Christy Mathewson (1880–1925)

This is a fascinating look at baseball from the inside, in the early days of the major leagues and the first two decades of the twentieth century (ghost-)written by one of the great stars of the game. Mathewson, one of baseball's most magnificent pitchers and an intelligent and erudite man, allowed his friend, newspaperman John Wheeler, to expound upon the art of playing baseball as though Mathewson were himself telling the stories. No doubt, Mathewson had a good deal to say himself, and there is a mixed air about the book, one of authenticity mixed with what passed for lighthearted literary flair in the press of the 1920s. In any event, there is a lot of fun to be had in the musings about various players, teams, and umpires, and some additional amusement to be found in the differences (and similiarities) of the game then and now. Surprisingly, in those long ago days when coaches were called "coachers" and pitchers most frequently referred to as "twirlers," some of the sophistication of modern baseball is evident, and it is clear that the brainy, strategic game played today is nothing new. PITCHING IN A PINCH is an interesting flashback to a time when the game was young and naive, but not nearly so naive as one might think.… (mere)