Players Books

While baseball was a popular game before the 1920's, during that era it became a true national icon. No person did more for a single sport than Babe Ruth, and it was in this decade that he did what is still an amazing feat. He transformed the sport from a one-base-at-a-time form of offense into a power game. Before his power changed the game, the league leader in home runs generally was in the 10-15 range. After that, it was often in the fifties.
However, there were many other major changes in baseball in the twenties. 1919 was a year of great scandal, when several members of the American league champion Chicago White Sox conspired to throw the World Series. Major league baseball was able to repair the damage, but only by engaging in draconian measures against players who were innocent of any physical wrongdoing.
This book is an excellent chronicle of these events, packed with pictures and statistics; it is a thorough description of a decade when baseball underwent dramatic changes, both on and off the field. It is a must-read for all fans of the history of baseball.

"The Lively Ball" volume in the World of Baseball series covers how Babe Ruth transformed the sport in the 1920's. James A. Cox's book sets the stage for the Bambino by looking at the Black Sox Scandal and the establishment of Kenesaw Mountain Landis as the "Competent Despot" installed as Commissioner. After chapters devoted to Babe Ruth and the fan's enthrallment with "Thunder at the Plate," Cox looks at manager John McGraw and Walter "Big Train" Johnson as well as the emergence of radio broadcasts and the minor league farm system. The final pair of chapters look at the most colorful team of the decade, the St. Louis Cardinals, and the most dominant, the New York Yankees. "The Lively Ball" features profiles on the great players such as Rogers Hornsby and Dazzy Vance, as well as sportswriters like Damon Runyon, ballparks like League Park and Yankee Stadium, with statistics for the 1920's tacked on at the end of the book. As with the rest of this imitation Time-Life series, the book is filled with illustrations, not just photographs but cartoons, magazine covers, and statistical charts. Obviously inspired by the interest in the sport following Ken Burns' classic "Baseball" documentary, the World of Baseball series is certainly in that same spirit of love for the game.

Through all her trials and tribulation chris has always emerged as winner. One quote which sums up chris evert career Wimbledon quote "IF YOU CAN FACE TRIUMP AND DISASTER AND TREAT THOSE TWO IMPOSTERS JUST THE SAME THEN YOU ARE A CHAMPION" chris evert face should be engraved in these words.... Thanks, Chris for the Memories

Tim

This book give you a small look at chris evert at her best. She reveals the pain and glory of her career. What makes this book so great was that through all her ups and downs of her career she has maintain her feminity with grace and charm.

Steve Nash, Dallas Maverick #13, at his earliest stage growing up into a great basketball player. This biography is great for all those Steve Nash fans as well as an athlete seeking inspiration from a determined and hardworking pro.

With a personal and business point of view, Jeff Rud encapsulates how hard work and determination can help you succeed. The hard work of Steve Nash helped to fulfill his lifetime dream, setting an example to our youth that in all of us no matter the dream, there is a" Steve Nash."

Hi Chet, Lets hope you have not forgotton me I talked to Doris EDWARDS SHE TOLD ME YOU HAD WRITTEN A BOOK AND I SEE IT IS OUT OF PRINT I WOULD LIKE A COPY DO YOU HAVE A EXTRA ONE? SEND IT TO 1427 CALVIN AVE. MUSKEGON,MICH, 49442 THANKS

Hi Chet, Lets hope you have not forgotton me I talked to Doris EDWARDS SHE TOLD ME YOU HAD WRITTEN A BOOK AND I SEE IT IS OUT OF PRINT I WOULD LIKE A COPY DO YOU HAVE A EXTRA ONE? SEND IT TO 1427 CALVIN AVE. MUSKEGON,MICH, 49442 THANKS

If you are a true Canadian Hockey fan, then you already have this book! Can you imagine Wayne Gretsky whispering in your ear "You're gonna be a legend"! Truly inspiring and very well written. You'll keep the pages turning.

The fact that there was a loonie at centre ice during the Salt Lake City Olympics only makes the double gold that much sweeter.
I loved reading about how the loonie came to be as well as how the Canadian teams perceived it. This story is for the true Canadian Hockey fan and will remain a legend for years to come.

I devoured this short read of Canadian history in one sitting.

