From the beginning, Jews have played a prominent role in our national pastime, the game of baseball, but have often been ignored. This is the first baseball encyclopedia dedicated to naming and honoring every Jewish contributor. These often remarkable stories ensure they will no longer be forgotten. The Big Book of Jewish Baseball covers everything, from tragic moments such as Herb Gorman dying on the ball field, and Erskine Meyer quitting the sport after finding out about his teammates (on the 1919 White Sox) taking bribes, to happier occasions such as Koufax's perfect game as well as Larry Sherry successfully concluding every Dodger victory of the 1959 World Series.
Jews who impacted upon the great American pastime extend far beyond the record homeruns and strikeouts of the legendary slugger "Hammerin' Hank" Greenberg and pitching ace Sandy Koufax. There are scores of lesser known ballplayers like Lipman Pike (the first professional Jewish player), Cal Abrams (who shielded Jackie Robinson with his body), and Ron Blomberg (who stood in as the very first Designated Hitter), whose baseball stories will touch or amuse readers of any background.
The Big Book of Jewish Baseball explores all facets of baseball, including: Minor League players, Umpires, Jewish League Officials and Club Executives. It even includes a 2001 Major League update, as well as 200 B&W photographs. This book is a must for anyone interested in the game.
Also included are full player stats, unusual memorabilia, exclusive original interviews, and rare photos of players on & off the field.
This one-of-a-kind book will be much appreciated by both baseball aficionados as well as readers of popular Judaica. In addition, the authors convey so much about the lives of the players, not just their baseball careers, some great transcendent moments both in baseball and American history come alive for readers.
