5 comments about Say It Ain't So, Joe!: The True Story of Shoeless Joe Jackson.

1. Gropman states early on that he intends to provethat Jackson had no involvement in the Black Soxscandal of 1919 and succeeds. He demonstrates the hows and whys of Jackson's "involvement" and shows why Jackson took money when he didn't participate in the fix. Though Gropman goes out of his way to glorify Jackson in some instances, for the most part this is highly readable, well-researched bio of "Shoeless Joe" and demonstrates once and for all that Jackson belongs in the Hall of Fame.



2. The book sheds tremendous light on shoeless joe jackson and his era. the book gives deeper insight into the black sox scandal of 1919.Jack M. Purvin,M.D.



3. I loved this book! Joe Jackson should be in the hall of fame! After reading this book and all the insights to his life, I have become a huge fan of Shoeless Joe. This book will tell you all about his involment with the "Black Sox". Like how he tried to tell Comiskey about the scandle before the 1919 series. And, how he also tried to give the money to Comiskey before the news hit the papers. If you want to know about one of the best players you need to read this book. By the way it was a life time band from baseball....his life ended in December 1951.



4. Mnay biographies focus on human interest rather than factual information. This is not one of those. This book is meticulously researched and presents all the facts Mr. Gropman came across. The reader can make his or her own conclusion based on the facts the author presents, but the facts will probably lead the reader to conclude that Joe Jackson was not involved in the Black Sox scandal that nearly ruined baseball.

   Mr. Gropman clearly demonstrates what many authors are unable to do: the ability to present an opinion based on fact, rather than speculation. I was impressed with this book because it provided me with much information on Joe Jackson's life, particularly on whether he was or wasn't involved in the scandal. The facts lead to the conclusion, not the other way around, and I like that. Baseball fans interested in the history of the game should read this book. They will enjoy it.




5. Donald Gropman is the leading historian on the life of "Shoeless" Joe Jackson. In his revised edition of the book, Gropman gives an objetive look at the life of Joe Jackson, including the scandal that ended his career. Gropman's argument leaves little doubt that this legend belongs in the baseball hall of fame. Quite simply, the hall of fame is incomplete without him.

   The other members of the Black Sox sought to add Jackson to the fix. Jackson never committed. Jackson even went so far as to tell Sox owner Charles Comiskey and attempted to sit out the World Series to demonstrate his innocence. These actions which would have exonerated him were rejected. Comiskey just felt Jackson was hearing rumors. When the scandal hit full force, Comiskey tried to save his players. Unfortunately, Comiskey's lawyer was only interested in saving Comiskey, not the players. The great tragedy is that Comiskey, depite his Richard Nixon-like tactics, is in the hall of fame while "Shoeless" Joe Jackson is not.

   Gropman lays out a tremendous amount of evidence that supports Jackson's innocence. Despite this mountain of evidence and growing support for Joe Jackson's reinstatement, baseball's commissioners have largely ignored the case for Joe Jackson.

   This book sets the standard for "Shoeless" Joe Jackson's life as well as the case for his reinstatement into baseball and his induction into the hall of fame. With the additions of transcripts, letters, and other pieces of evidence, this book is more than worth its price. Gropman also provides information for joining the Shoeless Joe Jackson Society and fighting to clear his name. I would encourage you to join.

4 comments about They Call Me Sparky.

1. As a lifelong Detroit Tiger fan and Michigan resident, the stories and messages that Sparky conveyed typify what the people of Detroit, Cincinnati, and Thousand Oaks California knew all along. Sparky is truly a class act who "walks the walk." His lessons and stories transcend baseball and touch upon something rare in professional sports: Class and Dignity.

   I can only speak for Detroit when I say that the Sparky that is portrayed in "They Call Me Sparky" is the same Sparky whose efforts with C.A.T.C.H. are still benefitting Children's Hospital.

   Any person who deals with people on a day to day basis can take away from this book many of the same interpersonal lessons taught in a Dale Carnegie course.




