A book on the Los Angeles Dodgers is reviewed and the writer wonders why there is no mention of the player.

A New York band has one hit among many misses and the player's name is mentioned in the review.

The book "One Shining Season" is reviewed by the New York Times and it proclaims "Insightful interviews with 11 former Major Leaguers tells us why these players enjoyed a period of extadionary play and why they were never able to duplicate it."

A sports columnist just this week wonders why the Chicago Cubs can't seem to get things right after a number of changes and writes: "For the love of Billy Grabarkewitz and all that is holy, let's hope they get it right this time."

I couldn't resist sending the column to my longtime friend Grabarkewitz and his reply was quick and, as always, to the point: "Thanks Fred ... It is always nice to be remembered even if you don't know what it is for. Your 'old' friend Grabby."

Most baseball fans remember Grabarkewitz for one sensational season and then fading quickly from the spotlight.

I remember Grabarkewitz for his quick bat, quick feet and an even quicker mind. I remember a player who had his amazing speed taken away from him by a badly broken right ankle in the Minor Leagues.

I remember a player who never complained about having his skills robbed by injuries and a player who has laughed at every nasty curve ball that life has offered.

I found it appropriate that Grabarkewitz's name should be mentioned in a column this week as the All-Star Game approaches. I tend to think of my friend when the All-Star Game rolls around.

In 1970, at the age of 24, Grabarkewitz was the talk of baseball when the All-Star Game approached. He was hitting .341 with nine home runs and the fans were trying to figure out how to spell his name so they could get him added to the National League All-Star team as a write-in candidate.

Grabarkewitz hadn't been on the All-Star ballot. The truth is he wasn't in the Dodgers' plans to be a starting player, but he got a chance to play third base in a game in early April and hit a home run to win the game.

Dodgers manager Walt Alston wasn't going to pull his young player after that performance and Grabarkewitz kept right on going, hitting .333 in April, .394 in May and eventually taking over as the team's starting second baseman.

Grabarkewitz became a fan favorite and with his sensational performance and write-in support, New York Mets manager Gil Hodges named him to the All-Star team.

"As it turned out, being selected to the All-Star team definitely was the highlight of my career," said Grabarkewitz. "I would encourage all of the first-time All-Star selections this year to enjoy every minute of the experience. You never know what the future holds."

Grabarkewitz was to play an important role in the 1970 All-Star Game and he remembers the experience as if it was a game played yesterday.

"The truth is, I felt like a Little League player being on a team with guys like Hank Aaron, Johnny Bench, Roberto Clemente, Joe Morgan, Pete Rose and Bob Gibson.

"In the fourth inning, Gil told me I was going to go into the game to play third base. I had been playing second for the Dodgers and hadn't made a throw from third in a month.

"Willie McCovey, our first baseman, told me not to worry. He said if I didn't throw the ball into the second deck he would do the rest," recalled Grabakrewitz.

The All-Star Game was tied at 4 in the bottom of the 12th when hometown hero Rose led off for the National League squad.

"I'll never forget what happened next," said Grabarkewitz. "As Rose was walking to home plate, he turned back and headed my direction in the on-deck circle.

"It may seem hard to believe, but Rose told me 'Bill, I'm going to hit a double, you are going to get a single and it will be remembered as a famous play.'"

As it developed, Rose was right for the most part. He hit a single off of Angels pitcher Clyde Wright to start the inning, Grabarkewitz followed with a single to left and then Jim Hickman of the Cubs lined a single to center.

Amos Otis' throw beat Rose to the plate, but Rose barreled over Cleveland catcher Ray Fosse, separating the catcher's shoulder, to score the winning run. Fosse never fully recovered from the injury.

Grabarkewitz' career never was the same after the All-Star Game.

"The Dodgers thought I was striking out too much and tried to get me to hit the ball to right field," said Grabarkewitz. "My swing was never quite the same."

The following spring, Grabarkewitz hurt his right shoulder as he worked on making the double play at second base.

After hitting a team-high 17 home runs and driving in 84 runs in 1970, Grabarkewitz hit only four home runs with 22 RBIs the next two seasons.

He was traded to the Angels in November of 1972 and was with three other teams before retiring after the 1975 season at the age of 29.

"Baseball was easy for me when I was healthy, but when I broke my ankle in the Minor Leagues and then tore up my shoulder in Spring Training, I was never the same player," said Grabarkewitz.

Grabarkewitz took his drive and determination to the insurance business and has found success with his own company in Dallas. He terms himself "head coach and cheerleader" of the Southwest Marketing Alliance.

"I don't get a chance to watch a lot of games, but I usually try to tune into the All-Star Game each year," said Grabarkewitz. "I think about the young players and hope they stay healthy and enjoy the type of careers we all seek."

This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.