The Only Game in Town: Baseball Stars of the 1930s and 1940s Talk About the Game They Loved

by Fay Vincent

An account of baseball in the 1930s and 1940s is presented from the perspectives of players who share memories about such topics as the dominance of the Yankees, the impact of World War II, and the integration of African-American ballplayers.

Genres: Baseball, Sports, Nonfiction, History, American History

Hardcover

First published April 4, 2006

About the author

Francis Thomas "Fay" Vincent Jr. was an American entertainment lawyer, securities regulator, and sports executive who served as the eighth commissioner of baseball from September 13, 1989, to September 7, 1992.

Reviews

[Johnny · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Only Game in Town: Baseball Stars of the 1930s and 1940s Talk About the Game They Loved is the first volume in an intended series of oral history anthologies where old-time baseball players shared their experiences in their own unique manners. Even though I didn’t discover baseball until the very late ‘50s and the early ‘60s, most of the ballplayers interviewed in this book still held records fresh in the memories of television announcers and my relatives (my granddaddy and some of my uncles were avid baseball fans). Some, I was able to see play in the twilight of their careers on our black and white televisions. Some that are mentioned in the anecdotes told by these stars, I knew as television commentators or as coaches and managers when I was growing up. So, even though the bulk of the stories in this book occurred before I was born, reading this book was a nostalgic return to the days of sitting by my granddaddy and watching the Baseball Game of the Week.

The Only Game in Town: Baseball Stars of the 1930s and 1940s Talk About the Game They Loved contains reminiscences from Larry Doby, the man who broke the color line in the American League, Dom DiMaggio, the lesser-recognized brother of “Joltin’ Joe” who was never inducted into the Hall of Fame despite his statistics better than many who are already in the shrine, Warren Spahn, the famous Braves pitcher from “Spahn and Sain and pray for rain,” “Buck” O’Neil, the Negro League star who eventually became a major league scout but never played in the major leagues, Bob Feller, the famous ace with 12 no-hitters at the time of his retirement, and more.

Elden Auker, one of the great Detroit Tigers pitchers of the era, told a fabulous story about the famous Hank Greenberg. It seems that one of the Chicago White Sox called him a “yellow Jew S.O.B” during the game and Greenberg stormed into the Sox clubhouse after the game, demanding to know who had called him that. The Sox remained silent because Greenberg seemed to be spoiling for a fight, even though he was known as one of the most gentle individuals in baseball (p. 23). Greenberg also appears in Ralph Kiner’s short autobiographical sketch when he says that Greenberg taught him enough about hitting to change his life (p. 202). Kiner also noted that when Greenberg was traded to Pittsburgh, the configuration of Forbes Field was changed from 365’ down the line in left field to 335’ down the line. They called it “Greenberg Gardens,” but changed the name after Greenberg’s retirement to “Kiner’s Korner.” (p. 206)

“Buck” O’Neil recounted a marvelous story about Jackie Robinson when they were touring on the Kansas City Monarchs’ bus. It seems a gasoline station had a restroom for “Whites Only,” but Robinson headed for it anyway. The service station operator asked with that disrespectful manner, “Where you going, boy?” When Robinson said he was going to the restroom and the attendant said it was for whites only, Robinson immediately removed the nozzle from the gas tank and said they would fill their two 50-gallon tanks elsewhere. When the attendant realized he was about to lose a sale of 100 gallons of gas, he told the players to go ahead and use the restroom, but to do it quickly. O’Neil says that they never patronized any establishment that segregated rooms or facilities again (pp. 95-96).

Before reading this volume, I hadn’t realized that pitcher Warren Spahn from my boyhood had fought over the famous bridge at Remagen (p. 153) and was surprised at how many of the front line stars enlisted for combat-heavy operations in World War II. And where I vaguely remembered something about segregated theaters where African-Americans were forced to sit in the balcony, my sadness was increased as Larry Dolby told about that and his disappointment in the segregation within the military (pp. 177-178). I also never realized that Dom DiMaggio was the first professional baseball player to enter the major leagues while wearing glasses (pp. 117-118). DiMaggio even used his prowess as a professional athlete to be able to enlist in the Navy during the war.

