Books that are intresting and show a different side!
Testimonials
Ten men sharing their experiences. Family, growing up, school, military, work and finally playing golf together. One seeing his calling to serve the Lord. Dr. Mike did a good job telling how each of them went through life. Sharing the good and the bad. Never complaining. Some of the experiences I find are similar to ones I can relate to: pranks, sports and the camaraderie. Saw myself as some of the same characters in the book.
Myron Pottios
Retired, NFL Football Player
All pro
Myron Pottios
Retired, NFL Football Player
All pro
Mac:
Thank you for the wonderful book. I loved it and, like yourself, can relate to such people who are no longer developed in our country. Of all the people involved in the book, I most appreciated your brother's segment. Your style completely changed in that segment of the book and flowed like water, but the content had such huge depth. I can't explain it, but it is nearly palpable. Take care. Oh, I almost forgot. For some reason I lost your cell phone number. Can you text me a message please so that I can save the number please.
Joe Maruca
College team mate
Former High School Principal
Former County Supervisor
Thank you for the wonderful book. I loved it and, like yourself, can relate to such people who are no longer developed in our country. Of all the people involved in the book, I most appreciated your brother's segment. Your style completely changed in that segment of the book and flowed like water, but the content had such huge depth. I can't explain it, but it is nearly palpable. Take care. Oh, I almost forgot. For some reason I lost your cell phone number. Can you text me a message please so that I can save the number please.
Joe Maruca
College team mate
Former High School Principal
Former County Supervisor
Dear Doc,
I got your book on the Joba group. It was great reading about the old gang. It brought back a lot of memories and great times to be young again. You have a good memory to recall those ancient days. I am still kicking but not too high. The weather is just getting to the point where I can start planting a few vegetables. I go walking almost every day but not too far and not very fast. My birthday is coming up in a couple of weeks and that would make me 97. I feel like it too. Thanks for your great book!
Your old buddy, Don
Don Watanable
Member of the Joba Group
World War II veteran
Was initially held in confinement in Arizona because he was Japanese
I got your book on the Joba group. It was great reading about the old gang. It brought back a lot of memories and great times to be young again. You have a good memory to recall those ancient days. I am still kicking but not too high. The weather is just getting to the point where I can start planting a few vegetables. I go walking almost every day but not too far and not very fast. My birthday is coming up in a couple of weeks and that would make me 97. I feel like it too. Thanks for your great book!
Your old buddy, Don
Don Watanable
Member of the Joba Group
World War II veteran
Was initially held in confinement in Arizona because he was Japanese
Mac,
BRAVO!!! BRAVO!!! BRAVO!!! To you for “immortalizing” your wonderful good friends in your extraordinary book of these treasured characters. You are someone special!! I am moved by it all. These guys are like Live Oak trees!! How you have given them creditability and glory is exemplary. Superb Stuff!
How I loved Don Watanabe chapter…a very interesting man and patriot…and a genuine nice one…as I could read in between the lines. Outstanding chapter. My favorite of the mid chapters.
Nice story of Joba and his California roots. Don Johnson sounds like a pretty good golfer with you all at the El Camino Golf Course. Your good pal, Bobby Astleford is also a splendid swinger of the club…it was a story of a great golfer…and a great golf story. Some of the Japanese stories sure brought back memories to me, the readings I had when younger on the toughness it was for Japanese Americans during and after WWII living here and especially on the West coast.
Mac…Nish is the best…;yes I would like to know them all but I would like to meet him first.
MERCI..MERCI. Oh Mac…what a fabulous 1st chapter. LOVED IT! When I saw the name Fred Swearingen…I said to myself…how do I know that name. Then came your story of him and it caught me. What a guy! To have a friend like him, you have been blessed. Your writing is the best…like a John O’Hara…it flows and its great reading. No one can write like the Irish… so sentimental and so loyal to their subjects. Then as the chapter continued…now I knew how I knew his name. You even mentioned Chuck “Ace” Herberling…a life long best friend of mine. It was fun to relive the Immaculate Reception thing and its action and that awesome Super Bowl win…and in seconds. Fred was there!!! Wow! What a life he had!!
