About the Author

The late James F. Vail was a writer and researcher. He was a member of the Society for American Baseball Research and lived in Phoenix, Arizona.

Reviews

"clear and objective...[an] eye-opening account, which should add fuel to an already fiery debate"--Booklist; "this volume has much to recommend it...well written"--Choice; "delightful...whether you agree or disagree with Vail, he is the Bill James of the Baseball Hall of Fame. And his book will rally and roil fans of America's grandest game...fun...highly readable (downright funny in some spots), logical, analytical (...abounds with easy-to-read but pentrating charts)...full of history"--Street & Smith's; "draws interesting parallels between current and former players"--Baseball America.