Explores the significant events and momentous changes that took place in baseball from 1947 to 1960. Beginning with Jackie Robinson's rookie season in 1947, it provides a careful and thorough examination of baseball's integration, including the struggles of the black players who were not elite enough to break into the starting lineups. It also looks at the dying practice of player-managers, the increasing use of relief pitchers and platooning, the iconic 1951 pennant race between New York Giants and the Brooklyn Dodgers, and more. In also highlights three central figures whose innovations, strategies, and vision changed the game: Branch Rickey, who integrated the Dodgers; Casey Stengel, whose 1949-1953 Yankees won five straight championships; and Leo Durocher, whose spy operation was a major factor in the Giants' 1951 pennant surge. -- Publisher description.