Damn Yankees

Fleder (former executive editor, Sports Illustrated) introduces this collection of new pieces with one of baseball's great truths, "Everyone has an opinion about the Yankees," a statement borne out by these essays by writers who love or hate (or love-hate!) the Yankees. The writing is alternately hilarious, nostalgic, heartbreaking, and touching. Novelist Pete Dexter writes about Yankees golden boy-turned-goat Chuck Knoblauch with side-splitting wit. Columnist Leigh Montville envisions Babe Ruth captured in all his drinking, womanizing glory by modern-day gossip magazines and paparazzi. Bill James, Red Sox statistics guru, breaks down the top 100 seasons by Yankees catchers. Sportswriter Frank Deford lists, in no particular order, the things he hates about the Yankees. A welcome and engaging addition to the tradition of marrying baseball and literature. For all baseball fans, regardless of team allegiance.—M.M.