By Ed Odeven
In “A Baseball Gaijin: Chasing a Dream to Japan and Back,” author Aaron Fischman penned a comprehensive, fascinating, revealing look at former MLB pitcher Tony Barnette’s baseball career before, during and after his six seasons (2010-15) with NPB’s Tokyo Yakult Swallows in Japan.
Vivid details about the highs and lows of the pitcher’s career are presented with the emotional backdrop of these occasions. Exhaustive research and a wealth of meaningful interviews bolstered Fischman’s book, elevating it to a place high above the run-of-the mill ranks.
Insights on training and pre-game workouts, game highlights and notable statistics, revealing glimpses of friendships with teammates, coaches and members of the Swallows organization as well as adjusting to life in Japan as a single man, and later as a husband and a father are among the most memorable portions of this thoughtful, quality book.
Ed Odeven Reporting 