The First All-Star Game

Description

In 1933, the people of the United States were looking for hope after enduring the first few years of a catastrophic economic depression. The inauguration of Franklin D. Roosevelt as President of the United States and the litany of executive orders issued during his first 100 days were meant to help the country recover from the disaster. However, the public mood needed further boosting, and Chicago Tribune writer Arch Ward had an idea to buoy spirits. His idea was for an epic baseball game featuring the best of both National and American Leagues to be played during the Chicago World’s Fair. His plan would need to be approved by MLB commissioner Kennesaw Landis, the league presidents, and the ballclubs. The game was set for early July, with legends such as Babe Ruth, Lefty Grove, Lou Gehrig, and many others set to play.

Randall Sullivan is an immensely talented writer with an impressive resume of books (Labrynth, The Curse of Oak Island). The First All-Star Game provides exhaustive insight into baseball in the early 20th century while also delving into the social and political climate of the United States. Sullivan’s work is a grand slam from start to finish.