Author recounts life and legend of Harry Caray

When it comes to baseball broadcasting legends, Harry Caray ranks way up there.

As an announcer for the St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago White Sox and Chicago Cubs, Caray was integral to the fan's experience. His oversized glasses and daily "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" singalongs are still celebrated now by legions of Cubs fans, more than 20 years after his death.

Now, author Don Zminda takes a fresh look at the astounding life Caray led in his new biography, "The Legendary Harry Caray: Baseball's Greatest Salesman." Zminda will share his book at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 28, at Anderson's Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville. The event is free.

To join the book signing line, however, patrons must purchase the author's featured title at Anderson's.

Zminda spent more than two decades with STATS LLC, where he was director of research for STATS-supported sports broadcasts that included the World Series, the Super Bowl, and the NCAA Final Four. He is the author and editor of more than a dozen sports books, including the annual "STATS Baseball Scoreboard" (1990-2000) and "Go-Go to Glory: The 1959 Chicago White Sox."

A Chicago native, Zminda has been a member of the Society for American Baseball Research since 1979.

In his new book, Zminda delivers the first full-length biography of Caray since the broadcaster's death in 1998. It includes details of Caray's orphaned childhood, his 25 years as the voice of the St. Louis Cardinals, his tempestuous 11 years broadcasting games for the Chicago White Sox, and the 16 years he broadcast for the Chicago Cubs while also becoming a nationally-known celebrity.

Interviews with significant figures from Caray's life are woven throughout, from his widow Dutchie and grandson Chip, to broadcasters Bob Costas, Thom Brennaman, Dewayne Staats, Pat Hughes and more.

Caray was known during his final years as a beloved, often-imitated grandfather figure with the Cubs, but the story of his entire career is much more nuanced and often controversial. Featuring new information on Caray's life - including little-known information about his firing by the Cardinals and his feuds with players, executives and fellow broadcasters - this book provides an intimate and in-depth look at a broadcasting legend.

For details, visit andersonsbookshop.com.