The Greatest Summer in Baseball History

How the '73 Season Changed Us Forever

De: John Rosengren

Narrado por: Barry Abrams

In 1973, baseball was in crisis. The first strike in pro sports had soured fans, American League attendance had fallen, and America's team—the Yankees—had lost more games and money than ever. Yet that season, five of the game's greatest figures rescued the national pastime.

Hank Aaron riveted the nation with his pursuit of Babe Ruth's landmark home run record in the face of racist threats. George Steinbrenner purchased the Yankees at a bargain basement price and began buying back their faded glory. An elderly and ailing Willie Mays nearly helped the Mets pull off a miracle with the final hit of his career. Reggie Jackson, the MVP of a tense World Series, became the prototype of the modern superstar.

The season itself provided plenty of drama served up by a colorful cast of characters. The Mets, managed by Yogi Berra, performed another near miracle, rising from last place in the National League East to win the division and take the A's to seven games in the World Series. Reggie Jackson, the World Series MVP, solidified his reputation as Mr. October. Willie Mays hit the final home run of his career and retired. Future Hall of Famers Dave Winfield and George Brett played in their first major league games; Luis Aparicio and Mays played in their last. That one memorable summer changed baseball forever.

©2008, 2023 John Rosengren (P)2023 Tantor

A book all baby boomers should read or listen!

Yeah there are many books on baseball during the 70's but this book just focuses on the 1973 season and although I was only 9 years old , listening to this book definitely brings back memories of that season. But what I loved most is listening about the times George Steinbrenner purchased the Yankees and the drama with not only the team but his dealings with the FBI over those illegal donations to then President Nixon.

And the details on Hank Aaron's home run chase were many details I never read or heard before regarding the Commissioner of Baseball and the hateful letters he was getting.

And also loved the part in the book about Willie Mays and his last year with the Mets.

And good stuff on both the NLCS, ALCS and World Series with the Mets and A's!!

I definitely suggest you buy this book or better yet get the audiobook book because it's a great great listen!

Hopefully the author John Rosengren writes another book on the 1974 season!! Or the 1977-78 seasons!! Great book John!!

Great story of a great season

Baseball fans of 70s will love this book. Stories of the Wrestin’ Oakland A’s stood out to me the most.

Interesting book on the 1973 baseball season.

1973 was an eventful year in both baseball and America. For the latter, several important events that would affect the nation took place. The withdrawal of American troops in Vietnam, the Watergate hearings, and the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision were among the most notable of these. In baseball, the New York Yankees were purchased by a Cleveland shipping company owner named George Steinbrenner, a legendary player played his last season while another chased a hallowed record and a team that frequently fought amongst itself was trying to repeat as champions. That is the setting for this book by John Rosengren.
Having listened to the audio version, the narration by Barry Abrams is definitely one of the strengths of this book. His telling of some of the major stories in both America and baseball was excellent. Whichever topic was discussed, Abrams did so in a no-nonsense manner that came across much like the news anchors at that time (though non of them were ever mentioned in the book).
The title seems a little hyperbolic as while there were some excellent storylines in that 1973 baseball season, they didn’t feel to be so much better than other years. To his credit, Rosenberg doesn’t compare them to big stories in other years. He sticks with a few topics and covers them thoroughly. These would be the ending of Willie Mays’ career with the New York Mets, Hank Aaron’s pursuit of the all time home run record of 714 by Babe Ruth, the introduction of the designated hitter in the American with a focus on Orlando Cepeda of the Boston Red Sox, and the new Yankee owner who immediately let it be known it was his way or else.
On this last topic, this was the best mix of sports and social or political events of a year or era that I have read in a book of this type. Steinbrenner’s eventual conviction of illegal campaign contributions, especially to President Nixon’s 1972 re-election bid, tied in nicely with the writing on that summer’s Watergate hearings. While not quite as easily done, there are good connections between baseball and these events throughout the book.
As with any book on a baseball season, this climaxes with the World Series. The Mets and the Oakland Athletics played an exciting seven game series won by Oakland to give them back to back championships. The many storylines made by the Athletics, their star Reggie Jackson, and their universally disliked owner Charlie Finley are covered well, as was the unbelievable comeback by the Mets who were left for dead in August only to win the National League East title, then upset the Cincinnati Reds in the NLCS. Of course, the Willie Mays saga is included and overall, the coverage of the baseball is very good, even if it is a bit repetitive on some facts and descriptions.
Any reader who enjoys books on certain years or seasons in baseball with plenty of social or political commentary will want to check this book out. Highly recommend the audio version.

Terrible, Just Terrible.

I started following baseball in 1973, so I was really excited to listen to this audiobook. I was very disappointed. The book mostly focused on the New York Mets, the Oakland A’s and the New York Yankees. The Mets and the A’s were division winners so fair enough. The Yankees however finished fourth that season and was a below average baseball team. Teams like the Cincinnati Reds (who had the best record in baseball that season) and the Baltimore Orioles (who handily won their division) were barely mentioned. If you like New York centric baseball books then this book is for you. But major league baseball was played in 20 other cities in 1973 but you wouldn’t know it by listening to this book. In addition, the Narrator was terrible, he read the book like a failed comedian poorly setting up a joke without a punchline. DO NOT WASTE A CREDIT on this poorly researched, written and performed book.