From Publishers Weekly
The theory espoused by Koppett, a former New York Times sports columnist, is that all modern managers are descended from three seminal figures: John McGraw, who established the principle that the manager is the unquestioned boss of his team; Branch Rickey, who organized the teaching fundamentals; and Connie Mack, whose concentration on finding talented players enabled him to build two dynasties decades apart. Koppett's genealogy, for example, traces the influence of McGraw through Frankie Frisch and Leo Durocher to Bill Rigney. This otherwise splendid and original book overemphasizes New York managers, however. Among the 19 in-depth portraits, 11 are of men who led the Yankees, Giants, Dodgers or Mets. Photos not seen by PW.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From Library Journal
In December 1992, Koppett was selected for the writer's wing of the Baseball Hall of Fame, in recognition of over 40 years of high-quality baseball writing for the Sporting News , the New York Times , and many other publications. He is also an entertaining and insightful author best known for A Thinking Man's Guide to Baseball ( LJ 8/67). This book provides an anecdotal analysis of the various qualities of the most successful and influential managers of this century. Koppett examines their backgrounds, skills, and weaknesses, and then traces their lineage to three seminal figures: John McGraw, Connie Mack, and Branch Rickey. An appendix lists the managers for teams that finished in first place since 1960, along with the managerial lines to which they belong. This title will be an excellent addition to any sports collection.
- John Maxymuk, Rutgers Univ. Lib., Camden, N.J.Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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