When I saw “Fr. Jonas” name on the last chapter…I did the forbidden…I was compelled to read the last chapter. It took the breath from me!! What beauty ..what excellence…his story was compelling!!! I fought the tears Mac…I fought the tears…the whole was beautiful. When I finished that last sentence. I went into the next room where my wife was sitting and I started to tell her of you and Fr. Jonas…and the tears exploded as I was talking. She was startled…and remarked “Jack. I have never seen you cry over reading a book!!! Then she laid into me for reading a last chapter of a book before reading its entirety of all the entire chapters…yep…the wife gave me hell. As usual she missed the point. I should have just kept my mouth shut.
Mike. Isn’t it wonderful being Irish? And you my friend…you are a walking symbol of an Irishman! So loyal!! I can’t wait to know the rest of your pals. I can’t thank you enough. Now I’m scared…I hope I wont be let down with the middle of the book. I’m sure I wont.. Great title!!!!! You are a terrific visionary.
Jack Docherty
North Catholic graduate
One of toughest five kids coached by Rip Scherer
Played for Don Shula at University of Virginia
Navy veteran
Former owner and CEO of a Medical Device company
BRAVO!!! BRAVO!!! BRAVO!!! To you for “immortalizing” your wonderful good friends in your extraordinary book of these treasured characters. You are someone special!! I am moved by it all. These guys are like Live Oak trees!! How you have given them creditability and glory is exemplary. Superb Stuff!
How I loved Don Watanabe chapter…a very interesting man and patriot…and a genuine nice one…as I could read in between the lines. Outstanding chapter. My favorite of the mid chapters.
Nice story of Joba and his California roots. Don Johnson sounds like a pretty good golfer with you all at the El Camino Golf Course. Your good pal, Bobby Astleford is also a splendid swinger of the club…it was a story of a great golfer…and a great golf story. Some of the Japanese stories sure brought back memories to me, the readings I had when younger on the toughness it was for Japanese Americans during and after WWII living here and especially on the West coast.
Mac…Nish is the best…;yes I would like to know them all but I would like to meet him first.
MERCI..MERCI. Oh Mac…what a fabulous 1st chapter. LOVED IT! When I saw the name Fred Swearingen…I said to myself…how do I know that name. Then came your story of him and it caught me. What a guy! To have a friend like him, you have been blessed. Your writing is the best…like a John O’Hara…it flows and its great reading. No one can write like the Irish… so sentimental and so loyal to their subjects. Then as the chapter continued…now I knew how I knew his name. You even mentioned Chuck “Ace” Herberling…a life long best friend of mine. It was fun to relive the Immaculate Reception thing and its action and that awesome Super Bowl win…and in seconds. Fred was there!!! Wow! What a life he had!!
When I saw “Fr. Jonas” name on the last chapter…I did the forbidden…I was compelled to read the last chapter. It took the breath from me!! What beauty ..what excellence…his story was compelling!!! I fought the tears Mac…I fought the tears…the whole was beautiful. When I finished that last sentence. I went into the next room where my wife was sitting and I started to tell her of you and Fr. Jonas…and the tears exploded as I was talking. She was startled…and remarked “Jack. I have never seen you cry over reading a book!!! Then she laid into me for reading a last chapter of a book before reading its entirety of all the entire chapters…yep…the wife gave me hell. As usual she missed the point. I should have just kept my mouth shut.
Mike. Isn’t it wonderful being Irish? And you my friend…you are a walking symbol of an Irishman! So loyal!! I can’t wait to know the rest of your pals. I can’t thank you enough. Now I’m scared…I hope I wont be let down with the middle of the book. I’m sure I wont.. Great title!!!!! You are a terrific visionary.
Jack Docherty
North Catholic graduate
One of toughest five kids coached by Rip Scherer
Played for Don Shula at University of Virginia
Navy veteran
Former owner and CEO of a Medical Device company
Mike,
I loved your book and can’t imagine how you could recount so many details about these guy’s lives. Of course I read Jonas first, and then Knute…but every story was wonderful. I was particularly interested about your two Japanese American friends…I have heard stories from a couple of my friends parents about the Japanese internment camps here in Boise…but never had heard any stories of Japanese Americans who served. Anyway I loved the book…reminds me of something I read in Brain Rules..that to keep somebody’s attention you have to hit their limbic system once every ten minutes…your book was rapid fire!