2. I REALLY WANTED TO LIKE THIS BOOK, BUT IT WASN'T WHAT I EXPECTED OR WANTED TO READ ABOUT. I WANTED TO READ ABOUT HIS GREAT CAREER IN BASBALL, BUT WHAT I GOT WAS OVER 200 PAGES OF WHAT A GREAT GUY SPARKY IS AND A LESSON IN HUMILITY, DIGNITY AND HOW TO TREAT PEOPLE IN GENERAL. SPARKY COMES ACROSS AS TRULY BEING A VERY SINCERE AND HONEST MAN. I BELIEVE HE REALLY IS A GOOD PERSON AND AND A GOOD EXAMPLE OF HOW TO LIVE YOUR LIFE. HE HAS DONE MUCH CHARITY WORK AND IS A VERY GIVING INDIVIDUAL. TO SPEND MUCH OF THE BOOK TELLING ABOUT THIS WAS NOT WHAT I BOUGHT IT FOR. IF YOU TRULY WANT TO FIND OUT ABOUT SPARKY THE PERSON THEN THIS IS FOR YOU. FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO WANT A LOT OF BASEBALL STORIES AND NOSTALGIA THEN YOU WILL BE DISAPPOINTED.



3. Although Sparky and I come from totally different backgrounds (I am from the Dominican Republic and Sparky is from South Dakota) but the concept of treating everybody equal is universal but unfortunately not practiced by everyone. Some people talk about it others do it. Sparky does it!*The book is awesome and not just in baseball terms but in the every day life term. After reading this book, there is no doubt why Sparky is the best there ever was.

   *I got the opportunity to watch Sparky work his magic when I was a player in the Detroit organization. I am now a minor league manager and one day I want to be just like Sparky. Close at least! there is only one Sparky and I can only pray to be half of the man that he is. Very smart at his craft!!* Ironically I now live in South Dakota:)

   Sparky is coming to town this week and I cannot wait to get the opportunity to pick his brains...




4. I was very disappointed with this book. I love Sparky but I don't really need a lesson on how to treat people,Mom did a fine job with that. This book tells you very little about his amazing career. Instead Sparky tells you something on how to behave and then the author promptly repeats it. If you are trying to figure out how to raise a kid then by all means buy this book. If you are looking for information about Sparky's baseball career save your money.

3 comments about Billy Sunday: Major League Evangelist (Heroes of the Faith).

1. This book was a biography of one of America's greatest evangelists. From his childhood growing up in Iowa to his becoming one of the best baseball players at the end of the 19th century & ultimately showing his love & passion for not only Christ but for every unsaved soul in America & beyond. He not only was a great preacher, he was a great American & showed it by helping & providing for troops & other gov't. establishments. This is definately a book that will keep your interest & attention from start to finish!!! Very inspirational; enjoy!!



2. Billy Sunday is another title in the "Heroes of the Faith" series on various Christian figures over the years.
   
   Phillips summarizes Sunday's life, accomplishments, and death in a succinct manner and covers areas such as:
   
   1. Early life in Iowa.
   2. Being shipped off with his brother to a Soldier's Home when their mother could no longer take care of them.
   3. Major League baseball career.
   4. Eventual conversion and call to go into the gospel ministry.
   5. Long and happy marriage to Nell, his beloved wife.
   6. Results of various crusades throughout the country.
   7. Pain experienced over the waywardness of his sons.
   
   Again, the book is a good and smooth-flowing narrative and is easy to read. Recommended for anyone who wants to know more about the life of Billy Sunday.
   
   Read and enjoy.
   .



3. Memories from my 2007 summer reading list:
   
   I really enjoyed the biography of one of the greatest evangelists of our time. While much of the story is triumphant, I was struck by the somber notes of family discord. The eveangelist seemed to sacrifice the spititual upbringing of his sons in favor of the spiritual conditions of the world around him. His story serves as a good encouragement to strike a healthy balance between family and ministry.

5 comments about Joe Rounding Third and Heading for Home.

