The World Series: An Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Fall Classic
Every October, at the end of a long summer of baseball, the pennant winners from the National and American Leagues compete in a series of games to decide which one shall lay claim to the title of world's best. The World Series: An Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Fall Classic captures nearly a century of such contests in wonderful archival photographs, vivid retellings of each match-up and detailed statistics for every World Series game that has ever been played.From the first series in 1903, when the American League's Boston Pilgrims (later known as the Red Sox) faced off against the Pittsburgh Pirates of the National League, to the Subway Series of 2000, which pitted the New York Yankees against their cross-town rivals, the New York Mets, The World Series is an exhaustive collection of stories, statistics and much more.All of the epic moments are captured here in words and photographs, whether it is a slugger knocking a ball out of the park - Bill Mazeroski, Carleton Fisk, Reggie Jackson and Babe Ruth made history for such deeds; a fielder depriving a batter of the hero's mantle with spectacular glove work - we remember Willie Mays making a sensational over-the-shoulder catch in 1954 and Brooks Robinson turning dazzling play after dazzling play at the "hot corner" in 1970; or a pitcher at the top of his form - Bob Gibson intimidating batters to the tune of 17 strikeouts, an aged Pete Alexander fanning Tony Lazzeri with the bases full, or the perfect afternoon in 1956 that belonged to Don Larsen.The World Series has also given lesser-known players - names like Ehmke, Lavagetto and Tenace - the opportunity to triumph, and has been the scene of bitter disappointments and personal anguish - Mickey Owen dropping the third strike and Bill Buckner losing the ball between his legs. The World Series chronicles every victory and defeat in words and images that bring each moment to life. Every game is described to convey the feel and the flavor of the match-up, to highlight the moments and performances that stand out as the greatest in this or any other - sport. Alongside the stories and images are statistics that detail every hit, every strikeout, every stolen base and much more. Special features examine topics like Great World Series Upsets, Unlikely October Heroes, Highlights from the Mound, Dramatic Series Endings and the All-Time Great World Series Performances.For nearly 100 years, baseball's greatest stage has produced remarkable moments that have captivated fans and sealed the sport's place as America's national pastime. The World Series: An Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Fall Classic is a celebration of the men and the moments that have made each World Series since 1903 something to remember and cherish.