America's Game (Hardcover)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Conceptually, visually, informationally, and just for the tactile fun of it, America's Game touches 'em all. The idea behind it is breathtakingly simple; Tim Kurkjian, longtime contributor to Sports Illustrated and ESPN's Baseball Tonight, takes us on a tour of some of the more interesting artifacts on display at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. The interactive aspect of the book's execution is also simple, but it adds a whole other dimension that turns this short gem into a solid hit that virtually breaks the glass on the display cases to put fans in better touch with baseball's history.

How does it work? Easy. America's Game is made up of 15 two-page chapters, each on a specific theme--"Evolution of the Game," "The Babe," "Jackie Robinson," "Baseball and World War II," and "The Business of Baseball," among them. Across each thematic spread, several photos from Hall's memorabilia collection accompany Kurkjian's lively prose. But there's something else: a facsimile of an important document or other fascinating artifact that can actually be removed from the book for further examination. For example, along with the story and pictures of Babe Ruth, there's a pocket holding a copy of the actual contract transferring the Bambino's rights from the Red Sox to the Yankees. "World War II" comes with the letter that FDR wrote to Commissioner Landis ordering the game to be continued for the duration in the interest of national morale, and "Business" showcases Curt Flood's letter to Commissioner Bowie Kuhn requesting free agency. There are several scorecards, including one from 1884 and another from a Negro League game with a young Willie Mays; the scouting report on a green shortstop named Mickey Mantle; a pair of tickets to the 1949 All-Star Game at Ebbets Field; and a scrap with the hand-written lyrics of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame." Which seems perfectly fitting, because America's Game is very much like the crackerjacks we remember when we sing that song every seventh-inning stretch: the book has lots of good stuff to chew on and comes packed with unexpected prizes too. --Jeff Silverman

Product Description

A three-dimensional interactive book featuring documents and photographs from the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

Experience the thrill of baseball through the documents and memorabilia of our favorite sport. America's Game is a fascinating collection of removable letters, contracts, newspaper clippings, and photographs. For the first time, the history and glory of baseball is brought to life in a three-dimensional, interactive format.
Hold in your hand the tickets for the 1949 All-Star game at Ebbets Field.
Read the letter Jackie Robinson wrote to a fan that eloquently defends integration.
Study the minor league scouting report on an unknown shortstop named Mickey Mantle.
Examine the legendary transfer agreement that sent Babe Ruth from the Boston Red Sox to the New York Yankees.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Crown; 1 edition (April 18, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0609605542
• ISBN-13: 978-0609605547
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 10.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,555,283 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars AMERICA'S GAME IS A FAN'S DREAM, April 23, 2000

By	Gary M. Davis "whm660" (Sacramento, CA.) - See all my reviews

This 32-page book is perfect for the beginning fan or life-long fan. The enclosed documents,letters, tickets are a MUST-SEE because they can only be viewed at Baseball's Hall of Fame & Museum. Now you have perfect copies of your own! So MUCH info in a small, but beautiful package.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brings the game to life!, April 21, 2000

By A Customer

This book is great fun. The author does an excellent job of describing various historical aspects of the game. But what really makes the book are the removable historical documents. I found this to be one of the most compelling books I have a read in some time. It's a short read, but you really feel like you are there. Great for collectors too!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book ROCKS!, August 8, 2000

A Kid's Review

This is the best book on baseball I have ever read. It gives interesting facts in a fun way, and lets you hold items from baseball's past. I think Mr. Kirkjan deserves a lot of credit for writing a book that all people can enjoy - young and old. I know this is one book I will cherish forever.