Regular readers of PhoulBallz.com know that this site respects the history of the game of baseball. PhoulBallz posts weekly features on a historical figure from generations past. Information and stories are gathered for those articles from various sources, including a small collection of Phillies books that I've acquired. Added to that collection of blog post source material is the new release from MVP Books, Philadelphia Phillies Past & Present by Rich Westcott. The author is a regular contributor to the Philadelphia Inquirer, is the incoming president of the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association and has previously written several books on the Phillies.Philadelphia Phillies Past & Present features details from the tough days at the start of the franchise that lead all the way to information on the dynasty that phans are watching these days.
The book is a big, picture filled coffee table book that could very well be worth the purchase price to phans simply for the way its imagery documents the history of the team. But that doesn't mean it is short on textual content. Chapters on subjects like rivalries, trades (the good and the not-so-good), venues the team called home, uniforms and one devoted to each position, show readers the very appropriate Past & Present.
All phans know about Mike Schmidt, but how many of them are familiar with Sam Thompson? All phans can picture Veterans Stadium anytime they want to, but what do they know about the Baker Bowl? All phans can easily identify the first professional sports team to reach 10,000 losses, but what could they say about the first official indoor MLB game or the first MLB game played on foreign soil? There's plenty of information about those things, and more, in the pages of Past & Present.
From cover to cover, Westcott's book comprehensively describes the events and people that have shaped and defined the Philadelphia Phillies. It's as great as a day at the ballpark.
Philadelphia Phillies Past & Present is available to the world starting today. Pick it up at your local book store or buy it online at the link below.
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