Overview
Celebrating one of America’s most treasured ballparks
Originally called Weeghman Park, Wrigley Field hosted its first game in 1914, and the 2014 season marks the 100th anniversary of baseball’s second oldest ballpark. In Wrigley Field: The Centennial, Les Krantz tells the story of Wrigley’s first 100 years—from the origins of the ivy on the outfield walls and ballpark traditions such as throwing back home run balls to Ruth’s called shot in the 1933 World Series and unforgettable moments featuring stars Ernie Banks, Ron Santo, Billy Williams, Ryne Sandberg, Greg Maddux, and more. Featuring numerous photographs, Wrigley’s first century is beautifully documented and an originally produced DVD narrated by Lou Boudreau Jr. and Ron Santo Jr. features footage from throughout the stadium’s history and interviews with Jack Brickhouse, Ron Santo, Ernie Banks, and others.
Author Biography
Les Krantz has worked for Chicago magazine, the Chicago Tribune, Esquire, Golf, and Ski. He is the author of many sports books, including Dark Horses and Underdogs, Not Till the Fat Lady Sings, Reel Baseball, Yankee Classics, and Yankee Stadium: A Tribute. He lives in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.
Press Releases
Wrigley Field: The Centennial:
100 Years at the Friendly Confines
By Les Krantz
Wrigley Field epitomizes America's pastime. It's the second oldest ballpark in the nation and just a mention of its name conjures memories of hot summer days spent rooting for the beloved Chicago Cubs. The field has been home to modern Cubs greats including Ernie Banks, Ron Santo and Ryne Sandberg, and other baseball legends including Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig and Ted Williams played there during the golden age of baseball.
Released in advance of the 2014 celebration of one of baseball and Chicago's biggest events of the year - Wrigley Field's 100th birthday - look back on the legacy of the famous park with Wrigley Field: The Centennial: 100 Years at the Friendly Confines (Triumph Books, November 2013) by award-winning baseball historian and Chicagoan Les Krantz. The beautifully illustrated book documents the iconic ballpark's history, beginning with the first game in 1914 and stretching into the present to reveal unforgettable moments, anecdotes and traditions including:
• 100 Years of Wrigley's greatest moments, with rare photos and a DVD documentary
• The field's original name and the teams who called it home prior to the Cubs
• Amazing moments such as Yankee slugger Babe Ruth's famous "called shot," rookie pitcher Kerry Wood's 20-strike out game, Sammy Sosa's record-breaking 60 homers in back-to-back seasons and his home run duel with Mark McGwire
• An originally produced DVD narrated by Lou Boudreau Jr. and Ron Santo Jr., featuring footage from throughout the stadium's history and exclusive interviews with Jack Brickhouse, Ron Santo, Ernie Banks, Billy Williams, Ryne Sandberg and others
• Archival photographs and images of historical memorabilia
Perfect for die-hard Cubs fans and baseball history buffs, Wrigley Field celebrates 100 years at America's favorite ballpark and is a must-have keepsake for any memorabilia collection.
About the Author:
Les Krantz has worked for Chicago magazine, the Chicago Tribune, Esquire, Golf, and Ski. He is the author of many sports books, including Dark Horses and Underdogs, Not Till the Fat Lady Sings, Reel Baseball, Yankee Classics, and Yankee Stadium: A Tribute. He lives in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.
Contact: Josh Williams ∙ Triumph Books ∙ 312.568.5404 ∙ j.williams@triumphbooks.com
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