This is an absolute classic. Posnanski's done an amazing job of finding little anecdotes or bits of biography that might not be an obvious way to sum This is an absolute classic. Posnanski's done an amazing job of finding little anecdotes or bits of biography that might not be an obvious way to sum up a player, and making it completely engaging and insightful (and never dry).
There are some seriously dry sections (Ripken's story and approach is pretty well known, and even Eisenberg's access and insight doesn't change that) There are some seriously dry sections (Ripken's story and approach is pretty well known, and even Eisenberg's access and insight doesn't change that) and his reporter's background weighs a little on his prose at times. His description of the record-breaking night is a marvelous read, though.
Eisenberg's at his best filling out the history. He interweaves three lines of narrative: Ripken, Gehrig, and the other ironmen with top streaks. The structure works wonderfully, and his tales of baseball's early players are the highlights of the book. As he moves to modern ironmen like Steve Garvey, his interviews open up more of the psychology of playing every day.
His chapter on the wisdom of daily play could have gone a little deeper into the subject (and his newly acquired SABR membership might have been helpful here), but it's a good overview of the debate.
The book should satisfy its target audience, baseball fans serious enough to want to look into The Streak. There aren't the non-baseball or cultural issues or bizarre biographies that might engage a more casual fan, but that's not the goal, and there's plenty of meat here for those interested in the topic.
The writing could use some editing, but it's a well-researched and well-told story of the Pirates' turnaround. I suspect it's readable by those unfamiThe writing could use some editing, but it's a well-researched and well-told story of the Pirates' turnaround. I suspect it's readable by those unfamiliar with SABR stuff without being too entry level for stat nerds. It's a compelling read....more
I'm sure much of my love for this book came from nostalgia and easy identification, but it's a fun, readable book. I do wish Wilmoth would have taken I'm sure much of my love for this book came from nostalgia and easy identification, but it's a fun, readable book. I do wish Wilmoth would have taken the time to look at the sort of analysis some trades/moves would have had before they happened, rather than just saying "that made sense" or "that seemed odd". I'd be curious to hear what analysts were thinking, concretely, for some of these moves, but that's a minor quibble and probably addresses something outside the scope of this book. In short, long time Pirates fans will likely appreciate this one, and many general baseball fans will as well....more
Angell's pretty essential reading for baseball fans. Highlights here include writings on Bob Gibson, Tim McCarver, and pitcher durability. Angell's pretty essential reading for baseball fans. Highlights here include writings on Bob Gibson, Tim McCarver, and pitcher durability. ...more
The book's an uneven read and suffers from dry prose throughout and an entry-level use of baseball statistics/sabermetrics. Some chapters are interestThe book's an uneven read and suffers from dry prose throughout and an entry-level use of baseball statistics/sabermetrics. Some chapters are interesting, but too many are simplistic takes on complicated subjects. He had some good insights throughout, but most of these add up to a step one. The essays on the monopoly concerns are intriguing, but don't fully address the player side of the issues. The study on market size makes some strong arguments but neglects factors. Probably worth a read only if you're into the specific chapter topics, and only then with the caveat that it's just a starting point.
Though the book too often read like an economics textbook, the appendix on multiple regression analysis did seem like a reasonable primer....more
There were some good essays in here, but much of it fell flat. Few of the authors managed to connect their baseball experiences to God (or god or anytThere were some good essays in here, but much of it fell flat. Few of the authors managed to connect their baseball experiences to God (or god or anything transcendent), making it more of a "My life is better with baseball" than a "Finding God at the Old Ball Park" thing. It's sort of a Chicken Soup for the Baseball Fan....more
A chapter or so in, I wasn't sure I was going to like either Walker or the book, but I ended up changing my mind. The overview of a year of playing faA chapter or so in, I wasn't sure I was going to like either Walker or the book, but I ended up changing my mind. The overview of a year of playing fantasy baseball in an insane manner makes for a quick and interesting read, although I'm not sure how much non-fantasy-playing people would enjoy it. Much of the book reminds me of the sorts of conversations I have with either my dad or an old friend who realized after one season that the game's nutty, which is great, but which also tends to prompt eye-rolling by the saner among us....more
This would be on an extremely short list of favorite sports books (and maybe right at the top). Posnanski is an amazing writer, and he captures a remaThis would be on an extremely short list of favorite sports books (and maybe right at the top). Posnanski is an amazing writer, and he captures a remarkable human being in a way that avoids sentimentality. This is essential reading for all baseball fans....more
Along with this year's Satchel bio, one of the best books of its kind I've read. It's a pretty balanced look at a complicated person. The writing surrAlong with this year's Satchel bio, one of the best books of its kind I've read. It's a pretty balanced look at a complicated person. The writing surrounding Clemente's death is not only moving, but it's very well researched, making the final chapters as insightful as they are moving. The author skips a few years of baseball, which I found perplexing at first, but it does make for a better, more productive read. When he does get into the play on the field, it's lively exciting writing, particularly surrounding the 1960 and 1971 seasons. The book's much important in its presentation of Clemente the man than in Clemente the player, though (of course)....more
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