The Old Ball Game

How John McGraw, Christy Mathewson and The New York Giants Created Modern Baseball
Frank Deford - 2005 Grove Press

The evident joy that Deford has in telling over the story of baseball at the turn of the century reverberates throughout the style and content of the whole book.  Although written in the praiseworthy and idealistic style of baseball of old, this does not mask the important roles Mathewson and McGraw played in giving baseball credence and turning it into a sport with respectable professionals.  

The style is different and may not be appreciated by all but the backdrop and characters are what make this book both interesting and enjoyable.