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Product Reviews:
The Whiz Kids And the 1950 Pennant (Baseball In America) |
Rating: 5 (out of 5)
Summary: "Whiz Kids" is a terrific book for all Phillies and baseball fans
Comments: Robin Roberts and Paul Rodgers have written a terrific book that can be enjoyed by all Phillies and baseball fans. While the focus is on the 1950 Phillies, the authors have spent a fair amount of time (however not too much) explaining how dreadful the Phillies were in the decades leading up to 1950 and how the Phillies organization managed to change from the stodgy, cheap baseball club it had been to a forward thinking and nimble1that won the 1950 NL penant.
Robin Roberts' memory for detail is terrific and you much feel like you are there, through the victories, defeats, fights (on the field) and down times for the young men of the team. Many other players are highlighted and I liked the fact that Roberts did not sugar coat the shameful way Jackie Robinson had been treated by the other players including, regretably, the Phillies.
Another enjoyable component of the book are many interviews, almost allly done by Dean Rodgers, that are interesting and informative. The use of segments of these interviews throughout the book really confirms the accounts descibed in the book and helped to breath life into the players both on the field and off.
I liked the fairly extensive statisitical compilation at the end of the book and think that serious fans will find that useful to better undertand the team.
As memories fade and those who actually remember the 1950 Whiz Kids walk off the field, this is an important book that preserves this moment of American-Philadelphia-Phillies history. It also happens to be a enjoyable and worthwhile read. The Whiz Kids And the 1950 Pennant (Baseball In America) |
Rating: 4 (out of 5)
Summary: Great Material for Phils fans
Comments: "The Whiz Kids" met my expectations. It is great material for Phillies fans. Having grown up hearing the names of Ennis, Ashburn, Konstanty, Roberts and the rest, I wanted to read a great account of the 1st Phils pennant since 1915. The ever humble Roberts (with the help of a professional writer) recounts his rise to the major leagues as well as the futile history of Phillies baseball. It's a nice, easy to read story that follows a tried formula: the team has a long history of losing, young players come aboard and develop into a close team, they exceed expectations and go to the World Series. There are plenty of scenes that flesh out the personalities and struggles of the team mates. Plenty of train trips and hotel stays. Tough game situations yeilding exciting victories or close defeats. Those looking for deep insights into the era should look elsewhere. In fact, I see this book aimed primarily at us Phils fans. Our banners are few, so we need to raise them high. These aren't Duke Snyder, Jackie Robinson, Pee Wee Reese and the other "Boys of Summer." The Phillies of this era had1great year surrounded by several decent years. Only a couple of the names stand out these years later. I give the book4stars because it served its purpose for me. If you are looking for light reading material about a cinderalla team, this could be for you as well. |
Rating: 5 (out of 5)
Summary: This Book Fills A Historical Void
Comments: Authors Paul Rogers and former Whiz Kid pitcher Robin Roberts have done a great job in bringing a memorable team back to life. Baseball books on teams usually involve New York teams and it is refreshing to read a book about a team that will always be remembered, not just by Phillies' fans, however by baseball fans across the country. Many of the names I came across in this book were merely pictures on baseball cards I started purchaseing in the early '50's and this book supplied me with some insight into their accomplishments on the ball diamond. There is a story behind each of those players' names I have in my mind, and the authors brought them to life in this book. If there was1drawback, if I may call it that, I found an excessive amount of play-by-play among the pages. However, I can live with that. The names of Robin Roberts, Curt Simmons, and Richie Ashburn are household baseball names, however I was also happy to read about lesser lights like Bubba Church, Mike Goliat, and Stan Lopata who were only pictures on baseball cards to me. Phillies' fan or not, if you like baseball history, you will enjoy this book. |
Rating: 4 (out of 5)
Summary: WHIZ KIDS A WINNER
Comments: This is a well written account about a team that captured the hearts of an entire city. This is a great account of the surprising achievment of the 1950 Phillies. The excellent interviews of the players involved and the rehashing of the author is great. A nostalgic and fact filled retelling of an exciting and fun filled year in baseball. A must read for all Phillie and historical baseball buffs. |
Rating: 5 (out of 5)
Summary: Baseballs Wonderful" Whiz Kids" remembered
Comments: If you love baseball history-especially the immediate post-war years 1947-50 this gem of a remembrance is for you. Hall-of-famer Robin Roberts has combined with author Paul Rogers to relive those years when baseball,after a decline during WW2,regained its preeminance as America's national game and with integration and night games,embarked upon a 25 year golden era that may never be duplicated in professional sports. Using Roberts near photographic memory,oral history,and excellent research,author Rogers supplies a rich quick-paced narrative that culminates with the miracle season of 1950 when a brash group of youngsters know as the Whiz Kids(Roberts,Richie Ashburn,Del Ennis,Granny Hamner,Curt Simmons,Willie Jones,Mike Goliat,and Stan Lopata)combined with a few seasoned veterans(Jim Konstanty,Andy Seminick,Dick Sisler,and Eddie Waitkus to stun the baseball world by defeating the Brooklyn Dodgers on the final day of the season in 1of the almost all dramatic games in the history of baseball. The authors cover the development of the team from 1947 on and do not shy away from the controversies of the period such as the race-baiting of Jackie Robinson during his rookie year(the Phillies were prominently involved and it may have been a big factor in the firing of manager Ben Chapman)and the near fatal shooting of Eddie Waitkus. While the authors admirably document the contrihoweverions of e member of the team,skillfully pointing out that e member contrihowevered something that won at least1game,two facts clearly emerge-without Jim Konstanty's record breaking performance as the seasons premier relief pitcher and the job of manager Eddie Sawyer there was no way the Phillies would have1the pennant. In fact it is in some ways the story of Eddie Sawyer(one of baseballs best kept secrets as a gentleman and manager) that drives the narrative to its apex. Read the book and see the unique approach to managing men that Sawyer brought to the game,an approach that is at once so logical and appealing that it seems easy until you try it. Baseball could use some Eddie Sawyers today. As a matter of fact,a few more Robin Roberts wouldn't hurt either.1hopes that Roberts and Rogers will combine their talents and continue the Roberts story after the 1950 season as the great right-hander was an eyewitness to the momentous growth and change that occurred in baseball during his 18 year career. This a honestly outstanding addition to the library of anyone who values and loves baseball history. |
