"Interstate '85" is Halfway Complete, and I Am Joyous
My lifetime's dream book project is almost finished!
Last night was pretty much like any other Friday night of this summer: High temperature, a quiet condo, a Mountain Dew Slurpee and Nerds gummy clusters from 7-Eleven, and audial sustenance blasting on my Apple Music nonstop. And most of all: writing.
Sure, I took a break here and there to walk along the lit path outside my condo, mood-appropriate music in my ears and my River Cats batting practice baseball firmly in hand. Also, a video game break here and there to mow down zombies in Left 4 Dead 2, or wander around in Morrowind. But as has been the case during the best year of my life, my free time was, per usual, mostly consumed by fulfilling my potential as a writer.
Except, it wasn’t just any productive night of writing. It was one where I reached a huge milestone in my ultimate lifetime’s dream book project. After an especially arduous week finishing a chapter that probably gave me a few extra gray hairs, I can say with the utmost joy and integrity that my 1985 World Series book, Interstate ‘85, is officially halfway done!
In particular, this includes finishing the aforementioned chapter (11, Aftermath: Two Franchises and a Life Forever Changed) and another (Chapter 3, Convergence) that were royal (pun intended!) pains in the ass. They were both long and complex in scope, to the point where I would almost wonder if I’d ever get them done. I still almost can’t believe they are!
Even better, those chapters (and the others I finished) have now reached their full potential thanks to the marathon of new interviews I’ve conducted this year. My talks with Andy Van Slyke, Hal McRae, Chris Browne, Dane Iorg, Bud Black, Brian Harper, Dennis Leonard, and others guarantee that every part of this book will come to life with humanity and passion.
As for the other half of the book? First off, it’s already mostly written! Especially during this year, my reinvigorated clarity and brainstorming has given me an almost supernatural strength in figuring out how to fill out and structure every chapter better. Especially given the complexity and scope of Interstate ‘85, seeing it come together far better than I originally envisioned fills me with zeal.
Second, the rest of the book will be exceedingly easy to write because I have the hardest chapters done. There were moments where I considered doing “easier” chapters in order to reach the halfway point quicker. Instead, I’m glad I challenged myself to overcome those hurdles, and as such, have adjusted my mind accordingly. Thus, I know I’ve got a handle on the rest with ease.
As for the interview process (which some of you have been following my updates of on Facebook), I’m excited to announce it may actually be done! I’m currently at 26 total interviews, and there are still a few more I would like to get a hold of, chiefly Cardinals pitcher Danny Cox and Royals outfielder Darryl Motley (the latter of whom caught the final out in Game 7).
Realistically, though, I think I have more than enough material from the conversations already conducted. Also, my most recent interview, legendary Royals second baseman Frank White, just felt like the perfect finale. The moment he said “Wow!” when I told him the full title of the book (Interstate ‘85: Whitey’s Cardinals, Howser’s Royals, The Call, and the Battle for the Heart of Missouri Baseball) gave me the same feeling I get watching the triumphant denouement of a “hero’s journey” movie or game.
For what it’s worth (given I don’t land anyone else at the last minute), the all-star lineup of people I got on the record for this dream project is as follows:
Umpires:
Don Denkinger (American League, 1985 World Series Crew Chief)
Kansas City Royals:
George Brett (Hall of Fame Third Baseman)
Steve Balboni (First Baseman)
Charlie Leibrandt (Starting Pitcher)
Mark Gubicza (Starting Pitcher)
Bud Black (Starting Pitcher)
Buddy Biancalana (Shortstop)
Jim Sundberg (Catcher)
Steve Farr (Relief Pitcher)
Hal McRae (Designated Hitter)
Mike Jones (Relief Pitcher)
Joe Beckwith (Relief Pitcher)
Jeanne Ann Beckwith (Joe’s First Wife)
Lynn Jones (Backup Outfielder)
Dane Iorg (Backup Outfielder)
Avron Fogelman (Co-owner)
Jana Howser (Daughter of Royals manager Dick Howser and current baseball executive)
Chris Browne (Bat Boy and current baseball executive)
Dennis Leonard (Starting Pitcher)
Frank White (Second Baseman)
St. Louis Cardinals:
Ozzie Smith (Hall of Fame Shortstop)
Ken Dayley (Relief Pitcher)
Jeff Lahti (Relief Pitcher)
Ricky Horton (Relief Pitcher)
Kurt Kepshire (Starting Pitcher)
Brian Harper (Utility Player)
Andy Van Slyke (Backup Right Fielder)
After a bit of recharging this weekend (primarily by seeing Oppenheimer and playing the shit out of Disco Elysium), I will immediately commence finishing the rest of the book on Monday. Especially in a summer that ends with what would have been Don Denkinger’s 87th birthday, I am a man possessed in finally seeing this book home. I will keep you updated on its progress, as well as when it has a publication date!
As always, thank you to everyone who has helped with the book or simply just supported me during this life-changing three-year journey. This journey back to Interstate 70 almost 40 years ago really has turned out to be the road that I must travel, in every conceivable way.