Dear Reader:

I have gotten some of my best stories from my readers. They share stories of their own interaction with some of the sports people I write about. They have memories of a certain sports contest -- such as the day the Pirates beat Koufax and Drysdale in a doubleheader at Forbes Field or where they were when Maz hit the home run or Franco made "The Immaculate Reception."

I am also interested in feedback about my books. I want to improve each time out and I seek comments from my readers about what they like the most in my books, and what they would like to read more about.

I have plans to write at least ten more books, maybe twelve or fourteen -- who knows? God willing, I have the stories and the photos and the desire to write and publish more books.

I plan to post sports columns I have written from time to time that you can check out during the months ahead. I want to keep in closer touch with you, and hear from you on a more frequent basis. I promise to answer any questions you might pose.

I urge you to keep in touch and offer your thoughts and reflections as you please. If you have an e-mail network of your own, let them know about my books and how to get them. Spread the gospel of Jim O'Brien. I am grateful for your interest and support. Some of my readers who have all my books tell me the one they like the best is "With Love and Pride," which is not a sports book, but reveals more about where this writer is coming from than anything else I have published. Thank you.

Best wishes,

Jim O'Brien