Jeff Silverman

This collection features short stories, poems, and articles from the period 1867 to 1921. While there are a few clunkers, most of the selections are quite enjoyable, providing a nostalgic look back at the national pastime in its heyday. Highlights include Brigadier General Frederick Funston's 1894 account of baseball games played on Herschel Island in the Arctic Ocean; Hugh Fullerton's recap at the conclusion of the infamous 1919 World Series, which alludes to the fix and foreshadows the Black Sox scandal fallout; and Christy Mathewson's take on baseball superstitions, excerpted from his book Pitching in a Pinch. Jeff Silverman's brief and poorly edited introduction offers little insight.… (plus d'informations)

A collection of 22 classic baseball stories, from 1867 to 1921. It's a mixed bag; literary tastes have changed a lot in a hundred plus years. But all the items here have at least historical interest; e.g. a 1907 article detailing and protesting against the injustice of banning black ball players. Some well-known names are in the credits: Albert G. Spalding, Zane Grey, Christy Mathewson, Damon Runyon, Grover Cleveland Alexander, Ring Lardner and P.G. Wodehouse. The most famous piece is "Casey at the Bat", but all the pieces here are of interest.… (plus d'informations)