The Heart of the Order

By Thomas Boswell

Book Overview

Baseball's Most Valuable Writer, Thomas Boswell of The Washington Post , hits a grand slam with this classic collection of heartfelt and humorous pieces on our national's pastime. The lineup includes "Heroes," "Managing (Life)," and "The Flame of Fame," which capture some of the outstanding players in baseball, from DiMaggio, Weaver, and Ozzie Smith to Rose, Sutton, and Gooden; "Five Octobers," which shows that baseball is a dynamic game in which any team can rise to the top; and the hilarious and memorable "99 Reasons Why Baseball Is Better Than Football" (Reason 20: Eighty degrees, a cold and a short-sleeve shirt are better than 30 degrees, a hip flask, and six layers of clothes under a blanket). And in "The Heart of the Order," Boswell showcases those players, past and present, who deserve a spot on the All-Star team for their talent and their "governing passion for excellence." Funny, insightful, and moving, The Heart of the Order confirms that when it comes to baseball, Boswell is in a league by himself. "Boswell is the best all-around writer in America--the literary equivalent of the player who can do it all: run, field, throw, hit, and hit with power."-- The San Diego Union "A wise old catcher once said of baseball, 'It's like a church. Many attend, but few understand.' Boswell's readers understand. Start with his essay '99 Reasons Why Baseball Is Better Than Football.' Boswell is the 100th reason."--George Will

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0140129871
• ISBN13: 9780140129878
• Release Date: March 1990
• Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 0.87 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.2" x 8.1"

Customer Reviews

Warm, Humane look at Baseball

Thomas Boswell hits another home run with this graceful collection of his top writings from the 1980's. This Washington (DC) Post sportswriter takes us into the locker room and the board room, letting us get to know figures such as Earl Weaver, Tommy John, Rod Carew, Edward Bennett Williams, Gary Carter, Davey Johnson, etc. We see Joe DiMaggio emerge from semi-reclusiveness at age 68, and Ozzie Smith add verbal acrobatics to those he performs on the field. These warm pages flow with humanity, delve into tragedy (Dick Howser's death from cancer), and remind us that in the 1980's top stars made "only" $2 million per season. Boswell offers a host of predictions, focuses heavily on the Baltimore Orioles, and as often happens in the media, barely mentions the non-glamour teams (Twins, White Sox, Pirates, Mariners, etc.). But the author captures the romance of baseball, which engulfs him as solidly as it does so many of us fans. This is superb baseball writing, as were his earlier books, WHY TIME BEGINS ON OPENING DAY and HOW LIFE IMITATES THE WORLD SERIES.

Boswell does it again

As usual, Thomas Boswell has given baseball fans a treat. "Heart of the Order" is a wonderful collection of Boswell's best work from the mid to late 80s. Highlights include reviews of pennant races and an intriguing portrait of Ozzie Smith. "Heart of the Order" is wonderful read for those who love baseball