The Dodgers Encyclopedia [Hardcover]

William F McNeil (Author), Bill McNeil (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1997

The Dodgers Encyclopedia is the definitive book on Los Ange- les and Brooklyn Dodgers baseball. It traces the history of one of major league baseball's most sucessful organi- zations, from the misty beginnings of its predecessors in rural Brooklyn more than 140 years ago, through their form- atives years in the major leagues, as a member of the American Association from 1884 through 1889, to a full- fledged representative of the National League.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Here's a book that was long overdue. After all, no National League team can fully match the rich baseball history and tradition of the Dodgers.... Personally, I think there is need for separate encyclopedias for the Brooklyn and Los Angeles franchises. There is certainly enough material to fill up an encyclopedia on each.... Without a doubt, The Dodgers Encyclopedia can take its rightful place as one of the best team encyclopedias on the market." -- WWCD SPORTS BOOK REVIEWS Dan Albaugh

The beat goes on in the publishing of team encyclopedias. Sagamore Publishing, using the title Sports Publishing, adds its annual addition to the genre with The Dodgers Encyclopedia. The opening chapter traces Dodger history from the misty beginnings of the team in rural Brooklyn through the following 140 years of baseball in Brooklyn and Los Angeles. Famous Dodger managers, legendary executives, sportscasters, no-hit ballgames, and the ballparks - from Capitolineto Chavez, all receive full chapter attention. --Sports Collectors Digest February 27, 1998 Richard Miller

About the Author

William McNeil, business executive, lives in Pittsfield,MA. His other books include "Dodger Diary" and "King of Swat".

Product Details

• Hardcover: 464 pages
• Publisher: Sports Publishing, Inc.; First Edition? edition (November 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1571671544
• ISBN-13: 978-1571671547
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.6 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,093,728 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Help Needed Here - Good, not Great, October 25, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Dodgers Encyclopedia (Hardcover)

A good resource for those of us who love those fabulous bums! A GOOD resource but not a GREAT one. Why?

1) No color photos.

2) Editorial flaws. For example, even those he is written up in the body of the book Zach Wheat's stats were not included in the stats section. Tell me HOW could you leave out the stats of the greatest Dodger of the early 20th century and possibly one of the greatest Dodgers ever? Answer, "You can't - it's inexcusable."

3) Out of focus photos. The publisher needs to train the copy stand operator - there are too many out of focus photos here for it to be a coincidence! Very amatuerish work indeed.

4) Not exhaustive. Where are the diagrams of the parks? What were the dimensions for Washington Park? How did the uniforms evolve? Why were they called the "Robins" at one point? Where did Dodger blue come from? You won't find the answers here.

Granted, this IS a first edition book. Expect later revisions to be better and more comprehensive.

Until then, this is about the best single book reference on the Dodgers to be found, as flawed as it is! I bought a copy despite my objections.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best of the team encyclopedias, July 8, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Dodgers Encyclopedia (Hardcover)

I refrained from purchasing this book for many months based on your two negative customer reviews. When I finally did buy it, I realized that I should have listened to the professional reviewers, who gave the book high ratings. I have several other baseball team encyclopedias, and the Dodgers Encyclopedia is the best of the lot. The World Series coverage, the pennant races, and the no-hitter descriptions, are head and shoulders above any other book of its type. I particularly enjoyed the section on 'Memories Through the Years'. It brought to life many historic moments in Dodger history, like Fernandomania, the exploits of Kirk Gibson, and 'The Infield', in addition to introducing me to Brooklyn through the signing of Jackie Robinson, memories of Ebbets Field, and the tragi-comic career of Pistol Pete Reiser. All in all, a wonderful book!

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars big dodger fan, July 9, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Dodgers Encyclopedia (Hardcover)

I have been a big Dodger fan for more than twenty years, and I loved this book. It allowed me to relive all the memorable events in Dodger history, particularly the World Series coverage of the 1981 and 1988 World Championships. Mickey Hatcher, Kirk Gibson, and Fernando, were three of my heroes. I also enjoyed all the player biographies, like Bill Russell, Bill Buckner, Ron Cey, and Pedro Guerrero. This is a wonderful book for Dodger fans.