The Cooperstown Chronicles
Baseball's Colorful Characters, Unusual Lives, and Strange Demises
Abstract
Professional baseball has always consisted of a variety of characters, from likeable youngsters to notorious rebels. From 1871 to the present, the sport has witnessed the likes of Germany Schaeffer, an infielder with a penchant for “stealing” first base; Joe Medwick, the only player ever removed from a game for his own safety; and first baseman Hal Chase, noted for being one of the most corrupt players in baseball history.
The Cooperstown Chronicles takes an entertaining look at the unusual lives, strange demises, and downright rowdy habits of some of the most colorful personalities in the history of baseball. Chapters profile the game’s well-known tough-guys, the hard-drinking revelers, head-hunting pitchers, players who took their own lives, and those who died far too young from accidents or diseases. Frank Russo goes beyond the stats and delves into each player’s personality, his life outside of baseball, and even his final resting place. The stories of little-known players like Terry Enyart, who pitched just one and two-thirds innings in the major leagues, are told next to those of superstars such as Mike Flanagan, who played professional ball for 18 years.
However brief or long a career he may have had, every major league player has a story to tell. The Cooperstown Chronicles gives a voice to many of those players who are no longer able to tell their stories themselves. Compelling, fun, and often surprising, this book will entertain baseball fans and historians alike.
Schlagworte
Mike Flanagan Terry Enyart accidents anecdotes arrests Joe Medwick 1900s 2000s 2010s Germany Schaeffer Hal Chase obscure stories major league baseball major leagues personal life personalities suicide pitcher players minor leagues trivia professional baseball MLB facts characters fans coach ballplayers baseball corruption corruption in baseball history baseball personalities baseball stories baseball trivia best injuries death interesting- i–xiv Preface i–xiv
- 129–168 4 Headhunters 129–168
- 169–212 5 Suicide Is Painless 169–212
- 213–240 6 Unnatural Causes 213–240
- 241–278 7 Final Out 241–278
- 279–280 Conclusion 279–280
- 281–282 Bibliography 281–282
- 283–288 Index 283–288
- 289–289 About the Author 289–289