The Heart of the Order

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.

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