Book Reviews

As Good As It Got: The 1944 St. Louis Browns

Book review at Knup Sports

Title/Author:  David Allan Heller

Those that know this author understand what a huge St Louis Cardinals fan that I am (Tom). Also, baseball history is a passion that I enjoy reading and blogging about. In 2018, I joined the St Louis Browns fan club and love to receive the material that they share.

During the time of the St Louis Browns, 1902 to 1953, the franchise had trouble drawing fans and winning games. They were perennially in the bottom of the standings. During 1944 season, with players leaving for World War II, the Browns were outstanding. This is that season.

Plenty of stories abound about the pennant race. From the beginning of the season it appeared to be magical. The St Louis Browns won their first nine games of the year. Then the Yankees and Tigers began pushing. The season was up and down all year and it wasn’t until the last day of the season when the Browns defeated the Yankees did they get crowned champs. The author then goes into detail on the World Series as it was a cross town series against the Cardinals.

Many Browns players are highlighted like game 1 surprise starter Denny Galehouse. With the war ongoing, the Browns dealt with draft status of many players on their roster. Baseball historians will love this book. General baseball finds will find it enjoyable. Be sure to put one on your bookshelf. It is that good.

 

To Top