By: Edward Achorn
Narrated by: Ax Norman
Length: 9 hrs and 27 mins
Release date: 04-09-13
Publisher: Audible Studios
“The Summer of Beer and Whiskey” is an enjoyable trip back to the early days of professional baseball, focusing on the thrilling 1883 American Association pennant chase. Author Edward Achorn examines the contributions of German immigrant Chris Von der Ahe, the owner of the St. Louis Browns, to the national pastime. The author makes a compelling case for Von der Ahe’s induction into the baseball hall of fame.
I found Achorn’s book captivating and enlightening, as he also covers the history of racism in the game, the birth of the Louisville Slugger, and the evolution of umpiring. Additionally, Achorn traces the baseball path of Charles Comiskey, and addresses misnomers about the former Chicago White Sox owner.
I strongly recommend “The Summer of Beer and Whiskey,” and Achorn’s sensational “Fifty-Nine in ’84,” which tells the story of the rubber-armed Charles “Old Hoss” Radbourn.