1889 Book

A joy to read and view


While the book is educational and entertaining with many pictures from the history of baseball, I enjoyed the DVD more. The content is based on what appeared in the newsreels and since their production was ended in the early 1960's, there are no highlights beyond that time. Yet, the viewer is able to experience through video archives some of the greatest moments in baseball.
Momentous occasions such as the Pirates victory over the Yankees in the 1961 World Series, Bobby Thomson's home run, Ted Williams' last home run, Lou Gehrig's brief but moving farewell speech and Willie Mays hitting four home runs in a game are all hightlighted. There is more information in the book, but for the fan of baseball history, seeing it happen is the ultimate rush.
Events are covered in the book that don't appear in the video, such as a brief overview of flamboyant owner Bill Veeck. He invented the unusual publicity stunt, boosting attendance and leading to some of the most memorable events in the history of baseball. Veeck was also instrumental in integrating baseball, giving the 47 year old Satchel Paige the opportunity to play major league baseball.
This is a book and video that baseball fans will cherish, the game of baseball has been an American addiction for a long time and from this package you can see why.

This review also appears on Amazon