{"product_id":"the-best-they-could-be-scott-longert-9781612344935","title":"The Best They Could Be: How the Cleveland Indians Became the Kings of Baseball, 1916-1920","description":"Since the founding of professional baseball, few teams have risen above years of mediocrity only to see their fortunes interrupted by war and tragedy. Fewer still have then rallied to win the World Series. In the early twentieth century, the Cleveland Indians brought the world championship to their city of passionate fans in a spectacular style that has yet to be replicated. \u003ci\u003eThe Best They Could Be\u003c\/i\u003e recaps the compelling story of the ballplayers and team owner who resurrected this proud but struggling franchise. Although the Cleveland ball club had been an active part of professional baseball from the late 1860s and a charter member of the American League, by 1915 the team was on the brink of collapse. Into this dejected atmosphere came new owner James C. Dunn, who, lacking baseball experience, nonetheless had the business savvy to bring his club to the forefront, acquiring superstar center fielder Tris Speaker, Larry Gardner, and other great players. But during the rise of the franchise, the outbreak of World War I interrupted baseball. Then, in 1920, as the Indians were leading the pennant race, shortstop Ray Chapman died after a pitch fractured his skull. The outpouring of sorrow from teammates and fans alike made the Indians more determined than ever to fight their way to the top. Scott H. Longert's entertaining and poignant narrative traces the rise, fall, and rebirth of one of America's most beloved baseball teams.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAuthor:\u003c\/b\u003e Scott Longert\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN-10:\u003c\/b\u003e 1612344933\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN-13:\u003c\/b\u003e 9781612344935\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e Potomac Books\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eLanguage:\u003c\/b\u003e English\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublished:\u003c\/b\u003e 04\/01\/2013\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePages:\u003c\/b\u003e 270\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eFormat:\u003c\/b\u003e Hardcover\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWeight:\u003c\/b\u003e 1.25lbs\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSize:\u003c\/b\u003e 9.10h x 6.20w x 1.10d","brand":"Scott Longert","offers":[{"title":"Hardcover","offer_id":43991707353343,"sku":"9781612344935","price":32.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0662\/2982\/9887\/files\/img_05d6a133-eef0-4da4-b486-d04cb519260e.jpg?v=1683311763","url":"https:\/\/www.whiterainbookhouse.com\/products\/the-best-they-could-be-scott-longert-9781612344935","provider":"WR Book House","version":"1.0","type":"link"}