May 19th, 1934 - Book Review - Bill James Historical Baseball Abstract

The New Bill James Historical Baseball Abstract

Bill James
Ed. 2003, pp. 1012, index (Free Press)

Bill James is a well known historian and baseball analysts who has pioneered the use of quantitative baseball research known as "Sabrmetrics." His yearly abstracts were considered to be indispensable reading in preparing for the new season by many. Unfortunately James no longer issues annual abstracts, but he has published a historical version that is, simply, indispensable any serious student of the game.

The abstract is really several parts. The first looks at the game's evolution decade by decade. The second is a ranking of the game's players by position. For each, there are dozens of players profiled. Nearly anyone who played the game competently for a full career is ranked and profiled. Throughout the book are many of James's quirky, fascinating essay on topics about why baseball became less exciting than it had in the past (mostly due to excessive pauses between plays dispersing the natural constant tension present in the older, quicker game). Among James's suggestions are limitations on pickoff throws and pitching changes.

Some examples just from the chapter on the 1930s:

-Hooks Wiltse's list of why baseball players aren't as good as they used to be (!)
-The best pitcher in minor league history
-Best minor league teams of the 1930s
-An essay called "The Death of Common Sense in Baseball" that discusses how the rules were formalized in determining league statistical leaders, and how they ultimately yielded nonsensical results.

Thankfully, James also provides at least cursory coverage of the Negro Leagues, ensuring that at least the most deserving players such as Oscar Charleston, Cool Papa Bell, Josh Gibson and others get much deserved coverage.

As in any good history book, the reader puts it down with a fresh perspective on today's controversies and a deeper appreciation that we're not facing anything our forefathers did not face, grapple with and eventually conquer. This renew our hopes that current concerns about baseball, whether they be steroids, competitiveness, race, etc., can be be dealt with and overcome, because we've done it before.

Although readers may find at least some of James's opinions outlandish (e.g., the 1961 Yankees were not only one of the greatest teams, they do not even deserve the moniker "great."), they will never be bored.

Highest recommendation.


Rating: ****/**** (Recommend buying it new)

Purchasing Information:


It can be purchased new or used through Internet new and used book sellers. Be sure to get the revised ed. shown above (soft green cover).