From Publishers Weekly
In this chronicle of seasons from 1982 to 1987, the incomparable Angell (The Summer Game, Five Seasons and Late Innings) combines 19 of his New Yorker articles to tell about several principal events and developments in recent baseball history. Here is superlative clubhouse, field, dugout and even spring-training reportage that not only describes the stars of our timeBoggs, Brett, Gooden, Hernandez, Mattingly, Rose, Seaver and Valenzuela among thembut also examines in detail (based on extensive conversations with the leading practitioners) the intricacies of catching, infield play and pitching, the problems of running a club and the mysteries of managing, and the appeal of baseball's hall of fame in Cooperstown, N.Y. Here too are vivid accounts of the rise and fall of the Cubs, the decline of Buck Weaver and his Orioles, the sudden ascent of Sparky Anderson's Tigers, and the amazing 1986 play-offs that led to the fantastic Mets-Red Sox world series. Once again, Angell affirms that he is the bard of the diamonda must for fans.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
This collection of pieces, which first appeared in the New Yorker , covers the 1983 through 1987 baseball seasons. Angell takes us with him from spring training to the World Series and along the way treats us to a trip to the Hall of Fame at Cooperstown, a detailed look at the technique of Kansas City Royals' relief pitcher Dan Quisenberry, a finely detailed and astute discussion of the role of the catcher (" . . .surely the most valuable player on his club"), and an in-depth view of the 1986 pennant races and World Series. As always, Angell's prose is crystal clear, his observations are right on the mark, and his book is a joy to read. Jo DeLapo, Queens Lib., New York
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.
