59, A Word of Thanks....!!!

[Mattingly23NY]

Ron,

I want to thank you for the recommendation for the book "Yankee Century".

You were spot on right: I got the book in the mail Friday, and haven't been able to put it down since then, only to shower, not even to eat. (BTW-a used Hard Cover-copy in great shape, cost me but 50 cents, with $3.99 for shipping).

By Far, this is the best book on the History of the Yankees I have ever read. I knew but a bit about the Baltimore Fiasco, yet lacked the finite details of the real incredible stunning epic story, of those details.

I've always known early US metropolis local governments were more often than not ran by crooks, (I don't think that's changed), but to the extents they were, and the crimes, or hatred driven out of control manipulations to keep the Highlanders of out New York, I had not a clue of the Tammany Club, or Freedmans crooked dealings, as well as the Mayor, Police Chief, and all the other crony crooks.

The finite specific details I DID NOT know about. I've read alot of great Yankee books, especially of the great players and teams. But, I have never read anything this insightful, of historical fact.

A stunning read to say the least. A must for every Yankee Fan IMO.
I doubt I would of even known about this book, had you not of mentioned it, or recommended it. So thanks, I am more than thrilled to have it, moreso to read it. You couldn't of recommended a better book....

Indebted-I sent you another crate of "Crunchy Cheetohs" to the closest Kroger's, all you got to do is show up, and tell the Manager, your here to pick up your free crate or gift of Cheetohs, bought and paid for by Slappy McLipps.... (well its the thought that counts, don't let the Mgr. tell you they are not yours)...!

 

[Mattingly23NY]

I ordered a library copy thru the L.A. County Library System to get this next book, one I've been looking for, if its as good as the title, its got to be a great read too:



http://www.amazon.com/Era-1947-1957...kees,+the+Giants,+the+Dodgers+Ruled+the+World



Celebrated sports writer Roger Kahn casts his gaze on the golden age of baseball, an unforgettable time when the game thrived as America's unrivaled national sport. The Era begins in 1947 with Jackie Robinson changing major league baseball forever by taking the field for the Dodgers. Dazzling, momentous events characterize the decade that followed-Robinson's amazing accomplishments; the explosion on the national scene of such soon-to-be legends as Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Bobby Thomson, Duke Snider, and Yogi Berra; Casey Stengel's crafty managing; the emergence of televised games; and the stunning success of the Yankees as they play in nine out of eleven World Series. The Era concludes with the relocation of the Dodgers from Brooklyn to Los Angeles, a move that shook the sport to its very roots.

(my own note: screw Robinson, I want to hear about Larry Doby or Josh Gibson, Satchell Paige and Willie Mays.) Jackie’s story has wore me out, sure a great feat, but but but……..

 

[yankeesince59]

...glad you're happy with it, matts...din't hammer order a copy too?

 

[totus44]

Does the book espouse the need for great pitching in order to win championships? Lol!

 

[Mattingly23NY]

...glad you're happy with it, matts...din't hammer order a copy too?

Yes, as far as I believe Steve, ordered a used copy from E-Bay. Seems he found a good copy for around 5 or 6 bucks.


I'm looking forward to Hammer reading his copy. Some great discussions will ensue, no doubt.

 

[Mattingly23NY]

Does the book espouse the need for great pitching in order to win championships? Lol!

Moreso the importance of having a 5' 4" spark plug Center fielder, who would "keep the eyes clear, and hit 'em where they ain't"....that's the formula for success....Wee Willie....!

Here's an excerpt in the opening pages of the book, which sets the pace of a monumental story to follow:

"Even as the first skyscrapers broke through the horizon, and subway system took shape underground, working farms still dotted the upper reaches of Manhattan, and horses that dies on the streets, were left to rot in the gutters. Great mansions lined 5th Avenue, homes of scions like Vanderbilt, Aster, while the nameless and homeless, and faceless had already found their way into the rat traps and backrooms of the Bowery. Men, who made fortunes on Wall Street by day lost them in the gambling dens, and bordellos of the Tenderloin by night, then were rolled and left bleeding in the alleys. Common criminals with the
right political connections could become the most powerful men in the city. Anything in New York was available anytime at any price, from the finest silk, the best champagne, and the biggest steak, to the youngest boys, cheapest girls, and biggest hangover. The big Apple was at once rotten to the core, and gilded in gold leaf."

