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Baseball Astrologer is actually a misnomer for this odd little book; the section on astrology (Capricorns are great at stealing bases but make lousy batters, Sagittarians make great batters but lousy pitchers, etc.) is the briefest--and least interesting--in the book. Where
Baseball Astrologer shines is in its look at superstitions, coincidences, and downright spooky occurrences in the world of baseball. For example, author
John B. Holway delves into the 1911 American League pennant race between the New York Giants and their good luck charm Charles Victory Faust, and the Philadelphia A's with their talisman, a diminutive hunchback named Louie Van Zelst. "As every baseball fan knows, rubbing a hunchback's hump was the best luck in the world for a ballplayer." The A's prevailed and went on to beat the Giants in the World Series.
Even more interesting is Holway's explanation for Boston's World Series drought. It's not the Babe, it's "Tessie"--a hot Broadway waltz the fans bellowed from the stands between 1903 and 1916. Perhaps BoSox fans will take Holway's advice and readopt the tune.
Though it sometimes suffers from a lack of focus, Baseball Astrologer is an enjoyable, light read--when taken with a grain of salt. --M. Stein
Book Description
Baseball players are superstitious creatures. They know never to step on the baseline or mention that a no-hitter is in progress, and some have been known to wear the same shirt throughout a hitting streak or eat the same meal before every game. Ballplayers tend to be wary of the supernatural forces that may affect their success - whether they really believe in them or not. But what happens when events seem to suggest that something other than harmless superstition is at work? The Baseball Astrologer examines 50 strange, quirky, and often spine-tingling examples of bizarre coincidences and freakish occurrences throughout baseball history, from specters in the stands to ominous predictions. Did Roberto Clemente Jr. predict his father's death? Did a ouija board tell Lou Gehrig of his fate? What's the real story behind Boston's "Curse of the Bambino" - and what will it take to break it? The Baseball Astrologer reveals these and many more chilling baseball tales.
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