In December 2007 my grandfather, the late Pittsburgh Pirate Manager Danny Murtaugh, was on Veterans' Committee ballot for the Baseball Hall of Fame. When he came up short in the voting, I wrote a tribute to him that ran in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette.
My brother Joe and I with my grandfather in 1975.
I received dozens of emails in response from fans who had fond memories of him. Several of the emails suggested I write a book about him, and I decided to go for it. The Whistling Irishman: Danny Murtaugh Remembered is a biography interspersed with memories from family, friends, teammates, players, management, and fans. It's the story of a man who clawed his way from extreme poverty to the top of the baseball world through hustle, hard work, character, and strength of will. It's the story of a man who didn't let success change him. It's the story of a man who was humble, devout, loyal, funny, and determined. Most of all, it is the story of a man who loved his family, his faith, his friends, his hometown, his country, and baseball.
I was only two when my grandfather died, and it has been a tremendous honor getting to know him through this book. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
