It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish. This was certainly the case for the 1914 Boston Braves, often referred to as the “Miracle Braves.” The author chronicles the career of manager George Stallings, and his unlikely patch to the 1914 World Series, in which the Braves swept the heavily favored Philadelphia Athletics, who were managed by the legendary Connie Mack. Stallings actually predicted the monumental sweep. Did he actually think it was possible?
In “Deadbeats, Dead Balls, and the 1914 Boston Braves,” Martin Bush outlines how Stallings assembled his championship team. What I always appreciate about books dedicated to the dead ball era of baseball history, Bush attempts to separate facts from fiction. Additionally, this refreshing book is not merely a book about the 1914 Braves, but a fascinating look back at baseball’s engaging history with riveting stories from the period.
Bush explores the tactics and strategies that made Stallings successful in capturing the 1914 World Series. Stallings is rightfully credited as one of the innovators of the platoon system. Despite a last place start to the season, Stallings made impactful trades and accusations to the strengthen his squad. The book does a solid job explaining how Stalling and owner James Gaffney changed the ball club’s losing culture.
If you enjoy a Cinderalla story with meticulous research, I do recommend “Deadbeats, Dead Balls, and the 1914 Boston Braves. The audiobook version also features top notch narration by Jack de Golia.
©2025 The Kent State University Press (P)2026 Redwood Audiobooks
By: Martin H. Bush
Narrated by: Jack de Golia
Length: 13 hrs and 53 mins
Release date: 03-12-26
