Table of Contents Introduction: Mike Torrez, from the Barrios of Kansas to the Major Leagues and Beyond 1 1. Riding the Rails and Shooting for Their Supper: Early Mexican American Life in Kansas, 1900-1950 11 2. "Winning a Place on the Varsity Has No Attraction for Them": Mexican Americans, Sports and Community in Kansas and Other Parts of the Midwest, 1920-1965 27 3. "I'm Just Thankful That God Gave Me a Good Arm": Childhood, Family Life and Athletics in the Oakland Barrio, 1946-1964 42 4. "A Bit Wild, but a Great Fastball": Torrez's Time in the Minor Leagues and His Arrival in St. Louis, 1964-1969 60 5. "I Was Surprised They Gave Up on Me So Quick": Torrez's Time in St. Louis and Montreal, 1969-1974 87 6.
 "I'm One of the Best in the Business Right Now": Torrez's Seasons with Baltimore and Oakland, 1975-1977 119 7. "I'm Curious to See What I'm Worth in the Open Market": Torrez's Transformation from World Series Champion to Scapegoat, 1977-1978 136 8. No Ralph Branca or Fernando Valenzuela: Torrez's Final Years in Professional Baseball, 1979-1985 174 9. Unloading the Poltergeist: Torrez's ÂPost-MLB Life, His Career and Its Significance, 1986-2016 203 Chapter Notes 215 Bibliography 237 Index 255.