By Phyllis Groner
Harvey Araton: “one of the most gratifying projects.” Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com
There may have been a low turnout at the polls today but that definitely was not the case tonight at the Westport Public Library which had a winner in New York Times sports columnist Harvey Araton.
He talked about his book “Driving Mr. Yogi; Yogi Berra, Ron Guidry, and Baseball’s Greatest Gift” in which he tells about the enduring friendship between former Yankees catcher Yogi Berra and pitcher Ron Guidry.
This bond between them, Yankee legends of different generations, Araton explained, began after their playing days were over. It’s the story of a younger player and his idol who became his best friend.
It is written with love and a great deal of warmth. It is obvious in the telling that author Araton admired both men.
“Writing this book was one of the most gratifying projects I have ever gotten to work on,” he said. He added, “I believe Yogi is closer to Ron than to his own son.”
“When I was asked to take my newspaper articles and enlarge and add on to make a book, I hoped there was enough material for a book,” Araton said.
Harvey Aaraton signs copies of his book tonight. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com
He explained that the unique friendship began in 1999, when Berra was reunited with the Yankees after a long self-exile, the result of being unceremoniously fired by George Steinbrenner 14 years before.
Berra began attending spring training, alone.
So Guidry befriended the man who had been a mentor in the clubhouse back when Guidry was pitching for the Yankees. And the friendship has endured.
Following his talk, Araton autographed copies of his book for attendees.
