Description
Book SynopsisThis book brings to life the many odd, eccentric, and bizarre characters of baseball from the 1800s through the Deadball Era. While many stories are about the game’s greats such as John McGraw, Frank Chance, and Rube Waddell, the exploits of little-known players like J.A. Brown, Sleepy Bill Burns, and Jack Hendricks are covered as well.
Trade ReviewRonald T. Waldo has brought forth another winner . . . For fans of early baseball he has produced a compilation of some great stories of baseball’s early years. From the games greats like Ty Cobb, and then the games not so greats like Arthur Evans, the author has regaled the reader with some very entertaining stories. He also does go beyond just the players. He includes Umpires, Owners and often forgotten names from this unique era in baseball history. Characters from the Diamond paints a unique picture of what baseball was really like during its early years. . . .The picture this book paints helps keep a unique era in baseball’s history preserved in print, so as time marches on fans of the game will realize where the sport came from and how we got to where we are now at today. Author Ronald T. Waldo has really found his niche in this era. From his previously published books and now including this one he has undertaken measurable tasks with his books. He is working in an era that very few players, if any are still alive. Even people who witnessed the end of this era are few and far between, so he is trying to compile stories in the fourth and fifth person down the line. That is a monumental task for a writer. The pressure involved with fact checking and putting your name on the line that you got the story correct is monumental. As one is reading Waldo’s work you get the feel that the research is thorough and you are getting the complete story. That is both a compliment to his dedication and writing style. This is a very hard era to make the reader feel like they are actually there, but Ronald T. Waldo pulls it off. The main reason being that between alcohol and gambling alone the game of baseball on and off of the field is such a different game than what we are used to. Baseball fans should take the time to check this one out. It is a great history lesson for everyone, and an era where a few laughs up until now have been hard to find. It is also important for everyone to see where we have come from and be able to appreciate what we now have on the field. * Gregg's Baseball Bookcase *
If you like stories from that bygone era, especially from the screwballs who were everywhere in baseball, you may want to pick up Characters From the Diamond, by Ronald T. Waldo. The author writes about not just the stars of the era like Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth and John McGraw, but lesser known players who didn't leave a lasting mark on the game, but for their wild and crazy antics they will be remembered. * The Mighty Quinn Media Machine *
In Characters from the Diamond, Ronald Waldo has brought out the vibrancy in one of baseball’s most colorful eras. -- Joe Niese, author of Burleigh Grimes: Baseball’s Last Legal Spitballer
Ronald Waldo makes other researchers envious. Whenever I look at his work, I end up asking myself: ‘Where does he come up with all this wonderful stuff?’ Characters from the Diamond is packed with outrageous personalities and fascinating anecdotes—some of which are of the laugh-out-loud variety. You don’t have to be a hardcore baseball fan to enjoy this book. There’s a little something for everyone here. -- Jonathan Weeks, author of Mudville Madness and Baseball's Dynasties and the Players Who Built Them
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments Introduction Chapter 1: Rebels, Sharpened Spikes, and Baseball Innovation in the Late Nineteenth Century Chapter 2: Pranksters, Practical Jokes, and Tricks on the Diamond Chapter 3: Baseball Icons, Turkey Mike, the Great Zim, Two Unique Catchers, and Ping’s Parrot Chapter 4: Odd Occurrences, Two Men Called Rube, and Sleepy Bill Chapter 5: Men in Blue Handling the Indicator from Three ’til Five Every Afternoon Chapter 6: Hug, Hughie, the Peerless Leader, and Fellow Managers Chapter 7: Bushers on the Farm and Minor League Mayhem Chapter 8: Demon Rum, John Barleycorn, and Frothy Suds Chapter 9: Cases of Mistaken Identity and Things Not Appearing as They Seem Chapter 10: Pennant Fever, Copping the Flag, and World Series Moments Chapter 11: Baseball and the Great War Chapter 12: A Grand Baseball Era Comes to an End Notes Bibliography Index About the Author
