It’s not a literary masterpiece by any means, but Hi Anybody! by legendary Royals’ broadcaster Denny Matthews oozes with baseball lore and love.  The subtitle describes perfectly the contents of its pages:  Why I Love Baseball and What I’d Do to Fix It. I wish the game’s powers-that-be would pay attention to what he has to say.                                                                                                                                                         

You don’t have to be a Royals’ fan to enjoy this book.  Drawing upon his 40 years of baseball broadcasting experience (all with the Royals), Matthews shares his unique and insightful perspective on America’s pastime. To supplement his personal views, experiences, and analysis, the book is filled with quotes and stories from players as well as a host of other baseball people close to the game.  They provide an enlightening and entertaining look behind the scenes at the world of major league baseball.  Also, scattered throughout are questions from fans about baseball and broadcasting to which Denny gives his personal answers.

Matthews was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007 and opens the book by recounting that experience with a daily diary and the text of his induction speech.  Don’t skip the speech.  The letter he shares from long-time Royals’ fan Margaret Jenkins is priceless.

There are many engaging stories that open windows into the baseball world, not only from players, but traveling secretaries, groundskeepers, GMs, managers, scouts, and even clubhouse attendants.  The game comes alive in new ways through the eyes of those who have lived it.

Matthews knows baseball and after years of calling the action has developed strong opinions about what needs to be done to fix its flaws.  He is a traditionalist in most ways calling for the abolition of the DH, restoration of the rulebook strike zone, and more day baseball especially in April and October.  He also offers a common sense regional plan for league realignment.  His arguments are compelling and his knowledge and understanding of the game lend them singular credibility.  His is a voice to which baseball should listen.

The book is capped off with two noteworthy chapters.  One offers the reader a series of practical life lessons Matthews has learned from his many years around the game.  The other provides a list of “mosts” and “bests” from his years on the road and in the broadcast booth interviewing and announcing.

A couple of years ago at an off-season, small town meet-and-greet with a few Royals players and alumni, I met Denny Matthews.  When I asked “Mr. Matthews” to sign my copy of his first book, he said, “That’s Denny to you.”  Hi Anybody! is written with that same personal, friendly tone.  You will come away from it with an even greater appreciation for the game Denny loves.

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