Author: Ed Stevens
Publisher: Tate Publishing
ISBN: 1607991128
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 168
Book Description
'How did you let a black man take your job?' This is the question I've been asked more times than I care to admit. And despite its inherent prejudice, its misunderstanding of history, its naivet, I'm compelled to respond. My name is Ed Stevens. In baseball circles I was known as Big Ed Stevens, and I played first base for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1945, '46, and '47. I was the first man to be replaced by a black player in the history of Major League Baseball. This is a story about the Brooklyn Dodgers, and a secret I have kept for over fifty years. 'Ed Stevens was a good teammate and an even better friend. You will find his story very interesting. Ed found himself in a spot, and I think you will enjoy reading his account of what happened and his role in this historic transformation of baseball.' Tom Lasorda Special Advisor to the Chairman Los Angeles Dodgers Ed Stevens played first base for the Brooklyn Dodgers from 1945-1947. After that fateful '47 season, he was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he played from 1948-1950. After finishing out his career in Toronto, he served as a major league scout for twenty-nine years. Ed was later elected to the Brooklyn Dodger Hall of Fame, the International League Hall of Fame, and the Baton Rouge Louisiana Kids Clinic Hall of Fame, where he served for forty years as a baseball instructor along with Mel Ott, Dizzy Dean, Ted Williams, Stan Musial, and Mickey Mantle.
The Other Side of the Jackie Robinson Story
Author: Ed Stevens
Publisher: Tate Publishing
ISBN: 1607991128
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 168
Book Description
'How did you let a black man take your job?' This is the question I've been asked more times than I care to admit. And despite its inherent prejudice, its misunderstanding of history, its naivet, I'm compelled to respond. My name is Ed Stevens. In baseball circles I was known as Big Ed Stevens, and I played first base for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1945, '46, and '47. I was the first man to be replaced by a black player in the history of Major League Baseball. This is a story about the Brooklyn Dodgers, and a secret I have kept for over fifty years. 'Ed Stevens was a good teammate and an even better friend. You will find his story very interesting. Ed found himself in a spot, and I think you will enjoy reading his account of what happened and his role in this historic transformation of baseball.' Tom Lasorda Special Advisor to the Chairman Los Angeles Dodgers Ed Stevens played first base for the Brooklyn Dodgers from 1945-1947. After that fateful '47 season, he was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he played from 1948-1950. After finishing out his career in Toronto, he served as a major league scout for twenty-nine years. Ed was later elected to the Brooklyn Dodger Hall of Fame, the International League Hall of Fame, and the Baton Rouge Louisiana Kids Clinic Hall of Fame, where he served for forty years as a baseball instructor along with Mel Ott, Dizzy Dean, Ted Williams, Stan Musial, and Mickey Mantle.
Publisher: Tate Publishing
ISBN: 1607991128
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 168
Book Description
'How did you let a black man take your job?' This is the question I've been asked more times than I care to admit. And despite its inherent prejudice, its misunderstanding of history, its naivet, I'm compelled to respond. My name is Ed Stevens. In baseball circles I was known as Big Ed Stevens, and I played first base for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1945, '46, and '47. I was the first man to be replaced by a black player in the history of Major League Baseball. This is a story about the Brooklyn Dodgers, and a secret I have kept for over fifty years. 'Ed Stevens was a good teammate and an even better friend. You will find his story very interesting. Ed found himself in a spot, and I think you will enjoy reading his account of what happened and his role in this historic transformation of baseball.' Tom Lasorda Special Advisor to the Chairman Los Angeles Dodgers Ed Stevens played first base for the Brooklyn Dodgers from 1945-1947. After that fateful '47 season, he was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he played from 1948-1950. After finishing out his career in Toronto, he served as a major league scout for twenty-nine years. Ed was later elected to the Brooklyn Dodger Hall of Fame, the International League Hall of Fame, and the Baton Rouge Louisiana Kids Clinic Hall of Fame, where he served for forty years as a baseball instructor along with Mel Ott, Dizzy Dean, Ted Williams, Stan Musial, and Mickey Mantle.
