The Fierce Fun of Ducky Medwick (American Sports History Series #25)

Description

This illustrated biography resurrects the professional life of Joe "Ducky" Medwick, a Hall of Fame outfielder who demanded the best of himself as much as he insisted respect from team owners, fellow players, the press, and his fans. In 1936 Medwick set the record for most doubles in a season, and in 1937 he became the last National League player to win the Triple Crown. Though his career ended in 1948, both The Sporting News and the Society for Baseball Research named Medwick one of the top 100 players of all time. In this first-ever biography of one of baseball's most cantankerous players, author Thomas Barthel recounts the fascinating details of Medwick's successful career. All the highs and lows are replayed including an in-depth examination of game 7 of the 1934 World Series when the Gas House Gang member was barraged for 17 minutes by fruit and trash. This biography also features interviews of several St. Louis and Brooklyn players and administrators of the 1930s and 1940s and includes conversations with Hall of Fame outfielder Enos Slaughter and Hall of Fame writer Bob Broeg. This long overdue biography is not only an insightful read about one of the top players of all time but a fascinating look at pre-World War II baseball.