Reflections of the Game: Lives in Baseball

This book exists primarily to showcase the photos that Modra made during 20 years of work for Sports Illustrated, and outstanding images they are. There are fine action shots (like one of Pete Rose doing a head-first slide), portraits and candid photos of players in the locker room, at home or in the great outdoors. Modra wrote much of the text in the form of reflections about stars he worked with; these are candid because he doesn't hesitate to name those who were arrogant or hostile, like Barry Bonds and Dave Justice. An essay by Jordan, who hoped to make a career as a professional player but lasted only three years in the minors, leapfrogs from page to page, interrupted everywhere along the way, making it difficult to follow. And as if this isn't enough, there are also so-called reflections, most of them short but telling, by players like Paul Molitor, Goose Gossage, Kirby Puckett, Bob Uecker, Tom Glavine and Gary Carter. This volume is notable mainly for its 180 photos. (Sept.)