I am Jackie Robinson
Author: Brad Meltzer
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 0593619196
Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
Languages : en
Pages : 41
Book Description
"We can all be heroes" is the message entertainingly told in this New York Times Bestselling picture-book biography series, with this title focusing on groundbreaking baseball player, Jackie Robinson Jackie Robinson always loved sports, especially baseball. But he lived at a time before the Civil Rights Movement, when the rules weren't fair to African Americans. Even though Jackie was a great athlete, he wasn't allowed on the best teams just because of the color of his skin. Jackie knew that sports were best when everyone, of every color, played together. He became the first Black player in Major League Baseball, and his bravery changed American history and led the way to equality in all sports in America. This friendly, fun biography series inspired the PBS Kids TV show Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum. One great role model at a time, these books encourage kids to dream big. Included in each book are: • A timeline of key events in the hero’s history • Photos that bring the story more fully to life • Comic-book-style illustrations that are irresistibly adorable • Childhood moments that influenced the hero • Facts that make great conversation-starters • A virtue this person embodies: Jackie Robinson's bravery led him to make his mark in baseball history. You’ll want to collect each book in this dynamic, informative series!
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 0593619196
Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
Languages : en
Pages : 41
Book Description
"We can all be heroes" is the message entertainingly told in this New York Times Bestselling picture-book biography series, with this title focusing on groundbreaking baseball player, Jackie Robinson Jackie Robinson always loved sports, especially baseball. But he lived at a time before the Civil Rights Movement, when the rules weren't fair to African Americans. Even though Jackie was a great athlete, he wasn't allowed on the best teams just because of the color of his skin. Jackie knew that sports were best when everyone, of every color, played together. He became the first Black player in Major League Baseball, and his bravery changed American history and led the way to equality in all sports in America. This friendly, fun biography series inspired the PBS Kids TV show Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum. One great role model at a time, these books encourage kids to dream big. Included in each book are: • A timeline of key events in the hero’s history • Photos that bring the story more fully to life • Comic-book-style illustrations that are irresistibly adorable • Childhood moments that influenced the hero • Facts that make great conversation-starters • A virtue this person embodies: Jackie Robinson's bravery led him to make his mark in baseball history. You’ll want to collect each book in this dynamic, informative series!
42 Faith
Author: Ed Henry
Publisher: HarperChristian + ORM
ISBN: 0718089057
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 356
Book Description
Jackie Robinson, Branch Rickey, and the hidden hand of God that changed history Journalist and baseball lover Ed Henry reveals for the first time the backstory of faith that guided Jackie Robinson into not only the baseball record books but the annals of civil rights advancement as well. Through recently discovered sermons, interviews with Robinson’s family and friends, and even an unpublished book by the player himself, Henry details a side of Jackie’s humanity that few have taken the time to see. Branch Rickey, the famed owner who risked it all by signing Jackie to his first contract, is also shown as a complex individual who wanted nothing more than to make his God-fearing mother proud of him. Few know the level at which Rickey struggled with his decision, only moving forward after a private meeting with a minister he’d just met. It turns out Rickey was not as certain about signing Robinson as historians have always assumed. With many baseball stories to enthrall even the most ardent enthusiast, 42 Faith also digs deep into why Jackie was the man he was and what both drove him and challenged him after his retirement. From his early years before baseball, to his time with Rickey and the Dodgers, to his failing health in his final years, we see a man of faith that few have recognized. This book will add a whole new dimension to Robinson’s already awe-inspiring legacy. Yes, Jackie and Branch are both still heroes long after their deaths. Now, we learn more fully than ever before, there was an assist from God too.
