Big Hair and Plastic Grass: A Funky Ride Through Baseball and America in the Swinging '70s

Injecting applicable 70’s social/political atmosphere into a baseball book is appropriate. Exposing your own liberal bias is not. One would think Jimmy Carter should be enshrined on Mt Rushmore! A decent 70’s baseball summary ruined by liberal commentary. I would look elsewhere.

When contrasted with the baseball product trotted out on the field circa 2011, the decade of the 1970's stands out so vividly, so colorfully, and in many ways, so sadly that Dan epstein has scored a complete bullseye with his writing about baseball of this era.The decade begins with a generation of authentic sluggers, and also the first generation of fully integrated black ballplayers finishing their careers. Players like Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, Ernie Banks, Frank Robinson and Harmon Killebrew who made massive contributions to their teams and to baseball with their focused and yeoman work.As the decade moves on, this type of ballplayer gets eclipsed by a new breed of player and a new breed of owner, as well. The staid bluebloods of baseball, such as Walter O'Malley and Calvin Griffith get nudged aside for the charlie O. Finley's and the George Steinbrennner's. Each bring their own vision to the game, but the game begins to change.The baseball characters, the flakes, like Bill Lee, the wildmen, like Gorman Thomas, and the cro-magnon, like Pete Rose are all part of the lovable history of this decade.But, by contrast, the ballplayers of this era are button down, monotone, and in a word, dull.The 1970's were a tumultuous time of change in baseball. Free-agency brought the end of the reserve clause, and cities rarely could call a ball player one of their own anymore. The change in the society brought some unforgettable stories every year, none more than the Fritz Peterson and Mike Kekich wife and life swap. There were others. The losses of Roberto Clemente, Lyman Bostock and Thurman Munson. The ascendancy and quick letdown of Richie (call me Dick) Allen's career. Henry Aaron's assault on Babe Ruth's record, and Lou Brock's running to immortality.Dan Epstien nails the ethos and pathos of this remarkable decade in baseball. If there is one fault I find with the book, it is in its' title. The title leads the reader to believe this book will be an Animal House treatise of baseball. It is not. It is a captive read, but thorough, and both comprehensive and incredibly enjoyable.

Baseball experienced more changes in the 1970s than it had in the previous seven decades. Author Dan Epstein writes that it was the "most colorful era in baseball history."It was full of characters, off and on the field--Bill Veeck, Charlie Finley, Morgana "The Kissing Bandit," the San Diego Chicken, Mark "The Bird" Fidrych and Bill "Spaceman" Lee were part of the cast. It was a time of "charismatic rebels, flakes and hard-nosed hustlers in form-fitting polyester uniforms."Besides the introduction of the designated hitter in the American League, the era produced night World Series games, cookie cutter stadiums with artificial turf, free agency, a two-week player strike, the first all-black starting lineup, the first all-California World Series and more.It was a time of growing popularity as baseball began to seriously market and promote itself. Baseball drew 15 million more fans in 1979 than it did in 1970. The average player's salary jumped from $29,000 in 1970 to $113,000 in 1979.It also was the era of some great teams and achievements. "The Mustache Gang" Oakland A's, "The Big Red Machine" Reds, "The Bronx Zoo" Yankees, "Bambi's Bombers" Brewers," and the "We Are Family" Pirates were teams for the ages.The 70s saw Aaron hit home run No. 715, surpassing Babe Ruth; Nolan Ryan fanning 383 batters for a season record; Carlton Fisk's famous home run in the 1975 World Series; Reggie Jackson's three consecutive homers on three pitches in the 1977 World Series; Lou Brock breaking Ty Cobb's career stolen base record of 892; Pete Rose's 44-game hit streak, tying the NL record and more.Taking a chronological approach, Author Dan Epstein touches on the bases of the 1970's, rarely staying on any one base very long. The best chapters in the book, however, are the ones he devotes to stadiums, uniforms, hairdos and promotions.As an avid baseball fan during the 1970s, I enjoyed being reminded of players, memorable moments and developments of the decade. As they say, "Thanks for the memories."

Obviously, these stories have been around for decades. They've been told in many other places. Mr. Epstein's perspective on them, however, is both unique and fascinating. The author's keen eye for both how baseball shaped and was shaped-by American culture before and during the 70's has produced a rewarding read with a narrative arc encompassing much more than afros and astroturf (although, I'm glad to say, plenty of both of those!) The political, social, economic, theatrical, and musical landscapes of the era all underwent large changes, and "Big Hair and Plastic Grass" does the task of highlighting those changes within the context of our then rapidly changing national pastime. Simultaneously, the decade on-field is given a thorough breakdown and the stats laid out bare remind the reader of what a unique era this was. Just looking at the ERAs and complete game numbers alone show how much the game has changed.Still, the colorful characters and crazy times are (rightfully) the stars of the book, their stories always entertaining. In writing a book about any 10 years of baseball history (especially these 10!) I imagine there is a large challenge in deciding what to leave out. In choosing the players, owners, and stories he did, the author described a sport and a country connecting two very different eras with a funky streak more than deserving of its own spotlight. Highly recommended.Note: I purchased the kindle version before a long flight as my neighborhood's independent bookseller didn't have any copies. Please note the kindle version doesn't have any photos.

This is a great trip down '70s nostalgia lane but the year by year seasons at a glance that comprise the majority of the book do not have enough depth or analysis for my tastes. I thought the chapters that veered off on specific topics (astroturf, '70s uniforms, hairstyles and crazy promotions) of '70s baseball were far more funky, my man.Also, the limited number of pictures and them not being in color was a huge minus. (Come on, man, it was the '70s! This book is crying out for color pics of those funky A's and Pirates uniforms.)These may be minor points because it's still a fun read with plenty of stuff that will blow anyone's mind. I just think it would have be better off organized less as a chronological look and more like the four chapters that focused on specific tangents of '70s Major League Baseball.

If want to learn about this colorfull decade it's a must.