1. I thought I had pretty much heard all there was to hear about Joe, but I was way wrong. This book never got old because while Joe stated the obvious, he also took care to let us in on other things that happened at the same time. Everyone knows that Joe gave up his high school elgibility to sign with the Reds at the age of 14, but how many know that he later successfully petitioned to have his elgibility returned? That he was an all around athlete at Hamilton High? That he had a sister who died as a toddler? I didn't, but now I do. The minor league stories were the highlight of the book for me, but this is a recommended read for anyone who ever tuned into a Reds game on 700 WLW during one of the stretches where Joe had decided to punctuate the action with a long moment of silence, (Do I have this tuned right, or what?) or tried to figure out what was going on when the action was coming fast. You had to grow up with it to really appreciate it. Great book.



2. I purchased the book for a younger brother, knowing the Hamilton hometown scenes and connection would interest him. However, I couldn't put the book down. It was thrilling to hear of Joe's encounters with the Big League greats of the glory days of baseball. Greg Hoard's writing is clear and descriptive and moves you right along with it. This would be a good story if it were fiction. As a true narrative, it's fun and inspiring. It's easy to like Joe and it's easy to like this book.



3. If you are a true Cincinnati Reds fan or even a Major League Baseball fan you must get this book. It is a biography of a baseball star. The writer didn't just write the book as he saw it he interviewed anyone and everyone that might have had contact with Joe Nuxhall throughout his life and carreer.



4. I grew up watching Joe pitch. Lots of pictures in the book, but it could have been much better written. Not that much about his major league career. Mostly about his life up to making the big leagues. If you're a Reds' fan you may want to read the book, but don't make it a priority or buy the book. If you're not a Reds' fan, don't bother.



5. I really enjoyed this book. It may not have tremendous depth but I grew up listening to Joe and Marty. They were a large part of my childhood. Reading the stories about Joe made me realize he lived up to all of my childhood expectations - a really good man who loved baseball and the Reds and shared that with me. Well worth the time.

1 comments about Omar!: My Life on and Off the Field.

1. I bought this book to hear the dirt about Jose Mesa. Vizquel is great talent - especially in the field, but what an ego!

3 comments about Peach: Ty Cobb In His Time And Ours.

1. Peach: Ty Cobb In His Time And Ours is a coffee table biography of one of baseball's greatest players, who hit .367 over 24 seasons (1905-1928), won a dozen batting titles, and was the first man elected to baseball's Hall of Fame. Ty Cobb was well known for his intense and changeable personality, rivalries, and petty jealousies; but author Richard Bak reveals a side of Ty Cobb less discussed... a man who came to the aid of down-and-out ballplayers, founded a hospital system and educational foundation which remain successful after a half-century, and who came to terms with his own tarnished legend. Published to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Ty Cobb's baseball debut, and featuring over 150 rarely seen black-and-white photographs, Peach: Ty Cobb In His Time And Ours is a slice of unforgettable sports history and a "must-have" for fans of great baseball figures throughout history.



2. Richard Bak is one of the best sportwriters working today, and his other books on early 20th-century baseball show his comprehensive knowledge and remarkable insight into the era and its players. (He's even done an illustrated history of Casey Stengel--now, that's deep history.) This book has some wonderful images, and the writing is up to Mr. Bak's standards, which is to say, excellent. Cobb's story is an amazing one, and Mr. Bak tells it well. This book was hard to put down once I started reading it.
   
   It's been rumored that he's been working on a long-awaited book on the Dead Ball era, and I for one can't wait.



3. As author Richard Bak points out Ty Cobb was a complex personality. The traumatic death of his father when Tyrus was 19 years old, having been shot by his Ty's mother who maintained she thought he was a burgler entering a window of the house at night would be enough to traumatize anyone, let alone a 19 year old boy. This, in addition to the hazing from teammates, may well have scarred his personality to an extent that he saw the devil in whoever he met. Cobb was determined to succeed when he found himself in such circumstances. It is undoubtedly true that he was a racist. However, most major league players were from the south during this time period and held equally racist attitudes, hall of famers such as Speaker, Hornsby, and Anson included. Author Richard Bak makes a convincing case regarding Al Stump's not knowing Ty Cobb as well as he claimed to know him when writing Cobb's life story, "My Life in Baseball: The True Record". That Cobb was not well liked by many players is undoubtedly true, but he had his sentimental side as well. His two wives divorced him and his children didn't feel close to him and even feared his temper rages. One anecdote: Neal Conway, the head groundskeeper in Detroit, idolized Ty Cobb and saw to it that every one of his needs were met. At the end of the season Conway was invited to join Cobb downtown to accept a gift of Cobb's appreciation. The admirer was given a box the size of which suggested a wrist watch. Cobb had to leave immediately for Georgia. Neal quickly opened the gift and found a tube of Colgate toothpaste. I feel the author presented both sides of Ty Cobb, but I found a glaring error that really is inexcusable. On page 107 the author states "Speaker (Tris) was good enough to join Ty in the Hall of Fame's inaugural class of inductees." Cobb was a charter member of the Hall of Fame along with Ruth, Wagner, Mathewson, and Johnson. These five were elected in 1936. Speaker was elected in 1937. I have to knock off a star for this error.

