Pirates' book on sale at Tanner's

They are selling more than fine food at Chuck Tanner's Restaurant in New Castle.
For $10 you may purchase the book, "Winning Ways -- Tales of Past Pittsburgh Pirates."
The book was published by Steve Novotney, who has loved and learned the game of professional baseball, especially Pittsburgh Pirates baseball.
The publication also features a personalized autograph of Chuck Tanner, who managed the Pirates from 1977-1985 and won the World Series Championship in 1979. Tanner not only wrote the forward in Novotney's book, but he, too, has a clip on his managerial days with the Bucs.
Tanner once told Byrd Gampetro of the Youngstown Curbstone Coaches that he could talk forever about his managerial days with the Pirates. He wasn't kidding. Just ask anyone who has had Tanner as an after-dinner speaker. He doesn't lack for conversation, and his talks are very enlightening as well as downright hilarious.
Novotney's publication also features clips on such Pirate greats as Ralph Kiner, Bob Friend, Elroy Face, Bill Virdon, Bill Mazeroski, Steve Blass, Manny Sanguillen, Dave Giusti, Nellie Briles, Kent Tekulve, Bill Robinson, Barry Bonds and Lloyd McClendon, present Pirates manager.
Tanner, who lives in the New Castle area, has friends far and wide. He was a congenial manager, and his contributions to baseball were second to none. His smile was contagious, perhaps the reason his New Castle restaurant flourishes.
Novotney quoted Tanner as to his love of the game.
"I know I'll never be able to repay baseball for what the game has given me. I wear a World Series ring every day only because of a great collection of players who conquered every challenge that faced them. That taught me that, while there are many variables that go into winning, the most important ingredient is for 25 men to play like a team."
The book is full of interesting tidbits, and it really makes for good reading. Could be an excellent Christmas gift.
Coaches resign
At last report, three of Mercer County's highly-successful coaches had decided to leave the coaching ranks, mostly because they want to enjoy their families more.
Stepping down were Mercer High baseball coach Mike Fitzgerald, Grove City High softball coach Shawnee Denbow and Reynolds High girls basketball coach Justin Magestro.
Fitzgerald was in his fifth year as head man of the Mustangs. Denbow had a tremendous record (132-83) in her nine years with the Eagles, while Magestro had a record of 89-59 in six years.
Osborne to Ohio
When you finish a season at 21-2, you certainly must have some key players on the roster. Craig Osborne was one of those blue-chip players for the Hickory High Hornets this past season.
A shortstop, Osborne batted .479 while scoring 40 runs. He will pursue his academic and athletic talents at Ohio University this fall. During his scholastic career, Osborne's Hornets rambled to a 68-17 record.