Vizquel to autograph his book Friday at Chain of Lakes Park

www.polkonline.com Web posted Thursday, March 6, 2003

WINTER HAVEN -Cleveland Indians shortstop Omar Vizquel will autograph copies of his book, "Omar! My Life On and Off the Field," on Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at the Cleveland Indians Team Shop in Chain of Lakes Park.

In the book, Vizquel tells about his life in baseball, from the sandlots of Caracas, Venezuela, to the seventh game of the World Series and beyond. The book covers his career through the 2001 Major League Baseball season.

"Omar!" includes the Indians star's thoughts about his success as a player. He writes about how he learned to play baseball and how he approaches the game today.

The author shares candid opinions about the game and humorous anecdotes about current and former teammates and opponents. "Omar!" also includes several chapters about Vizquell's personal life, including his childhood in Venezuela, coming to the United States as a non-English-speaking 17-year-old boy, adjusting to life in the minor leagues, lfe with his family and his many hobbies.

Vizquel is considered by many sportswriters and players to be one of the best defensive shortstops ever to play the game. He has won nine consecutive Rawlings Gold Glove Awards, which is an American League record. He has the highest fielding percentage of any shortstop ever to play at least 1,000 games in the major leagues.

An All-Star selection from the American League on three occasions, Vizquel has played in two World Series.

Outside of baseball, Vizquel is a painter, has designed his own house, and dabbles in music and stand-up comedy.

Working with Vizquel on "Omar! My Life On and Off the Field" was Bob Dyer, who has won 17 regional and national writing awards since joining the Akron Beacon Journal in 1984. He collaborated with Vizquel for more than a year, helping to research and write the book.

"Omar! My Life On and Off the Field" is $24.95 for the hardcover, 256-page edition that features 41 color photos. The publisher is Gray & Co., a Cleveland-based publishing house and is available at the Indians gift shop at Chain Of Lakes Park.

For more information about the book, call 1-800-915-3609, or visit the publisher's Web site at www.grayco.com.