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The Streak: Lou Gehrig, Cal Ripken Jr., and Baseball's Most Historic Record Hardcover – July 4, 2017

by John Eisenberg (Author)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 104 ratings
Editors' pick Best History
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The fascinating story of baseball’s legendary “Ironmen,” two players from different eras who each achieved the coveted and sometimes confounding record of most consecutive games played

When Cal Ripken Jr. began his career with the Baltimore Orioles at age twenty-one, he had no idea he would someday beat the historic record of playing 2,130 games in a row, a record set forty-two years before by the fabled “Iron Horse” of the New York Yankees, Lou Gehrig. Ripken went on to surpass that record by 502 games, and the baseball world was floored. Few feats in sports history have generated more acclaim. But the record spawns an array of questions. When did someone first think it was a good idea to play in so many games without taking a day off? Who owned the record before Gehrig? Whose streak—Gehrig’s or Ripken’s—was the more difficult achievement?

Through probing research, meticulous analysis, and colorful parallel storytelling, The Streak delves into this impressive but controversial milestone, unraveling Gehrig’s at-times unwitting pursuit of that goal (Babe Ruth used to think Gehrig crazy for wanting to play every game), and Ripken’s fierce determination to stay in the lineup and continue to contribute whatever he could even as his skills diminished with age.

The question looms: How do these streaks compare? There were so many factors: the length of seasons, the number of teams in the major leagues, the inclusion of nonwhite players, travel, technology, medical advances, and even media are all part of the equation. This is a book that captures the deeply American appreciation—as seen in the sport itself—for a workaday mentality and that desire to be there for the game every time it called.

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  1. Print length
    320 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Mariner Books
  4. Publication date
    July 4, 2017
  5. Dimensions
    6 x 1.19 x 9 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0544107675
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0544107670
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"[Eisenberg] builds his story with shrewd analysis and good reporting. The result is a line-drive hit of a book, one that would make Gehrig and Mr. Ripken proud.”  –Wall Street Journal “The book uses historical study and new reporting to explain how Gehrig and Ripken did it and why it mattered. It tackles the allure of human endurance and the pitfalls of fame, but it is mostly a baseball book for baseball fans. It succeeds as both a thorough accounting and a love note to the game . . . Eisenberg dives into the evolution of the public’s view of consecutive-game streaks, from ignorance in the earliest days through fixation during Ripken’s run. The prose is straightforward, and the details are rich. The depth of his research about Gehrig and his precursors delights . . . “The Streak” is a worthy study of those who played with more reliability than any others.” –Washington Post "Eisenberg’s impressively researched effort is a terrific tribute." –Publishers Weekly "Eisenberg examines one of baseball's most venerated records while exploring what it all means, providing a compelling, thought-provoking history for fans of America's grand game."  –Kirkus Reviews "A readable and comprehensive look at one of baseball's most arcane but incredible accomplishments." –Library Journal "What makes The Streak such a superb baseball book is the gorgeous weaving of two gripping narratives into one. Cal Ripken, Jr. is fascinating. Lou Gehrig is fascinating. Together, with John Eisenberg's deft touch, the reader is gifted with a saga for the ages." –Jeff Pearlman, author of Gunslinger and Showtime "I lived the Cal Ripken story, working for the Baltimore Evening Sun when Cal was drafted and cultivated in the Oriole system. I thought I knew everything about him...until I read this book. John Eisenberg has unearthed the real story of Cal and bookended it with Iron Horse. Spectacular.” –Dan Shaughnessy, author of Francona (with Terry Francona) and Reversing the Curse   —

About the Author

JOHN EISENBERG was an award-winning sports columnist for the Baltimore Sun for two decades and is the author of Ten-Gallon War,That First Season,My Guy Barbaro (cowritten with jockey Edgar Prado), and The Great Match Race. He has written for Smithsonian,Sports Illustrated, and Details, among other publications, and currently contributes columns to BaltimoreRavens.com. He lives in Baltimore, Maryland.

