The following year, Bouton continued to excel, winning 18 games and playing a crucial role in the Yankees' return to the World Series. Despite his efforts, the Yankees fell to the St. Louis Cardinals in a seven-game series. Bouton's career, however, faced challenges as arm injuries began to affect his performance. By the mid-1960s, his fastball had lost its velocity, and he struggled to maintain his place in the Yankees' starting rotation.
In 1968, Bouton was traded to the Seattle Pilots, an expansion team in the American League. It was during his time with the Pilots that Bouton began taking notes for what would become his controversial book, "Ball Four." Published in 1970, the book offered an unvarnished look at the life of a professional baseball player, revealing the behind-the-scenes antics and pressures faced by athletes. "Ball Four" was groundbreaking for its candidness and humor, and it remains one of the most famous sports books ever written.
Bouton's career continued with stints at the Houston Astros and a brief return to the Yankees. He retired from baseball in 1970 but made a surprising comeback in 1978 with the Atlanta Braves. At the age of 39, Bouton pitched in five games, marking a brief but memorable return to the majors.
Beyond his playing career, Bouton became a successful author and television personality.
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