by David Cone
First published 2014
David Cone examines the careers of four players who rebuilt the New York Yankees into a championship dynasty. The Yankees had endured their longest World Series drought since before Babe Ruth when four young prospects emerged from the minor leagues. Mariano Rivera arrived from Panama to become baseball's greatest closer and all-time saves leader. Derek Jeter came from Kalamazoo to become the first Yankee with 3,000 hits. Jorge Posada transformed from Puerto Rican infielder to catcher, hitting more home runs than any Yankees backstop except Yogi Berra. Andy Pettitte developed from Louisiana prospect into the winningest postseason pitcher in history. Cone traces their journey from minor league teammates through 13 seasons together, during which they reached the playoffs 12 times, captured seven American League pennants, and won five World Series championships. The book reveals behind-the-scenes stories from their early development through the 2013 season, including Jeter's injury struggles, Rivera's farewell campaign, and the retirement plans that would end this remarkable era.
Genres: biography, sports, baseball, american-history
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family
Setting: Kalamazoo, Louisiana, Panama, Puerto Rico
Period: 2013, Minor League, World Series
272 pages · Paperback · Triumph Books (IL)