Publisher's Synopsis
Former Giants pitching star and coach Larry Jansen uses a truly unique approach to give the reader a mental as well as visual explanation of the physical features of pitching. Jansen's discussions of the mental processes that produce the physical dynamics of pitching are complemented by the meticulous illustrations of Karl Van Loo who based his drawings on selected major-leaguers in action and personal demonstrations by Jansen. Co-author Dr. George A. Jansen adds his medical expertise to the mix by detailing proper care of the body, how to avoid injuries, and treatment when injuries occur. But to say this book is only a guide to pitching is to miss the inside corner. Beyond the warfare tactics of pitcher vs. hitter, this is a sensitive revealing account of a great pitcher, coach and man, and his relationship with his sport, his family, his friends and his teammates in accounts not only from Jansen but also from his wife of 56 years, Eileen. Larry Jansen began his professional baseball career with Salt Lake City in the Pioneer League in 1940. Thus began a career that lasted nearly 35 years as both a player and coach. Jansen pitched for the New York Giants from 1947 to 1954. He was selected to the National League All-Star team in 1950 and 1951, and pitched in the 1951 World Series. He became pitching coach for the San Francisco Giants in 1961 and stayed until 1971. As a player he won more than 122 games, finishing 21-5 in 1947 and 23-11 in 1951. As a coach for the Giants, his pitchers won more than 1,000 games and never suffered through a losing season. He resides in Forest Grove, OR, with is wife, Eileen. George A. (Al) Jansen, MD, has more than 20 years experience as a team and league physician for contact and noncontact sports from the Little League to high school and college levels. He currently practices emergency and urgent care medicine in northern California and serves as a consultant for the California Department of Health Services. He has published a number of scientific articles and acted as Special Advisor in Anesthesia to the Smithsonian Institute. He resides in Vacaville, CA.
