Remarks from rich westcott
"Of all the sports biographies I’ve ever read (or written), few, if any, compare with Cy Williams – Baseball’s Most Unique Star Slugger. This is a book that is not only unique in its own way, but is one that tells in profound detail the story of a great player and the era in which he played.
Gary Williams has authored a book that describes every part of his ancestor’s life from start to finish. Of course, much of the book includes fascinating information about his career on the diamond, some of which has previously never been told.
In addition to many very special stories about Williams’ standout career, the book contains an abundance of highly informative statistics, coverage of records he set, and copies of newspaper articles written about him and his noteworthy achievements.
The book also provides many interesting stories about the game of baseball during William’s career played mostly in the 1920s. There are discussions about ticket prices, the spitball, umpires, fans, uniforms, other players (including Babe Ruth) and the market value of a team, which then averaged $1.2 million compared to today’s average of $2-billion.
Overall, this amazing 473 page—that’s right, 473 page-- book portrays Williams as one of the greatest players of his era, and the leading home run hitter in the National League. And in the process, Gary Williams confirms that Cy Williams should surely be in the Baseball Hall of Fame."
Rich Westcott
[Rich Westcott is a baseball writer and historian, and the author of 28 books.]
Cy Williams smiling on field in Phillies Uniform - circa 1920s
awards
"Well-Researched Look into Cy Williams and Baseball!"
Narrator of the book, Ward Paxton, won an award for best historical narration!
"The narrator, Ward Paxton brings the life and struggles of Cy Williams to life in his narration. He maintains a consistent and fluid rhythm in his delivery. Also, Paxton maintains a seamless and steady tone that enhances the story as it promotes a realistic atmosphere.
For a historical novel on baseball, this was very well written and performed. Something anyone would enjoy! Not being a baseball fan, I found this book to be entertaining, informative, and well-written!"
"This book is about Cy Williams, an American professional baseball player from 1915-1927. This book highlights his career, and the game of baseball, and outlines his successes and failures in an accurate and informative style.
The author, Gary Williams, provides an in-depth look into the life and times of Fred “Cy” Williams in a clear and concise manner. He blends the growth of baseball into the story of Cy smoothly and flawlessly. The contents are well-researched and provide an in-depth look into the life and times of Cy Williams and baseball!"
"Looking back at an underrated deadball era hitter"
"Was Cy Williams one of the greatest hitters nobody ever heard of? This is just one of many questions examined by author Gary Williams, including, should Williams be in the Baseball Hall of Fame? Unquestionably, Williams was a rarity from the Golden age of baseball, having studied architecture at Notre Dame. Williams would complete his degree at a time when few major league players could make the same claim.
While at Notre Dame, Williams competed in four sports. He excelled at track and baseball, but also played basketball and football. While at Notre Dame, he became friends with Knute Rockne. Rockne encouraged Williams to continue to play football, but he only played one season to focus on his preferred sports, and even passed up an Olympic opportunity. Williams agreed to join the Chicago Cubs, but while still at Notre Dame, Cy managed the university's baseballs squad.
The author does a solid job establishing how the game of baseball has changed since Cy Williams rounded the bases. For example, Williams earned his first home run crown in 1916 with just 12 home runs. Williams would go on to capture four home run crowns, earning his last at age 39, which is still a record today. Williams retired at age 42, having played for a record 14 different managers.
I found it hard to believe that Williams played on 16 straight losing seasons, playing on one of the worst teams of the era - the Philadelphia Phillies. Williams played a majority of his career for one of the most notorious tightwad owners - William Baker. Baker would seasonally traded off or sell the contract of his best players. The author describes the ballpark Baker named after himself, and addresses the criticism Williams receives due to the stadiums dimensions.
An interesting question posed by the author, would Williams be better remembered had he played for the New York Yankees? The prominent team of the era. Since Williams played for losing teams, he never had the opportunity to compete for the world series. Gary Williams also does a superb job comparing Cy's body of work against hall of famers, such as Rogers Hornsby, a star hitter from his era. I agree with the author's conclusion that Cy Williams would bring honor to the hall of fame in Cooperstownm New York.
The author certainly did his homework and research on Cy Williams. He shares many interesting stories packed with stats. Hats off to Ward Paxton, who hits a home run with his narration. If you are a baseball fan, you will definitely enjoy this book!"
Steven Gerweck [8/26/23]
"A baseball player you never knew about. But should."
"If you love baseball and thought you knew all the top players of the past, you probably missed Cy. The player who played through the live and dead ball, hit home run after home run beating Babe Ruth and played for the Cub and Phillies was quite a player from 1919-1930. From Three Lakes Wisconsin he later became an architect building home after home in the Northwoods. If there ever was a player that was passed up for the hall of fame, this is the guy. Sportswriters are you listening. Nominate this guy!!"
Kate Haeger [7/28/23]
media
"New book details life, career of baseball star Cy Williams"
"Gary described how he desired this book to allow individuals with no knowledge of MLB day-to-day happenings, to learn more about the sport. He also aimed to help readers understand more about Cy, his many talents and his reputable career.
“With lessons on diligence, staying true to one’s word, ethics, respect and finding courage, something here is bound to hit a home run in the heart of each reader who picks up a copy,” Gary said."
Vilas County News Review [7/5/23]