Baseball (2d ed.): A History of America's Game (Illinois History of Sports) [Paperback]

Benjamin G. Rader (Author)

Book Description

Series: Illinois History of Sports | Publication Date: January 9, 2002

In this second edition of his lively, compact history of America's game - widely recognized as the best of its kind - Benjamin G Rader expands his scope to include commentary on baseball in the 1990s: the building of retroparks, the return of the Yankees, the dizzying race for new home-run records, and other topics.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Although the book does not attempt comprehensiveness, this short survey of the development of America's national pastime has merit. Rader ( American Sports ) discusses the origins of the game, separating fact from mythology, then relates the role of the Civil War in spreading baseball from New York to the rest of the nation, the rise of professional teams and leagues, the crushing of the players' revolt of 1890, the "Age of Ruth," the building of dynasties such as the New York Yankees and the St. Louis Cardinals, the racial integration of the sport, the modifications in the reserve clause and the contemporary scene. Rader covers each phase accurately and with elan, as when he writes, "In a world of seething change, baseball continues to offer comfort and reassurance; it remains America's Game." Photos not seen by PW.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

With most of today's baseball books concentrating on very specific aspects of the sport, it is interesting to find one that attempts to relate the complete history of America's game. Beginning before the Civil War, Rader traces the development of rules in the 1890s, the advent of the home run in the 1920s, the breakdown of the color barrier in the 1940s, and the problems of expansion and free agency in our own era. Along with profiles of well-known personalities like Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth, and familiar events such as the Black Sox scandal of 1919, this thoroughly researched book presents some unusual facts (including information on Harry H. Freeman's barnstorming "buxom beauties," an all-female pro team that played some 60 years before the women of the current film A League of Their Own ). This volume is highly recommended for most libraries.
-Dan Bogey, Clearfield Cty. P.L. Federation, Curwensville, Pa.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 312 pages
• Publisher: University of Illinois Press; 2 edition (January 9, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0252070135
• ISBN-13: 978-0252070136
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,494,446 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars THIS HISTORY IS ON THE BALL. AND, YES, IT SCORES. BIG., February 23, 2003

By 

Alan W. Petrucelli (THE ENTERTAINMENT REPORT (ALAN W. PETRUCELLI)) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Baseball (2d ed.): A History of America's Game (Illinois History of Sports) (Paperback)

Benjamin Rader's second edition of his definitive history of America's favorite national pastime continues to score. Big. The lively, compact history has been expanded, now including baseball in the 1990s, the Latino invasion, the building of retro parks, the dizzying race for home runs (think Sosa and McGwire), the return (again) of the New York Yankees and team dynasties. This may be a somewhat scholarly analysis of the sport, but it's also highly approachable and highly readable and rich in detail. Rader takes readers into the game both inside and outside the foul lines; he also corrects errors he made the first time 'round, most notably in chapters 14 and 15. (Readers of the first edition will know exactly what we mean, and can start whooping it up now.) As for the rest of you, all together now: Take me out to the ballgame ....

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars "Solid Throwback Piece of Work", July 21, 2003

By 

AllotofVision (Marshall University, Huntington, West Virginia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Baseball (2d ed.): A History of America's Game (Illinois History of Sports) (Paperback)

Great book, I actually read this book during the All-Star Break and it conjured up reminants of nostalgia from my own Little League days. Rader examines a "semi-comprehensive" look at Baseball's flucuating stages, touching economical and social issues, while recounting memorable games. Rader's compelling account of Ruth's "called shot" of the 1932 World Series made me feel as if I was at Wrigley! He also reminds us that American History and Baseball will forever remain synonomous, remembering the Great Depression and how the game once struggled as well. The "War Years" also serve as a testament to Baseball's effect on American society and how the game diverted many fellow Americans attention. Throughout the book, Rader illustrates graphs and charts, highlighting a club's attendance, realignment issues, and salary-cap/player income. Solid piece of historic literature on the development of the game and American history as well, his objective sold me completley, moreover, rekindled my passion for the game on all levels.
AllotofVision
-Marshall University-

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Baseball history the way it should be written, October 6, 1998

By 

Lee M. Babin ([e-mail]) (Houma, LA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Baseball: A HISTORY OF AMERICA'S GAME (Illinois History of Sports) (Paperback)

I am currently taking a course at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana, entitled: The History of Baseball. Thus far, Benjamin Rader's book has provided valuable insight into the complete early history of the rise of baseball. Anyone seeking to explore the beginnings of the game, and what the game has become from its beginning, should use "Baseball: A History of America's Game" as the primary source.