About this item
Highlights
- Buck Ewing (1859-1906) was regarded by contemporaries as the greatest catcher and all-around player of his era.
- About the Author: Roy Kerr, a retired professor of Spanish and a member of the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR), lives in Lakeland, Florida.
- 213 Pages
- Biography + Autobiography, Sports
Description
About the Book
Buck Ewing (1859-1906) was regarded by contemporaries as the greatest catcher and all-around player of his era, though he is virtually forgotten today. A lifetime .300-hitter, he played every position on the diamond and led the league in fielding at two different positions. The first hitter to reach double digits in home runs, Ewing once stole six bases in a game, pioneered the snap forearm throw to catch runners napping, averaged 35 steals a season, and is the only catcher to lead his team in stolen bases (53 in 1888). Off the field, Ewing's personality proved as multifaceted as his playing skills. Considered both affable and modest, he still received criticism from fellow players for negotiating contracts directly with the National League and was accused of faking injuries. This revealing biography provides a detailed exploration of Ewing's life and career, shedding new light on one of baseball's most talented and versatile players.Book Synopsis
Buck Ewing (1859-1906) was regarded by contemporaries as the greatest catcher and all-around player of his era. A lifetime .300-hitter, he played every position on the diamond and led the league in fielding at two different positions. The first National League hitter to reach double digits in home runs, Ewing once stole six bases in a game, pioneered the snap forearm throw to catch runners napping, averaged 35 steals a season, and is the only catcher to lead his team in stolen bases (53 in 1888).
Off the field, Ewing's personality proved as multifaceted as his playing skills. Considered both affable and modest, he still received criticism from fellow players for negotiating contracts directly with the National League and was wrongly accused of faking injuries. This revealing biography provides a detailed exploration of Ewing's life and career, shedding new light on one of baseball's most talented and versatile players.
Review Quotes
"offers a valuable picture of the evolution of our national pastime"-Library Journal.
About the Author
Roy Kerr, a retired professor of Spanish and a member of the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR), lives in Lakeland, Florida.