Greg Lucas
The 2015 baseball season is coming to a close, but fans can enjoy timeless stories about the sport in Greg Lucas’ book, Baseball: It’s More Than Just a Game. The longtime sportscaster packs its 294 pages with personal memories, history, firsts, facts, and quirky anecdotes that are receiving rave reviews. We caught up with Mr. Lucas this week to find out more about our favorite baseball expert . . . .
Q: We love the book! Tell us about your successful career before you became a writer.
A: Writing is an off shoot of my 50-year career as a sportscaster. During that time, I worked in several markets and in any job on radio or television that sportscasters may be seen or heard. My specialty was play by play, and I reached the highest levels in both basketball (NBA) and baseball (MLB). I also worked extensively in major college football, basketball and baseball plus up to 25 other various sports at times.
Q: You covered the Astros from 1995 to 2012. What do think about this year’s post-season?
A: None of this was expected. Nobody expected them to get to the post-season. Fans should really be excited — I know the players are. I’m really happy for them. Every game they’ve won is more than people thought they would. If they lose and get eliminated, you have to look at the big picture and realize that these players achieved more than anyone thought they could.
Q: Where do you get your inspiration to write?
Baseball: It’s More Than Just a Game, by Greg Lucas. (Chart House Press, 2014).
A: My works so far are totally derived from information I gained during that period. I have written this book on baseball and have a second book on basketball written and waiting to be published.
Q: What is your favorite genre?
A: While being an author was never a goal, I have always been a heavy reader, starting with the large volume of books in my personal sports library. I also have an interest in history and nonfiction books, including biographies and true crime. I read many of those books while traveling during my active sports announcing career. Works of fiction are much fewer in my reading interest or history.
Q: Do you have a favorite nonfiction book?
A: You know, I can’t think on any single book that I would consider a favorite either as a youth or now. I don’t really pay attention to who may have written a book that I like, which I know is not good news for authors. But for me, that applies to everything. If I like a movie, it will be for the story and not who is in it. The same applies to music. I may hear something and like it but have no idea who is doing the performing. Honestly, I can say I have never bought any music or a book because of the author or entertainer — unless it was autobiographical. I am obviously not counting some classics by Mark Twain or Charles Dickens that were part of my reading history as a child.
Mr. Lucas in the booth.
Q: Why did you write your book?
A: Baseball: It’s More Than Just a Game was written to combine many of the little-known but interesting anecdotal information I had collected during my active sports-announcing career and to place it within one volume. The book on basketball I have in the works does the same thing. Reviews from those who have read the baseball book are positive, and they come from hardcore fans as well as those men and women who only follow the sport casually. That was my intent. To make the book interesting for all.
Q: What are you up to these days?
A: I would now classify myself as only a casual writer. I may have one or two other ideas floating around and may occasionally step into my home office and do a page or two or some research three or four times a week for as little as an hour. The work keeps me occupied and if something worthy results, that would be fine!
To find out more about Mr. Lucas, please visit him online at:
Blog (Word Press) glucas5303@wordpress.com
Main Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greg.lucas.125
ChartHouse Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorGregLucas
Web Site: http://www.gregclucas.com
Mr. Lucas at a book signing event.
Chart House Press is a small assisted publishing company based in Houston, Texas that publishes and promotes quality books and business brands that bring insight and inspiration to the world. Visit our Submissions page or follow us on Linked In and Facebook for tips and updates.