A local nonfiction author will discuss his book about Andy Pafko, a noted major league outfielder and a Dunn County native, from noon to 1 p.m. today (Oct. 25) at the University of Wisconsin-Stout library.
Joe Niese of Chippewa Falls will discuss his book, “Handy Andy: The Andy Pafko Story,” in University Archives, room 504A. Pafko was a star with the Chicago Cubs, the Brooklyn Dodgers and the Milwaukee Braves during his 17-year major league career. The program is free and open to the public
An appearance by Milwaukee poet Brenda Cardenas, originally scheduled for 4:30 p.m. today, has been cancelled.
The library is in the Robert S. Swanson Library and Learning Center, 315 10th Ave. E.
Niese, a UW-Stout alumnus, is the librarian at the Chippewa Falls Public Library. His biography of Pafko, who grew up in Boyceville, follows the career of the five-time Major League All-Star. Primarily an outfielder and third baseman, Pafko was a fan favorite known for his hustling style of play and versatility as a fielder.
He was a right-handed hitter with a distinctive squatting stance. On Oct. 3, 1951, he was in left field for the Dodgers at the Polo Grounds and watched Bobby Thomson’s historic three-run home run sail over his head and out of the park to give the New York Giants a dramatic comeback win in the game that decided that year’s National League pennant-winner. (See photo on home page.)
Pafko appeared in four World Series. He played with the Braves from 1954 to 1959 after stints with the Cubs and Dodgers. Teammates during his career included Jackie Robinson and Henry Aaron. Pafko began his minor league career with the Eau Claire Bears in 1940.
Niese previously wrote another biography about a Wisconsin native who played in the major leagues: Burleigh Grimes: Baseball’s Last Legal Spitballer.
See www.facebook.com/UWStoutLibrary/posts/10155649348946280:0 for more information on the Pafko program.