 

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Mariner Books; 1st edition (July 4, 2017)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0544107675
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0544107670
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.16 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 1.19 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 104 ratings

About the author

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John Eisenberg

John Eisenberg

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John Eisenberg grew up with books in his hands – his first summer job was at his mother’s bookstore in his hometown of Dallas, Texas. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, he wrote for newspapers for almost three decades, mostly as a sports columnist at The Baltimore Sun covering major events such as the Super Bowl, Final Four, World Series, Kentucky Derby, and soccer's World Cup while also paying attention to his hometown teams – the Baltimore Ravens, Baltimore Orioles, and Maryland Terrapins. Along the way he wrote 3,000 columns and won more than 20 awards, including several first-places in the prestigious Associated Press Sports Editors contest.

He also has written for Sports Illustrated, Smithsonian Magazine, and Details, and before working in Baltimore. spent five years with the Dallas Times Herald.

No matter if he is writing about a famous football coach, a heartbroken jockey, or a pitcher who wins 20 games, John is known for unearthing original stories and bringing them to life with his clear-eyed analysis and lively narrative style. His book topics have included the start of Vince Lombardi's dynasty in Green Bay, the history of the Baltimore Orioles, his experience as a young fan of the Dallas Cowboys in the 1960s, the tragic breakdown of the horse Barbaro, and an outrageous North-South horse race that captivated the nation in 1823.

John lives in Baltimore, Maryland.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
104 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book enjoyable and interesting. They praise the writing style as well-written and smooth. The narrative provides informative details about the longest streaks and their impact on baseball. Overall, readers consider it a worthwhile read for baseball fans.

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10 customers mention "Readability"10 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable and interesting. They say it's worth reading and a great sports book from John Eisenberg.

"...I'm a big baseball fan, and I really enjoyed this book...." Read more

"...On the other had, if you're a true fan of the game, this is a must read." Read more

"...Well worth the time!" Read more

"I was very surprised what an interesting book this turned out to be. I was expecting a day-by-day review of Cal Ripkens streak...." Read more

4 customers mention "Writing style"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the writing style well-written and flowing smoothly. They appreciate the informative narrative that details all of the longest streaks and the motivation behind their accomplishments.

"...Beyond that, I just like his writing style. You will, too. This guy has been a professional sports writer for more than 35 years and it shows!..." Read more

"...The author writes about the streak and the motivation behind its accomplishments...." Read more

"...Instead I got an informative narrative that detailed all of the longest streaks in MLB history. Well done, Mr. Eisenberg." Read more

"Another terrific sports book from John Eisenberg. His writings flow smoothly while painting the masterpiece." Read more

3 customers mention "Baseball fan"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book for baseball fans. They find it informative about great streaks and their impact on the game.

"...Eisenberg delves into these great streaks and the impact they had on the game of baseball...." Read more

"...Great for any baseball fan." Read more

"Must reaf for baseball fans..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Jeffrey T. Munson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Cal And The Iron Horse's Historic Streak
    Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Lou Gerhig, baseball's "Iron Horse" set the consecutive games played record by playing in 2,130 consecutive games. He shattered the record previously held by Everett Scott. Decades later, Gehrig would have his own streak shattered by Cal Ripken, Jr., who would go on to play in 2,632 consecutive games. In this fine book, author John Eisenberg delves into these great streaks and the impact they had on the game of baseball.

    Gehrig played all of his games during the day, while Ripken played mostly at night. Both dealt with injures, many of which would have kept other players out of the line up. Each faced questions about their streaks, and many wondered if they would have been better off taking a day or two off on occasion. Were they hurting their teams by continuing to play when they were injured or slumping?

    How did the streaks of Gehrig and Ripken compare? Who's was more difficult? Gehrig played fewer games each season and also didn't benefit from the medical care that Ripken did. Travel was another factor. Gehrig rode the train on road trips, while Ripken flew on jet aircraft. But one thing is clear; each man was in incredible physical shape and also benefited from a fair amount of good luck. Many thought that Gehrig's streak would never be broken, but it's pretty much a guarantee that Ripken's streak will never be touched.

