Table of Contents

Foreword Reid Ryan xi

Preface xiii

Part I Alvin, Ruthie, and Raw Talent: 1963-64

1 Daylight on Dezso Drive 3

2 Hand Holders 6

3 Two Reds 9

Part II The Minors: A Test of Faith: 1965-67

1 Marion's Mets 19

2 Rings and Things 22

3 Cup of Coffee 25

Part III Lost In New York: The New York Mets: 1968-71

1 The Phantom: 1968 35

2 Miraculous: 1969 41

3 Amazin': 1969 45

4 Flustered in Flushing: 1970-71 51

Part IV The Altar of Speed: The California Angels: 1972-79

1 Breakout: 1972 61

2 Countdown: 1973 83

3 Fastest Man Alive: 1974 106

4 Speed Bump: 1975 117

5 Back in the Saddle: 1976 127

6 Respect: 1977 133

7 Season of Discontent: 1978 145

8 Buzsie's Folly: 1979 153

Part V Building the Perfect Beast: The Houston Astros: 1980-88

1 Home in the Dome: 1980 171

2 Changeup: 1981 186

3 Humor: 1982 196

4 Walter Johnsons Ghost: 1983 203

5 Texas Mystique: 1984 209

6 Stamina: 1985 217

7 Orange Fire: 1986 224

8 Alpha Dog: 1987 235

9 Houston, We Have a Problem: 1988 241

Part VI The Perfect Storm: The Texas Rangers: 1989-93

1 Talkin' Country: 1989 253

2 Lining It Up: 1990 269

3 Ryanmania: 1991 281

4 Pass It On: 1992 294

5 A Fighting Farewell: 1993 312

Part VII The View from the Top: 1994-

1 A Brief Respite 331

2 The Making of an Owner 337

3 Legacy 350

Sources 361

Acknowledgments 363