Whispers of the Gods

November 29, 2021
Sportswriter Golenbock (Dynasty) delivers a fascinating oral history of Major League Baseball in the 1940s, ’50s, and ’60s, as witnessed by legendary players. Drawing on intimate interviews with stars such as Stan Musial—and others whom, like Roger Maris, spoke about their experiences for the first time—Golenbock pieces together an on-the-field look into historic developments that unfolded over those three decades. Jackie Robinson’s breaking of the color barrier in 1947 is related from the vantage point of former Brooklyn Dodgers pitcher Rex Barney, who speaks of the outrage the Black infielder faced by both teammates and opponents (“A lot of players on other teams wanted to strike”). The late Boston Red Sox player Ted Williams offers a maverick take on Shoeless Joe Jackson’s role in the Black Sox scandal, arguing that Jackson’s part in throwing the 1919 World Series wasn’t so simple, and that his achievements still warrant an inclusion in the Hall of Fame. Equally engrossing are the rags-to-riches tales of such players as late Hall of Famer Roy Campanella, who rose from his impoverished childhood to become “one of the greatest catchers in the history of the game.” Sports fans will be captivated.

Starred review from January 1, 2022

The so-called "golden age" of American baseball (1940s-60s) produced some of the greatest players of all time. It has seen the likes of the legendary Ted Williams, Roger Maris, Stan Musial, Ron Santo, and Roy Campanella. Sportswriter Golenbock's (The Bronx Zoo) book is an oral history of some of the most fascinating players of that era. These extraordinary interviews read casually but are by no means are casual--they are so much more. They tell a great account of what baseball was during this era and give readers an intimate look at the players' personal and professional lives. Together, the interviews paint a vivid picture that is hard to recreate and is real a treasure to behold. Told from the players' perspectives, this well-written history is outstanding from the first page to the last. It includes archival photographs of players like Babe Ruth and Marty Marion, which complement their colorful stories both on and off the mound. VERDICT Anyone who has love for the game of baseball will enjoy this remarkable book. A must-read for all baseball fans, casuals and diehards alike.--Gus Palas

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