The World Series Book

It's the tradition of the World Series that sets it apart from other sporting events. Every fan has cherished memories of a championship run, and Ron Fimrite, the author of this fine chronicle, is a very big fan indeed. Turning his childhood love of the game into a profession, Fimrite became a sportswriter, and in 1971 he began covering baseball's annual event for Sports Illustrated. From that vantage he followed the Series for nearly two decades, developing a commanding knowledge of its long history and a passionate sense of the game's cultural significance. "I happen to think the World Series represents the best in sports," he writes. "It is not called the Fall Classic without good reason. It has also become, as I've tried to demonstrate, very much a part of my life." As it has for millions of baseball fans around the world. Fimrite's descriptive writing is supported by an outstanding collection of colorful photos and a detailed section of official statistics. He never pushes to sway the convictions of his readers, but merely offers camaraderie and a shared respect for an excellent game. Which World Series moment was the greatest of all time? Fimrite has his opinions. Was it '75 with Carlton Fisk's infamous body English? The 1914 sweep of the Philadelphia A's by Boston's "Miracle" Braves? The Babe's "called shot" in '32? Or Jack Morris's 1-0 shutout for Minnesota in '91? In the end, as his book attests, the only possible answer is all of the above--plus every other World Series ever played. --George LaneyRead More