What baseball player had more hits than Babe Ruth, a better batting average than Willie Mays, a better slugging average than Ty Cobb, and more bases on balls than Stan Musial? This is the inspirational story of Melvin Thomas Ott, who at the strapping age of sixteen became a major league baseball player under the tutelage of the legendary manager of the New York Giants, John McGraw. Beyond the statistical record of this truly great baseball player, this book focuses on Mel Ott's personal life, his strong family ties, and the contributions which he made to the game of baseball. This volume is enhanced by intimate contact with the Ott family, particularly his daughters Lyn and Barbara, both of whom contributed to the story.

Inspired by the authors' interest in Negro League baseball, this work examines the historical significance of the state of New Jersey in contributing to the Negro League legacy. It explores the contributions made by black baseball players, teams, owners and managers, and their struggles, gallantry and accomplishments on behalf of the game of baseball. The work focuses on the unsung heroes who made baseball history, and the ultimate victory over segregation that paved the way for those who followed. Several photographs, appendices and an annotated list of titles about Negro League history complement the text.