Overview
Over the last half-century, the Philadelphia Phillies have experienced epic highs—World Series titles in 1980 and 2008—and frustrating lows, and Larry Shenk has been there for every minute of it. He provides a behind-the-scenes look at the personalities and events that have shaped the franchise’s history. The book gives the detailed scouting reports on Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley and takes readers into the clubhouse as Steve Carlton closes in on 300 career wins. Listen in on Pete Rose’s phone call with President Reagan after Rose broke the National League hits record and see Richie Ashburn’s face when he heard he was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Giving fans a taste of what it’s like to be a part of the Phillies’ storied history from a perspective unlike any other, readers will also learn about a man whose work ethic and character has made an impact on the players and staff for 50 years.
Author Biography
Larry Shenk is the Philadelphia Phillies’ vice president of alumni relations. He has worked for the team since 1963, spending several decades as the team’s public relations director. He lives in Wilmington, Delaware. Larry Bowa is a five-time All-Star middle infielder who played for the Phillies, Cubs, and Mets, and managed the Padres and Phillies ballclubs. He is currently an analyst for the MLB Network. He lives in Philadelphia.
Press Releases
                    If These Walls Could Talk: 
Philadelphia Phillies
By: Larry Shenk/Foreword by Larry Bowa
 
Publicity Contact: Bill Ames, Triumph Books, 312-676-4256, b.ames@triumphbooks.com
 
Over the past 50 years, Larry Shenk, a longtime Phillies executive, has had a front row seat chronicling the Phillies. The Philadelphia Phillies organization has had its share of ups-and-downs and Larry has remained by the organizations side for all of them. Accomplishments during the team’s past 50 years include 11 postseason appearances, including five World Series which produced two World Series rings. But that’s just what fans see on the field.
 
Presenting a behind-the-scenes look at the franchise If These Walls Could Talk: Stories from the Philadelphia Phillies’ Dugout, Locker Room, and Press Box (Triumph Books, April 2014) by the Phillies Vice President of Alumni Relations Larry Shenk with a foreword by former Phillies player and manager, Larry Bowa, includes stories such as:
 
- The unforgettable      1964 season sprinkled with controversy and overall success
- Learn about the emotional closing ceremonies of Veterans Stadium, including the thought process on Steve Carlton, Mike Schmidt and Tug McGraw
- 1979 - a season      which began full of hope and promise with the signing of Pete Rose to the      richest contract ever, at the time, but that eventually would find itself      listed as unfulfilled and injury plagued 
- Humorous and      entertaining memories of off the field antics, including Eddie Bockman’s      use of a hotel room bed sheet to study film of prospect Larry Bowa 
- Anecdotes      involving some of the franchise’s biggest names including Chase Utley,      Dallas Green, Jimmy Rollins and many more
 
Celebrating past success while looking forward to future triumphs, If These Walls Could Talk: Philadelphia Phillies will give fans a taste of what it’s like to be part of the Phillies’ storied history from a unique perspective and true fans will not want to be without this book.
 
About the Author:
Larry Shenk has been a fixture in the Phillies front office since 1964. After 44 years as the head of the Phillies public relations department, “The Baron” has assumed a new position with the Phillies as vice president of alumni relations. He has authored hundreds of Phillies publications and is the co-author of This Date in Philadelphia Phillies History and Phillies: An Extraordinary Tradition. A graduate of Millersville State College (1961), Baron was a general reporter with the Lebanon Daily News (1961-1963) and The Wilmington News-Journal (1963) before joining the Phillies.
 
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