The Off Season: National League 1953/54

In 1953/54, the United States was changing--and so, too, was our National Pastime. ‘The Off Season’ is John Oelerich’s poetic tribute to baseball in an era when the color barrier was breaking down and new talent was arriving from other countries. We revisit the Polo Grounds and Shibe and Ebbets and Sportsman’s Park. We meet again the National League’s heroes and villains--Jackie Robinson, Warren Spahn, Bobby Thomson, Stan the Man Musial, and Leo the Lip Durocher. Umpires Jocko Conlon, Al Barlick, and Augie Donatelli call balls and strikes. Hall of Famers Waite Hoyt, Vin Scully, Russ Hodges, Jack Brickhouse, Harry Caray, and Pittsburgh’s incomparable Bob Prince announce the games. It’s all here, including--at least for one more moment--mitts on the field.