When the Game Changed: An Oral History of Baseball's True Golden Age: 1969-1979

by George Castle

An authoritative look back at the decade that brought
America’s favorite game into the modern era

Acclaimed baseball writer and radio host George Castle recreates the sport’s most revolutionary decade via the memories of those who played, managed, and covered baseball from 1969 to 1979. In addition to a remarkable array of Hall of Famers and budding stars, the era saw numerous major changes. Rules were tweaked to promote offense. Free agency, arbitration, the first players’ strike, the designated hitter, the first African-American manager, the first all-black and Latin starting lineup, baseball’s first $1 million annual salary, the rise of the closer and bullpen specialization, Tommy John surgery—the list of topics discussed in this book by baseball’s participants of the 1970s goes on.

    

Contributors include: A-List players and managers like Fergie Jenkins, Billy Williams, Gaylord Perry, Joe Morgan, Tony Perez, Bruce Sutter, Brooks Robinson, Orlando Cepeda, Tom Seaver, Phil Niekro, Jim Rice, Jim Palmer, Bert Blyleven, Tommy John, Lou Piniella, Fred Lynn, Luis Tiant, Earl Weaver, and Sparky Anderson; “everyday” players; coaches; front-office staff; announcers; and sportswriters.

 

Praise for George Castle and his books:

“I have read all of George Castle’s books, and I can say without hesitation that he is one of those rare individuals who is extremely gifted both as a reporter and a writer.”
—Buzz Bissinger, author of Friday Night Lights and Three Nights in August

 

Genres: Baseball, Sports

327 pages, Hardcover

First published October 5, 2010

Reviews

[Shay Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book a lot. Like a lot of older fans, I've gone from knowing pretty much all the players on all the teams in my youth, to being mystified as to who the 75 relievers on every team might be. This book concentrates on an era (1969-1979) well familiar to me, and beloved. From the stars of the era, to free agency, to the characters, to ten cent beer night and disco demolition, it's all stuff I love.

The layout of the book is very readable, with chapters punctuated with long boxed-off quotes from the participants such as Fergie Jenkins, Dusty Baker and Brooks Robinson among many many others. While the material was pleasantly familiar, I did learn a fair bit of stuff I hadn't known before. Who knew Dave KIngman could wrangle a 33-gallon beer keg? (4 other players together couldn't budge it.) or that John Candelaria enjoyed a 250 dollar hot dog in the dugout (including the fine.)

If you like baseball and like this era or want to know how the sport became what it is today, this book is for you.

[Josh Hitch · Rating 3 out of 5]

It has some interesting and entertaining stories. However if you have any knowledge at all of 70s baseball than you have heard most of these stories several times. Was a couple of things I haven't heard before but that's it. Also I don't like the way the book is put together, instead of going by some kind of linear way it breaks down topics by the type of player or team.

Can't recommend unless you are fairly new to 70s baseball and want an overview. If so then it would be fine.

[Fred · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good but too Chicago based. I understand that that's the author's wheelhouse, but the phillies were a pretty decent team at the tail end of his golden age and they didn't merit much discussion at all. With the trade of players that Philadelphia and Chicago had throughout the 80s, it wouldn't be hard to get some interviews from phillies players of the late 70s, unless of course they were all a bunch of Carltons.

[Rachel Deckard · Rating 3 out of 5]

I agree that this was the Golden Era of baseball, but Mr. Castle's style diminishes the glory of history. For one thing, he desperately needs an editor.