The First All-Star Game by Randall Sullivan

6.5 out of 10

Baseball is fantastic.  American history is instructive.  Yet, this book isn't the home run that it could be.

The economy struggled to hum.  Tension in the world was growing.  The Roosevelt administration pushed forward New Deal programs.  The city of Chicago lured top players from the American League to play against top players from the National League.  It was scheduled to be a one-time event coinciding with the 1933 World's Fair.  But the game was so popular that it became an annual tradition.  The Sultan of Swat hit a ball over the fence, and many other baseball greats showcased their skills.