A Few Words
I author books, produce films and write essays about travel, adventure, and discovery. Take a look; I hope you find something of interest.
– John Gordon
Film
Award Winning Film
The Hero Next Door
(Writer & Producer)
The Hero Next Door Film Awards
Other Films
These films are no longer available.
Books
Recent Books:
The Baseball Prospect
(Author and Designer)
The Baseball Prospect – Overview
Though undersized, Evan Jacobs is a gifted hitter with extraordinary foot speed and superb fielding skills. More importantly, he has a passion for baseball that few can match. Despite his selection as captain of his 1969 Topeka West High School’s championship squad, college scholarship offers aren’t coming his way, and his family doesn’t have the resources to meet those hefty costs. Then a supportive coach helps Evan find a route to professional ball, where he proves he’s an elite player. That puts him on the ladder to potential stardom, but the Vietnam war and the military draft of able young men cast a shadow over his life and the lives of his buddies. Through all that, he experiences tremendous growth as an athlete and as an insightful young adult.
“The Baseball Prospect is as compelling as any book I have ever read. It’s a classic story of perseverance and mental toughness. The story is authentic, and John Gordon’s insights and attention to detail will inspire you. This book encompasses all that is good about the game.”
Steve Franceschi, former class-A pitcher, San Francisco Giants organization.
“John Gordon touches all the bases. I found myself rooting for Evan Jacobs, feeling like I shared his ups and downs on and off the field. A great portrayal of professional baseball and the love and determination needed to make your dream come true. Great read, great book! John Gordon knocks it out of the park.”
Bob Nolan, Former triple-A pitcher, SF Giants and Anaheim Angels organizations.
HR Tales From The Trenches
(Designer, Editor and Primary Writer)
Other Books
About John
Though I grew up in sedate Omaha, Nebraska, my adult life has been one of unexpected travel and excitement. My thirty-two year high-tech business/Human Resources career required that I travel globally and live in Germany for five years during the Cold War. While based in Europe and afterward, I ventured to scores of extraordinary and sometimes-verboten places including Soviet Russia, East Germany, Czechoslovakia, Hungary and Estonia. More recently, I took a men’s softball team to Cuba, I visited Chernobyl, and I spent a week in North Korea. More off-beat trips are in the planning stages.
I took up writing as a hobby during these trips, often documenting my experiences while aboard lengthy flights. I published my first non-fiction book, appropriately titled OVER SEAS, in 1991. It is now out of print.
The rest of my books are shown above. The most recent is a collaboration with other Human Resources professionals called, HR Tales From The Trenches. (2025)
In 2024, I collaborated with VoicesConnect–the extraordinarily talented Debbie Barton Kutch and Pete Kutch–to produce the highly acclaimed documentary film, The Hero Next Door. Our film was selected to be shown at 21 film festivals and winning several awards.
For me, writing is a blessing, but I am most thankful for good health and the love of my family–wife Julie, five wonderful adult children, and our adorable grandchildren. That number is still growing. Julie and I split time between the San Francisco (CA) Peninsula and Key Largo, Florida.
Extras
Here’s a fun song I wrote a few years ago. It’s called The Best of the Worst. I also had a good time converting it to a music video. I hope you enjoy it!
