America's Game in the Wild-Card Era

February 1, 2021

The game of baseball has been around for well over a hundred years and in that time, it has endured both success and criticism. More specifically, the modern era, which is also called the "wild card era," has experienced a series of highs and lows. In 1994, Major League Baseball suffered through a player's strike and, since then, has sought to recuperate and become more dynamic than ever. In this detailed look at the last 25 years of the sport, baseball historian Soderholm-Diffate (Tumultuous Times in America's Game) takes readers through the wild card era's many struggles and triumphs. Moments such as the unbelievable pitching trio of Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz of the 1990s Atlanta Braves; the return of the championship of the Chicago Cubs; the struggles of the New York Yankees; the Houston Astros sign-stealing scandal, and more are highlighted throughout. The author also considers the legacy of dynasties such as the San Francisco Giants and Boston Red Sox, and their paths to the World Series over the years. VERDICT Baseball fans actively following the sport in the 1990s and 2000s will greatly appreciate this fantastic book and its detailed insight.--Gus Palas, Ela Area P.L., Lake Zurich, IL

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