Publisher: HarperChristian + ORM
ISBN: 0718089057
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 356
Book Description
Jackie Robinson, Branch Rickey, and the hidden hand of God that changed history Journalist and baseball lover Ed Henry reveals for the first time the backstory of faith that guided Jackie Robinson into not only the baseball record books but the annals of civil rights advancement as well. Through recently discovered sermons, interviews with Robinson’s family and friends, and even an unpublished book by the player himself, Henry details a side of Jackie’s humanity that few have taken the time to see. Branch Rickey, the famed owner who risked it all by signing Jackie to his first contract, is also shown as a complex individual who wanted nothing more than to make his God-fearing mother proud of him. Few know the level at which Rickey struggled with his decision, only moving forward after a private meeting with a minister he’d just met. It turns out Rickey was not as certain about signing Robinson as historians have always assumed. With many baseball stories to enthrall even the most ardent enthusiast, 42 Faith also digs deep into why Jackie was the man he was and what both drove him and challenged him after his retirement. From his early years before baseball, to his time with Rickey and the Dodgers, to his failing health in his final years, we see a man of faith that few have recognized. This book will add a whole new dimension to Robinson’s already awe-inspiring legacy. Yes, Jackie and Branch are both still heroes long after their deaths. Now, we learn more fully than ever before, there was an assist from God too.
42 Today
Author: MichaeL G Long
Publisher: NYU Press
ISBN: 1479805610
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 263
Book Description
Explores Jackie Robinson’s compelling and complicated legacy Before the United States Supreme Court ruled against segregation in public schools, and before Rosa Parks refused to surrender her bus seat in Montgomery, Alabama, Jackie Robinson walked onto the diamond on April 15, 1947, as first baseman for the Brooklyn Dodgers, making history as the first African American to integrate Major League Baseball in the twentieth century. Today a national icon, Robinson was a complicated man who navigated an even more complicated world that both celebrated and despised him. Many are familiar with Robinson as a baseball hero. Few, however, know of the inner turmoil that came with his historic status. Featuring piercing essays from a range of distinguished sportswriters, cultural critics, and scholars, this book explores Robinson’s perspectives and legacies on civil rights, sports, faith, youth, and nonviolence, while providing rare glimpses into the struggles and strength of one of the nation’s most athletically gifted and politically significant citizens. Featuring a foreword by celebrated directors and producers Ken Burns, Sarah Burns, and David McMahon, this volume recasts Jackie Robinson’s legacy and establishes how he set a precedent for future civil rights activism, from Black Lives Matter to Colin Kaepernick.
Publisher: NYU Press
ISBN: 1479805610
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 263
Book Description
Explores Jackie Robinson’s compelling and complicated legacy Before the United States Supreme Court ruled against segregation in public schools, and before Rosa Parks refused to surrender her bus seat in Montgomery, Alabama, Jackie Robinson walked onto the diamond on April 15, 1947, as first baseman for the Brooklyn Dodgers, making history as the first African American to integrate Major League Baseball in the twentieth century. Today a national icon, Robinson was a complicated man who navigated an even more complicated world that both celebrated and despised him. Many are familiar with Robinson as a baseball hero. Few, however, know of the inner turmoil that came with his historic status. Featuring piercing essays from a range of distinguished sportswriters, cultural critics, and scholars, this book explores Robinson’s perspectives and legacies on civil rights, sports, faith, youth, and nonviolence, while providing rare glimpses into the struggles and strength of one of the nation’s most athletically gifted and politically significant citizens. Featuring a foreword by celebrated directors and producers Ken Burns, Sarah Burns, and David McMahon, this volume recasts Jackie Robinson’s legacy and establishes how he set a precedent for future civil rights activism, from Black Lives Matter to Colin Kaepernick.
Testing the Ice
Author: Sharon Robinson
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780545052511
Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
Sharon Robinson, the daughter of baseball legend Jackie Robinson, has crafted a hearwarming, true story about growing up with her father. When Jackie Robinson retires from baseball and moves his family to Connecticut, the beautiful lake on their property is the center of everyone's fun. The neighborhood children join the Robinson kids for swimming and boating. But oddly, Jackie never goes near the water. In a dramatic episode that first winter, the children beg to go ice skating on the lake. Jackie says they can go--but only after he tests the ice to make sure it's safe. The children prod and push to get Jackie outside, until hesitantly, he finally goes. Like a blind man with a stick, (contd.)
