Side-by-Side Baseball Stars: Comparing Pro Baseball’s Greatest Players

Who really was the greatest long ball hitter in the majors – Babe Ruth or Hank Aaron? That’s a pretty tough question, but it might be easier to settle it if one can compare statistics side by side. This slim little volume takes a good look at a dozen pairs of players with comparative records spelled out. Some are old-timers and some are contemporary players, but for kids who love baseball, these are all players they have heard about. Besides the stats, there is a short write-up on the players that goes beyond the statistics and includes interesting quotes from the players and their colleagues, and allows for a more in depth comparison.

Matt Chandler has been a newspaper writer for a number of years and it shows here. He has done good research and put together a book that will find a good audience with young sports fans. Besides the double spreads on the pairs of players, there is a section in the back named Manager’s Call where the author gives his own opinion about the match ups and his reasoning for his choices. Some resources for teachers and for further reading are nice, extra touches.