John G. Zinn

"Ebbets Field: Essays and Memories of Brooklyn's Historic Ballpark, 1913-1960" is an interesting collection of writings on the Dodgers' fabled ballpark. Included are essays on Dodgers’ Owner Charles Ebbets; the first and last games played at Ebbets Field; black baseball played there; memorable Dodger moments; and a remarkably detailed account of the field dimensions. Most compelling, however, are the reminiscences of players and fans. These heartfelt and often wistful memories speak to the great importance of Ebbets Field and the Dodgers to that era of Brooklyn’s history, and their profound impact that still resonates in hearts and minds of those fortunate enough to have experienced Ebbets Field first-hand.… (más)

This is a good collection of essays remembering the beloved Brooklyn ballpark, Ebbets Field. It is expertly researched, although the recounting of that research is a little bit dry. A couple of essays are basically just lists of scores of high school, college, and pro football games or soccer games, or non Dodger baseball games. Ebbets Field has a fantastic history tied to Brooklyn and this books shines most when the ties to that community are told. The people of Brooklyn grew up with the ballpark and participated in the park. The Dodgers were a part of their daily lives for sixty years until decreased attendance led to a western move by the Dodgers and then to the lose of the ballpark itself. These essays serve as great reminders of the park and it's ties to the community. The loss of the Dodgers to Los Angeles was terrible, but the loss of Ebbets Field is something it seems Brooklyn is still not over.… (más)

This is a scholarly (that is, sometimes dry), yet informative look at Ebbets Field, the long-time home of the Brooklyn Dodgers. There is plenty of information on topics you’d expect, such as Charles Ebbets, the building and demolition of the ballpark, as well as the first and last Dodger games played there. There’s also a chapter filled with brief, but interesting, summaries of some of the most noteworthy ballgames played at Ebbets Field. The ballplayers themselves, both Dodger players and visiting players, provide some of their memories of the ballpark. I never realized that visiting players who didn’t sign autographs for every last kid would have ink spilled on them.

My favorite chapter of all, however, was the chapter presenting fan memories of the ballpark, some from famous fans such as Doris Kearns Goodwin, but most from regular, local Brooklyn fans. These memories were quite interesting and gave me a great flavor for the place. Besides particular games and players, fans remembered how they got to the ballpark, what they ate, how the ballpark smelled, and where they sat. Common memories include Hilda Chester, the loud woman with the cowbell and a bellowing voice, the Abe Stark “hit sign, win suit” sign, the Ebbets Field rotunda, the Brooklyn Sym-Phony, organist Gladys Goodding, and the Happy Felton Knothole Gang. More than anything else, the fan memories really brought the place to life for me. This was the best part of the book, I thought.

Also of interest to me was the chapter on non-baseball events held at Ebbets Field. There were boxing matches, soccer games, and high school, college, and professional football games. Army and Notre Dame played there one year, for instance. Interestingly, a series of operas were performed at Ebbets Field in 1925, which included Aida and its cast of over 400 elephants, horses, and camels.

Despite the somewhat dry, occasionally slow-paced writing, overall, this book is a great look at an iconic ballpark. A must-read for fans of baseball’s Golden Age.… (más)