A History of Baseball in 100 Objects

Josh Leventhal traces the evolution of baseball via relics and artifacts from the game. Equipment is included--bats and balls, uniforms and gloves--but Leventhal also features other, sometimes unexpected material. An illustration of ball players from a medieval calendar (1300s) suggests an early form of the pastime. A ball-strike umpire's counter (1887) is the lead-in for a commentary on how the sport went "pro." A hot dog vendor's bucket (1900s) symbolizes commercialism of the game. Each object is paired with specific eras: Jackie Robinson's Brooklyn Dodgers jersey (1947) celebrates the breaking of the color barrier; a Reggie! candy bar illuminates the 1970s "Bronx Zoo" of the New York Yankees; and Barry Bonds's 756th home run helmet (2007) probes the influence of steroids. These, and a wide range of additional items, launch entertaining insights into the history of America's favorite pastime. Leventhal's distinctive presentation is like visiting a well-conceived museum exhibit between the covers of a book. --Kathleen Gerard, blogger at Reading Between the Lines

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