Until 1947, professional ball players were paid only from opening day to season's end. Even during the season, a lot of their expenses came out of their own pockets. Even the best-paid players had trouble making ends meet. One answer to their money woes was barnstorming--tours out of season. Cities lacking their own major league teams were happy to host big-league players for such events, as well as for special exhibition games whose proceeds sometimes went to local charities. Here is a history of barnstorming and exhibition games from 1901 (when both of the two current major leagues began operating) through 1962 (when a team led by Willie Mays was unsuccessful in its attempt at a tour, signaling an end to true barnstorming). Decade by decade, it covers the teams, the games, and the players for a detailed look at how barnstorming and exhibition brought big-league baseball to the backyard ballparks of America.

This book uses quotes to narrate the life and career of Jackie Robinson, the first African American to play Major League Baseball and one of the most famous players of all time, just in time for Father's Day and the 70th anniversary celebration of Robinson's first MLB début.Jackie Robinson was a Hall-of-Fame second baseman for the Brooklyn Dodgers. He was most famous for breaking the baseball color line with the Dodgers on April 15, 1947, though he was also known for his strong character and political activism that contributed to the Civil Rights Movement. Every year on April 15, all players in the MLB recognize Jackie Robinson Day by wearing Jackie's number, 42. He was an inspiration to players, fans and underdogs around the world. With Baseball Immortal: Jackie Robinson, Danny Peary takes you on an incredible, unique journey to a time of great progress in America and some really good baseball. Get a first-hand, 360-degree look at one of America's greatest and most important athletes through his words and the words of those around him - from his outspoken wife, Rachel Robinson, his childhood influencers, fans, other baseball greats and more. This book is perfect for baseball fans and historians across the country, especially since the book will publish in time for Father's Day gifts. Baseball fans will get an advantage reading about Robinson's life just in time to celebrate major anniversaries of the great player. In 2016 and 2017, the MLB will commemorate the 70th anniversaries of Robinson's first debuts in the minor leagues and in the major leagues with the Dodgers, along with other anniversaries like the 35th anniversary of his induction into the Hall of Fame.

Acclaimed sportswriter Allen Barra exposes the uncanny parallels--and lifelong friendship--between two of the greatest baseball players ever to take the field. Culturally, Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays were light-years apart. Yet they were nearly the same age and almost the same size, and they came to New York at the same time. They possessed virtually the same talents and played the same position. They were both products of generations of baseball-playing families, for whom the game was the only escape from a lifetime of brutal manual labor. Both were nearly crushed by the weight of the outsized expectations placed on them, first by their families and later by America. Both lived secret lives far different from those their fans knew. What their fans also didn't know was that the two men shared a close personal friendship--and that each was the only man who could truly understand the other's experience.

How good was Negro League Baseball (1920-1948)? Some experts maintain that the quality of play was equal to that of the American and National Leagues. Some believe the Negro Leagues should be part of Major League Baseball's official record and that more Negro League players should be in the Hall of Fame. Skeptics contend that while many players could be rated highly, NL organizations were minor league at best. Drawing on the most comprehensive data available, including stats from more than 2,000 interracial games, this study finds that black baseball was very good indeed. Negro leaguers beat the big leaguers more than half the time in head-to-head contests, demonstrated stronger metrics within their own leagues and excelled when finally allowed into the majors. The authors document the often duplicitous manner in which MLB has dealt with the legacy of the Negro Leagues, and an appendix includes the scores and statistics from every known contest between Negro League and Major League teams.

House of David barnstorming baseball (1915-1957) was played without pre-determined schedules, leagues, player statistics or standings. The Davids quickly gained popularity for their hirsute appearance and flashy, fast-paced style of play. During their 200 seasons, they travelled as many as 30,000 miles, criss-crossing the United States, Canada and Mexico. The Benton Harbor teams invented the pepper game and were winners year after year, becoming legends in barnstorming baseball. Initially a loose affiliation of players, the Davids expanded to three teams--Western, Central and Eastern--as their reputation grew, and hired outsiders to fill the rosters. Prominent among them were pitchers Grover Cleveland Alexander and Charlie "Chief" Bender, both player managers in the early 1930s. They resisted the color barrier, eagerly facing Negro League teams everywhere. In 1934, before their largest crowd to date, they defeated the first Negro team invited to the famed Denver Post Tournament, the great Kansas City Monarchs, for the championship.

As the second-largest city in New England, Worcester is well known for its contributions to manufacturing and transportation. However, many other people and events contributed to the building of this city. Timothy Bigelow led a revolution to take back Worcester from British rule almost two years before the Declaration of Independence. Abby Kelley Foster helped establish the first national women's rights convention in Worcester and was a leading voice against slavery. The city was also home to one of the nation's first professional baseball teams, the Worcester Brown Stockings. Join local author Dave Kovaleski as he reveals the stories behind revolutionaries, reformers and pioneers from the "Heart of the Commonwealth."

A legend during the Golden Era of the 1950s, Brooklyn Dodgers baseball player and New York Mets manager Gil Hodges is at the center of this masterful sports biography, which delves into the life, achievements, and sterling character of one of baseball’s most overlooked stars. Gil Hodges was the Brooklyn Dodgers’ powerful first baseman who, alongside Jackie Robinson, helped drive his team to six pennants and a thrilling World Series victory in 1955. Dutifully following the Dodgers to Los Angeles in 1958, Hodges longed to return to New York City, and in 1962, joined the original Mets. He took over the manager’s spot on their bench in 1968 and transformed the team from a joke to World Champions in 1969—thus creating the Miracle Mets. Yet behind his stoic demeanor lay a man prone to anxiety and scarred by combat during World War II. His sudden death in 1972 shocked his friends and family and left a void in the hearts of baseball fans everywhere. Acclaimed authors Tom Clavin and Danny Peary deliver a thoroughly researched and poignant view of one of baseball’s hidden treasures, shedding light on a fascinating life and career that even his most ardent fans never knew.