The Crackers

by Darnell, Tim

• ISBN13: 9781588181015
• ISBN10: 1588181014
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-05-05
• Publisher: Univ of Georgia Pr

Summary

Beginning in an era before traffic jams, air-conditioning, and Atlanta's ascension to international fame, Tim Darnell chronicles the emergence of amateur and minor-league baseball in various forms in Atlanta from just after the Civil War through the rise of the Crackers (190165). Through never-before-published player interviews, rare illustrations, extensive charts and statistics, and thorough research, Darnell examines the drama and politics that affected the Crackers over the years. Also profiled is the Black Crackers, Atlanta's Negro Southern League franchise whose success and popularity paralleled those of their white counterparts. The Crackersis a light-hearted, fun, and engrossing history of a time, a people, and one very special centerfield magnolia tree whose stories are legend to this day. Includes a Crackers Trivia Quiz, and appendices with records and statistics.

Table of Contents

Preface	vii
Foreword	xi
Bill Shipp
Batting Practice Where Center Field Is Forever	1	(6)
First Inning Southern Crumbs to Atlanta Crackers	7	(22)
Second Inning Home Sweet Home: The Birth of Poncey Park	29	(16)
Third Inning The Finest Park in the Minors	45	(14)
Fourth Inning A Mann Who Loved the Theater	59	(14)
Fifth Inning Shattered Barriers	73	(18)
Sixth Inning Those We Remember	91	(30)
Seventh Inning The Best Ballplayers Never Known	121	(16)
Seventh-Inning Stretch Gabby Kemp Remembers Satch	137	(4)
Eighth Inning Black Crackers and ABCs	141	(16)
Ninth Inning A Natural Death	157	(20)
Extra Inning The Last Sentinel	177	(4)
Afterword	181	(4)
Bobby Dews
Post-Game Wrap-Up Appendices	185	(12)
Select Bibliography	197	(2)
Acknowledgments	199	(2)
Index	201	(8)
Crackers Triva Quiz	209