The Grandest Stage

More about the book

From the New York Times bestselling author of K: A History of Baseball in Ten Pitches comes a highly entertaining history of the World Series, drawing on years of archival research and interviews with hundreds of players and managers. This work reveals never-before-heard details from 117 years of the Fall Classic, baseball's greatest stage. Iconic moments like Babe Ruth's called shot, Jackie Robinson stealing home, and Carlton Fisk hitting the foul pole are explored, alongside more recent events like Blake Snell's controversial pull in the 2020 Series. Tyler Kepner, a national baseball columnist, brings this rich history to life, having spoken to many who experienced the highs and lows of the World Series. He captures the human side of the game, recounting stories like the pitcher haunted by Ruth's famous moment and celebrating unlikely heroes such as Don Larsen, who threw the only perfect game in Series history. Kepner also addresses misconceptions, such as the belief that the Reds would have defeated the Black Sox regardless. The result is a vivid portrait of baseball's intensity, filled with humor, lore, analysis, and memorable anecdotes, making it a perfect gift for fans who have felt the thrill of the game.