Starred review from July 1, 2020
Since 1956, Major League Baseball has annually awarded the prestigious Cy Young Award, named after the legendary Hall of Fame pitcher. Sportswriter and prolific author Freedman (Ernie Banks) has written a fantastic account of Young's (1867-1955) life and baseball career, from his childhood in Ohio to spending years in the minor leagues with the Cleveland Spiders to success in the major leagues with the Boston Red Sox as a pitcher and, later, as a manager. When the game of baseball was in its early stages, "Cyclone" Young, as he was known, was truly a pioneer of the game. Freedman shows how Young was both passionate and dedicated to his love of pitching. However, Freedman doesn't shy away from personal and professional difficulties in Young's life, including contract disputes and team negotiations. The book ends with Young's time as manager of the Cleveland Green Sox. VERDICT Fans of baseball history and those interested in learning more about one of the most celebrated pitchers in baseball history will thoroughly enjoy.--Gus Palas, Ela Area P.L., Lake Zurich, IL
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