# Announcement: New Red Sox book

From Mark Armour of SABR:

I would like to announce the publication of the new book “Lefty, Double-X, and The Kid: The 1939 Red Sox, a Team in Transition,” edited by Bill Nowlin and published recently by Rounder Books.

(Anticipating the usual question, “Gee Mark, why did you decide to do a book about a second place team? Why not the 1884 Grays or the 1951 Giants?” The simple answer is that there people in the Boston area (led by Bill Nowlin) who have stepped up to produce five books and have two more on the way. If you are tired of having your favorite team get out-researched by Red Sox fans, I suggest you roll up your sleeves and get to work. I would love hearing that you want to lead a project to do a book on your own favorite team from history. Contact me and we will provide all much help. Our project can even do all the editing if you wish.)

(A variation of the above question is: “Hey Mark, how come you guys don’t do any Yankee books? Is this your Red Sox bias showing?” The truth is that we have tried to get a Yankee project going, but are missing only a leader. So come on Yankee fan–step up. Personally, I have a soft spot for the 1966 team, but you would be free to choose a different squad if you wish. Seriously, we would be very happy to help you.)

OK, so back to the 1939 Red Sox. The team won 59% of their games, a very similar record to the 2007 team. Unfortunately, they went up against one of the greatest teams of all time–the 1939 Yankees, and finished far back. They did beat the New Yorkers 13 of 22 times, but the Yankees beat the rest of the league like a drum. The Red Sox were led by five Hall of Famers–manager-shortstop Joe Cronin, first baseman Jimmie Foxx, pitcher Lefty Grove, second baseman Bobby Doerr and right fielder Ted Williams. All five had excellent seasons, and all five are given their due here with comprehensive biographies. The other 24 players on the team get similar treatment.

A reminder. This book (and all similar books) are created independently of the Biography Project and the credit belongs to Bill Nowlin, his team of editors, and the writers.

The biographies in this book will someday be hosted on the Biography Project’s site. In the mean time, I highly recommend that you pick up this wonderful book. It is only $12.89 at Amazon! This is book written and edited by SABR members, and can go on your shelf with all your other SABR books.
http://www.amazon.com/Lefty-Double-X-Kid-1939-Transition/dp/1579401627/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1239738730&sr=8-1