The National Game: Baseball and American Culture

By John P. Rossi

Book Overview

John Rossi offers not only an expert overview of baseball over the past 175 years; he shows how the game has reflected and contributed to changes in American society over time. The National Game chronicles baseball's popular successes and financial failures; its interleague wars and continuing struggles between owners and players; and its accommodations to radio and television-without neglecting the colorful players and managers who have won the hearts of fans. "A succinct, knowledgeable synopsis...recommended."-Jonathan Yardley, Washington Post.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1566634164
• ISBN13: 9781566634168
• Release Date: December 2001
• Publisher: Ivan R. Dee Publisher
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.2" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

A Quick Read on Baseball's History

No, this is not an all encompassing history of baseball, but if you are looking for a quick read on baseball's history this book would be perfect for you. I finished it in two sittings, but I feel the author knows what he is talking about and it is worth five stars. Author Rossi correctly points out that baseball's problems, for the most part, are not new ones. He correctly points out that baseball's future is up in the air at this time, and unlike decades past, baseball is faced with other sports as competition for the interests of individuals. The problem of unequal television revenue among the different teams ranks as the key problem that baseball owners must solve. The book is easy reading, but for a book that is 235 pages long the author does a great job covering baseball's history. It will be a keeper in my extensive library of baseball books.

Brilliant resource

A great resource as to the behind-the-scenes maneuvering that has actually shaped baseball, it's impact on the game itself, and how all of it ties in with American culture and society.