Bo Belinsky

This work proves the adage of all that glitters is not gold. David Krell has written the first full-length biography of one of baseball's most notorious figures, using archival newspaper articles to reconstruct the colorful career of Bo Belinsky. Belinsky began in the Minor Leagues in the mid-1950s, gained a spotlight with a no-hitter for the Angels during his rookie season, and endured severe ups and downs. Along the way, he dated the most famous actresses in America, including Mamie Van Doren, Connie Stevens, and Tina Louise.

What the fans didn't know about was the disastrous effect of Belinsky's alcoholism and drug abuse. Three marriages resulted in divorces. He couldn't get traction in rehab or AA. But in the 1990s, he moved to Las Vegas where he embraced sobriety and worked with one of the city's most successful car dealerships. Included interviews with Belinsky's friends and colleagues show a different side to this controversial player balances rumor with reality and shows that fame has its benefits but also terrific costs.