THE LEGEND OF THE MICK
by Jonathan Weeks
GENRE: Sports Biography
BLURB:
In the 1950s, America entered the television age. And Mickey Mantle, a country boy from Commerce, Oklahoma, was made for the moment. Signed by the New York Yankees as a teenager, he made his major league debut in 1951 as a right fielder alongside Joe DiMaggio. When DiMaggio retired at the end of the season, Mantle inherited not only Joltin’ Joe’s position in centerfield but also his stature as the face of the franchise. His boyish good looks, breathtaking power from both sides of the plate, and blazing speed on the basepaths made him an instant superstar. He won league MVP three times, came in second three times, was a 16-time All-Star, a Triple Crown winner in 1956, and a seven-time World Series champion.
Mickey Mantle’s career was the stuff of legend and in this book, Jonathan Weeks tells us why. Mantle’s extraordinary (and at times incredible) tales carry readers on an enthralling journey through the life of one of the most celebrated sports figures of the twentieth century.
Purchase THE LEGEND OF THE MICK on Amazon
Excerpt:
THE SPOOK LIGHT
For more than a century, residents of the Tri-State Missouri, Oklahoma, and Kansas area have talked about a paranormal phenomenon known as the “Spook Light.” The light has been described by witnesses as an orb of fire about the size of a baseball or basketball. It flickers, dances, and spins—typically in an east to west pattern—while hovering above the treetops. When observers attempt to walk or drive toward it, it disappears.
According to popular legend, the “Spook Light” was first observed by Native Americans along the infamous “Trail of Tears” in 1836. Since then, a number of ghostly stories have circulated regarding its origin. One of the oldest tales centers around a Quapaw Indian maiden and her lover, who leaped to their deaths after the girl’s father forbade them from marrying. Another oft-told yarn involves the spirit of an Osage tribal chief who lost his head in battle and continues to search for it by lantern-light.
The “Spook Light” is commonly seen along a desolate stretch of road near the town of Quapaw, which is located just six miles from Mantle’s hometown of Commerce. The Yankee slugger grew up with these campfire tales and, like many teenagers of the era, enjoyed the associated benefits. By the time he was in high school, the deserted route known as Spooklight Road (or “The Devil’s Promenade” to some) had become a popular make-out spot. In his 1985 autobiography, Mantle remarked, “If you happened to be waiting at the Spook Light and you happened to have a girl with you, it was a pretty good place for necking.” Mantle’s first social outing with his future wife, Merlyn, was a triple date to Spooklight Road. The youngsters piled into Mantle’s 1947 Fleetline Chevy, which he had purchased with his Yankee signing bonus. Though Mantle was paired with another girl that night, he ended up asking Merlyn out on a date after he “struck out” with her friend.
The “Spook Light” continues to be an enduring legend despite scientific research conducted during Mantle’s teen years. In 1945, it was proposed that the phenomenon was caused by the refraction of vehicle headlights over a range of western hills. The following year, an Army Major named Thomas Sheard stationed a vehicle in the region he believed the so-called “Spook Light” was emanating from. He instructed the driver to flash the vehicle’s headlights at a designated time after dark. Observers in the vicinity of Spook Light Road were able to see the flashes. In 1965, Popular Mechanics magazine recruited professors from the University of Arkansas to investigate even further. They confirmed that distant headlights on Route 66 were being distorted by waves of heat, producing the phenomenon.
Those who still cling to paranormal explanations maintain that the “Spook Light” was seen long before the invention of automobiles and is, therefore, an unrelated phenomenon. The first verified written account of the eerie spectacle didn’t appear until 1935. Multiple sources have claimed that a booklet on the topic was released in the 1880s, but concrete evidence of it has not been uncovered. Detailed information about the ethereal orb—complete with driving directions to Spook Light Road—appear on the Joplin, Missouri official website.
Interview with JONATHAN WEEKS
What is your schedule like when you’re writing a book?
Writing is not my primary occupation. I have to work it around a 9-to-5 job. I’m usually up in the morning pretty early—around 5 am or so. I’ll do my research while I’m having my morning coffee and try to get as much done as I can before my real job starts.
Did you ever consider writing under a pseudonym?
Well, there was one book I wrote that got a couple of really nasty reviews. So for a little while I kind of wished my name wasn’t on it. I got some good advice from my editor at the time. She told me not to read my own reviews and to have confidence in my work. It was basic—but really smart advice. You’re not going to please everyone no matter how hard you try.
Have you ever gotten reader’s block?
Yes. I’ve been asked about this before. I have difficulty writing fiction. I get good ideas, but have trouble executing them. I’ll churn out a page or a couple of paragraphs and later think it’s terrible. Then I start tearing it apart. It’s quite a process for me. But I did manage to finish two novels. When I retire, I intend to write another. (Or at least try)
Does your family support your career as a writer?
Very much so. Yes. My sisters always ask me how the writing is going and give me encouragement. As much as I like the career path I have chosen, I have often wished that writing was my primary profession. When I was in high school, I had a crazy notion that I was going to be a best-selling horror writer like Stephen King. I am captivated by people who actually get to live out their dreams.
How many hours a day do you write?
It depends on the day. On weekends, I’ll sometimes write from 5 am until I get burned out. I can sometimes go 7 or 8 hours before I have to walk away. Writing becomes unproductive for me after awhile. I get kind of numb and lose my edge.
If you could invite any three people for dinner, whom would you
invite?
If we’re talking about living or dead, then it’s an easy question. I would invite my Mom, Dad, and Grandfather. They have all passed away and I miss them every day.
Would you share something about yourself that your readers don’t
know (yet)?
My fantasy as a kid was to become a professional athlete. The three sports I enjoyed the most were baseball, hockey, and basketball. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the skills or the confidence to excel at any of them beyond the Middle School level. When I got a little older, my fantasy was to become a rock star. I taught myself how to play guitar and wrote a bunch of songs. But I hated practicing scales. So, I don’t have the chops to be a soloist. I’m more of a rhythm guy. And I’m not so great at that either.
Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they
want?
What I’m trying to do right now with my baseball books is bring the history of the game to a new generation. I think that younger people don’t absorb information the way we used to when I was in school. They’re just as intelligent (if not smarter) than we were, but they process things differently. I try to make the material more concise to hold their attention.
How do you celebrate when you finish your book?
I usually treat myself to a nice meal. I really enjoy eating out, but I don’t do it all that often. I’m particularly fond of Chinese food.
If you could be mentored by a famous author, who would it be?
Wow. Tough question There are so many authors I like. If I could be mentored by a sports writer (living or dead), it would probably be Shirley Povich. That guy was a master. If it were a fiction writer, I would like to work with Stephen King. He knows how to create compelling characters and situations. And he has kept me entertained since I picked up his first book back in the 1970s.
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Jonathan Weeks spent most of his life in the Capital District region of New York State. He earned a degree in psychology from SUNY Albany and currently works in the mental health field. He has written several sports biographies and two novels, one of which was a posthumous collaboration with his father.
Connect with Jonathan Weeks
4 comments:
Good Morning! Thanks so much for hosting my tour. I welcome questions and comments from potential readers and will be checking back at several points during the day.
Glad you liked it, Rita. Good luck with your giveaway entry.
I love the cover and look forward to reading the book.
This sounds like an excellent read.
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