Baseball entered its Modern Era in 1961, the first season that featured expansion teams, a 162-game schedule, and coast-to-coast play in both leagues. The Best (and Worst) of Baseball’s Modern Era by G. Scott Thomas offers 221 lists of the top (and bottom) teams and players from 1961 through 2016, accompanied by a detailed breakdown of all 56 seasons.
Which team was the best to take the field during the Modern Era? Who was the most difficult batter to strike out? Who was the period’s best second baseman? Who enjoyed the greatest single game at the plate? Which game featured the worst pitching? The rankings come in relentless order, page after page, all backed with cutting-edge statistical analysis. (The answers, should you be curious, are the 1984 Detroit Tigers, Tony Gwynn, Joe Morgan, Shawn Green, and Phillies vs. Cubs on May 17, 1979.)
The Best (and Worst) of Baseball’s Modern Era is the new record book for today’s game. It’s chock-full of statistics and rankings that will settle old arguments - and start new ones. (Go to www.bestworstbaseball.com for sample chapters and bonus rankings.)
Praise for The Best (and Worst) of Baseball’s Modern Era
For any fan with an interest in looking at baseball with a historical perspective, The Best (and Worst) of Baseball’s Modern Era is a wonderful, eye-opening delight. G. Scott Thomas has skillfully distilled the modern game into a series of lists and narratives which will provide many hours of provocative reading. - Paul Dickson, author of Bill Veeck: Baseball’s Greatest Maverick and The Dickson Baseball Dictionary
The quick-hitting lists and colorful essays provide great fodder for debate and rumination. This book would make a great gift for any fan of the game. - Josh Pahigian, author of The Ultimate Baseball Road Trip and The Amazing Baseball Adventure
A unique and interesting look at baseball. Agree or disagree with the findings, but either way, any fan will be impressed by the efforts of G. Scott Thomas in researching and writing this book. - Rob Rains, author of Taking Flight: The St. Louis Cardinals and the Building of Baseball’s Best Franchise and editor of STLSportsPage.com
G. Scott Thomas introduces an intriguing and sophisticated approach to quantifying player and team performance. Statheads will find many pleasures (and provocations) within these comprehensive lists of baseball’s best and worst. - Jeremy Lehrman, author of Baseball’s Most Baffling MVP Ballots and editor of PlateCoverage.com
