Breaking the Slump: Baseball in the Depression Era

by Charles C. Alexander

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In the 1930s, professional baseball remained the king of American sports, in terms of both spectators and participants. In an era that saw the likes of players such as Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Satchel Paige and other legends of the game such as Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis and John McGraw, baseball easily maintained its place as the nation's foremost athletic pastime. In this history, noted baseball historian Charles C. Alexander conveys a sense of what baseball was like in the Depression years and what it meant to millions of Americans who could no longer afford to attend games on a regular basis.… (more)

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This is a fascinating look at the world of major league baseball and its players during the "hard times" of the 1930s and up to the start of World War 2. Though the author offers interesting information on the highlights of each season, the book excels when addressing the impact of the Great Depression on the leagues, the players, and the fans. For instance, during the early 1930s, exhibition games were held to raise money for the unemployed.

The first night games, postseason barnstorming, and the development of the minor league farm system (particularly by the St Louis Cardinals' Branch Rickey) are among the most interesting topics covered in the books. Also of interest is the coverage given to the winding down of the careers of some stars, such as Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig as well as the rise of others, such as Bob Feller, Joe DiMaggio, and Ted Williams.

I would recommend this to baseball fans and also to American history buffs. (

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lindapanzo | Jan 25, 2009 |

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CASEY Award (Finalist – 2002)

Dave Moore Award (Finalist – 2002)

Seymour Medal (Winner – 2003)

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Breaking the Slump: Baseball in the Depression Era

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In the 1930s, professional baseball remained the king of American sports, in terms of both spectators and participants. In an era that saw the likes of players such as Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Satchel Paige and other legends of the game such as Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis and John McGraw, baseball easily maintained its place as the nation's foremost athletic pastime. In this history, noted baseball historian Charles C. Alexander conveys a sense of what baseball was like in the Depression years and what it meant to millions of Americans who could no longer afford to attend games on a regular basis.

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