Our Game: An American Baseball History

Alexander ( Ty Cobb ) teaches baseball history at Ohio University. This information-laden volume probably is intended as a classroom text but it also will appeal to the general reader. While not giving the last word on the game, Alexander offers insights into its evolution in the 19th century, including the struggle over whether the owners of teams would control the organized sport, and the way beseball changed during our century--from the low-scoring, hit-and-run contests of yore to the homerun explosion of the 1920s to the synthesis reached today (typified by players like Jose Canseco). Off-the-field developments like the demise of the reserve clause also are covered in this concise but thorough survey. (Apr.)