While I usually don't review books this far in advance of publication, this book was one that I just couldn't wait to read. So instead of digging deep into the TBR pile, I plucked this one off the top and I wasn't disappointed - it was so hard to put down. Here is my review on this great book on the New York Mets, "So Many Ways to Lose."
Title/Author:
“So Many Ways to Lose: The Amazin' True Story of the New York Mets – The Best Worst Team in Sports" by Devin Gordon
Tags:
Baseball, history, Mets, professional
Publish date:
March 2, 2021
Length:
352 pages
Rating:
5 of 5 stars (excellent)
Review:
Those who follow baseball, whether or not they are fans of the New York Mets, know that the team has a very interesting history that has more downs than ups. This book written by journalist Devin Gordon, who makes it known from the start that he is a die-hard Mets fan, is certainly one of the most entertaining books a baseball reader can read.
This book will grab a reader right from the start, as the introduction has two very important pieces one must know before diving in. One is mentioned above and that is Gordon's love of the Mets. The second is his definition of the "best worst team" and why the Mets are the perfect embodiment of that definition. Briefly, it means that when they lose, they will often do it in spectacular fashion. This goes well beyond games, standings or championships. He also explains why other teams that may fit the description of "best worst team" such as the Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs and Minnesota Vikings just don't do justice to that moniker – only the Mets will do.
That last sentence is written in a manner like much of this book is written – with plenty of humor and attitude that New York City is known to have. That is the charm of this book, even if one is taken aback with that "attitude" in real life. By writing in this style, Gordon gives authenticity to his claim about the Mets being that team. He also will describe a particular event as being "Metsy" many times in the book. This is another characteristic that makes this book so hard to put down.
As for what is covered in this book, it truly is a good source of the history of the team. From its beginnings in the Polo Grounds, the historic bad records and Casey Stengel at the helm to the record breaking 2019 rookie season of Pete "Polar Bear" Alonso and just about everything in between, this book covers a lot of Mets territory. Some of the more interesting parts of the book are the chapters on Joan Payson (someone that Gordon believes gets far too little credit for what she did to bring a National League team back to New York), "Bobby Bonilla Day", and Cleon Jones. That last chapter on the treatment he received from the team will really leave a reader wondering how any team can treat a player like that. Other good chapters include the "Midnight Massacre" when the Mets let Tom Seaver get away – twice, Mackey Sasser's yips and why Endy Chavez made "The Catch" instead of Willie Mays. These are all written with knowledge, humor and attitude.
Any baseball reader, from the biggest Mets fan to the team's biggest detractors will enjoy reading this book as it will give fuel to both sides of the coin. For those who aren't emotionally invested in the Mets, it's still a great book to get some perspective on the "best worst team in sports."
I wish to thank Harper Publications for providing a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Book Format Read:
E-Book (Kindle)
Buying Links:
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