This book is built around the game of golf, but don’t dismiss it is just aa book for golfers…there is something for everyone here. Are you someone who does love golf, sports, history, human nature, a good story? This is the book for you. Eleven brilliant character studies: eleven interesting people you really get to know in a few pages each. You can read it cover to cover, or pick it up and crack it in the middle to find something incredible, funny, emotional, inspiring, historical and informative. As time passes, the ability to encounter those of this greatest generation in person is increasingly difficult if not impossible. This book lets you peer into these interesting lives as though you were in the same room. Buy it, you will not be disappointed.
Mary Jo Stuart
Boise Idaho
My first cousin
I loved your book and can’t imagine how you could recount so many details about these guy’s lives. Of course I read Jonas first, and then Knute…but every story was wonderful. I was particularly interested about your two Japanese American friends…I have heard stories from a couple of my friends parents about the Japanese internment camps here in Boise…but never had heard any stories of Japanese Americans who served. Anyway I loved the book…reminds me of something I read in Brain Rules..that to keep somebody’s attention you have to hit their limbic system once every ten minutes…your book was rapid fire!
This book is built around the game of golf, but don’t dismiss it is just aa book for golfers…there is something for everyone here. Are you someone who does love golf, sports, history, human nature, a good story? This is the book for you. Eleven brilliant character studies: eleven interesting people you really get to know in a few pages each. You can read it cover to cover, or pick it up and crack it in the middle to find something incredible, funny, emotional, inspiring, historical and informative. As time passes, the ability to encounter those of this greatest generation in person is increasingly difficult if not impossible. This book lets you peer into these interesting lives as though you were in the same room. Buy it, you will not be disappointed.
Mary Jo Stuart
Boise Idaho
My first cousin
This is an enjoyable and entertaining book featuring stories, as told to Dr. Mike McCarthy, by golfers about their early lives and experiences in World War II and Korea. Dr. McCarthy was able to capture biographical details about the lives of these military veterans through hours spent playing golf, discussions at the 19th hole and taped interviews. I highly recommend “Ten Under Par Plus a Priest”.
Jerry Tarman
Carlsbad, CA
Long time friend of the author
Retired elementary school principal
Former Marine
Jerry Tarman
Carlsbad, CA
Long time friend of the author
Retired elementary school principal
Former Marine
I have to tell you, you were able to capture the essence of the two most respected members of Spring Ford. You nailed Knute and Mont and they are complex to put it mildly. Your descriptions of playing “The Ford” were right on point. I have never played Oakmont but when you compared our course to Oakmont I have even more respect for our course. The chapter on your brother brought tears from this curmudgeon which tells you how powerful that chapter was. Great job Mike!
Bill Curry
Spring Ford Golf
Retired special needs teacher
Bill Curry
Spring Ford Golf
Retired special needs teacher
October 26, 2007
Dear Mike,
Thank you for the copy of your book,”Bull in the Ring”. It looks like an interesting read, and I appreciate you thinking of me.
Thanks as well for your support and the kind inscription. I enjoyed my visit to Saint Vincent’s, and I am grateful for the warm welcome I received.
Sincerely,
George W. Bush
Dear Mike,
Thank you for the copy of your book,”Bull in the Ring”. It looks like an interesting read, and I appreciate you thinking of me.
Thanks as well for your support and the kind inscription. I enjoyed my visit to Saint Vincent’s, and I am grateful for the warm welcome I received.
Sincerely,
George W. Bush
October 4, 2017
Dear Dr. McCarthy,
Thank you for sharing with me an autographed copy of your book “Bull in the Ring.” I am sure the stories you could tell from your experience as a Naval surgeon could fill many book, and I look forward to the opportunity of reviewing this one in its entirety.
