Review
We knew Bill Veeck was the baron of ballyhoo. We didn't know (or at least I didn't) that he was a patriot as high-flying as Ted Williams, a racial barrier-buster as fearless as Branch Rickey, a gadfly who set the mold for Charlie Finley, and a one-of-a-kind iconoclast who was irresistible. So don't resist. Buy Paul Dickson's new book and have a blast. Larry Tye, author of Satchel: The Life and Times of an American Legend The Bonus Army,' a haunting, compellingly written and marvelously researched book, is an important contribution to American history. Chicago Tribune on The Bonus Army In telling the story of "The Bonus Army," in a gripping style packed with facts, Dickson and Allen do great honor to all veterans -- and remind us that one of our most important battles was fought with blood and fire at the steps of our own government. Minneapolis Star Tribune on The Bonus Army His research is painstaking, his attention to detail exemplary...it flows smoothly and clearly - an admirable quality in history. Philadelphia Inquirer on Sputnik A fascinating slice of useful social history. USA Today on Sputnik A wonderful companion volume... enough to last a fan through a 162-game season and the playoffs. ... What a treasure to have at hand with a long season ahead. David Broder, Washington Post on The Dickson Baseball Dictionary Any man who wanted to be included on Richard Nixon's enemies list is worthy of a searching biography--and Paul Dickson has been kind enough to do that for us with his compelling portrait of the unregenarate Bill Veeck. Ray Robinson, author of Iron Horse: Lou Gehrig in His Time
Product Description
William Louis "Bill" Veeck, Jr. (1914-1986) is legendary in many ways-baseball impresario and innovator, independent spirit, champion of civil rights in a time of great change. Paul Dickson has written the first full biography of this towering figure, in the process rewriting many aspects of his life and bringing alive the history of America's pastime. In his late 20s, Veeck bought into his first team, the American Association Milwaukee Brewers. After serving and losing a leg in WWII, he bought the Cleveland Indians in 1946, and a year later broke the color barrier in the American League by signing Larry Doby, a few months after Jackie Robinson-showing the deep commitment he held to integration and equal rights. Cleveland won the World Series in 1948, but Veeck sold the team for financial reasons the next year. He bought a majority of the St. Louis Browns in 1951, sold it three years later, then returned in 1959 to buy the other Chicago team, the White Sox, winning the American League pennant his first year. Ill health led him to sell two years later, only to gain ownership again, 1975-1981. Veeck's promotional spirit-the likes of clown prince Max Patkin and midget Eddie Gaedel are inextricably connected with him-and passion endeared him to fans, while his feel for the game led him to propose innovations way ahead of their time, and his deep sense of morality not only integrated the sport but helped usher in the free agency that broke the stranglehold owners had on players. (Veeck was the only owner to testify in support of Curt Flood during his landmark free agency case). Bill Veeck: Baseball's Greatest Maverick is a deeply insightful, powerful biography of a fascinating figure. It will take its place beside the recent bestselling biographies of Satchel Paige and Mickey Mantle, and will be the baseball book of the season in Spring 2012.
