Description:
Baseball Astrologer is actually a misnomer for this odd little book; the section on astrology (Capricorns are great at stealing bases but make lousy batters, Sagittarians make great batters but lousy pitchers, etc.) is the briefest--and least interesting--in the book. Where Baseball Astrologer shines is in its look at superstitions, coincidences, and downright spooky occurrences in the world of baseball. For example, author John B. Holway delves into the 1911 American League pennant race between the New York Giants and their good luck charm Charles Victory Faust, and the Philadelphia A's with their talisman, a diminutive hunchback named Louie Van Zelst. "As every baseball fan knows, rubbing a hunchback's hump was the best luck in the world for a ballplayer." The A's prevailed and went on to beat the Giants in the World Series. Even more interesting is Holway's explanation for Boston's World Series drought. It's not the Babe, it's "Tessie"--a hot Broadway waltz the fans bellowed from the stands between 1903 and 1916. Perhaps BoSox fans will take Holway's advice and readopt the tune. Though it sometimes suffers from a lack of focus, Baseball Astrologer is an enjoyable, light read--when taken with a grain of salt. --M. Stein
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