Native Sons: Philadelphia Baseball Players - Softcover

"Chock full of human interest stories only an insider would know...this is definitely a must read for the Hot Stove League. Get your copy pronto."-The Philadelphia Public Record "Another fine effort by one of baseball's top historians. Filled with information about players you have heard about, grew up with, or are still currently playing. From MVPs to those who only played one inning, if they're from the area, they're in this book."-Jack Scheuer, Associated Press Correspondent who has covered local sports for over 35 years "Native Sons again demonstrates Rich Westcott's skills as one of major league baseball's outstanding historians. For the first time, Westcott has compiled a complete, well-documented, vividly written account of every player and manager who was born in the Philadelphia area and realized the dream of making it to the big leagues. They're all here-from Cal Abrams to Bert Yeabsley, as well as many of the significant records and lively anecdotes that have helped make the City of Brotherly Love such a colorful part of our National Pastime."-Robert S. Lyons, author of Palestra Pandemonium: A History of the Big 5 "Rich Westcott's breezy writing is chock full of quirky anecdotes. He is at his best when he's unearthing such gems as those about Aloysius Travers, a St. Joseph's College student manager, who pitched one game for Detroit...'the 24-2 loss might have had something to do with Travers's decision to become a priest.' Native Sons should be of interest to longtime Philadelphia baseball fans and his loyal audience of readers won't be disappointed."-Larry Platt, editor-in-chief of Philadelphia Magazine and author of Only The Strong Survive: The Odyssey of Allen Iverson

Rich Westcott is a lifelong resident of the Philadelphia area, and has known or covered many of the players in this book. His own undistinguished baseball career came to an inglorious conclusion when he flunked a trial with the Philadelphia Athletics (remember them?). Westcott has been a writer and editor for more than forty years, and is the founder and former editor and publisher of Phillies Report. He is the author of thirteen other books, including twelve on baseball.