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780545052511
Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
Sharon Robinson, the daughter of baseball legend Jackie Robinson, has crafted a hearwarming, true story about growing up with her father. When Jackie Robinson retires from baseball and moves his family to Connecticut, the beautiful lake on their property is the center of everyone's fun. The neighborhood children join the Robinson kids for swimming and boating. But oddly, Jackie never goes near the water. In a dramatic episode that first winter, the children beg to go ice skating on the lake. Jackie says they can go--but only after he tests the ice to make sure it's safe. The children prod and push to get Jackie outside, until hesitantly, he finally goes. Like a blind man with a stick, (contd.)
What's My Name, Fool?
Author: Dave Zirin
Publisher: ReadHowYouWant.com
ISBN: 1458786986
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 398
Book Description
In Whats My Name, Fool? sports writer Dave Zirin shows how sports express the worst - and at times the most creative, exciting, and political - features of our society. Zirins sharp and insightful commentary on the personalities, politics, and history of American sports is unlike any sports writing being done today. Zirin explores how NBA brawls highlight tensions beyond the arena, how the bold stances taken by sports unions can chart a path for the entire labor movement, and the unexplored political stirrings of a new generation of athletes who are no longer content to just ''play one game at a time.'' Whats My Name, Fool? draws on original interviews with former heavyweight champ George Foreman, Olympic athlete John Carlos, NBA player and anti-death penalty activist Etan Thomas, antiwar womens college hoopster Toni Smith, Olympic Project for Human Rights leader Lee Evans and many others. It also unearths a history of athletes ranging from Jackie Robinson to Muhammad Ali to Billie Jean King, who charted a new course through their athletic ability and their outspoken views.
Publisher: ReadHowYouWant.com
ISBN: 1458786986
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 398
Book Description
In Whats My Name, Fool? sports writer Dave Zirin shows how sports express the worst - and at times the most creative, exciting, and political - features of our society. Zirins sharp and insightful commentary on the personalities, politics, and history of American sports is unlike any sports writing being done today. Zirin explores how NBA brawls highlight tensions beyond the arena, how the bold stances taken by sports unions can chart a path for the entire labor movement, and the unexplored political stirrings of a new generation of athletes who are no longer content to just ''play one game at a time.'' Whats My Name, Fool? draws on original interviews with former heavyweight champ George Foreman, Olympic athlete John Carlos, NBA player and anti-death penalty activist Etan Thomas, antiwar womens college hoopster Toni Smith, Olympic Project for Human Rights leader Lee Evans and many others. It also unearths a history of athletes ranging from Jackie Robinson to Muhammad Ali to Billie Jean King, who charted a new course through their athletic ability and their outspoken views.
Jackie Robinson: My Own Story
Author: Jackie Robinson
Publisher: Pickle Partners Publishing
ISBN: 1786257831
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 285
Book Description
Autobiography of baseball legend Jackie Robinson, beginning with his athletic career and dealing particularly with baseball and the first step toward equal participation by African Americans in this great sport. “I believe that a man’s race, color, and religion should never constitute a handicap. The denial to anyone, anywhere, any time of equality of opportunity to work is incomprehensible to me. Moreover, I believe that the American public is not as concerned with a first baseman’s pigmentation as it is with the power of his swing, the dexterity of his slide, the gracefulness of his fielding, or the speed of his legs.”—From Foreword by Branch Hickey
Publisher: Pickle Partners Publishing
ISBN: 1786257831
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 285
Book Description
Autobiography of baseball legend Jackie Robinson, beginning with his athletic career and dealing particularly with baseball and the first step toward equal participation by African Americans in this great sport. “I believe that a man’s race, color, and religion should never constitute a handicap. The denial to anyone, anywhere, any time of equality of opportunity to work is incomprehensible to me. Moreover, I believe that the American public is not as concerned with a first baseman’s pigmentation as it is with the power of his swing, the dexterity of his slide, the gracefulness of his fielding, or the speed of his legs.”—From Foreword by Branch Hickey
Jackie Robinson and the Integration of Baseball
Author: Scott Simon
Publisher: Turner Publishing Company
ISBN: 0470242841
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 99
Book Description
"An extraordinary book . . . invitingly written and brisk." --Chicago Tribune "Perhaps no one has ever told the tale [of Robinson's arrival in the major leagues] so well as [Simon] does in this extended essay." --The Washington Post Book World "Scott Simon tells a compelling story of risk and sacrifice, profound ugliness and profound grace, defiance and almost unimaginable courage. This is a meticulously researched, insightful, beautifully written book, one that should be read, reread, and remembered." --Laura Hillenbrand, author of the New York Times bestseller Seabiscuit The integration of baseball in 1947 had undeniable significance for the civil rights movement and American history. Thanks to Jackie Robinson, a barrier that had once been believed to be permanent was shattered--paving the way for scores of African Americans who wanted nothing more than to be granted the same rights as any other human being. In this book, renowned broadcaster Scott Simon reveals how Robinson's heroism brought the country face-to-face with the question of racial equality. From his days in the army to his ascent to the major leagues, Robinson battled bigotry at every turn. Simon deftly traces the journey of the rookie who became Rookie of the Year, recalling the taunts and threats, the stolen bases and the slides to home plate, the trials and triumphs. Robinson's number, 42, has been retired by every club in major league baseball--in homage to the man who had to hang his first Brooklyn Dodgers uniform on a hook rather than in a locker.
