Red Smith's writing is recognized as the best in the field. Here is a selection of his most memorable columns—175 of them, from 1941 to 1981. His prose...offers lasting lessons about matters journalistic and literary. —Robert Schmuhl, University of Notre Dame. The most admired and gifted sportswriter of his time.... Red Smith's work...tended to be the best writing in any given newspaper on any given day. —David Halberstam, New York Times Book Review

"If there is one diamond marriage, it has to be the one between columnist Red Smith and the game he covered for something approaching five decades." - Elysian Fields Quarterly

"Perhaps a new generation will pick up this book and discover the poetry in Americas' deliberate game." - Richmond Times-Dispatch

"I would suggest to the editors of Red Smith on Baseball a solution: Red Smith on Baseball II." - The Review of Higher Education

"Smith was sport-writing's voice of sanity...good to have you back, old friend." - Sports Illustrated

"Unrivaled on the sports page...nothing less than Smith at his best." - The New York Times