''Clubbie: A Minor League Baseball Memoir'' is a non-fiction book written by Greg Larson, published by the

University of Nebraska Press The University of Nebraska Press (UNP) was founded in 1941 and is an academic publisher of scholarly and general-interest books. The press is under the auspices of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, the main campus of the University of Ne ...

on April 1, 2021. The book provides a behind-the-scenes account of Larson's two seasons as the clubhouse attendant (clubbie) for the

Aberdeen IronBirds The Aberdeen IronBirds are a Minor League Baseball team based in the city of Aberdeen in Harford County, Maryland. They are the High-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles and compete in the South Atlantic League. They were previously members of th ...

, a minor League affiliate of the

Baltimore Orioles The Baltimore Orioles (also known as the O's) are an American professional baseball team based in Baltimore. The Orioles compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) East Division. As one of the America ...

. ''Clubbie'' offers a humorous and candid look into the bizarre world of

Minor League Baseball Minor League Baseball (MiLB) is a professional baseball organization below Major League Baseball (MLB), constituted of teams affiliated with MLB clubs. It was founded on September 5, 1901, in response to the growing dominance of the National Le ...

and explores the journey of the author as he navigates the complexities of professional sports, personal ambition, and self-discovery.

Plot

Greg Larson, a starry-eyed baseball fan, lands a job as the clubhouse attendant for the Aberdeen IronBirds. Despite his lack of baseball talent, Larson secretly dreams of joining the team. As he discovers the strange rituals and experiences within the minor leagues, Larson finds himself drawn deeper into a role he had not anticipated: the scheming clubbie. He moves into the clubhouse equipment closet, where he orchestrates deals involving memorabilia, alcohol, and money. During his second season, Larson becomes a more cunning and deceptive figure, exploiting the players he once considered friends. Even as his personal life suffers, Larson remains captivated by the allure of baseball. As the IronBirds face a chance at a championship, Larson is given one last opportunity for redemption.

Characters

Greg Larson: Clubhouse attendant for the Aberdeen IronBirds and aspiring baseball player. Alex Schmarzo: Pitcher with the IronBirds in 2012. Alan Mills: Pitching coach of the IronBirds in 2012 and 2013, the seasons that Larson was with the team. Matt Merullo: Manager of the IronBirds in 2013.

Major themes

Clubbie delves into the harsh realities of professional sports, revealing the challenges faced by minor league players and staff. The book explores themes of ambition, identity, and the cost of pursuing one's dreams. Larson's journey also highlights the importance of camaraderie and self-discovery, as he navigates his dual roles as both friend and exploiter of the IronBirds players.

Style

Larson's writing style is characterized by humor and vivid descriptions, giving the reader an immersive and engaging experience. The book provides a detailed account of life in Minor League Baseball, with a colorful cast of characters and a narrative that captures the spirit of the game.

Reception and Impact

Larson wrote ''Clubbie'' as part of his graduate studies at

Old Dominion University Old Dominion University (ODU) is a Public university, public research university in Norfolk, Virginia, United States. Established in 1930 as the two-year Norfolk Division of the College of William & Mary, it began by educating people with fewer ...

. The book, which details the lives of players and staff in a minor league baseball clubhouse, helped usher in significant changes in minor league player compensation. The book has been well-received by both baseball fans and non-fans alike, with readers appreciating its unflinching look at professional sports and the humorous and engaging storytelling.

References

{{reflist 2020 non-fiction books University of Nebraska Press books American memoirs Baseball books