A Nice Little Place on the North Side

George Will puts on his literary baseball cap and dives into the history, romance, and realities of the venerable Wrigley Field, which he likens to a clipper ship: The field on Chicago's North Side remains "elegantly practical," he says. Mark Deakins's voice reflects the reverence, and romance, that fans have with the stadium and its inhabitants, the Cubs. Deakins is solid enough--except for the mispronunciation of a player's name--while running through the litany of historical accomplishments and tribulations (mostly the latter) surrounding the old park. He stays consistent as the focus starts with history and shifts to esoterica on the park. Will's passion--and frustration--come through in the narration. M.B. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine