Synopses & Reviews
"... this is the history of a surprisingly fascinating symbiosis, of as much interest to social historians as to baseball fans." --Publishers Weekly
"... a sound account of a baseball team's place in the life of a community... effectively focused on the most exciting era of a club that has meant so much to so many people." --Greensboro (NC) News and Record
"Any baseball buff will enjoy this entertaining look at the hey-day of the Big Red Machine." --Monterey (CA) Herald
In interviews with players, including Bench, Rose, Concepcion, Perez, manager Sparky Anderson, journalists, owners, and civic leaders, Walker reveals what it is that defines the Reds, and what Cincinnati as a city represents.
Synopsis
'Robert H. Walker has hit a triple. His splendid work of social history is three fine books in one. It is a valuable contribution to the history of a great city and its region. It is an illuminating chapter in the annals of American business. And, of course, it is a loving and informed new chapter in the book of baseball history.' -George F. Will, columnist and TV commentator'Walker's life's work has been the study of America. In this book about his home town and his home team he has brought his career and his roots together, combining the skills of the historian, philosopher, reporter, and commentator with the touch of a poet.' -Bob Jones, veteran Cincinnati broadcaster
Table of Contents
List of Illustrations
Preface
Prologue: Rose Rounding Third
One Backdrop
Two Setting the Stage
Three The Image: Clean and Traditional
Four The Needle and the Spark
Five The Reds Players: On Stage at Riverfront
Six After the Ball
Seven The City and the Game
Epilogue: Rose at Home
Key to Interviews
Note on Sources
Index