The Greatest Ballpark Ever: Ebbets Field and the Story of the Brooklyn Dodgers

by Bob McGee

Generations after its demise, Ebbets Field remains the single most colorful and enduring image of a baseball park, with a treasured niche in the game's legacy and the American imagination.

In this lively story of sports, politics, and the talented, hilarious, and charming characters associated with the Brooklyn Dodgers, Bob McGee chronicles the ballpark's vibrant history from the drawing board to the wrecking ball, beginning with Charley Ebbets and the heralded opening in 1913, on through the eras that followed. McGee weaves a story about how Ebbets Field's architectural details, notable flaws, and striking facade brought Brooklyn and its team together in ways that allowed each to define the other.

Drawing on original interviews and letters, as well as published and archival sources, The Greatest Ballpark Ever explores the struggle of Charley Ebbets to build Ebbets Field, the days of Wilbert Robinson's early pennant winners, the eras of the Daffiness Boys, Larry MacPhail, and Branch Rickey, the tumultuous field leadership of Leo the Lip, the fiery triumph of Jackie Robinson, the golden days of the Boys of Summer, and Walter O'Malley's ignominious departure.

With humor and passion, The Greatest Ballpark Ever lets readers relive a day in the raucous ballpark with its quirky angles and its bent right-field wall, with the characters and events that have become part of the nation's folklore.

Genres: Baseball, Sports

336 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Shay Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this--the idea of a book about a ballpark, which necessarily has lots about the team that played there and the neighborhood it was so much a part of. I liked it much better than "The Boys of Summer." From the distantly bygone days of the late 19th century, to the building of Ebbetts Field in 1912 to the machinations and cold betrayal of Walter O'Malley in the 50's, this book is entertaining, enlightening, infuriating and in the end, satisfying. Recommended for anyone who loves baseball or Brooklyn or both.

[Graeme Whitton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book. I've never even been to a baseball game but anyone who loves sport and understands the emotional connection between a sports team and its community will find something in this book to enjoy. It left me wishing I'd been able to go there.

[Jodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazingly researched and full of images that bring Ebbets Field to life again.

[Big League Manager · Rating 3 out of 5]

Also traces the history of the Brooklyn Dodgers, which is interesting.

I thought the author was a little too much of the "never forgive, never forget" school... still mourning the move of the team to LA. That was over 50 years ago and even if the Dodgers stayed in Brooklyn, Ebbets Field would be long gone, so move on.

All in all, though, a decent book...