I am truly appreciative for your service to our country, and for your thoughtfulness in sending me your book
Sincerely,
William H. McRaven
Chancellor the University of Texas
Vice Admiral USN retired
Former Seal
Author of “Make Your Bed”
At the bottom of the typed letter he wrote “Doc, okay I’m hooked! I read the story of Sydney Cohen and laughed throughout. Ah…to be 76!
Dear Dr. McCarthy,
Thank you for sharing with me an autographed copy of your book “Bull in the Ring.” I am sure the stories you could tell from your experience as a Naval surgeon could fill many book, and I look forward to the opportunity of reviewing this one in its entirety.
I am truly appreciative for your service to our country, and for your thoughtfulness in sending me your book
Sincerely,
William H. McRaven
Chancellor the University of Texas
Vice Admiral USN retired
Former Seal
Author of “Make Your Bed”
At the bottom of the typed letter he wrote “Doc, okay I’m hooked! I read the story of Sydney Cohen and laughed throughout. Ah…to be 76!
January 21, 2005
Mac,
I contributed to your “retirement fund” and bought your book. (Ha!) Just finished it last night. Loved every word of it. Made me want to have been on your team at Pendleton.
The urology stories were true accounts of the amazing patients we saw as Navy “Plumbers”, and brought back some wonderful memories of my time at Balboa. And I still to this day prepare for my surgeries as you taught us, just like getting ready for “The Game”.
You need to write a sequel and tell of your experiences at Balboa with all the residents that came through.
Give my best to Alice.
Best regards.
Dave Strong
Former staff urologist at Balboa
Former Yale football player
Former urologist at Cleveland Clinic
Now retired in Panama
Mac,
I contributed to your “retirement fund” and bought your book. (Ha!) Just finished it last night. Loved every word of it. Made me want to have been on your team at Pendleton.
The urology stories were true accounts of the amazing patients we saw as Navy “Plumbers”, and brought back some wonderful memories of my time at Balboa. And I still to this day prepare for my surgeries as you taught us, just like getting ready for “The Game”.
You need to write a sequel and tell of your experiences at Balboa with all the residents that came through.
Give my best to Alice.
Best regards.
Dave Strong
Former staff urologist at Balboa
Former Yale football player
Former urologist at Cleveland Clinic
Now retired in Panama
“Anyone ever associated with football, as a player, a fan or as in my own case as a referee, will definitely enjoy reading ‘Bull in the Ring’ I certainly did”.
Fred Swearingen
Retired NFL Head Referee
Head Referee for Franco Harris’s “Immaculate Reception”
Fred Swearingen
Retired NFL Head Referee
Head Referee for Franco Harris’s “Immaculate Reception”
“I think anybody who likes sports, especially football, will enjoy reading ‘Bull in the Ring’ tremendously. I’m looking forward to telling all my friends in sports about it and even buying it for them as a gift”.
Dan Kanell, M.D.
Orthopedic Surgeon for the Florida Marlins and Miami Dolphins
Classmate of McCarthy at Pitt Medical School
Dan Kanell, M.D.
Orthopedic Surgeon for the Florida Marlins and Miami Dolphins
Classmate of McCarthy at Pitt Medical School
“I have read and enjoyed ‘Bull in the Ring’”. Dr. McCarthy has captured part of the life in the military services. He brought out some of the humor and sorrow they face while serving. Being a retired member of the Directors Guild of America, I feel this can be adapted into a very enjoyable Movie of the Week”.
Jack Roe
Retired Hollywood Director
Jack Roe
Retired Hollywood Director
“Bull in the Ring reflects the personality of its author, Dr. Mike McCarthy…funny but as tough as a guy can be. He writes as he is, straight forward with no pretense. With underlying humor throughout this book, he does a masterful job of intertwining the various aspects of military life, the medical profession and athletic competition into light hearted, captivating reading. Be prepared to laugh…a lot”.
