Hawk: I Did It My Way

Anyone who's tuned in to a White Sox game during the past four decades has heard his calls and catchphrases: "Mercy " "Rack 'em up " "He gone " Ken Harrelson is a man who knows how to talk and is brimming with stories, but even the most dedicated fans haven't heard them all; many of "Hawk's" most memorable tales are simply not suitable for television broadcasts. Now, in his memoir, Harrelson opens up on a wide variety of topics, from his volatile childhood, to life in the major leagues, to stints as a professional golfer and MLB general manager, and of course his storied years in the broadcast booth. He minces no words when reflecting on brawls, blowups, and encounters with figures ranging from Mickey Mantle and Arnold Palmer to Frank Sinatra and Bobby Kennedy. Packed with the enthusiasm and candor audiences have come to expect, Hawk is a no-holds-barred look at a singular life and career.

Ken ＂Hawk＂ Harrelson played nine major league seasons between 1963 and 1971. He was an All-Star with the Boston Red Sox in 1968, when he lead the American League with 109 RBIs. After retiring from baseball at age 29, Harrelson played professional golf. He returned to Boston to begin his broadcasting career in 1975 and spent time in the booth for the Red Sox, White Sox, and Yankees in the 1970s and 1980s. He also served as the White Sox’ general manager in 1986. Jeff Snook is a freelance writer and author of several books about sports, most recently serving as co-writer for Virginia Tech football coach Frank Beamer’s autobiography Let Me Be Frank.