The World Champion Braves

An Illustrated History
of America's Team 1871-1995

By Pete Van Wieren
Turner, $34.95

ISBN 1-570-36354-4

Review by George Cowmeadow Bauman

With the excitement of an inside-the-park home run, spring baseball books have begun arriving, popping up like the grass in a natural turf outfield. The only strikes in sight this season are the ones being thrown by talented pitchers, much as talented authors have sent some fine baseball books humming our way. So whether you're a rookie or veteran at reading books about the true national pastime, these books will be irresistible.

Leading off, to provide continuity with the '95 season, is The World Champion Braves, Written by Atlanta's play-by-play announcer Pete Van Wieren and sportswriter Bob Klapisch, this coffee-table book celebrates "America's Team." The authors give solid attention to each incarnation of the Braves-in Boston, Milwaukee, and currently, in Atlanta. Two hundred photographs combine with a very readable text to make this illustrated history as versatile as a utility infielder and as indispensable as Hank Aaron in a game-winning situation.

George Cowmeadow Bauman loves baseball nearly as much as books.

©1996, ProMotion, inc.

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