Cover of 20th Century Baseball Chronicle

20th Century Baseball Chronicle

By: Stephens Hanks

ISBN: 9780517052549

Traces baseball from 1900 to 1990 with a year-by-year season overview, which recounts each year's biggest stories: the pennant races, the World Series, the MVP's, and the rising stars--as well as each season's hottest controversies.

Format: BOOK
Publisher: Crescent
Pages: 580
Published: 1991-06-24
Language: en

AI Overview

Title: 20th Century Baseball Chronicle: A Year-By-Year History of Major League Baseball

Authors: David Nemec, Stephen Hanks, Dick Johnson

Overview: The "20th Century Baseball Chronicle" is a comprehensive historical account of Major League Baseball (MLB) spanning from 1900 to 1998. The book is meticulously detailed, covering all major topics, including pennant races, World Series, record-breaking performances, and notable achievements by ballplayers. It is arranged in easily accessible year-by-year chapters, each containing significant events, statistics, and record-setting performances of dominant players. The book is also richly illustrated with over 1,300 photographs, making it a visually engaging and informative resource for baseball enthusiasts.

Key Themes:

  1. Historical Coverage: The book provides a thorough year-by-year history of MLB, capturing the essence of each season.
  2. Player Profiles: It highlights the achievements and records set by key players throughout the 20th century.
  3. Team Dynamics: The book discusses the dynamics of various teams, including their performances in pennant races and World Series.
  4. Illustrations: The inclusion of over 1,300 photographs adds a visual dimension to the historical narrative, making it more engaging for readers.

Plot Summary: The book begins in 1900 and takes readers through the 1998 season, detailing every significant event, game, and player achievement. Each chapter is dedicated to a specific year, providing an in-depth look at the major happenings in that year's MLB season. The narrative is structured to be accessible and easy to follow, making it suitable for both casual fans and die-hard enthusiasts.

Critical Reception: The book has received positive reviews from readers and critics alike. Here are some excerpts from available reviews:

  • John Yelverton on Goodreads: "An absolutely great and wonderful look at baseball throughout its history and in pictures." (5 stars)
  • ThriftBooks User: "This book is exquisitely detailed. It comes complete with over 1,300 pictures. If you love America's favorite pastime, then this book is for you." (4.5 stars)
  • ThriftBooks User: "Beginning in 1900 and going through 1998, this 631-page book is beautifully illustrated with more than 1300 photographs and truly brings to life the entire history of modern major-league baseball." (4.5 stars)

Overall, the "20th Century Baseball Chronicle" is highly recommended for anyone interested in the rich history of Major League Baseball, offering a comprehensive and visually engaging account of the sport's evolution over the 20th century.