New -- Rick Ferrell, Knuckleball Catcher -- Bio Recalls Historic First All-Star Game in 1933

ANN ARBOR, Mich., June 30 /PRNewswire/ -- The 77th All-Star Game will be played in Anaheim, California, on July 13. Can you recall who caught the first All-Star Game in 1933?

Hot off the press comes a newly-released summer biography entitled, Rick Ferrell, Knuckleball Catcher: A Hall of Famer's Life Behind the Plate and In the Front Office, by daughter Kerrie Ferrell with William M. Anderson (www.rickferrellknuckleballcatcher.com). An American League catcher during the 1930s and '40s, Ferrell caught all nine innings of the first All-Star Game between the National and American Leagues in July 1933. The American League won, 4-2. Which pitchers did Ferrell catch in that inaugural All-Star Game?

Recalling tales from his 63-year major league baseball career, this first biography spans the backstop's life from 1905-95. Tales abound of Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Joe DiMaggio. You'll read about the adventures of Rick and his brother, pitcher Wes Ferrell, who formed a brother-battery with the Boston Red Sox and Washington Senators in the mid-1930s. In 1945, Rick Ferrell caught four knuckleball pitchers for the Washington Senators, losing the pennant to the Detroit Tigers in dramatic fashion the final week of the season. The eight-time All-Star retired in 1947 after 18 seasons, holding the A. L. record for "Most Games Caught:" 1,806.

Re-live Rick's 1984 induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown when he was selected by the Veteran's Committee. Catch a glimpse of baseball's front office operations during the late 1900s when Ferrell served as the Detroit Tigers' general manager and vice president.  Readers will find interviews with sixteen former baseball associates, (Bobby Doerr, Ernie Harwell, George Kell) and a foreword by author Donald Honig. Letters written by Ferrell as Tigers' general manager are included, plus thirty-four photographs, some never before published.

"My father had an exemplary career in major league baseball. I wanted to help preserve his incredible legacy," Kerrie said. And which American League pitchers did Ferrell catch in the first All-Star Game?  Lefty Gomez, General Alvin Crowder, and Lefty Grove, three innings each.

Ordering details at www.rickferrellknuckleballcatcher.com. The cost is $29.95 + tax + s/h. Review copies available by request; author available for interviews.  

Image link (book cover)

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SOURCE Kerrie Ferrell