A day in the bleachers

the long version

"Real baseball fans know that to really experience the spirit, joy, humanity, and humility of America's classic spoirt, you actually have to go to the game. In 1954, before there were flat-screen TVs and luxury-box stadiums, there was a passionate fan named Arnold Hano, who witnessed a game that made history: the opener of the World Series between the New York Giants and the Cleveland Indians. Here is the classic account of a day in the life of a baseball fanatic, the day he witnessed the immortal catch by the future Hall of Famer whom some have called the greatest all-around player in the game: Willie Mays. Taking us through all nine innings, oitch by pitch, from his perch in the bleachers ("where the real fans sit") of the New York Polo Grounds (now but a revered memory), Hano serves up an unforgettable account of a game, and a catch, that will live in fans' hearts and minds forever"--Back cover.