Bums: An Oral History of the Brooklyn Dodgers

Bums is the intimate story of one of the most beloved franchises ever, told by the men who lived it, and brilliantly compiled by the master of baseball oral histories, Peter Golenbock. From the building of Ebbets Field through those first dismal decades; to Durocher and Rickey and the development of an all-star lineup; to Jackie and Pee Wee and Gil, Duke, and all the others; to the pennants and that world championship. Read about the Brooklyn Dodgers as you've never read before. No schmaltz or phony nostalgia, just the real story from the real men who lived and played through the magical years in a bygone time. There is pride and pain in the players' memories, and a bittersweetness that comes from being good, and at times great, but not as great as they hoped and expected to be. Bums is a true baseball classic, considered by many to be the best history of the “Trolley Dodgers” this side of Boys of Summer. The book includes dozens of interviews and anecdotes, great photos, plus a special focus on Jackie Robinson’s breakthrough to the major leagues. Winner of the prestigious Casey Award for best baseball book of 1984. Despite countless books on the Dodgers that have followed, none top Golenbock’s.