The Magnificent Seasons: How the Jets, Mets, and Knicks Made Sports HIstory and Uplifted a City and the Country

by Art Shamsky, Barry Zeman, Tom Seaver (Foreword)

In 1969, three underdog New York sports teams won World Championships. It was an unprecedented feat in the history of sports, and it helped bring the nation's largest city---and much of the country---euphoria to balance the lingering despair of 1969.
In reflecting on these events, what they meant then, and what they still mean today, Art Shamsky, a 1969 "Miracle" Met, introduces the thoughts of members of every team. Highlights include comments from Joe Namath, Tom Seaver, Bill Bradley, Yogi Berra, Emerson Boozer, Jerry Koosman, and many more. But as important as these wins were to the players and coaches who made them happen, their victories meant just as much to the city and the people who celebrated them, and Shamsky includes their perspectives through Bob Costas, David Halberstam, Rudy Giuliani, and many other fans of the city and its sports. "While all championships bring excitement, sometimes even joy, each of these teams had something more. They each had a kind of soulfulness and authenticity of spirit not often seen---then or now."
---from the introduction by Bob Costas

"For the fan, or indeed anyone who wants to read a rousing story of heart, courage, and perseverance, The Magnificent Seasons is for you."
---Joe Namath

"The exploits of these three remarkable teams had an important and positive impact on the sport of the city when people needed it most. Their legacy endures today."
---Bill Bradley

"The 1969 championship was the crowing jewel for everyone on that team."
---Tom Seaver

Genres: Sports, Nonfiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published November 10, 2004

Reviews

[Alex Nagler · Rating 4 out of 5]

1969 was an annus (well, 16 month-us) mirabilis for New York City sports. The Jets, Mets, and Knicks all respectively won their championships at a time the city (and country) needed it. Art Shamsky, batting cleanup, was part of the Amazins' and set out to chronicle all three with the help of the players who were there.

[Kevin McAllister · Rating 5 out of 5]

On February 6 th it was announced that long time New York Mets announcer Ralph Kiner had passed away at the age of 91. I've spent my entire life as a Mets fan and can remember lying in bed and falling asleep at night as a kid with with a transistor radio on while listening to Ralpk Kiner and the rest of the broadcast team announce The Mets games. The following day I came into work and had a discussion with my friend Patrick about how the passing of Kiner had upset me. Patrick, our Community Relations Manager at Barnes & Noble knows and is friendly with former Mets player Art Shamsky and shared this news with him. Art then took it upon himself to come into the store and personally autograph a copy of the book for me. We had a long wonderful discussion about Kiner, The Mets, and baseball in general. How cool is that ? Often times fans go to baseball outings and pay for autographs, but Art took it upon himself to come to me and personally sign a copy of his book !
As far as the book itself goes, it was wonderful ! Sadly, I am to young to actually remember the 1969 season. So this book was a wonderful way for me to gain insight onto that magical time in New York sports history.As Art described, so many horrible things were going on in the city and the world at the time but in the span of a year and half, The Jets, Mets, and then The Knicks gave the people of New York city something to cheer and be happy about ? Isn't that what sports are all about ?

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book!, found it in a bargin bin at the beach and boy am I glad I did. Growing up following all three teams and becoming a fan at about that same time ( I was 7-8 years old) it brought back great memories

[Ron Kaplan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mets