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OAC commissioner pens book on Steelers
By Greg Gulas
YOUNGSTOWN
As a regular contributor to the Pittsburgh Steelers fan website Behind the Steel Curtain, Tim Gleason didn’t realize that he was writing parts of what would become a self-published book on his beloved team.
The Pittsburgh native who has served as commissioner of the Ohio Athletic Conference since 1991 has written “From Black to Gold: The Pittsburgh Steelers.” He will hold a book signing on Saturday from 11 a.m to 3 p.m. at Canfield’s Peaberry’s Caf .
“I began to get some favorable reviews,” Gleason said of the book’s origins. “The site manager showcased several of those pieces in a box by themselves and when I looked at how they stood out, I realized that I had written nearly a fourth of a book.”
A 1973 Chaney High graduate, Gleason is in his fifth decade of athletics administration. He’s worked at the NCAA national offices and NACDA (National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics) before his appointment as the OAC’s first full-time commissioner.
The one void on his resume, however, was that of author so undertaking the project on the Steelers seemed like the kick-start that he needed in order to realize his literary dream.
“When Joe Polk, an assistant to Steelers vice president Art Rooney Jr., called out of the blue to say that Mr. Rooney had been reading my entries and told me that he really enjoyed them, it was the phone call that gave me the inspiration to want to take this project to the next level,” Gleason said.
Art Rooney Jr. is the brother of Steelers owner Dan Rooney and wrote a book called “Ruanaidh: The Story of Art Rooney and His Clan.”
“[Polk] mentioned that Mr. Rooney wanted to send me an autographed copy of his book so in return, I sent Mr. Rooney an e-mail thanking him for his book.”
Gleason also asked Rooney to write a foreword for his book. He agreed.
“The project took a year and a half from start to finish,” Gleason said.
Gleason says the unique feature of his 262-page book is that it is written from a diehard fans’ perspective.
Among the 43 chapters are his thoughts on everything from their futility in the early years; their cast of characters over the years; thoughts on their Super Bowl titles; heartbreaking playoff moments; and their helmets.
Gleason’s autographed helmets adorn the cover of the book.
“The helmets are really unique in that they are signed and I might add, willingly by many of the club’s all-time greats,” Gleason said.
Among the signers are Ray Kemp, a member of the first Steelers team in 1933, and Byron “Whizzer” White who went on to become a U.S. Supreme Court Justice.
Other signatures are by Ernie Stauntner, John Henry Johnson and players from ‘70s dynasty.
“Most of the autographs were obtained in person but I did have to ship the helmet out on occasion and that became nerve-wracking, until it was returned in the mail,” Gleason said.
The book contains endorsement blurbs from former running back Rocky Bleier and running back/coach Dick Hoak.
Published by Peppertree Press, cost of the book is $24.95. It may be obtained by calling 330-719-8700 or visiting the website www.fromblacktogold.com.