Originally released in a best-selling hardcover format, and updated in the paperback through Cleveland's 1995 World Series' season, Jack Torry offers a revealing account of the franchise's last 40 years of baseball—from its stunning decline in the 1950s and 1960s and the teams dramatic transformation into champions in the 1990s, intertwining sports and business, politics and law.
This book wasn't the history of the Cleveland Indians players and managers and fan experience that I wanted it to be, but rather a business history of the ownership- who owned the team, why they sold it, how they ruined it, etc. Rocky Colavito, would starred for the Indians in the late 1950s and whose trade supposedly caused "The Curse of Rocky Colavito", would be a major figure in any such history of the team and it's fans, but gets only a little attention here. I'd say that IF you want a history of Cleveland Indians team ownership and business management, this would be a fine read, but I expect that only the most ardent of Indians fans, or those interested in Cleveland business history would find this a satisfying book.
A history of the franchise from 1954-1994. Would have been more interesting had I known any of the players prior to 1985, but I learned a lot about the team, especially how dominant it once was and how quickly that turned into pressure to move the team! Never knew how close the Indians came to leaving Cleveland. Makes Jacobs Field and two World Series appearances seem all the more miraculous!
This was a gift from a fellow long suffering Tribe fan who also loved those glory days. Well researched and interesting read with some glorious pictures. A great addition to the collection of a sports fan looking to see how many current baseball teams now operate.
Another great effort by Jack Torry. So thoroughly reported. Probably best for Indians fans and/or baseball junkies. A bit heavier on boardrooms and lighter on the actual teams than I expected. But a fascinating look at what went wrong (and eventually right) with the Cleveland Indians.