2 comments about Don't Look Back: Satchel Paige in the Shadows of Baseball.

1. After reading this book, I am utterly convinced that Satchel Paige is as much of a baseball legend as a Ty Cobb or Babe Ruth. This book not only entertains but it fascinates, so much that I would'nt be suprised if someone mistook this biography for a peice of baseball folklore or a non fictitious work designed to capture the imaginations of baseball fans. This book portrays the life of Robert Leroy Satchel Paige in a most interesting way. In some cases he stands biggerthan life portrayed as a demi-god in the face of the gods of Major League Baseball and in some cases his mortality is revealed in the very midst of his immortality, and this is what makes this portrayal so unique.



2. Satchel Paige is an enigmatic figure in american histroy. Mention his name, people inevitably think of the negro leagues,or thta terrible bingo long movie.In fact, Paige was ,in many repects, the first modern ballplayer. He played for a percentage of the gate, would only pitch a couple of innings in these contests,had no compuction about jumping from team to team{or country to country}The minstel show,stephifetchit aura that he calculated with the all too eager white press was, of course, a huge ruse. He was a sometimes bitter man{quite understandably so}He knew, instinctively, that he was the best pitcher in the world{although,curiosly, his peers voted Smokey Joe williams better in a 1950 vote in the Pittsburgh Courrier} He despsed the Jim Crow laws, and what he had to do to get around them. HIs civil rights stands were taken in the 20's 30's and 40's, when such things often meant death. He pitched for what might have been the greatest team of all time{the Pittsburgh crawfords of the early 30's] Dimaggio called him ethe toughest pitcher he ever hit against.All of these nuggets are in this book. Mr. Ribowsky did a fine job here. Paige is a figure who should be celebrated for what he was:an american original,a species often sighted but rarely seen. A wonderful book!

5 comments about Rogers Hornsby: A Biography.

1. Alexander captures Hornsby and his times perfectly. While not as readable as the author's previous "Ty Cobb", this is due more to Hornsby's general colorlessness than in Alexander's writing. As enigmatic as Hornsby was, Alexander does a great job in telling the life of the man who hit for the highest average in the 20th century.



2. This is the third book I've read by Alexander, which I suppose is evidence that his books are readable.

   In the end they all share the same strengths and weaknesses.

   For a straightforward narrative of the key points of Hornsby's career and life, this is perfectly OK.

   But the book really stays on the surface. For example, there is never any in-depth discussion of techniques of batting or fielding. It's like reading a book on Napoleon without finding anything about the nature of warfare in the period.

   Also, there is very little meangingful discussion of Hornsby's relative baseball greatness. Alexander doesn't need to become a zealous SABRmetrician, but some basic statistics about Hornsby and others (beyond saying what the average batting average for the league was in a given year) seems called for. Alexander doesn't even include a table or appendix with Hornsby's basic statistics.

   I've given this 3 stars, because for the general reader it's OK. If I were rating it as serious history, I'd give it a 1. You come away from this book unaware that there have been lots of serious books written about baseball and its relation to society. Alexander's attempts to provide historical context are embarassing--on the order of, "The same continued hot, dry weather than made the Great Plains a Dust Bowl was present on Opening Day 1936 [my paraphrase, to be honest]".

   In short, there is the same strain of intellectual laziness in this book that I saw in his others.