Rip Scherer
Member of the Pennsylvania High School Coaches Hall of Fame
Former Professional Scout for the Indianapolis Colts
Dr. McCarthy’s high school football coach
Rip Scherer
Member of the Pennsylvania High School Coaches Hall of Fame
Former Professional Scout for the Indianapolis Colts
Dr. McCarthy’s high school football coach
Dear Mike,
Just a note to thank you for the copy of your book…It’s hard during the season but I’m looking forward to reading it during the off season.
If “Rip” said you were tough…you must have been some kind of tough!
Warm regards,
Joe Walton
Son of Frank “Tiger” Walton who played guard for Redskins
All American end at University of Pittsburgh
Played six years in NFL with Redskins and Giants
Head Coach of New York Jets
Assistant coach at Giants, Redskins, Jets and Steelers
Started football program at Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh in 1994
Just a note to thank you for the copy of your book…It’s hard during the season but I’m looking forward to reading it during the off season.
If “Rip” said you were tough…you must have been some kind of tough!
Warm regards,
Joe Walton
Son of Frank “Tiger” Walton who played guard for Redskins
All American end at University of Pittsburgh
Played six years in NFL with Redskins and Giants
Head Coach of New York Jets
Assistant coach at Giants, Redskins, Jets and Steelers
Started football program at Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh in 1994
Dear Mike,
Thank you for remembering me and giving me a heads-up on a good read. I loved you used clinic and surgery to springboard into softball and football. What amazed me was how many of these vignettes were familiar to me. We must have had many in depth conversations when I came to Pendleton for my reserve active duty. One of my favorite stories revolves around you and your brother playing golf with a USMC Colonel with very colorful vernacular and then turning around in church the next day to see your brother saying mass.
I’m going to pass to my brother in law a former naval gun spotter in Korea and now retired OB-GYN your well written book…what a gift and legacy to your children about who you are and what you did.
Life is good and my favorite thing is being a grandpa. Tell Cy Kellet Hi for me, give Alice a hug and my love.
Your friend, Cary
Navy urologist Cary Leverett
Met him during my internship
Practiced in New Braunfels, Texas
Thank you for remembering me and giving me a heads-up on a good read. I loved you used clinic and surgery to springboard into softball and football. What amazed me was how many of these vignettes were familiar to me. We must have had many in depth conversations when I came to Pendleton for my reserve active duty. One of my favorite stories revolves around you and your brother playing golf with a USMC Colonel with very colorful vernacular and then turning around in church the next day to see your brother saying mass.
I’m going to pass to my brother in law a former naval gun spotter in Korea and now retired OB-GYN your well written book…what a gift and legacy to your children about who you are and what you did.
Life is good and my favorite thing is being a grandpa. Tell Cy Kellet Hi for me, give Alice a hug and my love.
Your friend, Cary
Navy urologist Cary Leverett
Met him during my internship
Practiced in New Braunfels, Texas
16 July 2013
Michael,
Thank you so much for your kind note and the book you sent me. I’m indeed grateful for your support and generosity. You are an impressive man who has done much for mankind. I truly admire you and sincerely hope our paths will cross in the future.
Sincerely,
Dean Lee
Rear Admiral Wm. Dean Lee, USCG
Deputy for Operations Policy & Capabilities
Washington, DC
Michael,
Thank you so much for your kind note and the book you sent me. I’m indeed grateful for your support and generosity. You are an impressive man who has done much for mankind. I truly admire you and sincerely hope our paths will cross in the future.
Sincerely,
Dean Lee
Rear Admiral Wm. Dean Lee, USCG
Deputy for Operations Policy & Capabilities
Washington, DC
Dr. McCarthy
I was given your book as a present by one of my player’s parents, Dr. Max White a urologist in Atlanta who trained under you. I am the Head Coach at St. Pius X Catholic High in Atlanta. You wrote a note in the book to me. I thoroughly enjoyed your book. I really enjoyed the medical, personal, military, as well as the football perspective. My father was a navy corpsman who went on to a very successful career at the Centers for Disease Control. He told me many stories about his time in the service and your book brought back many of those stories. I have given him the book and told him he must read it! My mother and sister are both nurses and my youngest brother is a pediatric orthopedic surgeon working at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore. My middle brother is also a high school football coach. I certainly empathized with your experiences as a head football coach. There are many days when I wonder what I will say to my boys. What a great season you had with the NAVY football team! I read the book in just two days as I couldn’t put it down. If you ever get to Atlanta I would love to show you around St. Pius. God bless and take care!
