Eight Men Out

The Black Sox and the 1919 World Series

By: Eliot Asinof

Narrated by: Harold N. Cropp

Length: 11 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's summary

In 1919, American headlines proclaimed the fix and cover-up of the World Series as "the most gigantic sporting swindle in the history of America." In this painstaking review, Eliot Asinof has reconstructed the entire scene-by-scene story of the scandal, in which eight Chicago White Sox players arranged with the nation’s leading gamblers to throw the series to Cincinnati. Asinof vividly describes the tense meetings, the hitches in the conniving, the actual plays in which the Series was thrown, the Grand Jury indictment, and the famous 1921 trial. Moving behind the scenes, he perceptively examines the backgrounds and motives of the players and the conditions that made the improbable fix all too possible. Far more than a superbly told baseball story, this compelling American drama will appeal to all those interested in American popular culture.

©1963 Eliot Asinof (P)2000 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Dramatic detail…an admirable journalistic feat!" ( New York Times)

"As thrilling as a cops and robbers tome!" ( Boston Globe)

"The most thorough investigation of the Black Sox scandal on record…a vividly, excitingly written book." ( Chicago Tribune)

Awesome

Probably lacks 100% fact, but a hell of a good yarn. Great listen. recommend

Good read. Told from the eyes of that time.

Told from the 1919 perspective and not a look back. Enjoyed it very much and would recommend to anyone who loves history, sports, or both.

An American tragedy

What did you love best about Eight Men Out?

The period of time the story takes place. The people that cause the tragedy to happen to them selves except maybe buck weaver and the dark Sydenham of how games could be fixed.

What other book might you compare Eight Men Out to and why?

I saw the movie and it was good but the book gives you much better insight.no book I have read compares with thi one.

Which scene was your favorite?

There were many but when shoeless joe is found to have given his depositin and took the money well that was the most painful scene.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It is a sad story about greed and loss of dignity and honor it did not make me cry but it is a tragedy

Any additional comments?

You do not have to be a baseball fan to enjoy this book it is a great story worth buying and litsoning to time and again

Very slow, hard time keeping my attention

As a fan of not only baseball, but the history of the game, I was hoping to enjoy this audiobook much more than I did. And though Asinof’s account was detailed and at times compelling, it dragged on, as did Cropp’s narration. I rarely - if ever - say this, but I’d see the movie instead.

Spectacular book

This is a tremendous book. Filled with twists and turns. Where are players are tainted by just wanting to be paid what they are worth. It is a good read/listen. The narrator does a fantastic job, too, although he did mispronounce a couple players names (e.g., Rube Waddell).
The thing I find amazing is that I’ve been watching baseball for a long, long time. I think I know a little about baseball. However, when I listen to the description of how Eddie Cicotte pitches, I realize that I know nothing of the game. The intricacies. A player’s mindset.
Even though this is about a sad episode in baseball history, it is a fantastic read, and makes me appreciate and love the sport.

Knocked it out of the park

This is a really interesting story, it's got a lot of baseball history which even I found interesting not being a huge fan of the sport. The narration is a bit dry at times, I found myself zoning out, but I don't think I missed anything - in that way I guess it is sort of like the game itself.

I recommend this for baseball fans obviously but also for history fans.

Great Read! Eye opening…

The story of the 1919 World Series and the conditions the players had to deal with makes perfect sense.

Great retelling from all perspectives

I really like the player, gambler, and owner perspectives brought out in this book. It shows the true class dynamics between regular people and those of the ruling class and those who exploit the ruling class.

Baseball History Uncovered

Very enlightening version of events that show what gambling and sports can easily become. A story of greed and human weakness. We’ll researched and written. A sad episode in baseball history.

Good book for sports fans

If like sports and crime stories, its perfect for you. The auther makes a nice bland of the two. The auther kept it simple, easy to follow, and interesting. The book was worth the time listening to.