Giants of the Polo Grounds: The Glorious Times of Baseball's New York Giants

Out of the welter of teams and leagues that characterized baseball in the late 19th century, the New York Giants emerged in 1883. They had some winning seasons and some losing ones as the century drew to a close, but they really came into their own when John McGraw arrived to take charge in 1902. He remained for 30 years and made the team the darling of the city with his aggressive, bunt-and-steal type of play, winning numerous pennants. But the death of his style of baseball was announced with the advent of Babe Ruth in 1921. McGraw surrendered the reins to Bill Terry, who was replaced by Mel Ott; later, manager Leo Durocher resurrected the McGravian style and led theGiants to the most exciting victory of all in 1951. The owners, stars like Mathewson and Mays, various eccentric players are all here in this vivid history by Sports Illustrated contributor Hynd. Photos not seen by PW. (April)