Having grown up in the New York metropolitan area as a baseball fan, I was well acquainted with the story of Lou Gehrig. At least I thought I was until I listened to Carol Birch's spirited retelling of his life. I knew of his statistics and his tragic demise, but Carol brought this American hero to life. Too many baseball fans are unaware of those who so gracefully pioneered the game. However, Carol's story will be enjoyed not only by baseball aficionados but also by anyone who enjoys a good story - which covers everyone.

This is an excellent CD. It highlights the life of a man who started with humble beginnings and rose to true greatness. Carol Birch reveals not only the highlights that made Lou Gehrig a superb ball player, but she also paints a portrait of a man who understood humility and viewed his achievements as a gift he received.

It is a fascinating dialog that reminds us that a true hero is one who gives of himself asking nothing in return and faces difficulty with courage. Quite a contrast to the shooting stars of today that receive so much undeserving praise. This CD was enjoyed by everyone in my family.

A very good book on a forgotten baseball warrior whose career was cut short due to his human frailities. One of many baseball players who have suffered from alcohol abuse. Mr. Fleitz has woven a very interesting biography of one of baseball's sad pasts. If you have ever heard of the legend of this Cleveland Indian, here is an opportunity to discover the real story. A must read for those interested in 19th Century baseball.

One of baseball's most tragic figures is the nineteenth-century outfielder, Louis Sockalexis, who rose to national fame in a few short months and fell just as quickly due to what David Fleitz calls "the pernicious effects of alcohol."

The handsome, likable Sockalexis was the best college athlete in the nation for two years, quickly attracting attention for his dazzling speed and powerful throwing arm. He was recruited by Cleveland in 1897. The first recognized Native American to play in the major leagues, Sockalexis had to endure taunting war whoops from the crowds and endless gibes from the press, even as he won over the fans who saw him play.

David Fleitz' compassionate, concise account is very readable and well-illustrated, covering Sockalexis' brilliant rise and tragic fall from the majors. With his talents, he could have been one of the greatest players of all time but caved in to pressure and high living.

If the Cleveland Indians really want to honor their first Indian, they could dump Chief Wahoo and award scholarships to promising Indian students. Or better yet, rename their park Sockalexis Stadium!

I feel like I went away from this book with a new lease on life. I could identify my problem areas and felt secure with a new knowledge.
You dont find that often when searching for help with teens.

Loving Firmness is a fabulous book on raising teenagers! Using personal stories from raising her own nine children and over forty foster children, Corrie Player offers practical advice on all sorts of subjects. I particularly enjoyed her comments about developing communication skills as an important step in fostering healthy family relationships. She offers ten helpful tips for talking to teens focusing on positives. She says, "Life is a test - to react positively to negative experiences."

Other chapters include guidance on understanding the physical changes that come with adolescence, defusing sibling rivalry, motivating kids to help out, disciplining strategies, developing self-esteem and self-control, establishing good diet and sleep habits, getting more out of school, raising responsible drivers, encouraging suitable friendships, talking about morality, and teaching faith. Loving Firmness is a great how-to manual on raising children to be responsible and successful adults.

Dear Readers, This book is a really "Soul Catching" book. It's amazing, once you start reading it, the book will grab your soul, and the first time I read it, when I finished, I felt like I was MJ! If you like "lending" your soul to a book, and you love sports, this is the book for you. See ya' later!

I love this book. It reaches deep into the soul of the reader and MJ! I'm waiting for the sequel! (hint, hint)

This book is a first class work of scholarship by a member of baseball's famed Hall of Fame that takes the reader through a day-by-day account of the transactions and events of the historic 1946. Mr. Levy corrects many of the mistakes that are found in common reference books of the season. His preface is a moving tribute to the returning wartime players great and small without being sentimental. Many players who are now just names in record books become human again as the author expertly tells their stories such as Pete Reiser misplaced courage that would led to his fracture leg, or Phil Marchildon courageous war record, and his harrowing experiences in W.W 2.

Bob Levy's work, "Major League Baseball Transactions, 1946", is a remarkable addition to baseball history. It adds invaluable data for a fascinating time in the game's history... the early post-War years.

What Mr. Levy has done is to provide the most extensive review of the '46 season available anywhere. Among other things, his unique "grids" display every single player's appearance in every single 1946 game. Until now, this data was available only to those very few fans who have access to the microfilmed 1946 boxscores.

In addition to the grids, there are extensive and fascinating tales sprinkled throughout, many of which reveal tales which even serious fans never knew.

Grab this book if you want a unique and insightful look at a year which changed the game forever.

We can only hope that Mr. Levy will produce more such books in the future.