Glory Days in Tribe Town: The Cleveland Indians and Jacobs Field 1994–1997

For most Cleveland sports fans 1994-1997 was almost like a dream and with the help of Terry Pluto and Tom Hamilton the dream can be relived in the Glory Days in Tribe Town: The Cleveland Indians and Jacobs Field 1994-1997. This book is written in three different sections with chapters making up each sections. The chapters do not connect to one another so a reader could skip around reading the chapters that they find most interesting first. My favorite chapters come at the end of each section entitled "Readers Letters". Pluto collected letters from the readers of his Plain Dealer columns and separated them based on topic. It is interesting to read Clevelanders accounts of watching games with parents, meeting favorite players, attending Jacobs Field for the first time and reliving how it felt during and after Game 7 of the World Series against the Florida Marlins in 1997.The stories in the book are collected from interviews that Pluto conducted either during the seasons focused on or in interviews since. Hamilton adds his memories throughout recounting being on Jacob's private plan when the trade of Kenny Lofton to the Atlanta Braves was being discussed, finding out that Herb Score was going to retire at the end of the '97 season but wanted it to be kept a secret and what the seemingly always angry Albert Belle was like away from the clubhouse.There is a lot of insight into the club that I'm sure some die-hard Cleveland sports radio fans knew, but that I found interesting learning about such as the reason behind Jim Thome signing with the Philadelphia Phillies, some of the fires that manager Mike Hargrove had to put out in the clubhouse, how players felt the organization disrespected Hall of Fame player Eddie Murray with a low contract and what the players thought of playing in Cleveland for the fans.This book was really interesting to read as a lifelong Cleveland Indians fan. The only thing that I found disappointing was that chunks were repeated throughout the books. Like details about the trade of Lofton to Atlanta is recounted a couple of times, information about Hargrove's playing career and Mark Shapiro's father being a agent for many players in the MLB. Since I look at the book as being one that a reader could skip around and read the chapters in the order they choose I decided not to knock it for the repeats throughout the book. I think that any Cleveland sports fan would be happy to add this book to their library collection.

Much more than a recap of the 1994-1997 seasons. Each chapter on the various members of the Indians of that era was a look into the heart and mind of complex individuals. After reading each, they were not ballplayers, but complex men who happened to play baseball for my favorite team. I did not know much about Dick Jacobs and his business philosophy. Understanding it helped me understand the rise and fall of the Indians. Bittersweet throughout was the idea that talent seemed secondary to dollars when it came to trying to build a team. When I closed my eyes after finishing the book, I could still see Vizquel fielding a ball barehanded, watch Thome's moonshots and hear the loud crack of the bat and know it was Belle. I wonder if the new stadium was not built, this team not created--can you say San Antonio or Tampa Indians?One of the bests sports books I have read, being an Indians fan notwithstanding.

Longtime columnist Pluto and longtime announcer Hamilton collaborate on a wonderful book detailing the glory years of the Cleveland Indians. It is a fun trip down memory lane for one who lived through it and a great way for those too young to fully appreciate that time to get a glimpse into a special time in Cleveland sports that will not be repeated.The structure of the book is outstanding. Chapters mainly deal with individual personalities (players and management) providing depth about their part in this golden era of Tribe baseball. Even close watchers of the Indians will get some nuggets here.There are several sections of "Fans Write In" that I skipped. Not interesting to me, but I'm sure others will enjoy hearing from other die-hards.Pluto has written plenty about the Tribe and shows an intimate knowledge of the team. This book is essential for any Tribe fan's bookshelf.

A great read of one of the, if not most, special periods in Cleveland sports. It was great fun to return to a time with so many special moments and special players. It’s hard to believe all the all-timers who put on an Indians uniform during that time. However, how much the city bought in made it an experience like no other.

This book is very, very well written. It was great to read as someone born in 1987, who experienced the Tribe in the 90s as a child who absolutely adored the franchise. As someone who has worked with the Indians, I still feel this book is fair without being overly "pro Tribe". What a great read by one of Cleveland's best known voices. For anyone who was alive during the Tribe of the mid-90s or for anyone who wants to learn about the teams that used to be - I strongly recommend this book. I've purchased two copies!

I've been a Tribe fan for all of my almost 47 years and a Hammy fan his entire Tribe career. This is the best piece I've read. These magical years will always hold a special place in my heart. From Alomar to Vizquel, the rosters of those years were packed with talent, and I will always be grateful to have witnessed and listened to those games. The corner of Carnegie and Ontario will always be special to me. Thanks for the memories, Hammy! GO TRIBE!

Great book. Easy and enjoyable read.

Love reliving this time in history! So close to winning it all!! Great read from start to finish!June 26, 2016 and The Tribe still in first place! Lets sustain this run and win it all!! Then you can write a follow up book!!!