From Publishers Weekly
Stout, funnily enough the author of Red Sox Century, documents decade by decade the ups and downs of the most storied franchise in sports, a team that almost never was. In 1903, Ban Johnson, then president of the American League, sat in his office in the Flatiron building fighting his two-year-old battle to place a new franchise in New York. At a time when "the subway system took shape underground, [when] working farms still dotted the upper reaches of Manhattan," Johnson had to compete with then Giants owner Andrew Freedman, who legally could do little to keep Johnson out, but as a Tammany Hall member "practically" could stop the franchise before the first pitch. Johnson eventually won out, and the Yankees soon erected their first stadium in Washington Heights and signed their first star, Wee Willie Keeler. From this departure point the book examines various eras of Yankee dominance, usually centered on the star of that age, be it Ruth, DiMaggio, Mantle, Jackson or Jeter. The book (which includes writings by Ira Berkow, Howard Bryant, Charles Devens, David Halberstam, Ring Lardner and Molly O'Neil) traces the key games and events of the years and blends them into a strong narrative. A well-written and thorough look at the Yanks, it will nevertheless take a true (and devoted) fan to devour all the play-by-play of past games. Still, this is essential for Yankees fans.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
Love them or hate them, the Yankees have undeniably been the premier team over the last century. This book does ample justice to their great history, with essays by such contributors as David Halberstam on George Weiss (the great behind-the-scenes maker of the 1940s-50s Yankees) and Ira Berkow on legendary manager Casey Stengel. The chapters are divided chronologically into each particular dynasty. The more than 250 photographs provide an added dimension to the tale of "Yankee Pride," while appendixes provide year-by-year statistical details. Stout, series editor of The Best American Sports Writing, and Johnson, curator of the Sports Museum of New England, have previously collaborated on Red Sox Century: 100 Years of Red Sox Baseball. This book will have more than regional appeal and it is highly recommended for most libraries. Even Yankee haters will find much to enjoy. Paul Kaplan, Lake Villa Dist. Lib., IL
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
