| Description |
1 online resource (xii, 290 pages). |
|
text file |
| Series |
Sports and American culture
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Sports and American culture series.
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| Summary |
"Rather than as a Falstaffian figure of limited intellect, Edmund Wehrle reveals Babe Ruth as an ambitious, independent operator, one not afraid to challenge baseball's draconian labor system. To the baseball establishment, Ruth's immense popularity represented opportunity, but his rebelliousness and potential to overturn the status quo presented a threat. After a decades-long campaign waged by baseball to contain and discredit him, the Babe, frustrated and struggling with injuries and illness, grew more acquiescent, but the image of Ruth that baseball perpetuated still informs how many people remember him to this day. This new perspective, approaching Ruth more seriously and placing his life in fuller context, is long overdue"-- Provided by publisher. |
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"This book project turns on its head popular memories of Babe Ruth--perhaps the most influential sports figure of the past century. Virtually every biographical treatment depicts Ruth the same way: a man tall on athletic talent and personality--yet short on intellectual acumen and good sense. This perception results directly from a two-decade war waged against Ruth by major league baseball. Burdened by labor strife, challenges from "outlaw" leagues, gambling, and violence on and off the field, the baseball establishment pined for stability and profitability as it dragged itself out of the World War I era. Beginning in 1920, Babe Ruth emerged the singular answer to baseball's afflictions: a player so popular and thrilling that he drove up profits and interest in the game around the country--diverting attention from the serious problems plaguing baseball. In Ruth, however, the game's leadership class found a problematic savior. The Babe's independent streak, his volatile (although quick passing) temper, his assertiveness, and his obvious sympathy for player rights deeply unnerved management. Thus began an organized campaign both to exploit and to contain the superstar"-- Provided by publisher. |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references and index. |
| Contents |
Baseball's search for order -- Frenzy! -- Challenge to authority, part I -- "A remarkable change in the king of swat": comeback I -- Challenge to authority part II -- "It was just a matter of physical condition": comeback II -- Triumph -- "Fair enough in times like these" -- Removing Ruth -- "A well-paid slave is nonetheless a slave". |
| Local Note |
eBooks on EBSCOhost EBSCO eBook Subscription Academic Collection - North America |
| Subject |
Ruth, Babe, 1895-1948.
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Ruth, Babe, 1895-1948. |
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Major League Baseball (Organization) -- History -- 20th century.
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Major League Baseball (Organization) |
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History. |
| Chronological Term |
20th century |
| Subject |
Baseball -- United States -- History -- 20th century.
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Baseball. |
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United States. |
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Baseball players -- United States -- Biography.
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Baseball players. |
| Genre/Form |
Biographies.
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| Chronological Term |
1900-1999 |
| Genre/Form |
Electronic books.
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History.
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Electronic books.
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Biographies.
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| Other Form: |
Print version: Wehrle, Edmund F., 1964- Breaking Babe Ruth. Columbia : University of Missouri, 2018 9780826221605 (DLC) 2017052792 |
| ISBN |
9780826274090 (electronic book) |
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0826274099 (electronic book) |
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9780826221605 (hardcover ; alkaline paper) |
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