SANDY KOUFAX, A LEFTY'S LEGACY by Jane Leavy is one of the best books I have read in a long time. (available to purchase from Amazon.com)

Sandy Koufax was probably the most dominant pitcher in a 6 year stretch in the history of baseball. He had a Jeckle and Hyde career starting out as a losing, little used, and considered wild pitcher to one of the best left handed pitchers in the game. Check out his stats here.

He retired at the peak of his career as he did not want to cripple his arm. Ms. Leavy interweaves chapters to his rise from the sandlots of Brooklyn and the U. of Cinncinatti with inning by inning descriptions of his perfect game. Along the way the reader is able to see why he became a reclusive icon admired by anyone who came in contact with him.

If you are looking for a Christmas gift to a baseball fan this is it. It is ironic that with my admiration of Koufax and my baseball collection that I do not have a single card of his.

I wish you all a wonderful holiday season. Also, please join me in welcoming Piper Elisabeth Aaronson to our family in mid-December.

Good Picking! -Jared