When the Giants Were Giants: Bill Terry and the Golden Age of New York Baseball

This book tells the story of Bill Terry, a first baseman for the New York Giants whom Baseball Magazine called "baseball's greatest first baseman" in 1930. Terry rose from poverty and semipro baseball in the South after being recruited by Giants manager John McGraw. He became a key player for the team during the 1920s. As the country faced the Great Depression, Terry took over as manager of the Giants from McGraw. He led the team to three pennants and one world championship. When the Giants Were Giants examines the end of an era in baseball—a period before television, night baseball, player strikes, and free agents—through Terry's career as both player and manager. The book includes exclusive interviews with Terry and other players, offering insight into Golden Age baseball when New York's major league teams dominated American sports.