Review
"Perhaps the finest book on race and American sports."--Richard Kimball, Brigham Young University
"In this highly acclaimed account of Robinson's achievements, Tygiel provides us with a unique look into the social and historical contexts behind Robinson's major league debut, as well as his influence on our continuing struggle for integration in the United States....In a new afterward, Tygiel takes a close look at the folklore enshrining Robinson's many accomplishments, as well as the ongoing relevance of his legacy to African Americans and American society today.... Essential reading for anyone interested in both the process of desegregation in America and one of the greatest baseball players of all time."--Black Media News
"The best baseball book of the decade."--Journal of Sports History
"Rich, intelligent cultural history.... Fascinating."--The New York Times
"Excellent text looking at issues of race and sport. Well written and supported with incredible insight and detail."--Leslie Heaphy, Kent State
Product Description
In 1997 the American people will celebrate with great fanfare and publicity the fiftieth anniversary of Jackie Robinson's explosive entrance into major league baseball. Robinson has become a national icon, his name a virtual synonym for pathbreaker. Indeed, much has transpired between this
young African-American's first bold strides around the baseball diamonds of a segregated America and General Manager Bob Watson's pride in assembling 1996 World Champion New York Yankees. Recognizing this monumental event in America's continuing struggle for integration, Jules Tygiel has expanded
his highly acclaimed Baseball's Great Experiment. In a new afterword, he addresses the mythology surrounding Robinson's achievements, his overall effect on baseball and other sports, and the enduring legacy Robinson has left for African Americans and American society.
In this gripping account of one of the most important steps in the history of American desegregation, Tygiel tells the story of Jackie Robinson's crossing of baseball's color line. Examining the social and historical context of Robinson's introduction into white organized baseball, both on and
off the field, Tygiel also tells the often neglected stories of other African-American players--such as Satchel Paige, Roy Campanella, Willie Mays, and Hank Aaron--who helped transform our national pastime into an integrated game. Drawing on dozens of interviews with players and front office
executives, contemporary newspaper accounts, and personal papers, Tygiel provides the most telling and insightful account of Jackie Robinson's influence on American baseball and society.
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