Publisher: Turner Publishing Company
ISBN: 0470242841
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 99
Book Description
"An extraordinary book . . . invitingly written and brisk." --Chicago Tribune "Perhaps no one has ever told the tale [of Robinson's arrival in the major leagues] so well as [Simon] does in this extended essay." --The Washington Post Book World "Scott Simon tells a compelling story of risk and sacrifice, profound ugliness and profound grace, defiance and almost unimaginable courage. This is a meticulously researched, insightful, beautifully written book, one that should be read, reread, and remembered." --Laura Hillenbrand, author of the New York Times bestseller Seabiscuit The integration of baseball in 1947 had undeniable significance for the civil rights movement and American history. Thanks to Jackie Robinson, a barrier that had once been believed to be permanent was shattered--paving the way for scores of African Americans who wanted nothing more than to be granted the same rights as any other human being. In this book, renowned broadcaster Scott Simon reveals how Robinson's heroism brought the country face-to-face with the question of racial equality. From his days in the army to his ascent to the major leagues, Robinson battled bigotry at every turn. Simon deftly traces the journey of the rookie who became Rookie of the Year, recalling the taunts and threats, the stolen bases and the slides to home plate, the trials and triumphs. Robinson's number, 42, has been retired by every club in major league baseball--in homage to the man who had to hang his first Brooklyn Dodgers uniform on a hook rather than in a locker.
The Hero Two Doors Down: Based on the True Story of Friendship between a Boy and a Baseball Legend
Author: Sharon Robinson
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
ISBN: 0545804531
Category : Juvenile Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 124
Book Description
The bestselling novel based on the true story of a boy in Brooklyn who became neighbors and friends with his hero, Jackie Robinson. Stephen Satlow is an eight-year-old boy living in Brooklyn, New York, which means he only cares about one thing-the Dodgers. Steve and his father spend hours reading the sports pages and listening to games on the radio. Aside from an occasional run-in with his teacher, life is pretty simple for Steve. But then Steve hears a rumor that an African American family is moving to his all-Jewish neighborhood. It's 1948 and some of his neighbors are against it. Steve knows this is wrong. His hero, Jackie Robinson, broke the color barrier in baseball the year before. Then it happens--Steve's new neighbor is none other than Jackie Robinson! Steve is beyond excited about living two doors down from the Robinson family. He can't wait to meet Jackie. This is going to be the best baseball season yet! How many kids ever get to become friends with their hero?
