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In the Fall 2024 issue of the New England Journal of History, Robert W. Maloy, Ed.D., reviews Kevin Baker's The New York Game: Baseball and the Rise of a New City. This compelling book explores the intertwined evolution of baseball and New York City, spanning from the post-Civil War era to the mid-20th century. Baker uses baseball as a lens to delve into urban development, political and economic history, and the stories of immigrants, African Americans, and working-class communities.

Maloy emphasizes Baker's focus on the social and cultural dimensions of the game, spotlighting its transformation from a local pastime into a national phenomenon. Key figures such as Babe Ruth, Jackie Robinson, and John T. Brush appear alongside narratives about the Negro Leagues, segregation, and the Harlem Renaissance. Baker also reveals baseball's deep connections to politics, media, and organized crime, while highlighting its role in shaping community identities.

With engaging storytelling and insightful analysis, Baker illustrates how the history of baseball mirrors broader societal changes. Maloy lauds the book for its potential to enrich history education by demonstrating the interplay of sports, culture, and politics in American life.

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