Jews And Baseball: Volume I: Entering the American Mainstream, 1871-1948 [Hardcover]

Burton A. Boxerman (Author), Benita W. Boxerman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 27, 2006

Long before Hank Greenberg earned recognition as baseball's greatest Jewish player, Jews had developed a unique, and very close, relationship with the American pastime. In the late nineteenth century, as both the American Jewish population and baseball's popularity grew rapidly, baseball became an avenue by which Jewish immigrants could assimilate into American culture. Beyond the men (and, later, women) on the field, in the dugout, and at the front office, the Jewish community produced a huge base of fans and students of the game. This important book examines the interrelated histories of baseball and American Jews to 1948--the year Israel was established, the first full season that both major leagues were integrated, and the summer that Hank Greenberg retired. Covered are the many players, from Pike to Greenberg, as well as the managers, owners, executives, writers, statisticians, manufacturers and others who helped forge a bond between baseball and an emerging Jewish culture in America. Key reasons for baseball's early appeal to Jews are examined, including cultural assimilation, rebellion against perceived Old World sensibilities, and intellectual and philosophical ties to existing Jewish traditions. The authors also clearly demonstrate how both Jews and baseball have benefited from their relationship.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Adult/High School—This volume traces the interrelated histories of baseball and American Jews, from Lipman Pike, who, in 1867, became the first Jewish professional baseball player, to the 1930s–'40s Hall of Famer Hank Greenberg. The authors cover all major league Jewish players, even those who appeared in only one or two games. They pay equal attention to Jewish owners, managers, sportswriters, statisticians, umpires, manufacturers, and anyone else who influenced the relationship between the culture and the sport. As a consequence, the Boxermans examine the significant role baseball played in Jewish acculturation, as well as the rift it helped forge between first- and second-generation Jews. They also pay close attention to the anti-Semitism endured by the majority of Jewish ballplayers. Many intriguing stories are here, including the profile of catcher Moe Berg, a polyglot intellectual, graduate of Princeton and Columbia Law School, and American spy in Italy during World War II (and previously in Japan). There is also the story of Albert "Dolly" Stark, a universally well-liked and admired umpire who found himself just too sensitive and too lonely to remain in the major leagues. Numerous black-and-white photos and an extensive bibliography and notes are included. A thorough and worthy contribution to collections where baseball books are popular.—Robert Saunderson, Berkeley Public Library, CA
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Review

"Intriguing...a thorough and worthy contribution." --School Library Journal

"A good addition." --Library Journal

"Full of history and memory...richly and appropriately ornamented with stats, color commentary, and lots of evocative photographs...noteworthy.>" --The Jewish Journal

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 232 pages
• Publisher: McFarland (December 27, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786428287
• ISBN-13: 978-0786428281
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,390,552 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a wonderful book,, December 17, 2010

By 

S. A. Mears (Jefferson City, MO USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Jews And Baseball: Volume I: Entering the American Mainstream, 1871-1948 (Hardcover)

Well researched and well written book that tells the little known stories of the Jews who played our national game. I highly recommend this for people interested in baseball, Judaism and culture in the United States. A great book.