A review by ajediprincess
Bottom of the 33rd: Hope, Redemption, and Baseball's Longest Game by Dan Barry

adventurous informative inspiring reflective tense fast-paced

4.5

I tell ya’ Bob, this book was a nailbiter! This book was an intense, fast-paced journey—a play by play and a deeper look at the longest baseball game in history. I love baseball; it’s one of the most beautiful sports and there’s nothing quite like going to a ballgame. This book took me there, to that cold and frosty Easter morning, feeling the wind against my face and ache of my bones in my frigid bleacher seat as I watched the agonizing back and forth of this seemingly never-ending game. I turned each page with bated breath, hoping one team would finally score, and everyone could go home and get some rest. But this book did even more than just recreate the atmosphere and tension of this game for me. It also provided a personal albeit brief exploration into the lives of each of the players, coaches, and even some of the spectators. By the time this book ended I felt as though I had experienced a snapshot of a pivotal moment in time for so many real, living people who went on to do a number of different things in their lives. Wade Boggs is obviously one of the biggest names in this minor league game, but I was also fascinated by people like Cal Ripken Jr. and Bob Ojeda. The constant tension between the Rochester Red Wings and the Pawtucket Red Socks was thrilling and Barry gave even and equal attention to both teams and their coaches, even giving a look into the people behind the game, who made the game and even the stadium where history took place possible. From start to finish, this book was incredible and if you love baseball, I absolutely recommend it.