From 33rd Street to Camden Yards : An Oral History of the Baltimore Orioles [ILLUSTRATED] (Hardcover)

by John Eisenberg (Author) "They packed for an overnight trip..." (more)
Key Phrases: World Series, Memorial Stadium, Frank Robinson (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
In this extensive book, Eisenberg (Cottonbowl Days) traces the history of the modern Orioles from 1954 to the present. He captures the team's exploits at their baseball "boot camp" in Thomasville, Ga., at stadiums all over the country and at various World Series. He sketches key figures in Oriole history like Earl Weaver, Brooks Robinson and Cal Ripken Jr., and introduces lesser-known players such as Steve Dalkowski, a phenomenal pitcher with a blazing fastball who never made it to the majors. Connie Johnson and others discuss "the color line" of the 1950s and '60s. We hear extensively from willful owner Peter Angelos, who claims he's uninvolved in the team's daily life, though some managers contend otherwise. Eisenberg introduces each topic in the book and then lets the Orioles whom he interviewed do most of the actual talking. He fills in the gaps between the quotes with narrative, but much of the book is composed of long quotations from players, managers and owners. (This style, from the school of ESPN's Sportcentury TV series and shared by Steve Delsohn's forthcoming True Blue, seems to be the trend in sports team histories recently). The many different voices and opinions are fun and lively, but certain sections run too long, with too much grinding detail. (Apr.)Forecast: The book is a must read for Oriole fans, who will eat up the firsthand accounts and Eisenberg's enthusiastic documentation of their team's history, and it will find a readership among hardcore baseball fans and history buffs. Others, however, will shrug their shoulders: the Yankees, the Orioles aren't.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
Eisenberg is an award-winning columnist for the Baltimore Sun whose previous sports books include Cotton Days and the Cowboys in the 60s. This book resembles the popular team histories compiled by Peter Golenbock (e.g., Spirit of St. Louis, Avon, 2000). The Orioles have had some legendary teams and players (including Brooks and Frank Robinson, Earl Weaver, Jim Palmer, and Cal Ripken Jr.). This highly readable and anecdotal volume will circulate well, especially in the Middle Atlantic States.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 528 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 1 edition (March 20, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0809224860
• ISBN-13: 978-0809224869
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 6.2 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #861,892 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Baltimore Orioles Book of Record, May 29, 2001

By	"mvock" (Joppa, Maryland USA) - See all my reviews

John Eisenberg let it be known that a real history of the Orioles could not be related in one volume, even at five hundred pages. But, considering that most folks wouldn't read (much less buy) a ten volume set, Eisenberg has offered a terrific alternative. This truly is an oral history. Eisenberg guides us through the history of one of the winningest franchises in baseball history without getting in the way of the story. Virtually every key figure from the Orioles' past is represented here. You'll enjoy hearing from not only the Robinsons (Brooks and Frank), but also from players whose names you have probably forgotten, like Tom Phoebus and Joe Durham. Even Eddie Murray adds his memories to Eisenberg's story. It appears that the players, managers, and others who made their living from baseball, want to be sure to get their two cents into the Orioles' only true book of record. Is anyone missing? One does wonder how a history of Baltimore baseball could be complete without a word from or about Hall of Fame broadcaster Chuck Thompson. He appears to be the only missing link in a comprehensive look back at Baltimore's baseball heritage.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars As comprehensive an O's history as you'll presently find, November 15, 2004

By	Mark Daniels (Anywhere, USA) - See all my reviews

I'm a new Orioles fan, having finally had enough of the high salaries and toxic ownership of my native New York Yankees. Committed to giving my devotion to another storied francise, the Baltimore Orioles, I sought to learn everything I could about my newly adopted team.

This book is as comprehensive an Orioles history as I've found. At only 500 pages it may be a little too condensed for some Baltimore devotees, but all the significant events in O's history are covered - from the team's inception to its salad days in the late 60s and early 70s; from talented rookies like Steve Dalkowsi (who never made the bigs) to talented veterans like Cal Ripken (who did).

The early player development of Paul Richards. The amazing defensive play of Brooks Robinson, the greatest third baseman ever. The owners - Jerry Hoffberger, EBW, Eli Jacobs, and Peter Angelos. Earl Weaver and Cal Senior. Reggie's year in Baltimore. The remarkable farm system and the "Oriole Way." Memorial Stadium and the building of Camden Yards. World Series seasons and sub-500 years. It's all here, told by the players and front office personnel who lived it.

Maybe a more "complete" history will be written someday, but presently this is the best Orioles book to get. Also check out the similarly titled Ted Patterson book, "Baltimore Orioles: From 33rd Street to Camden Yards," which is almost as comprehensive and features a lot more pictures.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful, July 16, 2001

By	nobizinfla "nobizinfla" (Windermere, Florida USA) - See all my reviews

This is a good read if you are a baseball fan. It becomes a very good read if one is a Baltimore Oriole fan. And, if one is an Oriole fan old enough to remember the early days it is simply excellent.

The oral history told by those who made that history is just wonderful. Mr. Eisenberg has captured some great stories as the history of a once great franchise unfolds.

The memories are spectacular as we hear from the franchise superstars and the lesser known role players over 46 years. This is story telling at its best. One is reminded of so many players that were part of O's story...and they truly come to life.

The human side comes out as well and we are reminded of just how great a franchise it was and how it got that way. It should be required reading for every member of the current Oriole organization...they could learn something.

I too was amazed that Chuck Thomson and Jon Miller were not interviewed and that Bill O'Donnell not mentioned...they were the voices that we all knew.