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
ISBN: 0545804531
Category : Juvenile Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 124
Book Description
The bestselling novel based on the true story of a boy in Brooklyn who became neighbors and friends with his hero, Jackie Robinson. Stephen Satlow is an eight-year-old boy living in Brooklyn, New York, which means he only cares about one thing-the Dodgers. Steve and his father spend hours reading the sports pages and listening to games on the radio. Aside from an occasional run-in with his teacher, life is pretty simple for Steve. But then Steve hears a rumor that an African American family is moving to his all-Jewish neighborhood. It's 1948 and some of his neighbors are against it. Steve knows this is wrong. His hero, Jackie Robinson, broke the color barrier in baseball the year before. Then it happens--Steve's new neighbor is none other than Jackie Robinson! Steve is beyond excited about living two doors down from the Robinson family. He can't wait to meet Jackie. This is going to be the best baseball season yet! How many kids ever get to become friends with their hero?
I Never Had It Made
Author: Jackie Robinson
Publisher: Harper Collins
ISBN: 006228729X
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 227
Book Description
The New York Times–bestselling autobiography of Jackie Robinson, barrier-breaking Brooklyn Dodger and civil rights legend: “An American classic.” —Entertainment Weekly Before Barry Bonds, before Reggie Jackson, before Hank Aaron, baseball's stars had one undeniable trait in common: they were all white. In 1947, Jackie Robinson broke that barrier, striking a crucial blow for racial equality and changing the world of sports forever. I Never Had It Made is Robinson's own candid, hard-hitting account of what it took to become the first black man in history to play in the major leagues. I Never Had It Made recalls Robinson’s early years and influences: his time at UCLA, where he became the school’s first four-letter athlete; his army stint during World War II, when he challenged Jim Crow laws and narrowly escaped court martial; his years of frustration, on and off the field, with the Negro Leagues; and finally that fateful day when Branch Rickey of the Brooklyn Dodgers proposed what became known as the “Noble Experiment”—Robinson would step up to bat to integrate and revolutionize baseball. More than a sports story, I Never Had It Made also reveals the highs and lows of Robinson’s life after baseball. He recounts his political aspirations and civil rights activism; his friendships with Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, William Buckley, Jr., and Nelson Rockefeller; and his troubled relationship with his son, Jackie, Jr. It endures as an inspiring story of a man whose heroism extended well beyond the playing field. “Affecting and candid . . . I Never Had It Made offers compelling testimony about the realities of being Black in America from an author who long ago became more a monument than a man, and his memoir is an illuminating meditation on racism not only in the national pastime but in the nation itself.” —The New York Times “A disturbing and enlightening self-portrait by one of America’s genuine heroes.” —Publishers Weekly “An important book that should be widely read.” —The New York Times Book Review
Publisher: Harper Collins
ISBN: 006228729X
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 227
Book Description
The New York Times–bestselling autobiography of Jackie Robinson, barrier-breaking Brooklyn Dodger and civil rights legend: “An American classic.” —Entertainment Weekly Before Barry Bonds, before Reggie Jackson, before Hank Aaron, baseball's stars had one undeniable trait in common: they were all white. In 1947, Jackie Robinson broke that barrier, striking a crucial blow for racial equality and changing the world of sports forever. I Never Had It Made is Robinson's own candid, hard-hitting account of what it took to become the first black man in history to play in the major leagues. I Never Had It Made recalls Robinson’s early years and influences: his time at UCLA, where he became the school’s first four-letter athlete; his army stint during World War II, when he challenged Jim Crow laws and narrowly escaped court martial; his years of frustration, on and off the field, with the Negro Leagues; and finally that fateful day when Branch Rickey of the Brooklyn Dodgers proposed what became known as the “Noble Experiment”—Robinson would step up to bat to integrate and revolutionize baseball. More than a sports story, I Never Had It Made also reveals the highs and lows of Robinson’s life after baseball. He recounts his political aspirations and civil rights activism; his friendships with Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, William Buckley, Jr., and Nelson Rockefeller; and his troubled relationship with his son, Jackie, Jr. It endures as an inspiring story of a man whose heroism extended well beyond the playing field. “Affecting and candid . . . I Never Had It Made offers compelling testimony about the realities of being Black in America from an author who long ago became more a monument than a man, and his memoir is an illuminating meditation on racism not only in the national pastime but in the nation itself.” —The New York Times “A disturbing and enlightening self-portrait by one of America’s genuine heroes.” —Publishers Weekly “An important book that should be widely read.” —The New York Times Book Review