in order to write the book, I had to fund it myself. Had I taken a job at minimum wage and put in the same number of hours, I would have made more money! I had to do everything myself. The promotion, the logistics of travel, collect the money, negotiate different deals and negotiate deals with different photographers in order to use their picture. So in that respect, it was like going to college. Like going to college, you’ve got to pay for the education.
But all- in all, when it was done, I’m glad I did it! I’ve said my piece and I’ve moved on, and now I can walk in a room full of people that have published books and share an experience with them because, I too, have done it! I proud of the fact I wrote it myself and didn’t have someone write it for me! When the copywriter read my manuscript, she said, “I’m good with what you’ve got here except for some minor changes.” I said, ”That’s all?” She replied, “Structurally, your manuscript is good. You did a good job of telling your story.” My expectations at the outset were reasonable. I wanted to tell a story and to entertain. And that is what I did.
BTS: Can you tell our readers can find your book and secure a copy?
JR: You will probably get the best price on Amazon, if the low price is what you’re looking for. If you want a personally signed, copy from me, you can go to my website, jerryreuss.com, and it’s right there on the front page. Just follow the steps and usually, I mail them the next business day.
What an enjoyable time I had, speaking with a true gentlemen and legend of the game we all love so much!
He is the only player I know that was traded over his mustache. But that is a whole other interview. Get his book and read the stories directly from him!
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