"A fantastic social history" from the author of Salt and Cod (USA Today)
In the Dominican Republic town of San Pedro de Macorís, baseball is often seen as the only way to a better life. For those who make it, the million-dollar paychecks from Major League Baseball mean that not only they, but their entire families as well, have been saved from grinding poverty. The successful few set an example that dazzles the neighbors they left behind. But for the majority, this dream is illusory.
In The Eastern Stars, New York Times bestselling author Mark Kurlansky reveals the connection between two countries' love affair with a sport, and the remarkable journey of impoverished San Pedro and its baseball players-including Rico Carty, Albert Pujols, Robinson Canó, Sammy Sosa, and Alfonso Soriano-who have sought freedom from poverty through playing ball.
There’s a lot of history here. One might say all this is not necessary, but leading up to an understanding of why San Pedro was such an important part of the DR is good to know. This distilled version of that history included many details I wasn’t aware of about the country.
There is, at times, some repetition in passages, notably mentioning that Alfredo Griffin won the Rookie of the Year is mentioned twice by page 125. Repeating these details makes me think the book could have done with a better edit.
Of interest was the reference to Toronto’s baseball stadium in chapter 12. Kurlansky calls it “Sky dome” and not its (once) proper “Skydome”.
Lots of San Pedro related local Domincan customs and words are thrown in throughout. Through a prism of baseball (this area’s major export), you get a feel for a people and place I’ve come to know (mainly from the north end of the island). A good book if you’re interested in Dominican baseball tinged with some history.
Reading updates
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Started reading
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15 January, 2020:
Finished reading
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15 January, 2020:
Reviewed