The Voice: Mel Allen's Untold Story

by Curt Smith

Book Overview

The definitive biography of sportscasting giant Mel Allen. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1599210940
• ISBN13: 9781599210940
• Release Date: January 2007
• Publisher: Lyons Press
• Length: 270 Pages
• Weight: 1.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.4" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

what happened to the voice of the Yankees

When I grew up in New York as a Yankee fan we heard the voices of Hall of Fame announcers Red Barber and Mel Allen. Whether he was generating entusiasm about a Yankee play or selling an ice cold Balantine Beer, Mel Allen was the smooth talker and undisputed voice of the Yankees. Everyone from that era remember his famous phrases "How about that!" and so many times when a Yankee blast would leave the ballpark "It's Going Going Gone!" This was a time of great announcer but Allen was king. Other famous ones were Red Barber, Ernie Harwell, Russ Hodges, Red Barber, Vince Scully, Curt Gowdy, Bob Prince and Harry Carey. Later on came Jack Buck and others. Allen catered to the Yankee fan but showed respect for the oppponent and would praise them when they earned. But he was not the blatant rooter like Prince who would root for the Bucs during the game. Allen was a bright man of Jewish upbringing and trained as a lawyer. This book relates how Allen wound up as a broadcaster and jow after an illustrious career was callously dumped by the Yankee brass. Allen seemed to be blacklisted for many years. But much later in life he made a comeback as the host of the popular "This Week in Baseball." For Yankee fans players would come and go, owners and managers would too but from the 1950s to the mid 1960s the two constants were Mel Allen behind the microphone and Bob Shepard as the stadium announcer. Amazingly a spry Shepard still announcing with the same familiar voice. Sadly Mel Allen has passed on. This is a great story and very nostalgic for Yankee fans of the 50s. It seems a little unfair that Allen who called so many historic plays in Yankee Stadium during the regular season and the World Series was not the one to call Roger Maris' 61st home run. The lucky Yankee braodcaster then was Phil Rizzuto.

It brings back the past for baseball lovers

It was a book that you have to read from thr begining to the end in one day., a must for the people who grew up with him on the radio,

Amazing Story

Mel Allen was an amazing broadcaster, but I knew little of his struggles. This book is revealing in its detail - a great read as we get into the swing of the season!

"If You Love Baseball, You Will Love this Book"

Curt Smith's "Mel Allen's Untold Story" is a fabulous book for any baseball fan. You do not have to be a Yankees fan to enjoy the stories,memories, reflections and humor. Mel Allen loved sharing his knowledge of and passion for baseball. Curt Smith has the same talents and insights. Wow!!! Great read!!!!!