Crazy '08: How a Cast of Cranks, Rogues, Boneheads, and Magnates Created the Greatest Year in Baseball History

A time when a sport became a passion , a symbol on the way to become a national treasure

I've read more books about baseball history that I care to admit, but nary one by a female, let alone a woman who doesn't write about it for a living. It oughtn't to come as a total surprise, though, baseball being the game that men and women mutually enjoy to an extent not shared by any other. Cait Murphy, please take a deep bow (curtsy?) because you produced a 'Can't put it down' take on the season of '08. Meticulously and exhaustively researched, this book puts the reader right into 1908 with it's often humourous, always witty anecdotes about the game, the players and society. Glib, poignant, sharp comments about the people and their tangled affairs only add to the enjoyment.I'm glad it isn't inudated with factual, statistical information which can be accessed quite simply by anyone, from a number of sources. Read those; tossed 'em.The only addition I would personally make is a coal oil burning lamp to illuminate the pages at night and a wood stove to provide warmth. I already have a scratchy gray wool flannel baseball jersey to wear while thoroughly enjoying Cait's wonderful effort. Chigago Cubs pitcher of the day, Orval Overall, would be proud of you. Congratulations, Ma'am!Larry Wood

Not only does it build like the thrill of a pennant race, author Cait Murphy takes you off the trolley tracks and tells you what was happening locally in Chicago and New York at the time. It helps to create a full picture of the 1908 NL pennant race and to give you an idea where people were coming from (and that is one seriously weird place back then). Near as I can figure in 1908 most people seemed to be drunk, including ballplayers, gambling was rampant and English soccer hooligans have nothing on early 20th century baseball bugs and cranks (as fans were known back then). Also, without radio, fans not at the ballpark followed games live mainly by watching public scoreboards flash scores and/or the play-by-play. Obviously, interest levels were far higher than the technology back then.The one thing missing is enough detail on the 1908 AL pennant race. It takes till Chapter 10 before Murphy really donates any time to that. Considering only a game and a half separated the Tigers, Cleveland Naps (now the beloved Indians) and the White Sox, they deserved far more attention.The tangents (called Time-Outs) he goes off on at the end of some chapters are fantastic. There's the info about Midwest tourists visiting the famous serial killer Belle Gunness's hometown and picnicking on the woman's farmstead (not so squeamish nor PC are these people back then). A short history of anarchists in the U.S. (talk about your homegrown terrorism) and the corrupt, wild and extremely "openminded" streets of corrupt Chicago in the 1900s are all great asides that help reveal the times back then.In addition the author throws in short post-1908 followups for all the main ballplayers and where life took them both on and off the field. Plus there is an author Q&A at the end of the book that offer insight into the whole incredibly well-researched book.So why would I only give this book a 4 out of 5. Mainly, there is not enough about the "other" league's pennant race which made that 1908 MLB season one of the best ever.

This book dwells on the 1908 baseball season & pennant race, specifically between the Cubs & the Giants, with the Pirates thrown in the mix as well. For anyone who enjoys baseball in it's early incarnation, this is a must read. Full of humorous anecdotes & well researched, I thoroughly enjoyed it. No steroids but lots of spitballs -- Enjoy!

Nicely written review of the great 1908 season and its crazy characters. Perhaps the most exciting season of all time and this book brings out that feeling when you read it.