Ralph Kiner opened my eyes about baseball when he shared that the Yankees had offered him a scholarship to USC (Southern Cal) if he would sign with them and wait to come up to the big leagues and that the Pirates had illegally offered him a $5K bonus if he would sign right away and eventually make the club (p. 197). He also recounted his contract negotiation after his last full year with the Pirates (1952). GM Branch Rickey called him into his office after the season and asked what place the team finished. When Kiner answered, Rickey said, “We can finish last without you.” (p. 213)

If you know even a little about old-time baseball, you’ll enjoy The Only Game in Town: Baseball Stars of the 1930s and 1940s Talk About the Game They Loved. Not only is there a lot to learn in hearing these great players talk about themselves and their contemporaries, but the book underscores the need for oral histories. Since the publication of this book, all of the interviewees quoted here have died: Elden Auker (2006), Bob Feller (2010), Tommy Henrich (2009), Dom DiMaggio (2009), Larry Doby (2003-prior to the book’s publication), John “Buck” O’Neil (2006), Ralph Kiner (2014), Monte Irvin (2016), Johnny Pesky (2012), and Warren Spahn (2003-pre-publication). If that doesn’t show some of the value of oral history projects, I don’t know what would.

[Bryan Kurdonik · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is straight from the interview tape to paper. Due to the interviewees age the stories jump from point to point and can be hard to follow. If you are a student of the game, like me, the book is wonderful.

[William Schram · Rating 4 out of 5]

Baseball is an old sport. It spans several generations and still finds popularity today. My great-great-grandfather could have played the game.

Author Fay Vincent interviews ten old Baseball players from the 1930s and 1940s and writes down their recollections. Mr. Vincent served as the Commissioner of Baseball from 1989 to 1992.

Vincent wrote the book after encountering the original tapes that led to another book about Baseball history, The Glory of Their Times. Vincent realized that many old baseball players were aging, and their stories would be lost forever. With that in mind, Vincent set up a Tax-exempt Foundation to gather these stories.

The book is the first volume. I don't know how many there are. The book interviews ten men from different periods. For example, we have some players who predate the integration. Vincent selected them for the tales they could tell about pre-World War II baseball. Elden Auker is one such man. Auker sustained a shoulder injury, but he was still a pitcher. His injury forced him to use an unorthodox underhand delivery. His curveball worked the opposite way. Instead of curving down, the ball would curve upward. It made him the scourge of many opposing batters. Auker was a pitcher for three teams over his ten-year career: the Detroit Tigers, the Boston Red Sox, and the St. Louis Browns. Auker quit because of World War II and a reasonable assessment of his abilities.

I enjoyed the book. Thanks for reading my review, and see you next time.

[Harry Brake · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was exciting to hear what were ora histories of baseball that existed before I was born.

Working as an intern for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1997, I heard hints and rumors about some of the names that revealed so much about how baseball grew.

I loved hearing how some of the best players were actually not even seen in the Major leagues but were actually in the Negro leagues, and hearing the changes in baseball due to integration revealed how the sport of baseball could be an organization of equality if given the chance.

This is a truly historic and ethical novel that reveals so much about society through the game of baseball, and at times makes me want to revisit such moments to witness the thrill of athletes that, might mirror today's athletes, certainly do not compare in other aspects as a majority.

[Joe Santoro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no idea this book existed until I got it for my birthday (thanks, Dad), or I probably would have read it a long time ago.. nothing better than personal stories of old time baseball. I'm love 'Glory of our Times' is this one is very similar... not alot of commentary or explanation from the author, just a quick biography and then right to the players stories.

The book as a nice mix of lesser known players like Elden Auker and Tommy Heinrich, and the a couple stars like Bob Feller and Warren Spahn.

Great stuff about going to the war and integration... I love hearing what their contemporaries thought of the stars like Williams and Dimaggio... you just don't get that from anything but these sort of interviews.

I'll definitely have to see if any other 'Baseball Oral History Project' books.

[Josh Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've reviewed books like this before, and the common theme is that I love them. It is informative and fascinating to hear about the history of America's pastime from the lips of those who actually lived it. Great read for baseball fans.

[Jim Blanchfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book, not just for the stories about the players the author highlighted, but more so for the stories those players told about their contemporaries.

Definitely fills out your baseball knowledge of players you’ve just heard if but likely never saw play.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

great, first hand insight.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book. The players who contributed are a nice mix of superstars and very good, major leaguers and Negro Leaguers. I was actually disappointed to finish it, wishing there could be more

[Jared · Rating 2 out of 5]

This would really be a 2 1/2 if they only allowed that...

Interesting from the historical perspective. Most of these ballplayers went to war during a portion of their careers and so it was interesting to hear about that. But it was fairly difficult to read. It seemed almost like a stream of conscious discussion, but that might have been cleared up if the questions were included in the text. As it is, you go along for one paragraph on one subject and then without any segue, just dive into a new subject on the next paragraph. Also, reading the verbatim words of the men was slightly difficult. Whereas bad grammar and odd sentences might be looked over in a discussion, doing so in a book is much more difficult for me. Anyway, if you are a baseball fan or in to recent history, this would be a good read, otherwise, I'd say save your time.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book, but it had drawbacks. I probably expected too much because it was based on an oral history project and I wanted it to be wonderful – but I think these oral histories needed a lot more editing. When we transcribe speech, it always reads like the speaker is dimwitted unless the transcript is carefully edited to keep the flavor of speech and yet translate spoken word into written word. I don’t think that happened here.

