Ironman: The Randy Hundley Story

Last month, Ironman, the autobiography of legendary Chicago Cubs catcher Randy Hundley, was published. Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of interviewing John St. Augustine, longtime fan and friend of Hundley and the co-author of Ironman.

When I was growing up watching the Cubs, I could always count on Hundley behind the plate. Although he started with the San Francisco Giants, Hundley joined the Cubs in 1966 and remained their starter through the 1973 season. During that time, he caught 947 games, but that includes 1972, when an injury limited him to nine games. Over a four year stretch, he averaged 153 games. He also caught 160 once, which still stands as an MLB record, one that will probably never be broken. Hundley was indeed an Ironman.

As a youngster, St. Augustine first met Hundley while seeking autographs. Little did either know how their lives would become intertwined years later.

Fast forward to a fantasy camp, an idea that Hundley actually started, the two met again. St. Augustine had a great camp, but more importantly a real bond was formed with Hundley.

A few years ago, after a bit of prodding from St. Augustine, Hundley decided to finally write his book. His handpicked co-author was St. Augustine, a wise and natural choice. Together they worked diligently, but with a real passion, to bring the full story of Hundley's life and career.

I can proudly say I play a very small part in this process. St. Augustine contacted me after I interviewed Jody Davis, another former Cubs catcher. I put him in touch with Davis and also George Castle, my former colleague and longtime friend. St. Augustine and Hundley were even kind enough to include me in the book's acknowledgements, for which I am very grateful and somewhat shocked. To see me in Hundley's book will forever amaze me.

The book is destined to be a "must-read" for any Cubs fan, but also any baseball fan in general. In addition, even historians will love it for much of it's backdrop is during the turbulent 1960s.

As I told John in our interview, the pictures alone would be worth it. There are so many awesome, rare pictures from Hundley's life. I mentioned my favorite picture being one from the 1969 All-Star game. It featured St. Louis Cardinals manager Red Schoendienst, New York Mets pitcher Jerry Koosman and Hundley. (As a baseball fan, I am embarrassed I mistakenly misidentified Koosman as Tom Seaver. St. Augustine was very kind in not skewering me for that).

John answered with his favorite picture, which had a cool story behind it. It's just another example of the love put into this book.

Hundley's first stint with the Cubs lasted eight years, followed by a season with the Minnesota Twins and one with the San Diego Padres. Hundley happily returned to the Cubs in 1976 much to the delight of Cubs fans. Although he only played 15 games in his final two seasons with the Cubs, Hundley got to finish his career with his beloved team.

Cubs fans were happy to see Hundley return and retire as a Cub. They will be even happier when they get his book.

I have read a lot of autobiographies and Ironman ranks as one of the best. Granted, I have always been a fan of Hundley and the Cubs, but that makes me judge it even harder. Ironman surpassed any hopes I had. Reviewing a book by a friend can be tricky, but Ironman made it easy by being an excellent book..

For more information, go to Lulu.com. Even better, if you want an autographed copy connect with John St. Augustine on Facebook. Ironman makes a great stocking stuffer for any Cubs fan.