The Greatest Summer in Baseball History

How the '73 Season Changed Us Forever

By: John Rosengren

Narrated by: Barry Abrams

In 1973, baseball was in crisis. The first strike in pro sports had soured fans, American League attendance had fallen, and America's team—the Yankees—had lost more games and money than ever. Yet that season, five of the game's greatest figures rescued the national pastime.

Hank Aaron riveted the nation with his pursuit of Babe Ruth's landmark home run record in the face of racist threats. George Steinbrenner purchased the Yankees at a bargain basement price and began buying back their faded glory. An elderly and ailing Willie Mays nearly helped the Mets pull off a miracle with the final hit of his career. Reggie Jackson, the MVP of a tense World Series, became the prototype of the modern superstar.

The season itself provided plenty of drama served up by a colorful cast of characters. The Mets, managed by Yogi Berra, performed another near miracle, rising from last place in the National League East to win the division and take the A's to seven games in the World Series. Reggie Jackson, the World Series MVP, solidified his reputation as Mr. October. Willie Mays hit the final home run of his career and retired. Future Hall of Famers Dave Winfield and George Brett played in their first major league games; Luis Aparicio and Mays played in their last. That one memorable summer changed baseball forever.

©2008, 2023 John Rosengren (P)2023 Tantor

A book all baby boomers should read or listen!

Yeah there are many books on baseball during the 70's but this book just focuses on the 1973 season and although I was only 9 years old , listening to this book definitely brings back memories of that season. But what I loved most is listening about the times George Steinbrenner purchased the Yankees and the drama with not only the team but his dealings with the FBI over those illegal donations to then President Nixon.

And the details on Hank Aaron's home run chase were many details I never read or heard before regarding the Commissioner of Baseball and the hateful letters he was getting.

And also loved the part in the book about Willie Mays and his last year with the Mets.

And good stuff on both the NLCS, ALCS and World Series with the Mets and A's!!

I definitely suggest you buy this book or better yet get the audiobook book because it's a great great listen!

Hopefully the author John Rosengren writes another book on the 1974 season!! Or the 1977-78 seasons!! Great book John!!

Great story of a great season

Baseball fans of 70s will love this book. Stories of the Wrestin’ Oakland A’s stood out to me the most.

Terrible, Just Terrible.

I started following baseball in 1973, so I was really excited to listen to this audiobook. I was very disappointed. The book mostly focused on the New York Mets, the Oakland A’s and the New York Yankees. The Mets and the A’s were division winners so fair enough. The Yankees however finished fourth that season and was a below average baseball team. Teams like the Cincinnati Reds (who had the best record in baseball that season) and the Baltimore Orioles (who handily won their division) were barely mentioned. If you like New York centric baseball books then this book is for you. But major league baseball was played in 20 other cities in 1973 but you wouldn’t know it by listening to this book. In addition, the Narrator was terrible, he read the book like a failed comedian poorly setting up a joke without a punchline. DO NOT WASTE A CREDIT on this poorly researched, written and performed book.