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The Only Del: The Greatest Batsman in the Land

by W. G. Braund

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A baseball rise shadowed by anti-Irish prejudice and private risk

$21.83 USD
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Paperback New English

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AlbakiReads Editorial

A baseball rise shadowed by anti-Irish prejudice and private risk

Set against the early professional game, this historical baseball narrative centers on Ed Delahanty’s path from Cleveland sandlots to prominence in Philadelphia. It places his athletic development alongside the discrimination faced by Irish immigrants, tracing early struggles in the infield before his emergence as a powerful, speedy outfielder. The book also widens beyond the diamond to Delahanty’s gambling successes, public popularity, marriage, and high-living social world. With its foreknowledge of a coming tragedy, the account frames sporting fame as only one part of a life shaped by opportunity, prejudice, and danger.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Readers interested in early baseball history and its developing professional culture
  • Fans of sports biographies focused on a player’s life beyond competition
  • Readers seeking historical fiction or narrative centered on Irish immigrant experience

Themes

Early professional baseballIrish immigrant discriminationAthletic ambitionFame and public lifeGambling and risk

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

Charismatic Ed Delahanty, the most talented teenager on the sandlots of Cleveland, is subjected to the same persecution as his fellow immigrants from the Emerald Isle and bristles at signs like "No dogs or Irish allowed." Del struggles in his first three years in "the big league." After floundering in the infield he's finally given a chance to display his strong arm and speed in the outfield and begins to hit to all fields with remarkable power, striking fear in the hearts of enemy fielders who now wear gloves and twirlers who still don't.

His carefree manner and handsome features make Del a favorite of the Philly boosters. With uncanny luck and skill at the racetrack he sometimes rakes in more in one day than he earns for an entire season on the diamond. Men's eyes are nailed to his gorgeous and amorous young bride when Del takes her to swank hotels and restaurants. He's on top of the world, oblivious to the cruel fate that awaits him.

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