Acceptable 'Plus' Option

As a rabid consumer of audiobooks (click on my profile to see what I mean), I have eclectic reading tastes. This collection of descriptions of legendary episodes in Sports History is a little outside of my wheelhouse, but well worth your attention in my estimation. Stan Isaacs writes unembellished recounts for each entry - focussing on the observable events (which he personally witnessed) and direct quotes from participants and contemporary writers without much commentary/conjecture. The style of the book is variably successful: no-nonsense/straightforward and clinical, but also mind's-eye descriptive (so that readers can picture what it must have been like to be in the stands). Similarly hit & miss, the recitation of lineups & boxscores contributes to the feeling of newspaper "Sports Section" article authenticity, but also comes across as moderately awkward in the audiobook format. There are definitely positives and negatives to this listening product.

Solidly on the Con side of the Pro/Con ledger: lazy sound editing from Audible Studios Inc. letting down a creditable reading performance from Robert Sams. Sams takes occasional injudicious loud deep breaths, but his professional diction, spot-on pacing, and impressive cadence are matched with a tenor timbre that is comfortable for hours of listening. Unfortunately, re-recorded segments are matched poorly - leaving the entire recording sounding somewhat "thrown together".

I rate this documentary 5.5 stars out of 10. If you can get it for free - as I did - it's a pleasant way to spend a couple of quiet afternoons - but if they ask for a Credit, spend it on something else.

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