3. This is an outstanding biography of the hitting machine, Rogers Hornsby, perhaps the greatest right-handed hitter in the history of Major League Baseball (MLB). The story that Charles C. Alexander tells explores the rise and fall of this remarkable baseball player, an individual who could work magic on the diamond but had real difficulty off of it.
   
   Signed out of Texas to the St. Louis Cardinals, he had a "cup-of-coffee" with the team at the end of the 1915 season, hitting a measly .246. Hardly a stellar debut, but after working hard all winter the next year Hornsby made the Cardinals and batted .313 while becoming the everyday second baseman. He went on to compile a career batting average of .358 and established the highest single season batting average when he hit .424 for the Cards in 1924. Indeed, from 1921-1925, Rogers' overall batting average was .402, a truly amazing accomplishment. In 1925 Hornsby became player-manager of the Cardinals and the next year his team captured its first National League pennant by edging Cincinnati in the final week of the season after an August spurt had shot them into pennant contention. The season was made perfect by the Cards' first victory in the World Series, coming at the expense of Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and the rest of the New York Yankees.
   
   Always an abrasive force on the Cardinals, the year after his World Series success the owner shipped him off to the New York Giants for Frankie Frisch and Jimmy Ring. It was only the first time in which Hornsby's personality led to adversity for him. But there was room for only one massive ego on the Giants and within a short time manager John J. McGraw shipped him to the Boston Braves. From there he went to the Chicago Cubs, back to the Cardinals, and then to the St. Louis Browns. He finally retired in 1937. Hornsby lived another 26 years after retiring from MLB, always hovering around the fringes of it but never truly a part of it. He eventually died in 1963, bitter about his fate.
   
   Charles C. Alexander is an outstanding historian, the author of several other books on baseball as well as on other subjects. This is a superb addition to his path-breaking series of studies on a range of subjects.



4. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I thought the author did a marvelous job of capturing the essence of Rogers Hornsby's personality, warts and all. By the time I finished it, I felt that I really knew what Hornsby was like.
   
   I also had a small personal connection to Hornsby that served to increase my enjoyment of this book. When I was ten years old in 1960, living in the Chicago suburb of Lincolnwood, my grandfather, who was retired and living with my family, somehow became friends with Rogers Hornsby. What was the one common interest that brought these two guys together? You guessed it - playing the horses! Almost everyday, from the time they met in 1960 until Hornsby died in 1963, he would drive his car to our house, and then ride together with my grandfather in my grandfather's car to Arlington Park Race Track. Knowing of my love for baseball even at the age of ten, my grandfather introduced me to Mr. Hornsby and even had him sign a baseball for me - unfortunately long since lost! I also spoke to him numerous times on the phone when he called our house.
   
   Mr. Alexander makes it vividly clear that, other than his love for baseball, the major constant in Hornsby's live was his addiction to playing the horses. It's now very clear to me why these two old codgers became fast friends - their love of horseracing.



5. Just like his book on Cobb, Alexander's bio on Hornsby is excellent. What I especially like about it is that the author provided considerable info. on Hornsby's personal life during and after his career as a player. I don't feel that Hornsby was "colorless." He had an abrasive, stubborn insensitive personality and his interests were generally confined to baseball and horseracing. Still he managed several major league teams and married three times. I think Alexander really captured the essence of Hornsby. you were actually able to feel Hornsby's one track obsession with baseball and human failings that his contemporaries saw. If Hornsby had been able to contain his horseracing gambling addiction, he would have become a wealthy man after he retired as a player instead of struggling. Yet Hornsby was always able to find someone- in baseball or out to hire him.
   
   The author's writing style makes for an easy read. Alexander's research is excellent. This includes interviews with players who played for him. There's just enough detail about his career to make the chronology of his baseball career complete- without a boring recitation of every game he played. And in contrast to one reviewer, I don't find the author's omission of Hornsby's baseball statistics or discussion of his saber metrics a problem at all. There are many other sources for such information.

No comments about AMERICAN GLADIATOR: The Life and Times of Pete Browning.

No comments about Extra Bases: Reflections on Jackie Robinson, Race, and Baseball History.