"Big-league baseball is subtle; cloaked in summer languor, moving with
the slow, supple grace of a ballerina practicing backstage, yet taut and
technical in its skills. To view a baseball game and appreciate it takes
concentration."
So begins Baseball's Best Ever. Encompassing a selection of some one
hundred columns and featured stories written over 50-plus years,
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist share stories on some of the greatest
baseball players to ever grace the diamond. But rather than snippets and
information known to anyone following the game, Berkow, shares insights
on these men: men dealing with tragedy, struggle, highs and
lows--showing that while they we at the top of the game, at the end of
the day they are mere mortals.
With stories from Satchel Paige throwing his "bow tie pitch" close to a
batter's brow, the humorous side of Phil Rizzuto and Casey Stengel, a
rookie Carl Yastrzemski battling through a slump, and Ted Williams
talking about is favorite subject--no, not hitting: fishing.
Arranged by decade, Berkow shares his interactions with those at the top
of their game. We all know their stats and accolades, but not many fans
truly know the person under the uniform. Offering an inside view as to
who these men truly are, readers will be able to better understand their
favorite ballplayers. While they have accomplished things we only do in
our dreams, you will see that these men, under the surface, are no
different than any of us.
Though we may never hit like Joe DiMaggio or Babe Ruth, play the
outfield like Willie Mays, or run the bases like Jackie Robinson, Berkow
offers us a view of these stars that only an acclaimed journalist can.
And with a half century of reporting under his belt, Baseball's Best
Ever will let readers onto the field, in the dugout and locker room,
and at home with their family and friends.
