bouton

"I think there would be a problem if the players could move from one team to another," said Bouton.

But Bouton turned out to be too good a reporter to stop there.

"I would have been better off ignoring both the book and Bouton."

"Bouton seems to be having a difference of opinion with my husband," I said.

"I'd hold an orientation for new players on how to deal with the press," said Bouton.

Bouton encouraged the officials to look for the original document.

Several days later, there was a message on Bouton's answering machine.

"I really have no sympathy for the guy," Bouton said.

Bouton's book was, the argument went, bad for baseball's image.

Still, for all Bouton's iconoclasm, what he really seems to have wanted was to be one of the guys.

In regard to heroes, Bouton says there are two kinds.

He left directions that Bouton was not on any account to be disturbed.

In so doing, Bouton provided a frank, insider's look at professional sports teams.

Bouton nodded at some brandy and said, "Will you join me?"

He wanted Bouton to sign a statement apologizing to the baseball community.

I see you have made the acquaintance of Bouton.

But Bouton's effort would ultimately become much more widely known, debated and discussed.

Bouton read the statement and said, "I'm not signing this."

"But no one will accept winning the pennant as enough," Bouton said.

Bouton's body, coiled in an agony of fear, was half off the old bed.

Each letter ended with the same words; "Bouton also sends his regards."

Two or three days later, Mantle asked Bouton about that big fish.

"It is better than selling bonds, or shoes, as have some of our people," said Bouton.

After all, Bouton had been possessed of but a tiny share of life.