 

[yankeesince59]

Yes, as far as I believe Steve, ordered a used copy from E-Bay. Seems he found a good copy for around 5 or 6 bucks.


I'm looking forward to Hammer reading his copy. Some great discussions will ensue, no doubt.

...most of the stuff that came after Ruth's arrival I was already aware of...but as it turned out, I was woefully ignorant of most of the things that went into the making of the infant franchise...for me, the first 1/3 of the book was the best, a real eye opener.

 

[yankeesince59]

Moreso the importance of having a 5' 4" spark plug Center fielder, who would "keep the eyes clear, and hit 'em where they ain't"....that's the formula for success....Wee Willie....!

Here's an excerpt in the opening pages of the book, which sets the pace of a monumental story to follow:

"Even as the first skyscrapers broke through the horizon, and subway system took shape underground, working farms still dotted the upper reaches of Manhattan, and horses that dies on the streets, were left to rot in the gutters. Great mansions lined 5th Avenue, homes of scions like Vanderbilt, Aster, while the nameless and homeless, and faceless had already found their way into the rat traps and
backrooms of the Bowery. Men, who made fortunes on Wall Street by day lost them in the gambling dens, and bordellos of the Tenderloin by night, then were rolled and left bleeding in the alleys. Common criminals with the
right political connections could become the most powerful men in the city. Anything in New York was available anytime at any price, from the finest silk, the best champagne, and the biggest steak, to the youngest boys, cheapest girls, and biggest hangover. The big Apple was at once rotten to the core, and gilded in gold leaf."

...yeah, great stuff, huh?...a very well written account of the Yanx' history.

 

[Mattingly23NY]

...most of the stuff that came after Ruth's arrival I was already aware of...but as it turned out, I was woefully ignorant of most of the things that went into the making of the infant franchise...for me, the first 1/3 of the book was the best, a real eye opener.

...yeah, great stuff, huh?...a very well written account of the Yanx' history.

Yes, indeed, I too was pretty ignorant of the foundations, and corruption troubles Ban Johnson went through to get the Highlanders a home. Exactly as you said- "A VERY WELL written account of Yanx History".

Stuff so stunning, and I didn't know a darn thing about. To me that is one great thing that makes this book a classic. I totally agree, the first 1/3 of the book, is well worth the price of the entire book.

I can't recall last time I read a book this informative to enlighten me on subject matters, of which I honestly had little to no clue about....! 10 stars....out of 5...!!!

I almost fear any follow up book, on the Yanx, could be a let down after reading this masterpiece.

 

[Hammerojustice]

FYI, My books came on Saturday... Hopefully I'll get to it soon...

 

[Mattingly23NY]

FYI, My books came on Saturday... Hopefully I'll get to it soon...

Great, once you start, I do believe your going to love this book.

Another book, I've read before and now again, you may want to look into, (I bet your local library probably has a copy), something useful for your boys, or yourself if you ever decide to coach your boys once they get to Little League, which is just around the corner sooner than later.
Don Mattingly's: "Hitting Is Simple: The ABC's of Batting .300

Donnie's book reminds me alot of Ted Williams books on hitting when I was a kid. Tho' I'd say Donnie's is easier to absorb, read, comprhend for kids as well as adults. More adults wanting to teach kids, but either way, a very good book on hitting fundamentals without the over kill to confuse a kid, how he must stand, how his arms must be positioned, Don keeps hitting simplified....

 

[Hammerojustice]

Great, once you start, I do believe your going to love this book.

Another book, I've read before and now again, you may want to look into, (I bet your local library probably has a copy), something useful for your boys, or yourself if you ever decide to coach your boys once they get to Little League, which is just around the corner sooner than later.
Don Mattingly's: "Hitting Is Simple: The ABC's of Batting .300

Donnie's book reminds me alot of Ted Williams books on hitting when I was a kid. Tho' I'd say Donnie's is easier to absorb, read, comprhend for kids as well as adults. More adults wanting to teach kids, but either way, a very good book on hitting fundamentals without the over kill to confuse a kid, how he must stand, how his arms must be positioned, Don keeps hitting simplified....

I'll eventually get to it...