A couple of weeks ago, the great Mets historian and author Matt Silverman, was nice enough to give me a sneak preview into his newest publication, Swinging ’73: Baseball’s Wildest Season. The verdict is in, and Matt has done it again – delivering another Amazin’ Book that should be a part of every Met fan’s library.
This isn’t your regular everyday telling of the “Ya Gotta Believe” season, and in fact it was not what I expected at all. I thought I was going to delve into another narrative of one of my earliest memories of the New York Mets. But instead I was transported through time itself and relived the 1973 season not only from the Mets perspective, but also from that of the Oakland Athletics and the New York Yankees as well. Even more than that, I was swept right into the turbulence of that era, which serves as a fabulous backdrop to the excitement that was happening on the field.
It was fascinating to relive memories that I thought were long forgotten, and to read many of the fabulous quotes from dozens of those who formed the main cast that year. Silverman sucks you right in with his timeless writing style and I know many of you will flip through each chapter in one sitting – which is the true sign of a great story. Yes, 1973 was indeed a wild season. But it was also a transformational season for the Mets franchise, and in it they found the drive and optimism that would define all their future teams as well as their loyal fan base. I encourage all of you to grab a copy for yourselves!
Here is the publisher’s description of the book which describes more about this must-read book:
Interest and attendance were dropping, and football was ascending. Stuck in a rut, baseball was dying. Then Steinbrenner bought the Yankees, a second-division club with wife-swapping pitchers, leaving the House That Ruth Built not with a slam but a simper. He vowed not to interfere—before soon changing his mind.
Across town, Tom Seaver led the Mets’ stellar pitching line-up, and iconic outfielder Willie Mays was preparing to say goodbye. For months, the Mets, under Yogi Berra, couldn’t get it right. Meanwhile, the A’s were breaking a ban on facial hair while maverick owner Charlie Finley was fighting to keep them underpaid.
But beneath the muttonchops and mayhem, lay another world. Elvis commanded a larger audience than the Apollo landings. A Dodge Dart cost $2,800, gas was a quarter per gallon. A fiscal crisis loomed; Vietnam had ended, the vice president resigned, and Watergate had taken over. It was one of the most exciting years in the game’s history, the first with the designated hitter and the last before arbitration and free agency. The two World Series opponents went head-to-head above the baby steps of a dynasty that soon dwarfed both league champions. It was a turbulent time for the country and the game, neither of which would ever be the same again.
I recommend this book to all my readers, and you can pick it up for less than the price of a burger, fries and shake at you know where.
Get your copy of Swinging ’73: Baseball’s Wildest Season right now and at a great low price!