    I'm a big baseball fan, and I really enjoyed this book. Eisenberg not only looks at Ripken and Gehrig, but he also examines the streaks of Stan Musial, Billy Williams, Steve Garvey, and others. Several of these players amassed streaks of over one thousand games. Today's game has changed so much that it's almost inconceivable that anyone would even come close to Ripken. Along with Joe Dimaggio's 56-game hitting streak and Cy Young's 511 career wins, Ripken's streak will probably never be broken.
    One person found this helpful
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  • K. Collins
    4.0 out of 5 stars A Good Baseball Read
    Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Starts out slow, but picks up. Like others have noted, it's not just about Ripken/Gehrig. Has excellent interviews with Steve Garvey, Dale Murphy and reflects on numerous others as well. Great for any baseball fan.
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  • Douglas D Box, M.A.
    5.0 out of 5 stars This is Eisenberg's White Album
    Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    This is an ambitious and monumental accomplishment by John Eisenberg...as I say, his White Album. As he recounts in the Acknowledgements, this book took longer for him to write than any of his others. If you read The Streak, you'll see why! The sheer amount of research and work that he put into it might even rival the endurance and fortitude of a Gehrig or Ripken. Even though I am not much of baseball fan (no doubt a by-product of rooting for the Texas Rangers all my life) Eisenberg's Streak is so well written that it gave me an appreciation for the game I've never known before. Beyond that, I just like his writing style. You will, too. This guy has been a professional sports writer for more than 35 years and it shows! For me, the first chapter is one of the strongest in the book and the author takes a calculated risk in giving us the "punch line" right up front. I also loved chapter 14 because it's about Babe Ruth. After reading his first chapter, I fretted as to how he was going to maintain my interest the rest of the way. And in all honesty, there is indeed some letdown after Ripken's historic record-breaking night. How could it not be? But Eisenberg is able to overcome much of this by interweaving the two stories of Gehrig and Ripken in such a way that sets the reader up for a very strong finish. By the time we get to the end of the book, we want to see Ripken's victory lap again - and Eisenberg gives it to us. But this time, we have a much deeper appreciation for what these icons went through to accomplish these streaks. If I were a bigger baseball fan, all the statistics would have been a lot more interesting to me. On the other had, if you're a true fan of the game, this is a must read.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Jennifer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Baseball details
    Reviewed in the United States on November 10, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Here is another detailed look at some amazing baseball talent.
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  • MikeyJazzPhan
    4.0 out of 5 stars Baseball's Iron Man Streak
    Reviewed in the United States on June 13, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    A good history of one of the most enduring records in Major League Baseball. The author writes about the streak and the motivation behind its accomplishments. The history of Lou Gehrig and Cal Ripken, Jr is fascinating presented in parallel. Plus, the author presents the Streak in a historical perspective of other players who have fashioned long streaks throughout MLB history.
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  • MPK
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Read
    Reviewed in the United States on October 15, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    John does an outstanding job of weaving the progressions of the leading heroes, while sprinkling in other (maybe lesser known) standouts. Well worth the time!
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  • Dan O'Connell
    5.0 out of 5 stars Must reaf for baseball fans
    Reviewed in the United States on October 1, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I was very surprised what an interesting book this turned out to be. I was expecting a day-by-day review of Cal Ripkens streak. Instead I got an informative narrative that detailed all of the longest streaks in MLB history. Well done, Mr. Eisenberg.
    One person found this helpful
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  • MysteryMoose
    5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding book on the Streak!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2025
    I loved "The Streak." I found Eisenberg's narrative thoroughly captivating, and his blend of story and emotion and raw statistics ticked every one of the boxes for me. The whole idea of the streak is controversial, and Eisenberg looked at it from a wide variety of angles, each one fascinating. I'm looking forward to reading his other work!
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