Paul Standard
Head Football Coach
St. Pius X Catholic High School in Atlanta, GA.
I was given your book as a present by one of my player’s parents, Dr. Max White a urologist in Atlanta who trained under you. I am the Head Coach at St. Pius X Catholic High in Atlanta. You wrote a note in the book to me. I thoroughly enjoyed your book. I really enjoyed the medical, personal, military, as well as the football perspective. My father was a navy corpsman who went on to a very successful career at the Centers for Disease Control. He told me many stories about his time in the service and your book brought back many of those stories. I have given him the book and told him he must read it! My mother and sister are both nurses and my youngest brother is a pediatric orthopedic surgeon working at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore. My middle brother is also a high school football coach. I certainly empathized with your experiences as a head football coach. There are many days when I wonder what I will say to my boys. What a great season you had with the NAVY football team! I read the book in just two days as I couldn’t put it down. If you ever get to Atlanta I would love to show you around St. Pius. God bless and take care!
Paul Standard
Head Football Coach
St. Pius X Catholic High School in Atlanta, GA.
Dear Mike,
I thank you for your book. I get sent a lot of them and up reading few. I was caught up however, in your story of that memorable football season at Balboa interspersed with your interesting and amusing practice recollections. I hope this story is widely distributed.
I too have grown more spiritual with age, though less religious. I can see what unimportant and sustaining role Catholicism has played in your life and in some ways I envy you that. I’m afraid that my own experience and reason has led me inexorably in the direction of doubt. I was very touched, however, by your kind concern and I know that many of the seeds you so generously cast ill fall on more fertile ground.
Gordon Livingston
Published author
I thank you for your book. I get sent a lot of them and up reading few. I was caught up however, in your story of that memorable football season at Balboa interspersed with your interesting and amusing practice recollections. I hope this story is widely distributed.
I too have grown more spiritual with age, though less religious. I can see what unimportant and sustaining role Catholicism has played in your life and in some ways I envy you that. I’m afraid that my own experience and reason has led me inexorably in the direction of doubt. I was very touched, however, by your kind concern and I know that many of the seeds you so generously cast ill fall on more fertile ground.
Gordon Livingston
Published author
Mike,
Just finished your book “Bull in the Ring”, and never laughed so hard in my life. At times, tears were running down my cheeks. The book is a mixture of character and comedy which is a portrait of you.
Thanks for sharing a part of your wonderful life.
My youngest son, Matt is in his third year of urology at K.U. Med in Kansas City, and I know he’ll enjoy the read.
Give Alice my best.
Roy McLaughlin
Pathologist in Caldwell Idaho
Former Navy Colleague
Just finished your book “Bull in the Ring”, and never laughed so hard in my life. At times, tears were running down my cheeks. The book is a mixture of character and comedy which is a portrait of you.
Thanks for sharing a part of your wonderful life.
My youngest son, Matt is in his third year of urology at K.U. Med in Kansas City, and I know he’ll enjoy the read.
Give Alice my best.
Roy McLaughlin
Pathologist in Caldwell Idaho
Former Navy Colleague
“You obviously had quite a career in a variety of areas”’
Bobby Ross
Former Head Football Coach San Diego Chargers
Bobby Ross
Former Head Football Coach San Diego Chargers
“I too find music to be distracting when I operate, and I refuse to have any music playing in the operating room”.
John Barry
Dinosaur Professor of Urology, Oregon Medical School
Long time friend
John Barry
Dinosaur Professor of Urology, Oregon Medical School
Long time friend
“I was in the last class of interns to complete internship in the old Balboa. I did not rotate on Urology but remember that your presence loomed large and that you established a terrific legacy. To this day the Urology Department continues to set the standard for clinical research excellence.
Bruce Gillingham
Read Admiral, Medical Corps, United States Navy
Bruce Gillingham
Read Admiral, Medical Corps, United States Navy