I liked the reflections on the integration of baseball and the discussion about the Negro Leagues. It was particularly interesting to hear the sense of loss that the black players felt about the league and about their own audiences and the support network for the league – hotels, restaurants, etc. I also was interested in the black players reflections on issues of race in WW II.

[Rob Neyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of collections like this. So of course I wanted to love it.

I've got one real criticism, however unfair: The interview subjects herein had previously been WELL-chronicled, in other collections of interviews and in their own memoirs. I simply don't need another interview with Bob Feller, if only because he's so unlikely to say anything he's not said before. Still, I understand the compulsion to find and talk to the biggest stars, if only for commercial reasons.

At least one exception to the above is Warren Spahn, who seems to have given relatively few significant interviews in the latter stage of his life. And so I'm grateful for this one.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think that this type of project is much needed in baseball. I think it is wonderful that someone took the time to sit down with some of the baseball stars from the 30's and 40's and interviewed them. The primary focus of this particular volume tended to be the integration of baseball as well as some of the activity involved in the African American Leagues. One thing I learned in these accounts was that those who played in the "Negro Leagues" actually made more money than those playing in the major leagues. That was sort of shocking, but an interesting note to what I thought was a social injustice.

Fans of baseball history will enjoy this walk down memory lane...

[Tom · Rating 2 out of 5]

I ordered this book almost as soon as I heard of its publication. I expected Vincent to provide a sort of sequel to Ritter's Glory of Their Times. Alas, instead of deep candid reflections from players, organized in a easy to read compelling narrative The Only Game in Town made for a choppy unsatisfying, and ultimately, mostly unenlightening read.

Baseball stories are baseball stories and thus there is still some value to The Only Game in Town but the book is wholly unworthy of a place in the pantheon of baseball classics.

[Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

A real treat to hear about the great days of baseball from the men who played the game. The thing I liked best about the book was also the one objection I had. Taken from interviews each chapter is a verbatim account from the player. Although the narative rambles and requires some reading beteween the lines, it is real and tangible. I only wish Vincent would have somehow woven the questions asked into the narratives.

[Tommy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great read for baseball fans. Interviews with some great players (Spahn, Kiner, Doby, Irvin, and more) about their memories done in a truly conversational manner.

It's a very light and easy read yet interesting and really takes you back and makes you feel like you are living through these games and days.

A must read for baseball fans, especially younger fans who may not know the history.

[Chad · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the stories about the people and the words from the players, but the author is not a good writer. I guess I should not have expected much from the guy who kicked Pete Rose out of baseball. There are many other books about baseball that you should spend your time on. Start with Crazy 08. (See my review on that one as well. )

[carl theaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent compilation of oral histories. Since it's in 'their own words' you get
the feel of the slang of the era and the real likes and dislikes of the players.
As it is the 30-40s covers those fellows you may have heard of, but don't
really know that much about.

[Frank Taranto · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the stories as told by the players, but the editing was terrible. You could tell the players were answering questions; I think the questions should have been provided to the reader as a lead in to each section of the players remarks.

[Patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent baseball book. It's in serious need of some editing. The baseball players' oral histories are more like oral ramblings. I think they transcribed the tapes verbatim. I recommend it but it could have been a lot better if someone had done some editing.

[Fred · Rating 4 out of 5]

Each profile had a bio section and then the words of the player describing his career and those he played with. Some of the players were not as well known to me, but all gave you a sense of thier love of the game and why baseball fans love it too.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great, entertaining stories from a lively bunch of old-timers. The only thing keeping this from being a 5-star review is the horrible, horrible editing. Where was the quality control?

[Hapzydeco · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fay Vincent - former Commissioner of Major League baseball. Good article on John “Buck” O’Neil.

[Ken · Rating 3 out of 5]

The other one in this series of two that former commissioner Fay Vincent put together. Good read for baseball fans who enjoy the history of the game.

[Wesley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seriously needs an editor.

[Craig · Rating 3 out of 5]

not quite as good as the glory of their times, it didn't have as much historical heft as that one. but still enjoyable.

[Harold Bookman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful stories from the forgotten days of baseball.

[S.j. Calhoun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting stories.

[Joletta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting historical look at the game of baseball.