Gross!!!

Gross has a few different meanings. This blog involves two of them. The first is: Vulgar, unrefined, very unpleasant or repulsive. Hopefully you won’t find this blog too vulgar or repulsive, but I do find it somewhat unpleasant writing it. That’s because I have always been a bit uncomfortable when self-promoting. It just feels awkward for me. Let me explain what I am talking about.

Last May I finished my book, “Some Kenosha Softball” and began selling it over the summer. In order to promote the book, I have done two book signings, purchased ads in Happenings Magazine, appeared on the Shakin’ Up Kenosha TV show, been on WLIP radio several times and have mentioned it numerous times on facebook and in this blog.

For all of those efforts I have sold exactly 144 books. And that counts the three copies that I sold to the Kenosha Library that people are reading for free. Gross, huh?

One hundred forty four books sold. That’s where the second definition comes into play. Gross: An amount equal to twelve dozen; 144. See how witty I can be?

If someone would have told me five years ago that I was going to write a book and sell nearly 150 copies, I would have said, “No way, get out of here!”

But now that I have written a book and had a modicum of success selling it, I realize that with a little bit of self-promotion I can sell more. There’s that word again – self-promotion.

I know, gross. Oh well, here goes.

From the foreword of the book, written by Pat Hegewald:

“Softball may not be in a class by itself in Kenosha, but it certainly wouldn’t take long to call the roll. And this is by far the most comprehensive document of this piece of Kenosha sports history.”

Thanks Pat.

If you are a fan of lists, then this book is for you. There are lists of parks, players and tournament champions. There is even a list of my top ten favorite nicknames. This book has something for everyone, including the crowning of my First Family of Kenosha Softball, complete with a lineup.

A lot of the stories are amusing, some even a bit raunchy and they will all spark fond memories. That’s what this book is about. Memories.

There are a number of ways to get your copy of “Some Kenosha Softball”. One is to go over to Sister Act Painting and Creative Treasures on 3816 Roosevelt Road, right next to Clay’s Tap.

As an added bonus, people who buy my book at Sister Act will receive a “Some Kenosha Softball” cap while supplies last. That’s right, for only $15.00, you not only get my book, but also an embroidered baseball cap like the one I am wearing in my blog picture.

Sister Act Painting and Creative Treasures hours:

Monday, Wednesday, Tuesday and Friday – 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM Saturday – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

The store is closed on Sunday and Tuesday.

Another place in town where the book is available is the Kenosha History Center located at 220 51st Place. But don’t ask for a hat. You will have to go to Sister Act for the free hat.

Kenosha History Center hours:

Tuesday thru Friday – 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Saturday – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Sunday – 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
The Center is closed on Monday.

If you aren’t able to get to either of those places, there are a couple of other ways to get a book. One is online through Blurb. That is the site where I created the book.

While the price is slightly less, $12.99, it will cost you $6.99 for shipping. You can expect it to take between ten to fourteen days to arrive. Click on Blurb to be linked to their site if this is the option you choose.

The final alternative is for me to purchase it directly from me by mail. You can contact me on facebook or email me at vag57@wi.rr.com. Your book will be shipped Priority Mail for $5.00 and receive it in a couple of days. As an added bonus, it will be autographed!

There, I am done self-promoting. Don’t make me do it again. I’ve had enough of both forms of gross. Buy a book so the total isn't 144. 

Until next time…from the booth.