The Pitch That Killed

[thetallguy747]

Speaking of baseball and race, I would highly recommend David Halberstam's "October 1964," The central theme is how the Cardinals, productively integrating young black stars like Gibson, Flood, White, Brock, etc., created a ball club that brought down the mighty Yankees, who were aging, white, and resistant to integration.

It's also about the dynamics of integration in the clubhouse. It's a fascinating account, for example, of the unique relationship between Gibson, the rising star from the ghetto projects of Omaha and his catcher, McCarver, the teenaged brash mouth from the south. The book portrays a group of athletes, some of whom may not have liked each other personally, but respected each other's race; how both black and white players stood up for each other on and off the field in an era when, even on the integrated teams, blacks went one way and whites another when the game was over.

As a kid growing up in Missouri, I worshiped that team. There was something special about them as a group. Only later as an adult did I realize the depth of how special they were.

P.S. If for no other reason, you have to read it for the story of what happened the first time McCarver hopped up from behind the plate to go out and "settle down" Gibson.

[PJ Axelsson]

Two recommendations from me are "Hornsby Hit One Over my Head" by David Cataneo and "If I Never Get Back" by Darryl Brock.

The first is a collection of short stories by fans. Some interesting stories to be sure!

The second is a novel, and a fantastic baseball book. It's been recommended a few times on these forums.

[antilles98]

The movie 'The Field of Dreams' if I remember correctly was based on a book simply titled 'Shoeless Joe'

I'm not sure on the title as I've never read it. Anyway, I was wondering if anyone here has, and what their thought on it are. It is a fiction, so I realize it is a little off genre from those biographies and historical retellings you have been mentioning.

[Mr Baseball World]

It is called Shoeless Joe written by W.P. Kinsella. Have not read it.

[ROBERTFIELD]

I've read "Shoeless Joe". As much as I loved the movie before I read the book, the book just simply blew it away. Far and away the best fictional baseball book I've ever had the pleasure of reading.

I second the recommendation of "October '64" as well. Solid book.

[LongIsland4Ever]

I really enjoyed "Hit 'em Where they Ain't" - the Wee Willie Keeler story. Just read it last summer.

[JUMA]

Concur with "Shoeless Joe" and "October, 1964." Halberstam's "The Teammates" is also solid, and has been touted on the boards previously.
I received Jonathan Eig's "Luckiest Man" for Christmas and just finished it...it's a bio of Lou Gehrig and is also very good.

Randy

[MICHAELEVANS]

I finished "the Teammates last night. Is there something about the name Bobby that makes the person a nice guy? :wink: Our ATGII Bobby seems a lot like Bobby Doerr. I also read "Luckiest Man" at Christmas. Great book.

[Mr Baseball World]

Any other suggestions? I am going to Barnes & Noble tonight to use a gift card from Christmas.

[JUMA]

Jane Peavy's "Sandy Koufax" has been out awhile; I really enjoyed it. You may find it in paperback.