Washington, D.C. (March 10, 2010) -- With Hollywood already expressing interest in the acclaimed new book, Fifty-nine in ’84, author Edward Achorn has weighed in on who he would like to see play the iron-armed pitcher in the starring role:

Iron Man star Robert Downey Jr.

The hero of the book, Old Hoss Radbourn, the Hall of Fame pitcher who won more games in one year (59) than anyone in major-league history, was haunted by alcoholism and other demons, including a deadly sexual disease that may have been given to him by his own wife.

"He would have to be played by somebody (with) a damn-it-all nonchalance on his outside and a smoldering intensity inside him, the presence of danger," Achorn says.

The leading actor with “that spark of danger, intensity and humor” is Robert Downey Jr., the author adds.

       
Robert Downey Jr. and 'Old Hoss' Radbourn.

“The intelligence, sarcasm and intensity (Downey) displayed in Iron Man might be ideal for Rad. The struggle he’s undergone in his own life might also fit him for the role," Achorn says.

While it’s unclear whether Downey has ever played baseball, Achorn notes that he did perform brilliant,ballet-like physical comedy as Charles Chaplin in an Oscar-winning performance in Chaplin.

Fifty-Nine in '84, the groundbreaking biography of 'Old Hoss' Radbourn, will be available in bookstores on March 16.

You can Pre-Order Fifty-Nine in '84 below for Amazon's special price of $17.15.

Fifty-nine in '84- Old Hoss Radbourn, Barehanded Baseball, and the Greatest Season a Pitcher Ever Had

For more information, please go to EdwardAchorn.com.

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