Pouring Six Beers at a Time: And Other Stories from a Lifetime in Baseball

by Bill Giles and Doug Myers

Book Overview

A hilarious, fascinating, and revealing view of the national pastime from the 1930's to the present, Pouring Six Beers at a Time offers a treasure trove of stories by a man once dubbed the P. T.... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1600782566
• ISBN13: 9781600782565
• Release Date: March 2009
• Publisher: Triumph Books (IL)
• Length: 386 Pages
• Weight: 1.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Baseball, Marketing, and a Commentary on the Times

Bill Giles has written a baseball autobiography that can speak to even non-baseball fans. When it comes to Marketing, this man is definitely an "out-of-the-box" thinker who was willing to (and did) try anything to put people into stadium seats. This book tells the tale of a boy who was basically raised in a baseball stadium and how his entire life has been devoted to America's greatest pasttime, eventually becoming the owner of the Philadelphia Phillies. It is also a loving tribute to his father, Warren Giles, former President of the Cincinnati Reds and also President of the National League). Bill was astute enough to realize early that his talents were not on the field; instead, his business knowledge and creative intuition helped make him a key player in the marketing and management of the Philadelphia Phillies. Along the way, Giles was instrumental in getting the Houston Astrodome built; one of the many interesting stories told here. Astroturf was in its infancy, and Giles relates how it was put on the map by its use at the Astrodome. Giles is very frank and upfront in his opinions, but never stoops to a tabloid tell-all style. Some of my favorite sections of the book discuss the camaraderie of the Phillies and how they worked their way up to the World Series. There is also a section on the economics of the game, and how salaries and expenses have changed over the years, and what lead to superstar salaries. For fans of the game, the book is filled with anecdotes about your favorite players (Pete Rose, Steve Carlton, Mike Schmidt), the Commissioners of Baseball (and Giles rates 'em like a report card!), and some of the more nailbiting games that the Phillies played throughout their checkered past. For non-fans, Giles gives plenty of reasons here for earning the nickname The P.T. Barnum of the Major Leagues: The Phillie Phanatic, Kiteman, Cannon Man, The Flying Wallendas...all were part of his filling up Veteran's Stadium even when the home team wasn't playing so well. Some fun stories about Ted Turner and Ray Kroc (McDonald's) are also included. Giles is definitely a family man, and his love for his wife and children definitely comes through in the section about them. HIGHLY recommended for all. An interesting and easy read.

Wonderful Days in a BallPark

Wonderful days relived from the past were beautifully and tenderly recreated by the words and pictures of Mr.Giles in his book. Bill was an fearless innovator and pioneer for much of the ballpark entertainment that fans take for granted in today's ballparks; and the fans in Houston and Philadelphia were the benficiaries. Bill's legacy will live for many years thanks to honesty, pathos and humor so beautifully portrayed in the prose this book. And most of all, he was a joy to work with and for.

Entertaining

From start to finish, I truely enjoyed reading Bill Giles's book. Normally parts of one's past (family, upbringing, etc.) is not relative and interesting. However, with Mr. Giles, it was so interesting as it related to the history of baseball being that his Father grew-up in baseball. Bill's life and accomplishments with the Astros was very interesting, as was the Owner, so much I did not know. Then, of course, his tenure with the Phillies, I loved it. Only two areas for improvement that I wish Mr. Giles would have touched on: 1) The Bill Campbell firing, he did not talk about it at all. 2) Greater feelings on players and personnel, he made some comments, but you felt he was trying to hold back and negative comments I would give this book as a gift to anyone!

A must read for all Phillies fans over past 35 years

Bill Giles made the total baeball experience a fun day at the ballpark for this long time season ticket holder. Great stories, great memories !!

A Great Baseball Book!

Mr. Giles tells a great history of baseball and it makes me want to go out to Citizens Bank Park and see a baseball game. I can't wait for the season to start. I give it two thumbs-up and wish to congratulate the writers on a well-written book. It was really good reading a history of baseball book from a visionary such as Bill Giles. It was also a very heart-warming book. I enjoyed reading the stories of his crazy and important times in baseball, and how he grew up in the sport. My father and grandfather are going to read it next. Thanks to Mr.Giles for writing it.